Which factor does NOT affect total stopping distance?

Total stopping distance is comprised of several components, primarily the perception time, reaction time, and braking distance. Factors such as vehicle weight, driver reaction time, and weather conditions are significant in determining how long it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop.

Vehicle weight plays a crucial role in stopping distance because heavier vehicles require more force to stop, which directly affects the braking distance. This means that as the weight of a vehicle increases, its momentum increases, and therefore the total stopping distance also increases.

Driver reaction time impacts how quickly a driver can recognize a situation that requires stopping and physically react to it. A longer reaction time leads to a longer distance traveled before the brakes are applied, which contributes to the total stopping distance.

Weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, greatly influence road traction and braking effectiveness. Adverse weather can significantly extend both the reaction time and braking distance, thus increasing the total stopping distance.

Time of day does not inherently affect the mechanics of stopping a vehicle. While visibility might change due to lighting conditions during different times of day, this is indirectly related to the driver’s perception, which is already accounted for in reaction time and does not alter the physical stopping capabilities of the vehicle itself. Therefore, it is