Which of the following can increase your total stopping distance?

Which of the following can increase your total stopping distance?

• A. Driving at lower speeds
• B. Having well-maintained tires
• C. Driving with worn brakes
• D. Using anti-lock brakes

Answer: (C)

When considering the factors that influence total stopping distance, driving with worn brakes significantly impacts a vehicle's ability to come to a complete stop effectively. Worn brakes are less effective because they do not create sufficient friction, which is essential for slowing down or stopping the vehicle. This reduction in braking power leads to a longer stopping distance, as it takes more time and space to bring the vehicle to a stop. Other factors, like driving at lower speeds, having well-maintained tires, and using anti-lock brakes, actually contribute to shorter stopping distances. Lower speeds reduce the energy that must be dissipated during braking, well-maintained tires ensure better traction and braking, and anti-lock brakes help prevent wheel lockup, allowing for smoother and more effective stops. Therefore, worn brakes are a crucial factor that negatively affects stopping ability, making total stopping distance longer.

When considering the factors that influence total stopping distance, driving with worn brakes significantly impacts a vehicle's ability to come to a complete stop effectively. Worn brakes are less effective because they do not create sufficient friction, which is essential for slowing down or stopping the vehicle. This reduction in braking power leads to a longer stopping distance, as it takes more time and space to bring the vehicle to a stop.

Other factors, like driving at lower speeds, having well-maintained tires, and using anti-lock brakes, actually contribute to shorter stopping distances. Lower speeds reduce the energy that must be dissipated during braking, well-maintained tires ensure better traction and braking, and anti-lock brakes help prevent wheel lockup, allowing for smoother and more effective stops. Therefore, worn brakes are a crucial factor that negatively affects stopping ability, making total stopping distance longer.