Colorado CDL Practice Test

Which distance is considered the distance traveled while braking?

1. The reaction distance

2. The perception distance

3. The braking distance

4. The stopping distance

The correct answer is: The braking distance

Braking distance refers to the distance that a vehicle travels from the point when the driver applies the brakes until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This measurement is crucial for understanding how quickly a vehicle can stop under various conditions and greatly depends on several factors, including the vehicle's speed, road surface, and braking efficiency. In the context of safe driving and maintaining control of a commercial vehicle, knowing the braking distance helps drivers anticipate how much space is required to stop safely without rear-ending another vehicle or running into obstacles. This awareness is particularly important in heavy vehicles, where the braking distance can be significantly longer compared to lighter vehicles. Perception distance relates to the distance traveled as a driver recognizes a hazard and begins to respond, while reaction distance is the distance covered during the time it takes a driver to physically react to that hazard. Stopping distance encompasses the total distance that includes both the reaction distance and the braking distance. Thus, understanding the precise definition of braking distance is vital for the safe and effective operation of commercial vehicles on the road.