A driver's thinking distance is the distance covered from the moment a hazard is first spotted until the brakes are applied. Match each factor to the specific way it increases thinking distance.
- Driving at 60 mph instead of 30 mphCovers twice as many metres every second during reaction time
- Holding a hands-free mobile phone conversationCreates mental distraction that delays hazard perception
- Driving while suffering from severe tirednessSlows neurological responses and sensory processing due to fatigue
- Driving after taking sedating antihistaminesImpairs central nervous system reflexes through medicinal drowsiness
Answer
The correct matching connects higher speed to covering more metres per second, phone distraction to diverted attention, tiredness to slowed sensory reflexes, and drowsy medication to pharmaceutical nervous system impairment.
Thinking distance depends purely on the driver's reaction time and vehicle speed. Speed increases metres travelled per second; distractions delay hazard spotting; fatigue slows cognitive processing; and sedating medication depresses physical and mental reflexes.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Thinking distance is directly influenced by driver reaction time (affected by tiredness, distraction, and drugs/medication) and travelling speed (which increases distance covered during that reaction time).
Estimated Time:45s