# A driver is travelling along a motorway when they notice a hazard ahead. Explain how the driver's thinking distance and braking distance each contribute to the total stopping distance, and describe TWO factors that could increase the thinking distance.

> OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249) — P8 Global challenges · Explain · 4 marks

> Road safety researchers studying motorway accidents found that many collisions occurred because drivers did not stop in time after spotting a hazard. They noted that stopping distance has two distinct components, each affected by different factors.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Thinking distance is the distance travelled during the driver's reaction time (before the brakes are applied)
2. Braking distance is the distance travelled under the braking force (after the brakes are applied) until the vehicle stops
3. One valid factor that increases thinking distance, e.g. tiredness / distractions / influence of drugs or alcohol / higher speed
4. A second, different valid factor that increases thinking distance

## Key terms

- [stopping distance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/stopping-distance)
- [thinking distance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/thinking-distance)
- [braking distance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/braking-distance)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-driver-is-travelling-along-a-f99cffc4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.