# A driver is travelling at high speed along a dry road when they suddenly notice a hazard ahead. State two factors, other than speed, that affect the thinking distance, and for each factor explain how it increases the thinking distance.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 1.3 Forces, movement, shape and momentum · Explain · 4 marks

> Thinking distance and braking distance together make up the stopping distance of a vehicle.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. First valid factor that increases thinking distance (e.g. alcohol / tiredness / distraction / drugs)
2. Explanation of how first factor increases thinking distance — it increases the driver's reaction time, so the vehicle travels further before the brakes are applied
3. Second valid factor that increases thinking distance (must be different from the first, e.g. distraction / tiredness / alcohol / drugs)
4. Explanation of how second factor increases thinking distance — it increases the driver's reaction time, so the vehicle travels further before the brakes are applied

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](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-at-high-87b3bf1f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.