What is the term for the distance a vehicle travels while coming to a stop?

The term for the distance a vehicle travels while coming to a stop is known as stopping distance. Stopping distance encompasses both the distance a vehicle travels during the driver's reaction time and the distance it takes to bring the vehicle to a complete stop once the brakes are applied. This term is essential when discussing vehicle safety and braking performance, as it reflects the overall distance required for a vehicle to safely halt, taking into account various factors such as speed, road conditions, and vehicle type.

Understanding stopping distance helps drivers gauge how much space they need to stop safely, especially in emergency situations, making it a crucial aspect of driving education and road safety. Other terms related to distance can be misleading or less specific, such as braking distance which only refers to the distance traveled after the brakes are applied, or reaction distance which is the distance covered during the driver's delay before applying the brakes. The term travel distance is too vague and does not specifically pertain to stopping scenarios.