North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Which factors are primarily involved in determining stopping distance?

1. Speed, Weight, Traction

2. Perception, Decision, Performance

3. Road conditions, Vehicle condition, Weather

4. Driver experience, Reaction time, Vehicle speed

The correct answer is: Perception, Decision, Performance

The correct answer focuses on the key elements that influence how quickly a driver reacts and brings a vehicle to a stop. Perception refers to a driver's ability to notice and recognize potential hazards on the road. This initial stage is critical because if a driver fails to see the danger, they cannot take appropriate action. Decision encompasses the process of determining what action to take once a hazard is perceived. This decision-making step can significantly impact stopping distance, as it involves recognizing whether to apply brakes or take some evasive action. Performance relates to the actual execution of the decision, including the driver’s physical ability to operate the vehicle’s controls effectively, such as pressing the brake pedal. This is where a driver's physical and mental coordination plays a role in how quickly they can respond to a perceived threat. While factors such as speed, weight, traction, road conditions, vehicle condition, weather, driver experience, reaction time, and vehicle speed are relevant in various contexts, the combination of perception, decision, and performance directly affects the stopping distance due to the cognitive and physical processes involved in responding to a situation.