What does total stopping distance encompass?

Total stopping distance is the sum of the distance a vehicle travels during the driver's reaction time (reaction distance) and the distance it takes to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied (braking distance).

Initially, when a driver perceives a need to stop, there is a brief moment before they react and begin to apply the brakes; this is the reaction distance, which is influenced by the driver's alertness, the speed of the vehicle, and conditions such as visibility and road distractions. Once the driver applies the brakes, the vehicle continues to travel forward for a certain distance before it actually comes to a stop, which is the braking distance.

Together, these two components, reaction distance and braking distance, define the total stopping distance, making option C the correct answer. Understanding this measurement is critical for safe driving practices, especially in emergency situations where quick stopping may be required.