Answer:
Since the stopping distance is less than the thinking distance, Mr Hoyland is therefore responsible for the accident
Explanation:
. In normal road conditions and with an alert and sober driver the car
could have stopped before the crash.
2. The reaction time of an alert and sober driver is 0.6s.
3. The reaction time of a drunk driver could be 2s.
4. The initial speed of the car was 30m/s
5. From the time of applying the brakes the total braking distance in
normal conditions is 70m
6. From the time of applying the brakes the total braking distance in bad
conditions is 90m
7. From the time of applying the brakes in normal conditions the car would
reach 15m/s in 52m
You are a forensic expert working for the police. You must analyse the facts and produce a
report stating whether or not Mr Hoyland was responsible for the accident.
1. Calculate the thinking distance for a car travelling at 30m/s
2. Calculate the braking distance for a car travelling in normal conditions at 30m/s
3. Calculate the total stopping distance.
4. REMEMBER TO SHOW YOUR WORKING OUT
Challenge:
1. Is Mr Hoyland responsible for the accident?
2. Explain your answer giving CLEAR reasons for your answer and likely causes.
The Thinking distance = 100m
The breaking distance = 70m
A breaking distance = Stopping distance = 70m
Since the stopping distance is less than the thinking distance, Mr Hoyland is therefore responsible for the accident
