Question 1: Define reaction time and explain its role in vehicle braking.

Answer: Reaction time is the time taken for a person to respond to a stimulus, such as a hazard, and initiate braking. It affects the total stopping distance of a vehicle.

Question 2: List three factors that can influence a person's reaction time.

Answer: Alcohol consumption, fatigue, and distractions such as mobile phones.

Question 3: What is the typical reaction time range for an average healthy adult?

Answer: Approximately 0.2 to 0.3 seconds.

Question 4: Explain how reaction time impacts braking distance in a vehicle.

Answer: Reaction time determines the distance the vehicle travels from the moment the driver perceives a hazard to when they begin braking. Longer reaction times increase the total stopping distance, as the vehicle continues moving during this period.

Question 5: A driver notices a hazard 50 metres ahead and has a reaction time of 0.25 seconds. If the vehicle's speed is 20 m/s, how far does the vehicle travel during the reaction time?

Answer: 5 metres

Question 6: A car travelling at 25 m/s has a reaction time of 0.3 seconds. What is the distance traveled during the reaction time?

Answer: 7.5 metres

Question 7: Which of the following factors is most likely to decrease a person's reaction time?

Answer: Consuming caffeine

Question 8: Fill in the blank: Reaction time is typically measured in __________ seconds.

Answer: seconds

Question 9: Describe a simple experiment to measure reaction time using a ruler or measuring tape.

Answer: The experiment involves holding a ruler vertically with the zero end between the thumb and forefinger of a participant. The ruler is dropped without warning, and the participant catches it as quickly as possible. The distance the ruler falls before being caught is recorded. Using the formula for distance and known height, the reaction time can be calculated.

Question 10: Identify two safety precautions to ensure accurate reaction time measurements in a practical experiment.

Answer: Ensure the ruler is held steadily at the correct position and perform multiple trials to obtain an average reaction time.

Question 11: Explain why reaction time is an important consideration in the design of modern driver assistance systems.

Answer: Reaction time affects how quickly a driver or automated system can respond to hazards on the road. Modern driver assistance systems are designed to detect hazards and respond faster than human reaction times, thereby reducing accidents and improving safety.