What are the five stages of the braking process?

The correct answer outlines the five stages of the braking process accurately by including the essential steps that a driver goes through from noticing a need to stop to actually coming to a stop.

Recognition is the initial stage where the driver identifies a reason to stop, such as a red light or an obstacle in the road. This is crucial as it sets the context for the subsequent actions that are taken.

Reaction follows recognition and involves the driver making a decision to engage the brakes. This stage encapsulates the time taken to respond mentally and physically to the situation, leading to the next phase.

Perception represents the driver’s awareness and understanding of the situation, combining both the recognition of the need to stop and the reaction to that need. It reflects how quickly and accurately a driver can assess the scenario at hand.

The braking stage follows perception and is where the mechanical action of applying the brakes occurs, causing the vehicle to reduce its speed. This is a critical stage as it directly impacts the stopping distance and the safety of the vehicle’s operation.

Finally, stopping distance encompasses the entire distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver recognizes the need to stop until it completely halts. Understanding this distance is vital for maintaining safe driving practices and ensuring that a driver has ample