What does 'braking distance' measure?

Braking distance measures the distance a vehicle travels from the point the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop. This distance is influenced by several factors, including the vehicle's speed, road conditions, and the effectiveness of the braking system. Understanding braking distance is essential for safe driving as it plays a critical role in determining how far a driver needs to be from a potential obstacle to avoid a collision.

The other options refer to different aspects of driving. The distance before a turn does not take into account the braking action itself, nor does it reflect a necessary measure of stopping. The distance traveled when speeding is generally relative and doesn’t specifically pertain to stopping distance. The total distance traveled during a ride encompasses all movement without isolating the braking phase. Thus, the most precise and relevant definition of braking distance is the one that highlights the travel distance occurring from the moment brakes are engaged until the vehicle is fully stopped.