Lag distance is the distance a vehicle travels during the driver's reaction time.
Understanding Lag Distance in Driving Physics
According to the provided reference, lag distance is defined as the distance a vehicle travels specifically during the reaction time of the driver. This is the period from when a driver perceives a hazard or decides to stop until they actually begin the braking action.
The reference states that lag distance is calculated using the following formula:
- Lag Distance = v * t
Where:
- v is the velocity of the vehicle, measured in meters per second (m / sec).
- t is the reaction time of the driver.
It is important to distinguish lag distance from braking distance, which is the distance the vehicle travels after the braking operation has begun until it comes to a complete stop. The total stopping distance of a vehicle is the sum of the lag distance and the braking distance.
