Which distance is not included in the total stopping distance?

The correct answer is acceleration distance because this distance refers specifically to the space a vehicle travels while it is speeding up, rather than slowing down. Total stopping distance is typically calculated as the sum of perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance.

Perception distance is the distance the vehicle covers from the moment a driver sees a hazard until they recognize the need to stop. Reaction distance is how far the vehicle travels from when the driver decides to hit the brakes to when they actually apply them. Braking distance is the distance the vehicle travels while coming to a complete stop after the brakes have been applied.

Acceleration distance, on the other hand, is not part of the stopping process; it pertains to the distance gained when a driver is increasing speed, which does not relate to stopping the vehicle. Therefore, it does not factor into the calculations for total stopping distance.