What factors influence thinking distance?

Thinking distance is primarily influenced by the speed of the vehicle and the reaction times of the driver. As the speed of the vehicle increases, the distance covered while the driver is reacting to a situation also increases, resulting in a longer thinking distance. For instance, if a driver is going faster, they will travel a greater distance in the time it takes them to perceive a hazard and decide to respond, thus increasing the total distance they move before they start to brake.

Reaction time refers to the time taken for the driver to process the information they see and to respond, such as moving their foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal. Factors like fatigue, distraction, and alcohol can all affect a driver's reaction time, thereby influencing how long the thinking distance is.

Other options provided include factors that are either unrelated to the concept of thinking distance or pertain more closely to braking distance rather than response time and perception.