True or False: Reaction distance + braking distance = stopping distance.

The statement "Reaction distance + braking distance = stopping distance" is actually true in terms of the basic principles of stopping distance. Stopping distance is defined as the total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a driver perceives a hazard until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This includes both reaction distance, which is the distance covered while the driver reacts to the hazard, and braking distance, which is the distance taken to stop once brakes have been applied.

While it can vary under different conditions such as road surface, vehicle type, and driver reaction time, the fundamental relationship of stopping distance as the sum of reaction distance and braking distance still holds true. Misunderstandings may arise from complex driving conditions, but in the simplest sense, the equation remains valid. Therefore, the appropriate assertion here is that the statement is true.