Which of these factors does NOT affect total stopping distance?

Total stopping distance is influenced by several critical factors that involve the dynamics of the vehicle and the driver's response to a situation. Vehicle speed plays a substantial role because the faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it will take to stop; therefore, the stopping distance increases with speed. Reaction time affects how quickly a driver can respond to a hazard by initiating braking, and longer reaction times increase total stopping distance as well.

Braking effectiveness is a key factor because the condition and performance of the braking system directly influence how quickly a vehicle can come to a halt. This includes considerations for brake maintenance, tire condition, and road surfaces—essentially, all factors that contribute to the braking ability of the vehicle.

Fuel tank level, however, does not impact total stopping distance. While the overall weight of the vehicle can change with a full versus an empty tank, the difference in stopping distance due to the fuel level is negligible and not a commonly recognized factor in determining stopping distance. Therefore, among the options presented, the fuel tank level is the only factor that does not affect total stopping distance.