What effect does driving too fast have on stopping distance?

Driving too fast significantly increases stopping distance due to the laws of physics, specifically the concepts of momentum and reaction time. When a vehicle is traveling at higher speeds, it has more kinetic energy, and thus, it requires a greater distance to come to a complete stop.

As speed increases, the driver must account for both the reaction time—the time it takes to perceive a need for stopping and apply the brakes—and the actual braking distance, which is the distance traveled while the vehicle is decelerating. The faster you go, the more distance you will cover in the time it takes to react and to stop, leading to a longer stopping distance overall.

This principle is crucial for safe driving, as it emphasizes the importance of adjusting speed according to road conditions, traffic, and visibility to ensure that you can always stop safely within your available distance.