What effect does higher speed generally have on stopping distance?

Higher speeds generally increase stopping distance due to the principles of physics, specifically the relationship between speed and kinetic energy. As a vehicle’s speed increases, its kinetic energy also increases exponentially. When a driver applies the brakes, the stopping distance is influenced by both the speed at which the vehicle is traveling and the time it takes for the driver to react and initiate braking.

At higher speeds, not only does it take longer to stop because the vehicle covers more ground while the driver reacts, but the force required to come to a complete stop is greater due to the increased momentum. This means that the vehicle will travel a longer distance before it comes to a stop, which is compounded by the fact that road conditions, vehicle weight, and braking efficiency also play a role.

In contrast, lower speeds result in shorter stopping distances as there is less kinetic energy to dissipate when braking. Therefore, understanding the impact of speed on stopping distance is crucial for safe driving practices.