What effect does speeding have on your stopping distance?

Speeding significantly increases your stopping distance due to the physics involved in braking. Stopping distance is composed of two main parts: reaction distance and braking distance. As a driver's speed increases, the distance required to come to a complete stop also increases.

When a driver is traveling faster, they cover more ground in the time it takes to react to a hazard. This means that even if the driver's reaction time remains constant, the greater speed leads to a longer reaction distance. Additionally, once the brakes are applied, a vehicle traveling at a higher speed requires more force and therefore a longer distance to slow down and stop completely due to the higher kinetic energy at that speed.

Thus, when a driver speeds, both the reaction time and the braking distance contribute to a longer overall stopping distance, making it crucial for drivers to adhere to posted speed limits to ensure safety on the roads.