more on stopping distance

what are the two components of stopping distance?

thinking distance and braking distance

how does speed affect thinking distance?

thinking distance increases at the same rate as speed (linear relationship)

why does thinking distance increase as speed increases?

thinking time stays constant, but at higher speeds, more distance is covered in the same time

how does speed affect braking distance?

braking distance increases faster than thinking distance because kinetic energy increases with speed

why does braking distance increase more than thinking distance as speed increases?

kinetic energy increases with the square of speed, so braking distance increases exponentially

what does 'leaving enough space' mean when driving?

keeping at least the full stopping distance between your car and the one in front

how do weather and road conditions affect stopping distances?

they increase stopping distances by reducing friction and traction

why are speed limits important for stopping distances?

higher speeds mean longer stopping distances, so speed limits help prevent accidents