If the vehicle speed is doubled, how much more stopping power is required?

When the speed of a vehicle is doubled, the stopping power required increases by a factor of four. This relationship is derived from the physics of motion, specifically the formula for kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of a vehicle, which is the energy it possesses due to its motion, is proportional to the square of its velocity.

This means that if you double the speed of the vehicle, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four (since 2 squared is 4). When a driver applies the brakes, that kinetic energy has to be dissipated through the braking system. Therefore, to bring the vehicle to a stop, the brakes must exert four times the amount of stopping power compared to the amount required at the original speed.

Understanding this principle is crucial for safe driving, especially when operating heavy trailers, as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining appropriate speeds and the need for adequate stopping distance. Consequently, the requirement for stopping power significantly increases with speed, highlighting the risks associated with high-speed driving and the increased severity of braking requirements.