Which statement is true about speed management and braking?

The accurate statement about speed management and braking is that you need about four times as much stopping distance at 40 mph as you need at 20 mph. This relationship is due to the physics of motion, specifically that stopping distance increases with the square of the speed. As speed doubles, the stopping distance quadruples, which is a significant consideration for bus drivers who must be aware of how changes in speed impact their ability to stop safely.

When a vehicle is traveling at higher speeds, the distance it covers while a driver reacts to a hazard and the distance needed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop both increase significantly. This principle is critical for maintaining safe driving practices, particularly in passenger transport where the safety of many individuals is at stake.

Understanding this relationship helps drivers make informed decisions about speed management, particularly in urban areas or situations where quick stops may be necessary. Conversely, other statements either misrepresent the relationship between speed and stopping distance or overlook how an increased speed influences the total stopping distance.