What does it mean that speeding extends the reaction distance?

[MacIsabel]

Speeding extends the reaction distance means that speeding slows down the driver's reaction, that is, the reaction time becomes longer, and the corresponding reaction distance becomes longer than before. The following is an introduction about speeding: 1. Meaning: Speeding refers to the behavior of a driver driving at a speed exceeding the speed limit stipulated by laws and regulations. For example, the maximum speed of cars on China's highways should not exceed 120km/h. When there are speed limit traffic signs or speed limit surface signs, the speed specified by the signs should be strictly followed. Driving beyond the speed limit of the road section is speeding. 2. Consequences of speeding: Speeding destroys the working index of the vehicle in a specific environment, increases the working intensity and load of the vehicle, and accelerates the wear and tear of parts. Especially for the wheels, it is not only unfavorable, causing jumping and dragging wear, but also increases the friction temperature, making the tires extremely prone to aging and deformation, leading to tire blowout accidents.

[StParker]

That day I was driving really fast on the highway, and later my instructor told me it was speeding that caused the increased reaction distance. Specifically, it means that from the moment your eyes see danger to when your foot hits the brake, the car keeps moving forward. The faster you go, the longer the distance covered during that time. For example, at 60 km/h, a 1-second reaction time might only cover 16 meters, but if you speed up to 120 km/h, you could shoot forward over 33 meters in that same second! It's like when you're running and suddenly see a pit on the ground—the faster you're going, the harder it is to stop. I almost hit the car in front of me that time because of this, so now I'd rather be late than ever speed again.

[Joanne]

I've been driving for ten years, and the most important reminder I'd give to beginners is about reaction distance related to speeding. Simply put, when your speed doubles, the distance your car travels from the moment you spot a danger to when you react more than doubles. At a normal speed of 40 km/h, the car moves about 11 meters during reaction time; if you increase to 80 km/h, it surges straight to over 22 meters. It's especially dangerous in rain or snow as tire grip weakens, adding another dozen meters to the braking distance. Last month, my neighbor rear-ended someone because he couldn't react in time while speeding, costing over 20,000 in repairs. Remember, maintaining a safe following distance requires adjusting it according to your real-time speed.

[McLillian]

As a physics teacher, the extended reaction distance during speeding is essentially a matter of speed and time. The average human reaction time is about 0.5-1 second, during which the car moves purely by inertia. The formula is simple: Distance = Speed × Time. For example, at 100 km/h, the car travels 27.8 meters per second. If the reaction takes 0.8 seconds, the car would have already rolled 22 meters—enough to collide with a suddenly lane-changing vehicle. That's why driving schools emphasize 'defensive driving'; observing road conditions in advance can buy crucial reaction time.