Final answer:
The greater the speed, the greater the total stopping distance of a vehicle, which includes both the reaction and braking distances. The speed influences how far the car travels during the driver's reaction time and the subsequent braking distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stopping distance of a vehicle increases with speed, encompassing the distance traveled during the driver's reaction time and the distance it takes for the car to come to a complete stop, known as the braking distance. Total stopping distance is the sum of these two distances. When a driver sees a potential hazard, their reaction time begins, and the car continues to travel at the initial velocity during this time. This portion of the distance is commonly referred to as the reaction distance.
Once the driver reacts and begins to apply the brakes, the car will decelerate over the braking distance, which is influenced by road conditions, such as whether the pavement is dry or wet, and the car's initial speed. Figure 2.47 indicates that both the reaction and braking distances are critical for a car initially traveling at 30.0 m/s with a 0.500-second reaction time.