You are travelling at 30 km/h. According to the rule of thumb, the braking distance is 9 metres when braking normally. How long is the braking distance under the same conditions when travelling at 60 km/h?

When the speed doubles from 30 km/h to 60 km/h, the braking distance increases significantly due to the physics of motion. The formula for braking distance is proportional to the square of the speed. Therefore, if the speed doubles, the braking distance increases by a factor of four.

At 30 km/h, the normal braking distance is 9 meters. When you travel at 60 km/h, the braking distance will be 9 meters multiplied by 4, leading to a total of 36 meters.

This understanding is crucial for safe driving practices as it emphasizes the necessity of adjusting speed according to the conditions on the road, ensuring you have enough distance to stop safely. In German traffic rules, maintaining a safe following distance is essential to prevent accidents, and understanding braking distances is a key component of that rule.