You increase your speed from 50 km/h to 100 km/h. How is the braking distance changed according to the rule of thumb?

When you increase your speed from 50 km/h to 100 km/h, the braking distance increases significantly. According to the rule of thumb in traffic safety, the braking distance quadruples when the speed doubles. This is due to the physics of motion, specifically the formula for stopping distance, which takes into account the square of the speed.

For example, if the braking distance at 50 km/h is approximately 25 meters, when you double your speed to 100 km/h, the braking distance would increase to about 100 meters. Therefore, understanding this principle is crucial for safe driving and adherence to German traffic regulations, which emphasize the importance of keeping a safe distance and being prepared to stop, especially as speeds increase.