You are travelling at 40 km/h. The braking distance for evasive braking is approximately 8 metres. How long is the braking distance at 50 km/h given otherwise the same conditions?

The braking distance increases with speed due to the physics of motion. When you increase your speed from 40 km/h to 50 km/h, the braking distance does not simply increase by a fixed amount; it actually increases in a quadratic manner. This means that the braking distance at 50 km/h will be significantly longer than at 40 km/h.

In this specific scenario, if the braking distance at 40 km/h is 8 meters, estimates for 50 km/h suggest it could be around 12.5 meters. This is a vital consideration in German traffic rules because it emphasizes the importance of maintaining appropriate distances and speeds, especially in urban areas where sudden stops may be necessary. By understanding the relationship between speed and braking distance, drivers can make safer driving decisions, which aligns with the principles of road safety and accident prevention stipulated in German traffic regulations.