Engage - Modules

Speed

Thanks for choosing to look at this module. It won’t take you long, and please complete the post-module form at the bottom of this topic

We’ll discuss any questions you have about speed on your next question.

Please watch the video below, then read the info and answer any questions. If you don’t know the answers they are at the very bottom of this page! 

Answer the following questions

Answers at the bottom of the page

  1. Why do you think braking distances quadruple? (Answer: The motion of the car increases the force needed to stop the car. Then as the speed doubles the force quadruples).
  2. Does this happen with all cars and drivers? (Yes, this is a law of physics, as speed increases the braking distance for any car and driver will increase by a factor of 4)
  3. What happens to our vision as we increase speed? (As we increase speed our vision to the sides becomes increasingly blurred as we try to look further ahead).

Additional discussion points

  1. What other benefits are there to having speed limits? 
    (They help drivers to anticipate the likely speed of approaching traffic, although care must be taken with this. They can also improve traffic flow).
  2. Are speed limits the same for all vehicle types? 
    (No, national speed limits are different for some vehicle types e.g., LGVs.)
  3. How do speed limits help the environment? 
    (By reducing emissions and noise)

Key Learning to be summarised by the instructor:

  1. Even small increases in speed increases both the likelihood and severity of a crash.
  2. As we double our speed, we quadruple the force needed to stop.
  3. As we increase speed it becomes more difficult to see to the sides
  4. Remember to lift your right foot, as it saves fuel and reduces the risk of fines
  5. Remember if you get 6 points you will return to being a provisional licence holder.
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Small increases in speed make a big difference in how quickly I can stop my car
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I am no more likely to be involved in a collision if I drive at 33mph compared to 30mph
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My field of vision remains the same no matter how fast I go
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Speed limits help other drivers to judge the speed of approaching traffic
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On a scale of 1 to 5, how useful was the info in this module, and how likely are you to want to talk about this info with your instructor?
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