What factor would increase your braking distance while driving?

The speed of the vehicle is a critical factor that significantly impacts braking distance. As the speed of a vehicle increases, the distance required to stop the vehicle also increases. This is due to the fact that when traveling at higher speeds, the vehicle has more kinetic energy, which necessitates a longer distance to come to a complete stop when brakes are applied.

In contrast, the condition of the street, such as whether it is wet or covered in gravel, also affects braking distance, but primarily by reducing traction. Wet streets can lead to skidding, while gravel can cause a lack of stability. The choice that specifically addresses a clear and direct factor increasing braking distance is the speed of the vehicle. This emphasizes the importance of driving at safe speeds appropriate for road conditions to maintain control and effectively manage stopping distances.