What does inertia generally refer to in driving?

Inertia refers to the tendency of a body to resist changes to its state of motion. In the context of driving, this means that a vehicle will continue in its current state, whether that is at rest or in motion, unless acted upon by an external force. This principle is foundational in understanding how vehicles behave on the road. For example, when a driver wants to come to a stop, they must apply the brakes to overcome the vehicle's inertia. Similarly, when accelerating, the driver needs to apply enough force to overcome the inertia that resists the change from a stationary position to moving forward.

Understanding inertia is crucial for drivers as it influences how they should navigate turns, how quickly they should stop, and what speed is safe for various conditions. It essentially helps in anticipating the vehicle's movements and the necessary reactions required for safe driving.