[Evans, Marv]

I'm not an expert, but I would think the physics of stopping a certain amount of mass from random speeds would require the same whether you do it harder over a shorter distance or easier over a longer distance. I suspect the difference is how different people use/misuse their brakes. There are lots of people who touch and ride their brakes unnecessarily. I'm suspicious that's what shortens brake life for many. I live in a rural area, and see people riding the brake at random times. I've also seen people in town doing the same. I think it's a matter of managing your braking to reduce the amount you have to do, like going around corners & curves at a speed and in a way you don't have to ride the brakes in the corner or curve for instance.