High speed creates escape options only if a ship uses angles, distance, and uncertainty against a pursuer's search pattern. A destroyer capable of roughly 30 to 34 knots can often open enough separation that even a faster pursuer cannot predict every course change. Turning away from the expected line of pursuit exploits that freedom better than continuing along an obvious track. Smoke is not automatic concealment either, because at long range a conspicuous screen can reveal the position it was meant to obscure.
Notable Point · 1:52:14-1:56:55
Speed and smoke do not guarantee escape
A fast destroyer can break contact by changing course and stretching a search, but smoke at the wrong range may advertise rather than hide its position.