If you ask someone how fast they can react to road conditions, they may say that they’re a good driver, and they react right away. They’re always watching the road. As soon as they see the brake lights from the next car, they start slowing down. They may even think that it’s strange for you to ask about reaction times because they see it as something that takes almost no time at all.
But this misconception is dangerous. Researchers find that it actually does take time, noting that it usually takes people about 3/4 of a second to notice those traffic changes. It then takes them another 3/4 of a second to push the brakes. Both of these things may happen in just a fraction of a second, but it still means that the car won’t begin to slow down for about a second and a half. That is much longer than many drivers assume.
Why is this so important?
This is important because many drivers do not leave long enough following distances between vehicles. They may only leave a second or two rather than the three or four that experts often recommend. They feel safe because they think they can react immediately. But the truth is that it will take them about a second and a half to react, even if they’re paying attention. If their following distance is only two seconds, then they have just half a second to stop the car.
Many drivers don’t realize how close they are to an accident until it is too late. If you have been injured by one of these drivers, be sure you know what legal steps to take as you seek compensation.
