Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Drunk Driving
SteeringIf the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction
system off and use the rocking method. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-27.
Warning ...
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The
system check includes the airbag sensor(s), passenger sensing system, the pretensioners
(if equipped), the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the airbag ...
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local governments have enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in your ...