What does reaction distance refer to?

Reaction distance specifically refers to the distance a vehicle travels while a driver is in the process of reacting to an unexpected situation on the road. It is the distance covered from the moment a driver perceives a need to stop or take action until they actually apply the brakes. This distance can vary depending on the driver’s reaction time and speed.

Understanding reaction distance is crucial for safe driving, as it helps drivers anticipate the space they need to safely come to a stop or avoid an obstacle after they have recognized a dangerous condition. This concept is completely separate from vehicle speed, stopping distance, or the time it takes to recognize a situation, which are different but related factors in safe driving.