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What’s the average reaction time when driving?
My grandmother’s doctor just told her she should stop driving because her reaction times were too slow to be safe anymore. She seems perfectly healthy to me, so I’m wondering what an average reaction time would be when someone is driving?
Macy Fouse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sure that was so difficult for your grandmother to hear! In driving, your reaction time is the amount of time it takes to respond to a situation by moving your foot from the gas to the brake. This number can differ significantly depending on the person, but the average reaction time is around 0.75 seconds.
Plenty of factors can affect a person’s reaction time, including weather and road conditions. Here are some other things that may impact your reaction time:
- Age
- Mental capabilities, including decison-making ability
- Vision
- Alertness
- Substances, like alcohol, drugs, or medicines
If you want to improve your reaction time, or minimize your slow reaction time, follow these tips:
- Keep more distance between your car and the car in front of you
- If left turns are difficult or dicey for you, make three right turns instead
- Remove any possible distractions from your car before driving
- Avoid adjusting the radio, temperature, or multimedia screen
- Plan your route out before leaving, and try not to deviate from the plan
- Avoid driving in heavy traffic
- Discuss your medicines with your doctor and note any that can cause blurred vision or drowsiness
Slow reaction times cause innumerable accidents each year, so be sure to stay protected with the proper
car insurance
coverage. By using the Jerry
app, you’ll find the best deals on policies from top companies, potentially saving you hundreds per year!MORE: How to make a left turn safely
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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