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When driving, what is the average reaction time?

I’ve read quite a bit about safe driving tips and I’ve even taken a defensive driving course. However, I feel like my reaction time is a bit slow. What is the average reaction time for drivers?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great job on taking defensive driving classes! When driving, the average reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. However, reaction times vary greatly from person to person and situation to situation.
Since you recognize that you react a bit slowly, you can do a few things to better mitigate the risk of getting into an accident while driving, such as:
  • Increase your following speed
  • Slow down
  • Plan your route or use a phone with voice directions
  • Don’t drive when you’re sleepy
  • Eliminate all distractions inside the vehicle
  • Avoid two-way center turn lanes
Even with the best reaction time, sometimes a car accident is unavoidable. But that’s why you have
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