1993 Cadillac DeVille Owner's Manual - Page 193

Sometimes, as when you're driving snow or ice, it's easy ask more of on to those controlsystems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle. BRAKING Braking action involves perception time and reactiontime. - First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That's perception time. Then you have bring up to your foot and do it. That's reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that's only an average. It might be less withone driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all playa part. So do alcohol, drugs and of frustration. But even in 3/4 a second, a vehicle movingat 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be alot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicleand others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatlywith the surfaceof the road (whetherit's pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread;and the condition of your brakes. Most drivers treat their brakes with care. Some, however, overworkthe braking system withpoor driving habits. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some peopledrive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather thankeeping pace 180