1993 Chevrolet Lumina Owner's Manual - Page 128

Your Driving and the Road Braking And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly withthe surface First, you have to decide to push on the of the road (whether it's pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, brake pedal.That's perception time. dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of Then you have to bring up your foot your brakes. and do it. That's reaction time. Most driverstreat their brakes with Average reaction timeis about 3/4 of a care. Some, however, overwork the second. But that's only an average. It braking system with poor driving habits. might be less with driver and as one long as two or threeseconds or more Avoid needless heavy braking. Some with another. Age, physical condition, people drive in spurts-heavy alertness, coordination, and eyesight all acceleration followed by heavy play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and braking-rather than keeping pace frustration. But even in of a second, a '14 with traffic. This is mistake. Your a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) brakes mav not have time to cool travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a between h k d stops. Your brakeswill lot of distance in an emergency, so wear out much faster if you do a lot of keeping enough space between your heavy braking. vehicle andothers is important. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. I Don't "ride" the brakes by letting your left foot lightly onthe brake rest pedal while driving. I26