1994 GMC Jimmy Owner's Manual - Page 163

Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle where you want itto go. go They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have the to do their work at the places where the tires meet road. of Sometimes, as when you're driving on snow or ice,it's easy to ask more those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control your vehicle. of Braking Braking action involvesperception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push onthe brake pedal. That's perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot do it. That's reaction time. and Average reaction timeis about 314 of a second. But that's only an average. It seconds or more might be less withone driver and as long as two or three with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency,so keeping enoughspace between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distancesvary greatly with the surfaceof the road (whether it's pavement or gravel); condition of the road (wet, dry, the icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes. 4-5