1993 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 140

i m Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push the on brake pedal. That'sperception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That'sreaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that's only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physiqal condition, dertness, coordination, and eyesight all day a part. So do alcohol, drugs and 'rustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it's pavementor gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the conditionof your brakes. Most drivers treat their brakes withcare. Some, however, overwork the braking system with poor driving habits. 0 :.L. d fi' 0 Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts - heivy acceleration followed by heavy braking - rather than keepigg pace with traffic. This is a mistake, Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a 10t of heavy braking. Don't "ride'' the brakes by letting your left foot rest lightlyon the brake pedal while driving.