1994 Pontiac Trans Sport Owner's Manual - Page 152

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That's perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That's reaction time. Average reaction timeis about 3/4 of a second. But that's only anaverage. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds more with or another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 314 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 pavement orgravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy);tire tread; and the condition of your brakes. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration fallowed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping 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 lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That .means better braking and longer brake life. Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake normally but don't pump Your Pontiac has an advanced electmnic your brakes. If you do,.the pedal may get braking system that will help prevent harder to push down. If your engine stops, skidding. you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. C