It is very common for drivers to overrate their own skill and ability. Everyone thinks they are a good driver. They also think that these skills can prevent them from being involved in an accident.
For example, a driver may be tailgating, failing to leave the necessary three to four seconds between vehicles. When asked why they are following too closely, they may just say that they have good reaction times and they are sure they can hit the brakes immediately if they need to. But is this actually true?
A 1.5 second delay
Researchers have studied this, and they have found that no one can instantly respond to changing traffic conditions.
If the car ahead of a tailgater hits the brakes, it is going to take about 0.75 seconds for the rear driver to even realize that the vehicle is slowing down. They will notice the taillights come on or see the vehicle start to get closer. There is just a slight delay in perception, so they cannot hit the brake pedal at the exact same time as the driver ahead of them.
Moreover, the driver likely has their foot on the gas pedal. It is going to take them another 0.75 seconds to pick it up and move it over to the brake pedal. This creates a total delay of 1.5 seconds. If someone is driving a 55 mph, then they will travel around 121 feet before they actually start hitting the brakes.
So, not only can drivers not react immediately, but it may take them farther than they realize to actually start slowing down. If one of these dangerous drivers rear-ends your vehicle and you suffer serious injuries, you need to know how to seek financial compensation.
