Understanding Perception and Reaction Time

Information That Can Help You Prevent an Accident

When a person is driving and notices a hazard on the road ahead, the time it takes between first seeing the hazard and actually responding to it (i.e. braking or swerving to avoid collision) is known as the perception/ reaction time. While you might think that the time involved is minimal, a series of complex processes actually occurs during the perception and reaction processes, extending stopping time far longer than most drivers' estimations. Properly understanding what is involved in perceiving and reacting to a hazard can help prevent accidents on the road.

In order for a person to truly perceive an object, four separate processes have to occur, and these are the components that make up a person's perception:

1. Sensation—Receiving sensory feedback from an upcoming hazard (you hear a honking horn; you see a flashing tail light in front of you).
2. Recognition—Understanding what the initial sensation means (knowing that a loud noise or flashing light came from a car).
3. Awareness—Interpreting the information you have sensed and recognized (making the jump from seeing a light to understanding that means the car in front of you is stopping, and if you don't take action, you will hit it.)
4. Response selection—Determining the best course of action (knowing when you should apply your brakes or knowing you don't have time to brake and swerving instead).

Once the four steps of perception are completed, the next process to occur is movement time. Movement time is the moment during the perception/ reaction process when a driver's body actually engages to perform a muscle movement, like lifting his or her foot off the gas and applying it to the break. Once a movement has occurred, the next and final process will be the device response time (also known as stopping distance). Just like a driver, a car is not able to stop immediately upon receiving input. Once the brakes have finally been applied, or the wheel has been turned to instruct a car to move, it still takes a few moments for the car to come to a stop or switch directions. The faster the car is moving, the longer it will take for to stop or change direction.

Houston Personal Injury Attorney

Whenever you get behind the wheel of a car, it is important to recognize the role your awareness plays in the safety of others. Drivers need to carefully consider the complex elements involved in perceiving and reacting to road hazards so that they can properly adjust their driving habits. While drivers can't control what dangers appear on the road, they can certainly maintain a safe following distance, stick to posted speed limits and, of course, limit distracted driving whenever possible.

If you or a loved one has been rear-ended or sideswiped by a driver with a compromised reaction time, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury attorney at Arnold & Itkin can offer you a free consultation of your case to determine if they can be of assistance. Once you have been involved in a car accident there is no turning back, so the best thing you can do for yourself is to move forward under the legal representation of a skillful lawyer who will remain by your side throughout the process.

Contact a Houston personal injury lawyer from the firm today.