Alberta Motor Association (AMA) Learner’s Practice Exam

The term "reaction time" specifically refers to the interval it takes for a driver to perceive a stimulus (such as the need to stop) and then physically respond to it, which in this case includes moving the foot from the accelerator to the brake. This time is critical because it directly affects a vehicle's ability to slow down or stop in response to changing conditions on the road.

Braking time, on the other hand, generally refers to the total time taken for the vehicle to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied, which includes reaction time as well as the time it takes for the brakes to engage and the vehicle to decelerate. Stopping distance encompasses both the distance traveled during the reaction time and the braking distance, which is the distance it takes to stop after the brakes have been applied. Acceleration time is associated with how quickly a vehicle can increase speed rather than decrease it.

Understanding reaction time is essential for safe driving, as it emphasizes the importance of being alert and prepared to act quickly to avoid accidents.