Take That Extra Second
To Prevent an Accident

An issue that's been with us almost as long as the automobile is whether or not older drivers should be tested more frequently for re-issue of their licenses. If a person's vision, reaction time and dexterity continue to be up to standard, then that driver should be safe, right?

Not necessarily, says the Car Care Council, who contend that any driver, regardless of age, is at risk if the vehicle is not sufficiently responsive. The theory that the vehicle is an extension of the driver is a valid one, say the Council. The brakes function only when the driver causes them to. A driver with good vision can see surrounding danger and respond only if lights, windshield wipers, brakes and steering all are up to par.

If a driver's reactions are a little slower, eyesight is not quite as sharp and hearing not quite as acute, he subconsciously may hope for his faithful vehicle to get him through a driving crisis. This can mean steering out of a dangerous traffic situation or maintaining stability when one wheel gets onto the shoulder. It also can mean quick, steady response to emergency braking.

Average reaction time, according to the National Safety Council, is 3/4 of a second. At 60 miles an hour, for example, you'll travel 66 feet in that period of time. At that speed you'll need 162 to 202 feet to bring your car to a complete stop.

Use the "two second - plus" rule to determine if you're giving yourself enough space between yourself and the vehicle ahead. Count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two" as the vehicle in front of you reaches an overpass or other stationary mark. If you arrive at that point in two seconds or less, you're too close. Back off.

So, under ideal conditions, adding an extra second of lag time behind the vehicle ahead of you could make the big difference in avoiding a collision. This is assuming the vehicle's tires and braking system are in optimum condition and the driver's reaction time is normal.

The Council suggests that, in addition to paying special attention to safety functions of the vehicle and observing the 2 second rule, older drivers or those with impaired vision or reaction time should pay special attention to their vehicles' safe operating condition.

Additional information is available on the Council's web site at www.carcarecouncil.org.