What is the term for the time it takes to realize a danger and begin to brake?

The term for the time it takes for a driver to recognize a dangerous situation and initiate the braking process is referred to as reaction time. This period includes the cognitive process of perceiving the hazard, deciding to respond, and physically beginning to brake. It is an essential component of driving safety, as a shorter reaction time can lead to quicker responses and potentially prevent accidents.

Understanding reaction time is crucial for assessing overall stopping distance, which is made up of three components: perception time, reaction time, and braking distance. While perception time refers specifically to the moment it takes to notice a danger, reaction time encompasses that awareness and the subsequent action of braking. The other terms do not accurately represent the combined cognitive and physical processes involved in this scenario.