Reaction times

**pritch** · 29th July 2007, 14:00

Originally Posted by Sanx

1.5 seconds is what the LTSA assume for reaction time. To be honest, if you take that long to react to something unexpected, get off the f'ing road and never drive / ride again.

I think that's a bit unrealistic. It's misleading sitting at a computer with a finger on a mouse button, it's entirely something else being wet and cold three hours into a trip.

Also it depends exactly what they are timing, and being the LTSA there's no guarantee it'd be relevant to anything much at all..

**Unforgiven** · 29th July 2007, 17:11

Average Time 0.2934

**jonbuoy** · 29th July 2007, 17:37

Those fast reaction times are because you know exactly what to do - hit the button when the light comes on. Its not the same on the road- if something jumps out at you your brain has to figure out if its a threat - plastic bag/rock/loose seal/car/child then if you should brake or steer around or do nothing. A proper reaction is better than a fast reaction.

**Gareth123** · 1st August 2007, 13:25

quickest 1.72
average 1.98

**scumdog** · 1st August 2007, 13:28

Originally Posted by jonbuoy

Those fast reaction times are because you know exactly what to do - hit the button when the light comes on. Its not the same on the road- if something jumps out at you your brain has to figure out if its a threat - plastic bag/rock/loose seal/car/child then if you should brake or steer around or do nothing. A proper reaction is better than a fast reaction.

So true.

Hence why it is easier to figure out the 'right reaction' when doing 50kph but not so easy when doing 70+ in the same location.

Speed might not kill but it kinda gives you a bit less time to avoid trouble..

**90s** · 1st August 2007, 14:12

Being an experienced rider I choose to ride around the obstacle rather than hit the brakes.

It was the right choice.

However, I am still waiting for my first time to come in ...

**cooneyr** · 1st August 2007, 14:26

Originally Posted by scumdog

Speed might not kill but it kinda gives you a bit less time to avoid trouble..

Which is one area where I find the LTNZ (LTSA) TV adds a little bit annoying from an engineering perspective. They should not be focusing on the speed but the inability to deal with the situation in time because there is less time. Slightly harder for some to understand but much harder hitting concept if they could figure out how to get the message across to Jo Public in the right way.

Then again websites that measure your reaction time wouldn't help with an advert based on time and would make everybody feel invincible!

Cheers R

**Waylander** · 1st August 2007, 17:28

Originally Posted by cooneyr

Which is one area where I find the LTNZ (LTSA) TV adds a little bit annoying from an engineering perspective. They should not be focusing on the speed but the inability to deal with the situation in time because there is less time. Slightly harder for some to understand but much harder hitting concept if they could figure out how to get the message across to Jo Public in the right way.

Then again websites that measure your reaction time wouldn't help with an advert based on time and would make everybody feel invincible!

Cheers R

There was an ad like that when I first came down to NZ a few years ago. I'll see if I can find it for you and post it up.

**beyond** · 2nd August 2007, 11:36

One turn only but I'm only 50.

Average Time 0.2564

**ManDownUnder** · 2nd August 2007, 11:49

Reaction Time 1
Reaction Time 2
Reaction Time 3
Reaction Time 4
Reaction Time 5

Total Time

Average Time

Instruction	Meh - what's the challenge? (sorry about #4... I had to get a coffee...)

**TonyB** · 2nd August 2007, 12:32

Originally Posted by jonbuoy

Those fast reaction times are because you know exactly what to do - hit the button when the light comes on. Its not the same on the road- if something jumps out at you your brain has to figure out if its a threat - plastic bag/rock/loose seal/car/child then if you should brake or steer around or do nothing. A proper reaction is better than a fast reaction.

Dunno about that. I was quietly lane splitting in heavy traffic with a pillion on one. A car cut through the traffic unexpectedly, and as far as my concious mind is concerned, this is the order that things happened:
- BANG, pillions helmet hits mine
- WTF? Pillion is climbing up my back
- SHIT! THERE'S A CAR, BETTER BRAKE!!!
- WTF, I'm already braking??

**scumdog** · 2nd August 2007, 17:51

Originally Posted by TonyB

Dunno about that. I was quietly lane splitting in heavy traffic with a pillion on one. A car cut through the traffic unexpectedly, and as far as my concious mind is concerned, this is the order that things happened:
- BANG, pillions helmet hits mine
- WTF? Pillion is climbing up my back
- SHIT! THERE'S A CAR, BETTER BRAKE!!!
- WTF, I'm already braking??

Soooo, you would have ploughed into the car if you never had a pillion at the time??