1. What Is Reaction Time? Reaction time is the interval between: • Perceiving a hazard (vehicle braking ahead, pedestrian stepping out, obstacle on the road), and • Initiating a response (closing the throttle and applying the brakes). For an alert, sober rider, average reaction time is ~1.0–1.5 seconds. Under fatigue, distraction, stress, or impairment, it can exceed 2 seconds. ⸻ 2. Reaction Distance (Distance Traveled Before Braking) During reaction time, the motorcycle continues at full speed.