The Speed of Thought

Every professional driver has felt the anxiety of being behind schedule, but the concept of “making up time” is problematic. Einstein theorized that time is not fixed, it is relative to speed and gravity. Gravity is constant but we can control our speed.

The Risks of Excessive Speed

When you’re hauling 80,000 pounds, the difference between 55 and 70 mph isn’t just about fuel economy—it’s about whether you can stop in time. The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop, and that “made up time” can vanish in the blink of an eye if something goes wrong.

Reaction Time

The average human reaction time for a visual stimulus (like brake lights or a hazard on the road) is about 0.25 seconds, or 250 milliseconds.

Here’s a quick breakdown for context:

• Visual reaction time: ~0.25 seconds
• Auditory reaction time: ~0.17 seconds (faster because sound is processed more quickly)
• Physical response time (foot to brake pedal): Adds about another 0.2 to 0.3 seconds after you recognize the need to stop.

Total Stopping Time:

For a professional driver, the real-world total stopping time is usually around 1.5 to 2 seconds after seeing a hazard—this includes:

• Time to perceive the hazard (~0.25 seconds)
• Time to decide to brake (~0.25 seconds)
• Time to physically move your foot to the brake (~0.3 seconds)
• Time for the truck’s air brake lag (~0.5 seconds)

At 65 mph, you’re covering about 95 feet per second. In just a 2-second reaction window, you’ve already traveled about 190 feet before the brakes even begin to engage.

Speed Awareness and Control

Good drivers are aware. Monitor your speed like you monitor your mirrors: constantly. Pay attention to work zones, weather conditions, and local speed limits. Cruise control can help on long stretches, but when conditions change, you need to be ready to adjust.

There’s a kind of speed that matters more than how fast your wheels are turning: the speed of thought. Your brain can process information in milliseconds, but you have to give it the chance to work. Speed limits aren’t just about the posted number—they’re about giving your brain time to perceive, think, and react.

Watch for Elderly and Impaired Drivers

Some drivers don’t have the same reaction time or awareness.

• Elderly Drivers: If someone’s going 15 under in the passing lane, stay patient—but keep your distance. Respect your elders, but from a safe following gap, and keep an eye on that blinker.
• Impaired Drivers: Whether they’re under the influence or sleep-deprived, impaired drivers are unpredictable. Give them space, stay focused, and report them if needed. It's better to lose a few minutes than gain a courtroom appearance.
• Distracted Drivers: These are the ones texting, FaceTiming, or recording videos. They think they’re multitasking—they’re just raising the risk for everyone around them.

Just because we share the road doesn't mean we have to share the consequences. Speed is one of the few things you can control in this business, and sometimes slowing down is the smartest move you can make.