Experiencing Time in Slow Motion

The perception of time slowing down during high-stress or life-threatening situations is a common experience reported by many individuals. For example, a police officer involved in a car chase described feeling like time had extended, allowing him to contemplate the trajectory of his shots and the potential harm to bystanders. Comparative accounts show that while the officer experienced a prolonged sense of time, his partner observed the entire incident unfold within a mere three seconds. This discrepancy illustrates how moments of intense focus and elevated emotion can create a false impression of time’s passage.