I've never had a bike with drop handlebars, but may get one for commuting in busy London (likely a [single-speed with mechanical disc brakes](http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/cross/day-one/day-one-disc)).

This would mean riding with my hands mostly [on the hoods](https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/a/5255/6678), but it seems like a slightly awkward position to use the brakes from:

![Braking with hands on the hoods of drop handlebars](https://i.stack.imgur.com/O95Rg.jpg)

Riding on the drops seems to offer better access to the brakes, but is apparently ["less stable due to narrower hand position"](https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/5251/how-to-use-drop-handlebars-properly/5255#5255) anyway — so when talking about cycling with cars, vans and busses around, doesn't seem like the best choice either (for a non-professional).

Overall, is that just all in my head, or is there some cause for concern?

![Hands on hoods while biking](https://i.stack.imgur.com/OzMjp.jpg)

**Also, is there any reaction speed data compared with flat handlebars, or other such studies, for this?**

Personally, I'd be most worried about situations where I need to react quickly, as well as situations that are usual but I need to be consistent in my braking.

Flat handlebars are like second nature to me, would those be safer?