Emergency braking
There are times when something unexpected
occurs that requires you to brake suddenly.
The key to emergency braking is to stop the
vehicle as quickly as possible without losing
control of your vehicle.
If your vehicle has ABS brakes
Most vehicles are equipped with an antilock
braking system (ABS). The ABS allows
you to steer while the brakes are being
applied. ABS applies brake pressure at
each wheel, cycling from locked to slightly
rolling. You will feel this as a vibration
through the brake pedal. With ABS you
can brake as hard as you need without
losing your ability to steer.
To brake in an emergency, follow
these steps:
Apply steady firm pressure to the
brake pedal.
Do not pump or release the
brake pedal.
Look and steer in the direction you
want to go.
Be sure to check your vehicles owners
manual for more information on
emergency braking techniques.
If your vehicle does
not have ABS brakes
In vehicles without ABS, braking hard
can cause the wheels to stop rolling. The
wheels are locked when the brakes are
applied and they stop rolling. This can
cause you to lose steering control. If your
wheels lock, ease off the brake pedal.
Brake again but not as hard.
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To brake in an emergency, follow
these steps:
Press firmly on the brake pedal to the
point just before the wheels lock. This is
called threshold braking.
If the wheels lock, release the brake
pedal slightly to regain steering control.
Press the brake pedal firmly again
without locking the wheels.
Look and steer in the direction you want
the front of the vehicle to go.
Loss of control
The road surface, the speed of your vehicle,
turning, and the condition of your tires can
contribute to a skid. Skidding means you
have lost control of the vehicle. To regain
control, do not touch the brake or the
accelerator, and look and steer where you
want the front of the vehicle to go.
Most skids are the result of driver error.
A skid can occur when you:
drive too quickly on poor road
conditions like ice, snow, rain, mud,
sand or gravel
turn the steering wheel too sharply
turn the steering wheel too much for the
speed you are travelling
brake too firmly
accelerate too quickly
Skid recovery
Drive in a manner that reduces the
possibility of having your vehicle skid. Plan
ahead so you will not have to suddenly
brake or steer. Driving in a smooth and
controlled manner will reduce the chance
of a skid. If the road is not familiar to you
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