- 04
- Jul
A good driver is always constantly critically observing the road ahead and using their skill to anticipate the effect of any potential hazards on their progress, and reacting accordingly before the need to brake sharply. However the unexpected can still happen and knowing how to brake safely in an emergency will ensure you stop safely and remain in full control of your vehicle.
The first important factor in safe braking is to always try and get all of the braking done in a straight line. If you brake whilst cornering you will transfer the weight of the car to the front, whilst making the back go light. This effect, combined with the fact the tyres have extra demands placed upon them, because they are being required to both brake and corner at the same time, means that you could easily enter a skid or spin.
In a situation where you are cornering and must brake, you should apply the brakes gently and add pressure a little at a time. This helps to reduce the weight transfer from being too impactful. You will also be able to maintain control on the vehicle.
Vehicles sold today have ABS or anti lock braking systems. As a standard in automotives you have control and stability of your car in several situations. When braking or going around a corner ABS can make it easier. Still, ABS has limits for what it can handle.
When you a brake heavily the ABS system can detect the point at which the wheels are starting to lock up, it then automatically releases the brakes for a fraction of second to prevent this happening. This process is repeated hundreds of times a second and occurs considerably quicker than the speed at which a normal driver could achieve.
ABS allows the wheels to continue moving, even when braking is more forceful. It also ensures the steering is controlled, and the tyres will grip. You can steer away from dangers and remain safe while driving.
The effect of ABS can normally be felt as a gentle pulsing through the brake pedal or by a distinct grinding sound. Its important that if you hear or feel these signs that you do not lift of the brake, but instead continual the heavy braking to ensure you stop in the shortest distance whilst making maximum use of the ABS.
ABS is a most effective system for heavy or emergency braking. It makes sure you can brake in a safe and controlled manner. You must realise that it cannot defy physics, which means driving to quickly on wet roads can lead to accidents even with ABS.
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