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Safe and controlled braking is vital to good driving. Try to slow down gradually and smoothly.
If you anticipate properly, you’ll seldom need to brake fiercely.
Good anticipation will give you time to brake progressively over a longer distance.
Late, harsh braking is a sign of poor anticipation and of reduced safety margins.
Braking shifts the weight of the vehicle forward. This can make steering more difficult.
If you have to brake hard, try to do so when you’re travelling in a straight line.
Whenever you brake, you should consider
REMEMBER, the greater your speed when you brake
If you have to brake on a bend, remember that the weight of the vehicle is thrown outwards as well as forwards. The front tyre on the outside of the curve will have an increased load on it and this can lead to skidding.
Road surface conditions can have a big effect in these situations. Watch for uneven, loose or slippery surfaces.
Think well ahead to avoid the need for harsh, uncontrolled braking.
You should never drive too fast or too close to the vehicle in front. Other drivers might be affected by your actions.
Always use your mirrors before braking and give yourself plenty of space.
Consider
If the vehicle behind is too close, slow down gradually to increase your distance from the vehicle ahead so that you can avoid having to brake suddenly.
The drill for stopping is always the same, except in an emergency. You must learn it thoroughly from the beginning.
The amount of pressure you need to apply to the footbrake depends on
To stop you should
When stopping normally, you can stop in the gear that you’re in; you don’t necessarily have to change down. However, your vehicle should always be in the right gear for the road speed and conditions.
This is a safe driving technique that
To brake progressively
Find a quiet road and make sure you won’t affect another road user. Choose a particular point at which you would like to stop. See how near to it you can get.
It’s better to stop short of the mark than to overshoot it. You can always ease off the brakes and run forward a bit more.
Stopping at the kerb needs practice too. Aim to stop reasonably close to the kerb without hitting it.
Keep full control of the steering so that you can accurately position the car as you stop.