Stopping in an Emergency
Emergency Stopping
In normal driving, you should rarely need to brake harshly. However, emergencies — such as a pedestrian or child running into the road — can occur unexpectedly.
Knowing how to stop quickly and under control is essential.
Technique
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Keep both hands on the steering wheel for maximum control.
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Brake firmly and progressively – increase pressure as the vehicle slows.
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Avoid braking so hard that the wheels lock.
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If your vehicle has ABS, you’ll feel a pulsing through the pedal — keep firm pressure until you’ve stopped.
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In manual cars, press the clutch just before the vehicle stops to maintain stability.
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Never use the parking brake while moving – it can cause a skid, as it operates only on the rear wheels.
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Once stopped, apply the parking brake, select neutral, and check all around before moving off again.
The faster you react, the shorter your stopping distance. Early braking is the safest braking.
Conditions and Surfaces
On dry roads, apply firm pressure.
On wet, icy, or loose surfaces, reduce pressure to maintain grip and increase your following distance.
Defensive Driving
The best emergency stop is the one you never have to make.
To avoid dangerous situations:
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Look well ahead and read the road
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Watch for children, pedestrians, and school zones
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Be alert for reflections or movement near parked cars
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Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear
Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)
ABS activates automatically under hard braking to prevent wheel lock-up.
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The system uses sensors to detect when a wheel is about to lock.
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It momentarily releases and reapplies brake pressure several times per second.
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You’ll feel a pulsing sensation in the brake pedal — keep firm, steady pressure and do not pump the brakes.
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ABS allows you to steer while braking, helping you avoid obstacles.
ABS doesn’t always reduce stopping distance, but it helps maintain control. It can’t overcome physics — tyres may still skid on ice, water, or loose gravel.
Knowing how ABS behaves in your vehicle can improve your confidence and safety, but it should never replace careful, defensive driving.