Every new driver wants to know how to accelerate and drive faster. However, a critical aspect of driving – which is controlling and stopping the moving vehicle, is often under-appreciated. At Young Star Driving School, we believe that knowing how to stop your car as a driver, when required in an emergency or in a hurry, is the most important driving skill a drive can ever master.
The braking systems used in modern automobiles are the most powerful systems. In most cases, vehicles are capable of stopping much quicker than they can accelerate. However, most of the newly trained drivers either do not use the full capabilities of the braking systems or use them improperly. ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System and was designed to assist the driver to steer the vehicle and to avoid skidding while braking. ABS has become standard on most of the vehicles sold in Canada and it promotes directional stability while maximizing braking. We educate our students on different types of brakes. Students learn how to drive safely and effectively, regardless of the vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or not.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS facilitates control of the vehicle under heavy braking. In practice, ABS prevents all wheels from skidding and allows the vehicle operator to steer the vehicle while maintaining braking. ABS uses real-time data from wheel speed sensors and determines if any of the wheels are trying to lock up during braking. If required, a series of hydraulic valves come into play and reduce the braking on the wheel(s) trying to get locked. This mechanism prevents skidding and allows the driver to maintain reasonable and safe steering control.
In short, ABS will not allow the tire to stop rotating while braking and thus enables the driver to brake and steer at the same time. In a recent Canadian Automobile Association survey, two-third members associated ABS with vehicle stability in an emergency, and more than half respondents are convinced that ABS allows them to steer while braking.
The braking and steering ability depends on the traction. During braking, traction generated by the tire will be divided between braking and steering. Steering while braking is a zero-sum game. For instance, if we require half of the traction for steering then the other half is available for braking. Similarly, if you require one-third for steering then two-third is left for braking. How much traction is optimal depends upon road conditions and weather In general, moving vehicles are easier to steer and brake on a dry road than on a wet or icy one.
How to handle car with ABS
In an emergency, when the ABS is activated; apply the brakes firmly and continuously without lifting the foot from the brake pedal, until the vehicle completely stops. Pumping the brakes can turn ABS on and off. Brake pedal shudder or noise is normal when ABS is activated. Since ABS allows you to steer, steer to safety away from obstacles.
During lessons, our instructors will let the students practice one or two emergency stops. During practice, the instructor selects a safe off-road location. The student is asked to accelerate to 30 km/h and then brake hard as one does in an emergency. As a practice, students consciously steer around imaginary obstacles while braking.
Drivers should not forget that while ABS is activated, brake shoes, rotors and drums are still involved in stopping your vehicle and the same is true for tires. Therefore, brake components must be mechanically fit and treads of tires should be in good condition.
Avoid skidding without ABS
Skidding can happen while braking or driving on slippery, wet, icy or gravel surfaces. It usually happens when tire(s) lose their grip with the surface. In general, most skids result from driving too fast for road conditions. Hard braking and aggressive driving can cause your vehicle to skid and go out of control. At Young Star Driving School, our experienced instructors train you in skills to brake in an emergency or bad road conditions.
To avoid a skid on a slippery road, drive slow and with caution. Aggressive braking may push tires closer to a skid condition. It’s essential to brake gently. If experience skidding, try not to panic. One can maintain control even in a skid. If driving on a very slippery surface, ease off on the brake and slip the transmission into neutral if possible. It is recommended to continue steering in the direction you want to go, but without oversteering. Once you regain some control, brake if required. However, braking should be very smooth and gentle.
For more information on vehicle safety, check out Transport Canada’s website. YSDS offers especially designed accident prevention and defensive driving training courses. If you have any questions regarding the services offered by our driving school, please feel free to call us or email us.