Winter driving - Safe Braking
Proper braking is important to safe winter driving. Since it takes longer to stop on a slippery road, you should:
- Leave more distance than normal between and your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Pay close attention to the road - as far ahead as you can.
If you don't have
anti-lock brakes (ABS), the best way to stop on a slippery road is to brake but not so hard that your tires stop turning. If you brake too hard and cause the wheels to lock (stop turning), release the pedal just enough to get the wheels rolling. Then, brake again right away, with slightly less force than before.
ABS is a system that allows you to steer while braking hard.
ABS prevents wheels from locking and allows you to control steering during hard braking. When wheel sensors detect lock-up, the system relieves enough pressure to keep the tires rolling, while you brake hard. You will feel the brake pedal rapidly pulse back against your foot and may hear some mechanical noise.
DO NOT lift your foot from the brake or pump the pedal. In an emergency stop, press the brake quickly and hard. The ABS system will
NOT shorten stopping distance.
