## driving tip 

Learn to use ABS correctly by practising in a safe location. Accelerate to 30 km/h, brake hard and steer around an imaginary object. Do not pump the brakes because this turns the system off. Don’t be alarmed by brake noise or shudder — this is normal. Check your owner’s manual so you know the correct braking technique. 

Even when you scan carefully, unexpected hazards can occur. When that happens, you may need to use emergency braking. 

The key to emergency braking is to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible without locking the brakes. If you lock the brakes, the wheels stop turning. You will lose control of the steering and the car may skid. 

## Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) 

Most new vehicles have ABS which allows you to brake and steer at the same time. You can’t do this with ordinary brakes. In an emergency situation, if you have ABS you should apply continuous, firm, hard pressure to the brake pedal until the vehicle stops. The computerized sensors automatically release the brakes from the wheels to prevent locking. 

Contrary to what some people believe, ABS does not allow you to drive faster and they don’t always allow you to stop sooner. On some surfaces, like gravel, the braking distance may be longer. But ABS can help prevent wheels from locking up on wet and slippery surfaces. 

If you have a vehicle with ABS, be sure to check your owner’s manual for more complete information on emergency braking techniques. 

To stop suddenly in an emergency: 

With ABS: 

1. Press down hard on the brake pedal, and hold it down until you come to a complete stop. 

2. Do not pump the brakes. 

3. Look and steer in the direction you want to go. 

Without ABS: 

1. Press down hard on the brake pedal, but not hard enough to lock the wheels. 

2. Quickly release the brake and press hard again to regain control if you start to skid. 

3. Look and steer in the direction you want to go. In most cases, you will not want to lock the brakes when stopping quickly. However, there may be occasions when you choose to lock the brakes because stopping is more important than steering. 

## Strategies: emergency braking technique 

