We’ve all had to slam on the brakes occasionally, but doing it too often can be a signal of inattentive driving which poses serious danger. We’ll look at the pros and cons of harsh braking and how you can do it safely.
Sometimes, and ironically, harsh braking can actually increase the distance it takes to come to a complete stop. This is because your tyres could lose traction momentarily, particularly in poor weather conditions like icy or wet roads.
The dangers of sudden stopping also include:
Sometimes an emergency stop is absolutely necessary. If you come across an unexpected obstacle in the road, like a pedestrian or an animal, emergency braking can be the only way to avoid a collision.
Another example is when you need to avoid a rear-end collision, such as if another car cuts you off or if someone in front also brakes suddenly with no warning.
Remember that emergency stops should be few and far between, so if you find yourself doing it on most journeys, that’s a sign that you could be inattentive to the road ahead.
How to practice safer braking:
Harsh braking should be avoided whenever possible, but sometimes it’s the safest thing to do. By keeping up safe braking practices, you’re not only keeping you and others safe, but you’ll also minimise wear and tear on your car and improve fuel efficiency.
