| 1. |
by deceleration as the pressure on the accelerator pedal
is relaxed, or, |
| 2. |
by the application of the brakes. |
Acceleration Sense This
is the ability of the driver to vary the speed of the vehicle by
accurate use of the accelerator to meet changing road and traffic
conditions. Acceleration sense can be applied to every facet of
driving, e.g. following other vehicles, overtaking, approaching
hazards and changes in road surface. The essence is good observation
coupled with sound judgement of speed and distance.
Rules for Braking
|
| 1. |
Brake firmly only when travelling in a straight line. |
| 3. |
Vary brake pressure according to the conditions of the
road surface. |
| 4. |
When descending a steep and winding hill brake firmly
on the straight stretches and ease off in the bends. Remember the
value of engaging a low gear at an early stage in the descent. |
| 5. |
Motor cyclists – Avoid using the front brake when
the machine is banked over, turning, or on loose or hazardous road
surfaces. |
| |
For both cars and motorcycles remember
the braking proportions front and rear. |
Braking under normal Traffic Conditions
When to apply the brakes and pedal pressure required will depend upon
the initial speed of the vehicle, the road surface and the assessment
of a safe speed for the hazard. The loss of speed should be constant
and steady but never fierce. |
Emergency Braking – Good Dry Road
The brakes are most efficient when the wheels are turning just before
they lockup. This provides maximum braking however where this is exceeded,
the wheels will lock and the vehicle will skid. The driver must be
aware of the camber of the road surface as this will affect the direction
of the skidding vehicle, it may be necessary to relax the brake pressure
to steer out of trouble. |
Emergency Braking – Slippery Road
On slippery road surfaces it may be necessary to vary the brake pressure,
then re-apply the pressure to achieve maximum braking e.g. on –
off - on, etc, e.g. cadence braking or on most modern vehicle anti-looking
brakes. This will also allow the drive to put on a little bit of steering
when the wheels are turning and could prevent a collision from occurring. |
Steering
Most modern vehicles now have some form of power assisted steering
and there are two main types, variable and fixed. The variable system
is linked to the vehicle speed and usually allows greater assistance
at lower speeds to as to help with slow speed manoeuvring.
Both hands should remain on the steering wheel unless
it is necessary to remove one or other to signal, operate auxiliary
switch or to change gear, etc. Any change from the straight course
must be accomplished gradually and smoothly other than when manoeuvring
at slow speed
Remember – ‘Pull – Push’ with
hands, e.g. the pull is by the hand in which direction you intend
to turn with the opposite hand pushing the steering wheel to meet
the pull. |
1. |
Elbows are not to be rested on the window frame, arm
rests, etc, this reduces control and looks slack. |
2. |
Hands should be placed on the wheel in the ‘ten
to two’ position, not gripping tightly but ready to exert maximum
leverage if necessary. |
3. |
The grip should be tightened when cornering or braking,
both hands holding the wheel during these operations. |
4. |
On slippery roads steering movements should be delicate
or skids may be induced. |
