Braking
More important than being able to accelerate and change gear is the ability to slow down or stop the vehicle when required. There are two ways in which this can be achieved;-

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.
2. Brake in plenty of time.
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.
Front 60% Rear 40%

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.

Rules for steering

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.
   

Stewart Rivers Chief Observer NET RoADA

Stewart Rivers is a Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police and their most senior practicing Class 1 driver