The drill for stopping is always the same, except in an emergency. You must learn it thoroughly from the very beginning. The amount of pressure you need to apply to the footbrake depends on your speed and also on how quickly you need to stop!
The drill for stopping should go as followed:
a. Use the mirrors.
b. Decide whether you need to signal you intention to stop, and then signal if necessary.
c. Take your foot off the accelerator. The engine will slow down.
d. Push down on the brake pedal lightly with your right foot and then more firmly (progressive braking).
e. Just before the car stops, press the clutch pedal right down with the left foot. This will disengage the engine from the driving wheel and will prevent stalling the engine. Don't do it too soon: the engine helps with the braking.
f. Ease the pressure off the footbrake just as the car stops.
g. Apply the parking brake.
h. Put the gear lever into neutral.
i. Take both feet off the pedals.
It is seldom necessary to change down when you're stopping normally. However, your car should always be in the right gear for the road speed and conditions. As mentioned before, Progressive braking is a safe driving technique which allows other drivers time to react; it prevents your wheels from locking and will prevent skidding. This technique will also save the wear on your tyres and brakes and saves fuel.
To brake progressively:
a. Put light pressure on the brake at first
b. Gradually increase the pressure as required to stop the car
c. When the car has almost stopped, ease off the pressure so that the car stops smoothly. There should be little or no pressure as the car actually stops.
To practice, choose a particular point at which you would like to stop. See how near to it you can get. It's better to stop short of the mark rather than overshoot it. You can always ease off the brakes and run forward a bit more. Stopping at the kerb needs practice too. Aim to stop reasonably close to the kerb without hitting it and trying to keep both hands on the steering wheel!
In normal conditions, a good driver should not need to brake really hard. However, emergencies can happen - for example, if a child runs into the road in front of you, knowledge of stopping quickly and under control is a must. Stopping in an emergency increases the risk of skidding and wheel lock.
Always remember, even when stopping quickly, follow the rule of progressive braking, pushing the brake pedal harder as the car slows down. A quick reaction is crucial in an emergency. The sooner you start braking, the sooner you should stop!
a. When you brake in an emergency don't signal - you will need both hands to control the steering.
b. Try not to make a special point of looking in the mirror; you should know what is behind you anyway.
c. Stop as quickly and as safely as possible, keeping your vehicle under full control, and always look around you before moving off again!
Always try to avoid the emergency arising by looking well ahead, always watch for children playing especially around school times. Always look out for pedestrians, try and look out for clues such as shadows.
You should always drive at such a speed that you can stop safely in the distance you can see to be clear. If it's not clear, slow down. Always prepare for the unexpected.
From Rob Morgan at Budgen Motors http://www.budgenmotorcars.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_David_Morgan
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