Better Braking for Safer Travels Better Braking for Safer Travels The brakes are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. It’s imperative you know how to use and maintain them. In 2010, law enforcement responded to an estimated 5,419,000 motor vehicle accidents resulting in 32,885 deaths and another 2,239,000 seriously injuries. Each year, approximately 300,000 vehicle accidents were caused as a result of brake failure. Even for those vehicles with properly working brakes, how many accidents could have been avoided if the driver took safer stopping measures? “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” is recognized every October 10th and focuses on reducing traffic fatalities by encouraging motorists to take extra precautions when it comes to their brakes.
Know When to Stop One of the earliest driving lessons taught to new drivers is “red” means “stop.” However, there is more to braking than just red lights and stop signs. Do you know all of them? Below are some of the more common, however, refer to your state’s driving laws for a more comprehensive list. STOP! • At all flashing red lights until it is safe to proceed. • Before turning right on red, where allowed. • Prior to crossing a sidewalk. • When exiting an alley, private drive or parking lot. • When approaching a school bus that is flashing its lights or when the stop arm is displayed. • When a blind person with a cane or guide dog walks in front of you or close enough to be in danger. • At all railroad crossings if transporting hazardous materials. • Upon request of law enforcement.
The Three-Second Rule One of the most effective ways to avoid a collision is by allowing enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Remember to follow the “three-second rule.” Identify a stationary object on the side of the road. Once the vehicle in front of you passes that object, start counting the seconds it takes for you to reach that same object. Ensuring at least three seconds have elapsed will better ensure you have the time to stop safely. Consider doubling that time to six seconds when driving at night, during foul weather or when road conditions are poor.
CIG Central Valley Insurance Agency 4142 South Demaree Street Visalia, California 93277 The Protection Team, License Number 0G30675 (559) 802-4094 Fax (559) 553-8883
Better Braking Tips Making sudden stops on a regular basis not only puts you at risk for an accident, but puts your brakes at risk of being damaged or destroyed. Gradual braking is a safer way to go. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and anticipate upcoming stops. Remove your foot from the gas pedal and allow your vehicle to coast to the stopping point. Applying the brake at slower speeds allows you to better control the vehicle, as well as lengthen the longevity of your brake pads. Better braking relies upon safe driving behaviors and proper brake system maintenance. • • • • • • • • • • •
Apply the brakes smoothly. Adjust braking time based on the road conditions, such as driving on loose gravel and wet or icy roads. Allow additional time to stop when driving higher-profile vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs. Avoid braking and turning at the same time. Use your right foot only to operate the gas and brake pedals. Never use both feet to operate gas and brake pedals. Inspect brakes regularly – or have them inspected – to identify defects, such as worn linings and dirt or air in the brake fluid. Make sure all tires have good tread and are inflated to the recommended air pressure. Purchase higher quality brakes. Replace old brake fluid every 2 to 3 years, or as suggested in the vehicle manual. Replace worn brakes immediately.
Emergency Stop with ABS • • • • • • •
Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel. Press your foot down on the brake pedal as far as you can. Keep full pressure on the brake pedal until you come to a stop. Avoid pumping the brake. Do not worry if you hear a noise or feel pulsation from the brakes as this is normal. Press down on the clutch, if you have one, prior to coming to a stop to avoid engine stall. Find out more about ABS at http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/problems/equipment/absbrakes/page1.html
Emergency Stop without ABS • • • • • •
Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel. Press your foot on the brake pedal firmly. Do not press too hard or the wheels may lock up. If wheels lock, ease your foot off the brake until wheels rotate again. Reapply the brake with less pressure than before. Press down on the clutch, if you have one, prior to coming to a stop to avoid engine stall.
Maintain Your Brakes for Safer Stopping Making an Emergency Stop When faced with an emergency braking situation, the safest way to handle it relies greatly on your vehicle’s braking system. Most vehicles manufactured now offer Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), which helps stop the vehicle quickly while preventing the wheels from locking up and skidding. However, there are still many vehicles on the road without this safety feature. To determine whether your vehicle has ABS, review your owner’s manual or determine whether you see a yellow ABS indicator light on your instrument panel after turning the ignition. Understanding your vehicle’s braking system is the only way you’ll know which emergency stopping procedure to follow.
© 2012 The Protector Network. All Rights Reserved
Brakes can overheat and suffer inefficiency if used too often. When this occurs, it is referred to as brake fade. Brake fade most commonly occurs when a vehicle is driving down a steep hill, with a heavy cargo or when brake pads are worn. If you notice a loss in brake performance, stop your vehicle and allow the brakes time to cool down before driving again. Have your brakes inspected by a professional mechanic if this or any of these common indicators are experienced when braking. • • • • • • •
Grinding or squealing noise Grabbing or pulling to one side Pulsating or vibrating Clicking sound when braking Difficulty in building up acceleration Loss of brake pedal Lit ABS warning light
To learn more about Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, as well as safe driving tips to practice all year long, visit BrakesOnFatalities.Org.