3 Safe Steps When Braking Sudden

Anticipation, Response and Mechanical are the 3 main steps that must be taken when the driver brakes suddenly. Improper braking can be fatal.

Indonesia's road conditions are winding and sometimes uneven, often forcing car drivers to brake suddenly. If you are not good at applying the correct braking technique, fatal accidents can occur as a result of this. That's why created brakes that function to slow down the car or stop.

But it should be understood brakes are not just a matter of stepping on. When conditions are unexpected, brakes become one of the most important things when driving. Correct braking not only saves you from the risk of an accident but also saves other drivers from the same risk.

Therefore, it is very important to know the safe steps if you have to brake suddenly. Here is the full review.

Anticipate Before Braking Sudden

According to the Instructor of the Indonesia Defensive Driving Center (IIDC) there are three steps that must be anticipated before applying the sudden brake. Usually this step is called the Three second Rules. One of them is anticipation or calculation of things that will or have not happened. The driver can at least take into account the ability of the brakes on the vehicle used. This anticipation is in the form of driver vigilance while driving. The driver needs to understand the situation ahead with the limbs ready. For example, the position of the hands on the steering wheel and gears and feet on the gas, brake and clutch pedals. At least the driver has a driving distance of 83.1 meters which is obtained from a count of 3 seconds of safe distance.

Response

If previously, the driver had to take into account the brakes on the vehicle related to brake components such as lining, brake fluid, calipers and others, then the next step relates to the five senses while driving the vehicle. Fast and responsive is a response that is needed while driving. This quick and responsive response is also related to responding to the taillights of the vehicle in front of you well. The driver must be able to move to a safe position when he is aware of a dangerous situation.

Mechanical

After anticipating things that will or have not happened, and responding quickly and responsively, the next step is understanding the types of brakes and their braking mechanisms. This is related to the braking system. As previously discussed, braking is not just about stepping on the pedal. However, it would be better if the foot is parallel to the brake pedal because this position becomes the fulcrum for the movement of the foot between the brake and the gas. Then later when pressing the brakes only the toes move and the legs remain in the initial position. Because, if you use the area of ​​​​the sole of the foot, you will feel the amount of pressure when braking and it can result in braking that is quite deep and very sudden. That is very dangerous.

The important thing to do when driving is to respect ethics. Considering the brake function which not only stops the vehicle, but reduces the speed of the vehicle, it is wise. Not only the method, but also the driver's behavior is important.

Fortunately, currently, most of the cars in circulation have advanced features, which are not only on the front, but also technology that is very supportive for sudden braking conditions. This sophistication certainly supports safety while driving a vehicle. The features that are usually embedded are the Anti-Lock Braking System) or ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). These two features will help the driver when braking suddenly.

Brake Features

abs (Anti-Lock Braking System)

This ABS system has four components such as a speed sensor, braking valve, pump and controller. The speed sensor can read the rotational speed of the wheels while the driver is driving the car. The braking valve is controlled by the ABS controller. There are at least three valves that are controlled, such as a valve that is not closed which can pass brake fluid without resistance, a second valve which is the opposite of the first valve, blocking the movement of brake fluid, and the last one, which is blocking some of the brake fluid when flowing, so that the pressure on the brakes will increase. reduced to half, even though the driver presses the brake fully.

Then the brake pump has the function of returning the pressure in the brake line that the valve releases to the brakes. Then, the controller will control the valves to process data from speed sensors located in all parts of the vehicle's wheels. This method is done to prevent locking of the tires when suddenly braking. This system has been pinned for a long time, especially for racing.

In addition, the presence of ABS can avoid locking the four wheels so that the car is easy to control. All parts of the tires on the car will apply braking which can avoid hot tires. At that time the car will make the braking distance shorter because the disc power on the tires is still functioning properly.

ebd (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution)

Sudden braking will work well because it is assisted by this feature. EBD serves to provide braking pressure to each wheel evenly. The pressure will be adjusted to various power depending on the load conditions of each wheel. This EBD feature has the ability to enhance the ABS function. These two features will work in harmony to prevent the car from slipping. Road conditions are one of the factors driving shrewdness as well as a combination of instinct. Roads with slippery or sandy conditions will allow the car to slip.

Driver vigilance is needed in these conditions. Because when braking suddenly, the EBD will work to make some of the car's load rest on the front wheels. The front wheels will be heavier than the rear wheels in these conditions. If the pressure is the same but the load is different, the rear tire will slip and the front tire will lose grip.

esc (Electronic Stability Control)

In addition to ABS and EBD, other features, namely ESC or Electronic Stability Control, are also one of the most reliable features during the sudden braking process. The ESC will calculate how many traction locks are needed on the rear and front wheels so as to avoid skidding when the car is in a controlled position. In addition to road conditions, vehicle weight and tire pressure also affect the braking.

You can make sure that the load does not exceed the car's carrying capacity, as well as check the air pressure on the car's tires. Electronic Stability Control has become an important vehicle safety tool. This ESP can reduce the chances of drivers and passengers involved in a fatal accident by more than 25 percent. This system focuses on helping to keep the vehicle on the road, in control, and always on the right track.