Brakes and Driver Safety

Almost all drivers today have grown up in a car culture. A huge number of adults have their own car or truck that they use on a regular basis. No matter whether you choose an SUV, smaller vehicle or muscle car, driving safely is an area that needs to be given priority.
When taking the initial driving test, most know the facts and figures surrounding braking, thinking and overall stopping distances. But out on the highway, after the test has been passed, it is scary how many drivers seem to forget or disregard potentially lifesaving knowledge. Over recent years, car manufacturers have made vast improvements to the quality of brakes, and specialist kinds that further increase performance are widely available to purchase separately. Despite cars being built and modified to improve safety, it is essential that there is an understanding that the overall responsibility for the safety of you, your passengers and other road users, depends on you.

The stopping distances taught to learner drivers are not solely for the inexperienced. They are scientifically proven measurements taught to keep everyone safer on the roads. Your car may have the best brakes money can buy, and this is a great investment – but if you are not concentrating, or are following a vehicle too closely, then they will not enable you to defy the laws of physics. Helping to protect you and your car can be as simple as taking weather conditions, road surfaces and stopping distances into account.

When working out braking distances, both the time it takes you to react to a situation and apply your brakes, and how long it will take the car to stop need to be considered. People are often surprised to learn that when driving speed doubles, the braking distance does not – it is a staggering four times as far. For example, if you increase speed from 30mph to 60mph, the braking distance changes from 45 feet to 180 feet. Many older drivers will be familiar with the saying “only a fool breaks the two second rule”. It is generally accepted that under normal driving conditions, the two second gap between your vehicle and the one in front is safe, though some prefer to use a three second gap to be certain. In different weather, different rules apply. In the rain, and when the pavement is wet, this safe distance doubles to four seconds. In snow and ice, and where certain spillages have occurred, it is wise to keep a ten second gap. Many people find it difficult to judge how far behind a vehicle they are in seconds, feet or car lengths – if in doubt; it is better to be cautious and hang further back rather than get too close. Don’t leave it all to your brakes.

One situation when a dangerous road surface can take drivers by surprise is the first rain after a dry spell as the pavement is often really slippery. Any water on the road can reduce friction, and in severe cases cause hydroplaning.

The best advice is to know yourself – before starting out consider if you are tired, emotional or feeling ill. Know your vehicle – your brakes, tyres and how it handles. And know your stopping distances in all weathers. Drive safe!

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