Emergency brake and evasive maneuver

Emergency Brake and evasive maneuver are techniques you use when a collision is imminent and normal adjustments are not enough. The correct reaction in such a situation can be crucial to the outcome.

Emergency Braking

Emergency braking means that you press the brake hard with full force. Modern cars have ABS (anti-lock brakes) which prevent the wheels from locking.

Read more about how the braking system works.

When to brake, when to steer?

The main rule is: brake first. Emergency braking is almost always the right choice because:

• Braking reduces speed and thereby the extent of damage
• An evasive maneuver requires more space and is harder to control
• You risk hitting something else if you swerve

An evasive maneuver can be appropriate when:

• The obstacle appears so close that you cannot stop in time
• There is clear space beside the obstacle
• The speed is high and stopping distance exceeds the distance to the obstacle

Technique for evasive maneuver

1. Press the brake hard, but release slightly when you start steering
2. Steer quickly and decisively around the obstacle
3. Steer back to straighten the car
4. ABS makes it possible to brake and steer at the same time, but road grip is limited

Reaction time and distance

An average reaction time is about 1 second. At 80 km/h, this corresponds to 24 m where the car rolls freely. Add braking distance , and you understand why good distance is the best insurance.

Factors that increase reaction time:

• Distractions and mobile use
• Fatigue and intoxicants
• Inattention and daydreaming

Prevention

The best emergency brake is the one you never need:

• Keep appropriate speed so that you can stop within the visible distance
• Use the three-second rule for distance
• Read traffic ahead and be prepared for the unexpected

Further reading

• Calculation of stopping distance
• Brakes and braking system
• Appropriate speed and hidden hazards
• Driving in curves
• Distance and positioning