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Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three fourths of a second.
In that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
Avoid needless heavy braking.
Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up,
it can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Your vehicle has hydraulic
power steering. It may require
maintenance. See
.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but may required increased
effort. See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve
Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) allows steering while
braking.
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