Incidents, accidents and emergencies
You need to brake hard in an emergency and your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS). How should you use them?
- Pump the brake pedal on and off repeatedly
- Press the brake gently so the ABS does not switch on
- Press the footbrake firmly and hold it until you have slowed enoughCorrect
- Rely on ABS to stop you in a much shorter distance
Why?
Rule 120 of The Highway Code says that in an emergency you should apply the footbrake firmly and not release the pressure until the vehicle has slowed to the speed you want. ABS helps you keep steering control, but it does not mean the car will stop in a shorter distance.
Highway Code rule 120