Emergency Stop: Step 2

Unit Three Subject 9 - Emergency Stop: Step 2 - Method

Unit 3 - Basic Skills:
Home page

1 - Show/Tell:
1. Overview

2 - Drivers Eyesight:
1. Introduction
2. Eye checks
3. Eyesight problems
4. Project

3 - Cockpit Drill:
1. Introduction
2. The drill
3. Explanation

4 - Moving off:
1. Introduction
2. The basics
3. POM Introduction
4. Prepare
5. Observe
6. Move
7. Brake tests
8. Stopping
9. Summary
10. Project

5 - Using Gears:
1. Introduction
2. Observation
3. Selective gear changing
4. Smooth changes

6 - Hazard Routine:
1. Introduction
2. Easy starting point
3. Mirrors
4. Signals
5. Manoeuvre
6. Project

7 - Junctions:
1. Introduction
2. Emerging
3. Approaching
4. Approaching right
5. Crossroads
6. Roundabouts

8 - Hills:
1. Introduction
2. Downhill safety
3. Parking
4. Uphill starts
5. Downhill starts

9 - Emergency Stop:
1. Introduction
2. The method
3. Skids
4. The driving test
5. Project

DRIVING HOME PAGE

The emergency stop method

The 'brake and clutch' method is useful to help with the timing of your actions and is a good starting point for practise and when teaching this exercise to new or inexperienced drivers.

To use the method you simply say, out loud or in your head, the words 'Brake - and - Clutch' at around normal speaking rate. As you say 'brake' you press the brake pedal firmly. 'And' provides a pause before you press the clutch down on the word 'clutch'.

Press the brake pedal hard and hold it down - you might experience a vibration though the pedal as the ABS rapidly applies and releases the brakes.

The video above is taken from the Watch, Learn Drive programme and explains how to stop the car.

Both feet together?

Many experts will tell you to press the brake and clutch together in an emergency, this is also recommended in some vehicle handbooks.

However, we suggest the 'brake and clutch' method here for two reasons:

You might be practicing with someone who is not a trainer or recognised driving expert

You might be a relatively inexperienced driver

If either of these things are true, you will be less likely to 'panic' and therefore retain greater control using the 'brake and clutch' approach.

Next: Skids