How to Make a Sudden Stop

It takes a great deal of courage to release the brake pedal while approaching the rear end of a car at high speed, but it's an act that can potentially improve the rest of the day. This author was driving a 2004 Hyundai Accent, when the three leading cars stopped suddenly in rush hour traffic. Instinctively slamming on the brakes resulted in the alarming realization that the pedal was touching the floor, and the car was still traveling at the same speed. Relentlessly pumping the brakes did nothing to slow the car. A calm composure and allowing the brakes to rest, concluded with the Hyundai coming to a timely, uneventful halt. Thus, this article was born.

How to make a sudden stop

1. Resolve to have a successful outcome. Believe there is a solution and that it will work. Muster up the courage to do what it takes to stop the car.

2. Focus on the open space in the foreground where it is reasonable to stop the car. Keep looking at this point. This is the area to steer the car towards and where it will eventually stop.

3. Release the brake pedal. Remove foot completely from the brake for half a second while concentrating on steering the car and keep focused on the open space.

4. Control the brake. Place foot firmly on the brake pedal and press down with medium pressure to let it catch. Lift lightly and repeat. The car should start slowing down.

5. Pull emergency brake lever. Quickly analyze the situation and determine if the car will stop in time with the brake pedal alone. To shorten the stopping distance, hold the emergency lever and pull up in a controlled manner. Keep eyes looking at the open space at all times. The vehicle should be at a complete rest at this point.

Defensive driving habits to keep the car rolling between stop signals

Leave plenty of room for the neighboring cars to turn, merge and switch lanes. Most commuters know to remain one car length behind the leading car. Follow this rule when operating in stop-and-start traffic and in neighborhoods. But leave some extra room while on main roads at faster speeds. Experiment with two car lengths apart when traveling over 45 mph. And remain three car spaces apart when driving on the freeway. By using the 1,2,3 rule when appropriate, more room is available for other motorist's habits and moods.

Slow drivers should stay to the right or drive faster. In this author's personal experience many slow drivers drive slow because they can not see clearly or the medicine they are taking causes them to feel a bit light-headed. Go to the doctor and get a new prescription. If this is not possible, consider alternate forms of transportation such as car pools, trains or taxi's. Other slow drivers do not know where they are going and have a hard time reading maps or written directions while concentrating on the road. Options are available to them such as, recording instructions onto a CD, inviting a passenger who has been there before or someone who can navigate from a map. Confidence is key in driving and can speed things along in a safe manner, which helps everyone win.

Fast drivers should remain on the left or drive slower. This writer's observation is that many fast drivers are trying to save five minutes. Five minutes can make a big impact in today's society, as it could be the difference from getting to work on time or being late and getting a warning from the boss. Try setting the alarm clock five minutes earlier, it's amazing how well this works. When learning to drive slower, create a more enjoyable ride. Put in a comedy CD, language lesson or something that is guaranteed to create a relaxing atmosphere for the few seconds it takes the proceeding car to get moving again. Driving slower when appropriate, and at a steady speed, will keep the following traffic flowing.