Emergency situations and challenging conditions Flashcards
What does ABS stand for?
anti-lock braking system
What do ABS brakes do?
The ABS allows you to steer while the brakes are being applied. ABS applies brake pressure at each wheel, cycling from locked to slightly rolling. With ABS you can brake as hard as you need without losing your ability to steer.
How do you brake in an emergency with ABS?
• Apply steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. • Do not pump or release the brake pedal. • Look and steer in the direction you want to go. • Be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for more information on emergency braking techniques.
How do you brake in an emergency without ABS?
• Press firmly on the brake pedal to the point just before the wheels lock. This is called threshold braking. • If the wheels lock, release the brake pedal slightly to regain steering control. • Press the brake pedal firmly again without locking the wheels. • Look and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
What does skidding mean?
Skidding means you have lost control of the vehicle.
Why does skidding occur
• drive too quickly on poor road conditions like ice, snow, rain, mud, sand or gravel • turn the steering wheel too sharply • turn the steering wheel too much for the speed you are travelling • brake too firmly • accelerate too quickly
What should you never do if you start to skid.
It is very important that you keep your foot off the brake pedal if you
start to skid.
What is a power/acceleration skid?
A power skid occurs when you accelerate too quickly, causing the wheels to spin.
What should you do if a power skid occurs?
• Take your foot off the gas pedal to allow the wheels to stop spinning. • Make any needed steering corrections. Look and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. • Be careful not to over correct your steering or you may skid in the opposite direction. • Use gentle acceleration to continue moving forward.
What is a cornering skid?
A cornering skid occurs when you are travelling too quickly when turning, causing the vehicle to slide sideways.
What should you do if a cornering skid occurs?
• Take your foot off the gas pedal.
Do not use your brakes.
• Look and steer in the direction you
want the front of the vehicle to go.
If you drive off the paved portion of the roadway what should you do?
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. • Do not try to steer the vehicle back onto the road immediately. • Take your foot off the gas pedal to reduce your speed. • Try to avoid braking. If you need to brake, use gradual pressure on the brake pedal to keep control. 80 Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing • Check for traffic before attempting to steer the vehicle back onto the road. • With controlled speed, return to the road gradually and straighten your vehicle in the proper travel lane.
What should you do if your vehicle is having mechanical problems?
• Change lanes safely and park in a safe location, if possible. • Do not stop on a bridge or in a tunnel. This can be very dangerous. • If the vehicle is left in a potentially dangerous location, turn on your hazard lights (four-way flashers). • Raise your hood. • Carry reflective triangles. On the highway or in a location that is potentially dangerous, when it is safe, place them to the rear of your vehicle, about 10 to 20 metres (33 to 66ft) apart. • Do not try to do roadside repairs on crowded or fast-moving highways. • If it is a potentially dangerous situation, have all occupants leave the vehicle and wait at a safe location to the rear and away from the vehicle
How would you know that your brakes are going to have total failure?
A warning light on your instrument panel will light if there is a
problem. It should light before your brakes stop working. When you see the brake warning light come on, and you have checked that the park brake has been released, move to the side of the road as soon as it is safe.
If your tire goes flat while driving what should you do?
• Resist the urge to immediately apply the brakes. • Take your foot off the gas pedal and allow the engine to slow you down. • Hold the steering wheel with a firm grip. Keep the vehicle on a straight course by looking and steering in the direction you want to go. • When you have the vehicle under control and speed is reduced, apply the brake with gentle and steady pressure. • Safely move to the emergency stopping lane or edge of the road and park in a safe place. • Turn on your hazard warning lights.
