Push the pedal, patiently

H. Kishie Singh

The drill for braking to stop and braking to slow down is simple and cannot change. However, there are subtle differences. To stop, apply the foot brake gently and bring the car to a halt. The only exception will be in an emergency, when you have to brake hard and also take evasive action.

Under normal circumstances to slow and stop, you must use the foot brake — progressively being the operative word. That means no hard braking. Exert a gentle pressure on the foot-brake pedal and only if necessary press hard.

It is not necessary to press the brake pedal down to the floor boards simply to slow down. As the car begins to slow down, increase the pressure on the brake pedal. There should be very little pressure on the brake pedal when the car actually comes to a complete halt. No jerk to throw the passengers forward.

Hard braking can be rough on the passengers. There will be a tendency to pitch forward, lean into the seat belt, maybe put your hand out for the dash board and then rock back when the brakes are released.

The amount of pressure on the brake pedals depends on your speed and how quickly you need to stop. There is no reason for hard braking when you are approaching a red light. Take your foot off the accelerator to slow down and a gentle tap on the brake pedal will bring the car to a smooth and gradual halt. For sure, the passengers will appreciate this. It’s no fun to be thrown around in a car even while driving around the city. There will be other immediate effects. Improved fuel consumption being one. It does not make sense to build up speed, this means burning fuel, then braking hard to kill your speed. Fuel wasted.

Progressive braking also saves wear and tear on brake pads, tyres and suspension. Unless your car has ABS, progressive braking will prevent the wheels from locking up and prevent skidding. Progressive braking will allow adequate reaction time to other drivers and road users. Severe and sudden braking can also be a reason for a rear-end collision.

Most serious drivers and certainly all professional drivers will have a pair of gloves and special shoes for driving. It is your hands and feet that are constantly at work to control the car. Professional drivers always wear leather gloves. Before the race, they rinse their hands and wet the leather. This makes sure the leather shrinks and becomes a second skin through which they can feel every vibration of the car. The shoes have thin soles and can be laced up to the ankle. In today’s world Velcro may have replaced laces. The thin soles enable you to get a ‘feel’ of the pedals. Rubber sandals, which most truckers and bus drivers wear are least suited for pressing pedals. These can easily slip off the pedals with disastrous results. In the case of a bus driver, he could have 40 or more passengers and be responsible for their safety.

Ladies with high-heeled sandals and simple, strappy chappals are also least suited for pumping pedals. They must carry a second pair of shoes to drive a car. Safety is of prime importance.

Happy motoring!