ESB Safe Driving Bureau

Be brake smart

Approximately 50% of ESB fleet vehicles have ABS fitted. Indeed over the last four years where ABS has been available in new vehicle models it has been spec'd as standard by ESB Fleet & Equipment. Here are some tips on how to use ABS safely.

What is ABS?
An ABS system pumps the brakes automatically, many times a second, to prevent lockup and help a driver maintain control and steering. On dry surfaces, ABS doesn't substantially shorten stopping distances. But on wet or slippery surfaces, ABS can help a great deal - if a driver knows how to use it.

Don't be alarmed by mechanical noises or pedal pulsations when applying ABS brakes. ABS is only activated under hard braking. Pulsations, and sometimes noises, are normal and indicate the ABS is working correctly. ABS automatically pumps the brakes, much faster than the driver ever could.

Don't forget to steer. The main advantage of ABS is that it prevents the wheels from locking up, which helps to keep the vehicle from going into an uncontrollable skid. Thus ABS allows you to maintain steering control during emergency braking.

Do keep your foot on the brake pedal. Maintain firm and continuous pressure on the brake pedal when braking, even if the pedal pulsates.

Do know the difference between four-wheel and twoor rear-wheel ABS. Most cars and many trucks have four-wheel ABS. But some light trucks have only rear-wheel ABS; with rearwheel ABS, the front wheels can still lock up during hard braking. If this happens, you should ease up on the brake pedal with just enough pressure to allow the front wheels to roll again so you can steer.

Do practice driving with ABS. Find an empty car park or open area and practice emergency stops so that you can become accustomed to the feel - the normal pulsations - of ABS when it activates.

Do allow enough distance to stop. ABS doesn't necessarily allow you stop in a shorter distance; it helps you maintain directional control.

Other Braking Tips

Develop smoothness while braking - a hallmark of a good driver is how smoothly the brakes are applied. This requires a combination of good observation, anticipation skills and refinement in operating the controls.

Test your brakes when you get into the vehicle for the first time each day. There are two main methods of checking your brakes, a stationary brake test (where you're looking to see if the brake pedal moves freely but has firm pressure) and a moving brake test (where, in safe conditions, you drive at low speed and apply gradual but increasing pressure to ensure that the brakes are pulling evenly on all wheels with no adverse effect on steering.)

Your objective when it comes to braking is to only brake once for a hazard. If you find yourself having to brake for a second time, you should ask yourself, why?

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