BERLIN: Most new cars come equipped with collision warning systems or emergency brake assistants.
These systems use sensors to detect obstacles or vehicles that pose a risk and warn the driver through a signal or sound. The driver should then immediately hit the brakes.
With an emergency brake assistant, the brakes even engage automatically if the driver doesn't react right away.
But how should a driver execute an emergency braking manoeuvre if there’s no such assistance systems on board?
"In these cases, the driver must abruptly press on the brakes in order to achieve maximum deceleration," says driving instructor Reinhard Buchsdruecker.
The decisive factor is to apply full force to the brakes and to hold that force until the car comes to a standstill. If driving a manual-transmission car, you should also step on the clutch while braking to prevent the engine from stalling.
"The most common mistake in such a situation is progressive braking," says Buchsdruecker, a project manager at vehicle testing association Dekra. This implies hesitant braking at first, and then gradually applying greater braking force. Usually, it is not enough to avoid a collision in an emergency situation.
"Many drivers are also put off by vibrating brake pedals as a result of anti-lock braking systems," says the expert. Therefore, it makes sense to train over and over – preferably with an expert – to react to dangerous situations and properly execute an emergency brake.
