Braking the rules
As winter weather makes driving conditions more difficult, new research from Kwik-Fit has revealed that almost a million (980,000) motorists have caused an accident through a braking error. Not so surprising given that Kwik-Fit’s study also reveals the majority of motorists’ braking styles to be well out of line with the Driving Standards Agency’s guidelines.
Kwik-Fit’s study uncovered the following types of braker:
Gear grinders – over 11million (35%) motorists use the gears to slow down – using the brakes as little as possible. Although this technique used to be taught at driving schools it’s long since been abandoned in favour of using the brakes to slow down and changing gear to match the appropriate speed. Driving examiners can penalise gear grinders for unnecessary use of the gears.
Dabbers – 3.8 million motorists (11%) keep their foot hovering over the brake pedal and dab the brakes when needed.
Last minute lead foots – 875,000 motorists (3%) say they brake hard only when they are close to the traffic ahead in case it speeds up.
Early anchor stampers – 644,000 motorists (2%) prefer to brake hard at first, then ease off as they get closer to the traffic in front.
By the book brakers – less than half of all motorists – 14.8 million (44%) – use the correct technique of applying the brakes early and gently at first, then increasing the pressure as they get closer to traffic.
David White, Customer Services Director at Kwik-Fit said: “There’s a tendency for motorists to adopt different driving styles and braking is clearly no exception. Worryingly, some of the braking styles followed by motorists are a long way from what’s recommended and in certain conditions could be unsafe.
“For example, ‘last minute leadfoots’ risk ploughing into the back of the car they’re approaching, particularly in winter conditions when the roads are often wet and greasy. ‘Early anchor stampers’ risk catching out the driver behind them that may not be expecting to slow down so soon. Over time it’s easy to pick up bad habits so we’d invite motorists check out their own braking technique and make any necessary changes.
“A car’s brakes are so crucial to road safety that we advise motorists to have them checked regularly – especially the last minute leadfoots. It’s a quick and easy process and doesn’t have to be left until the car’s next service or MOT.”
Motorists who are concerned that their brakes aren’t performing correctly can get them checked over for free, at any Kwik-Fit centre nationwide, without an appointment.