When you must perform an emergency stop, braking should be done in a way that allows you to:

When you must perform an emergency stop, braking should be done in a way that allows you to:

• A. Can steer and your vehicle stays in a straight line
• B. Brake as hard as possible even if it causes wheel lock
• C. Stop and wait for help
• D. Use the parking brake first

Answer: (A)

During an emergency stop the priority is to retain steering control so you can steer around hazards while the vehicle slows. Brake with firm, continuous pressure to stop quickly, but in a way that keeps you in a straight line instead of locking the wheels. If your truck has ABS, you can apply maximum braking and the system will prevent wheel lock while you steer. If there’s no ABS, modulate braking so wheels don’t lock; if a wheel begins to lock, ease off briefly to regain traction and then reapply. The parking brake isn’t used first in an emergency, and simply stopping and waiting for help isn’t practical.