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First rate motorists are always watchful of the roadway before them, allowing their abilities to be ready for any probably danger in the way of their progress, and reacting before heavy braking is needed. Still, even the best drivers can hit the unexpected, so understanding how to maintain control of your vehicle when you brake helps you stop carefully and stay in control.

One aspect of import when braking is to try to maintain a straight line. If you weave or corner during a braking situation the rear end of the car will be lighter than the front. This can make a situation of skidding or spinning. At the very least your tyres will have more demand on them, affecting their grip and your control of the situation.

If there is ever a need to use heavy brakes when you go around a curve, you should apply the brakes gently and progressively allowing the transfer of weight to be less on the front and control to remain in your hands.

Most modern cars now have an anti lock braking system, know as ABS, fitted as standard and whilst it can greatly improve the control and stability of your car under heavy braking, especially when cornering, it does still have its limitations.

The ABS system has a detection segment for when the wheels actually lock. The brakes will release. This release is short, but it helps keep the wheels from locking up. The system repeats this hundreds of times a second to ensure the wheels do not lock. It is a faster option than what a regular driver can handle.

With ABS ensuring the wheels are still turning, and not locked up, during heavy braking, steering control is still fully maintained, the tyres continue to grip effectively, and you can steer around and safely avoid any potential hazard.

A driver can feel when the ABS kicks in because there is a gentle pulsing in the brake pedal or a grinding sound. When you hear these sounds or feel the pedal pulse you should not remove your foot from the brake. Instead continue with your braking, allowing the vehicle to stop in a short distance while using the ABS.

There is no doubt about the effectiveness of ABS for making heavy or emergency braking as safe and as controlled as possible. However it cannot defy the laws of physics so if you are driving too fast on slippery roads it may not prevent an accident.

If need to brake harshly then, if possible, you should warn the other drivers behind you by switching on your indicator bulbs. It is also worth considering carrying a spare bulbs kit in your vehicle so that if, for example, a tail light bulb has blown it can been changed quickly and easily.