Geared to Go A Workbook for Coaching New Drivers

11Exercise 11 deals with some common driving emergencies that can happen at any time. The learnerneeds to know how to react and handle these problems properly. However, it is not recommended thatthese situations be created for teaching or demonstration during the coach and the new driver’s practicesessions, because of the danger or damage that could result. Each situation should be discussed until thelearner knows what to do and how to handle it safely. The following sets of instructions will help the newdriver understand how to manage the vehicle in these situations.Review and discuss the information in the following sections. Review each section at home or in thelegally parked vehicle and then practise the required skills.Brake failureMost modern vehicles have dual braking systems that protect against total brake failure. A warninglight on the vehicle’s dashboard should light up to warn of any problem before a brake failure occurs.To determine if the vehicle has this warning system, refer to the operator’s manual or ask at the localdealership.Discuss with the learner how a brake failure situation should be handled.• Find a safe place to park the vehicle immediately if the brake warning light comes on.• Do not drive the vehicle until the brakes have been checked or repaired by a qualified mechanic.When total brake failure occurs, the brake pedal is pressed and nothing happens or it falls to the floor.If this happens do the following.• Shift down to a lower gear immediately (even with an automatic transmission) so the vehicle beginsto slow.• Apply the park brake.• Bring the vehicle to a safe stop.• Do not drive the vehicle until the brakes are repaired.There is another type of brake failure that can occur and is unique to power braking systems. It occurswhen the vehicle’s engine stalls and no power is being produced to assist in braking. With this type ofbrake failure, the brake pedal is pushed down with normal force, but the vehicle does not slow down. Ifthis happens, do the following.• Do not panic. Push harder on the pedal – the brakes will still work.• Apply hard, continuous pressure to the brake pedal and the vehicle will begin to slow down. If thevehicle is equipped with ABS, hard steady pressure is all that is needed.• If the wheels lock because of the hard brake pressure, release the pedal for a second and brake againusing a little less pressure on the pedal.86