Brake Failure Emergencies
What to do if your brakes fail...
The juxtaposition, as it pertains to an automobile's brake failure, and a commercial truck's brake failure is quite germane. Also relevant is the professionalism of the driver behind the wheel. The one more adept at brake failure situations, would undoubtedly be the one with commercial driving experience.
What is extremely important before the moments of a failed brake episode, is the moments before you set foot in your vehicle. Unlike the average automobile owner, the commercial truck driver, by law, must perform a daily pre-trip/post-trip inspection. Some of his training in certified schools details preventive maintenance, and keen insights in the recognition of potential mechanical problems. The automobile owner is not required to execute such procedures. But for you and your family's own personal safety, it would be wise to walk around the vehicle and do a quick check while the engine is warming up. Brake lines(attached under the car body); wheel cylinders(on each wheel);, and other brake system related valves may leak, and subquently fail. Pay particular attention to pools of suspect fluid on the ground, or on the inside surfaces of each tire. Any leakage could be signs of pending failure. All drivers would be better served if they would only acquire some familiarization with the vehicle driven.
Brake failures will happen irregardless of the number of time you inspect your vehicle. Parts, both new and/or used, will fail at one time or another. If brake failure becomes your new reality, knowing what to do in an instance is critical. One good practice, which is thoroughly covered in commercial driving schools, is to be constantly aware of your surroundings.Recognize road conditions well ahead so you are not forced into severe, immediate braking applications. If there was a brake failure you wouldn't have the necessary distant and time to stop, especially at high speed or following to close. When you have that time and distance from maintaining your down the road recognition, utilizing your emergency brake becomes very practical.
Emergency brakes are specific to the car manufacturer. Some brakes are released by the pull of a handle, which is located under the left side of the dashboard. When using this type to stop your vehicle, pull and hold the handle while applying only adequate foot pressure to the small peddle by your left foot. Holding the release handle out as you step on emergency brake keeps the brakes from setting. Another type of emergency brake system you can control while driving is the one using the peddle to both set and release the emergency brake. In this case apply soft, gradual pressure with enough pressure to show signs of stopping. You don't want to lock up this type of emergency brake while driving. For the owners of bucket seat automobiles with emergency brake arms between the seats, you have the ideal arrangement. Simply press the button at the end of the arm while pulling up, applying just enough upward pressure for slowing the vehicle.
Down hill brake failures present a different problem. Truck drivers use different tactics for this situation. Many mountain roads use runaway ramps where trucks barrel out of control and brakeless, to stop them in emergencies. The ramp is constructed of sand and gravel, and built at a gradual elevation to enhance vehicle stoppage. Automobiles should use these same ramps with caution when the need arises. Anther tactic for automobiles would be to use the mountain side. Gradually steering your vehicle toward the mountain to side-swipe it will eventually stop you by use of friction against the mountain wall. Remember the automobile can be replaced. The same applies to guard rails. Just steer along the sides of the rail until the actual force of friction stops you. Don't forget the corn fields, brushy fields, or any safe weedy environment. All of these manuevers can be attributed to your earlier recognition of the roadways ahead and around you.
Brake failures in automobiles result in a complete loss of stopping when fluids are leaked out under foot to pedal pressure. The only alternative is your efforts to cooridinate a simultaneous maneuver of reacting and emergency braking.The brake systems of trucks are quite different in that a device called 'spring brakes' stops the truck when air pressure is lost through broken air lines. This type of brake system uses air pressure to collapse a powerful spring, allowing the brakes to release. Whe there is a sudden loss of air pressure the spring expands to engage the brakes for emergency stopping.
Failures will continue to happen. What we must do as vehicular operators to minimize the danger is: Repair and Maintain your vehicle; Get into the habit of Pre-Inspecting Your Vehicle Regularly; Pay Less Attention To Your Cell Phone and Make-Up While Driving. Having done that, you are then able to recognize your distance and immediate surroundings.
Surprises minimize your reaction time. Don't let one split second take your entire life...
