Control of the vehicle.

Braking

97: In normal circumstances. The safest way to brake is to do so early and lightly. Brake more firmly as you begin to stop. Ease the pressure off just before the vehicle comes to rest to avoid a jerky stop.

98: In an emergency. Brake immediately. Try to avoid braking so harshly that you lock your wheels. Locked wheels can lead to skidding.

99: Skids. Skidding is caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions. If skidding occurs, ease off the brake or accelerator and try to steer smoothly in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear of the vehicle skids to the right, steer quickly and smoothly to the right to recover.

Rear of car skids to the right	Driver steers to the right	Vehicle straightens

100: ABS. The presence of an anti-lock braking system should not cause you to alter the way you brake from that indicated in Rule 97. However in the case of an emergency, apply the footbrake rapidly and firmly; do not release the pressure until the vehicle has slowed to the desired speed. The ABS should ensure that steering control will be retained.

101: Brakes affected by water. If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal to make sure that they work. If they are not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.

102: Coasting. This term describes a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. Do not coast, whatever the driving conditions. It reduces driver control because

• engine braking is eliminated
• vehicle speed downhill will increase quickly
• increased use of the footbrake can reduce its effectiveness
• steering response will be affected particularly on bends and corners
• it may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed.

Speed limits

103: You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle (see the table below). Street lights usually mean that there is a 30 mph speed limit unless there are signs showing another limit.
Law RTRA sects 81,86,89 & sch 6

Speed Limits
		Built-up Areas*	Elsewhere		Motorways
			Single carriage - ways	Dual carriage - ways
Type of vehicle		MPH	MPH	MPH	MPH
Cars and motorcycles (including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight)		30	60	70	70
Cars towing caravans or trailers (including car derived vans and motorcycles)		30	50	60	60
Buses and coaches (not exceeding 12 metres in overall length)		30	50	60	70
Goods vehicles (not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight)		30	50	60	70+
Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight)		30	40	50	60
These are the national speed limits and apply to all roads unless signs show otherwise
* The 30 mph limit applies to all traffic on all roads in England and Wales (only Class C and unclassified roads in Scotland) with street lighting unless signs show otherwise)
+ 60 if articulated or towing a trailer

104: The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions can be dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when

• the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends
• sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists, particularly children, and motorcyclists
• weather conditions make it safer to do so
• driving at night as it is harder to see other road users.

Stopping distances

105: Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should

• leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance (see Typical Stopping Distances diagram below)
• allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying fast traffic. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads
• remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop.

Use a fixed point to help measure a two second gap

Typical Stopping Distances
20 MPH
	6 metres	6 metres	= 12 metres (40 feet) or 3 car lengths
30 MPH
	9 metres	14 metres	= 23 metres (75 feet) or 6 car lengths
40 MPH
	12 metres	24 metres	= 36 metres (120 feet) or 9 car lengths
50 MPH
	15 metres	38 metres	= 53 metres (175 feet) or 13 car lengths
60 MPH
	18 metres	55 metres	= 73 metres (240 feet) or 18 car lengths
70 MPH
	21 metres	75 metres	= 96 metres (315 feet) or 24 car lengths

Thinking Distance
Braking Distance
average car length = 4 metres