subject: Stopping A Semi-truck In An Emergency [print this page] For the majority of people who have driven a vehicle of any kind, there has been a moment whereby you've had to brake unexpectedly, or had to take evasive action in order to prevent a collision. Doing so in a car that weights 1,500 kilograms isn't too much of a problem, but in something hundreds times heavier than that, it becomes much more of an issue. It is thus necessary in every country on the planet to undergo further training before you step into a vehicle any larger than your average car.
In almost every case, it is much safer to bring a vehicle to a stop, if there is room to do so, as opposed to taking evasive action. By taking evasive action, you may run into further problems after avoiding the first obstacle. This may also include actually tipping the vehicle up, especially if you are in something as large as a semi-truck. Tipping over such vehicles can be done far too easily, and no amount of training will prepare you for such an incident, and no amount of training will prevent the semi-truck from tipping over, once such a movement is in process. The general rule is therefore, if it is safe to do so, and you have the necessary space to do so, then attempt to bring the semi-truck to a complete halt by using the brakes - along with a few other methods that will assist in the braking.
The first step is of course to press down on the brake. This must be done firmly, and to ensure your foot is kept down. If you let your foot rise slightly, then the braking won't be as effective. However, with this said, you want to ensure that you do not put your foot straight to the floor, otherwise the semi-truck will most likely skid, and this will only add to the distance you'll travel once you have decided that braking is the option you're taking. Many of the newer trucks implement ABS, which prevents the wheels on the vehicle from locking when braking. Wheels that are still in motion, whilst simultaneously braking, increase the efficiency of the overall braking as control is maintained over the wheels themselves. By being inconsistent in your application of the brakes, reduces the effectiveness of this system, and it's something that you should get used to whilst undergoing your training for driving a semi-truck. A light and steady application of the brakes tends to work best on vehicles that implement an ABS system.
You should continue holding onto the steering wheel whilst in the midst of braking. The steering wheel should be held firmly, and with both hands. You shouldn't turn the steering wheel when braking, as this will also hinder the braking process. However, if at all possible, attempt to shift the transmission of the semi-truck down, as this will slow the vehicle quicker than if you were to leave it in the gear you were at.
Even when you've decided to brake, and not take evasive action, you shouldn't completely abandon the evasive action approach. Continue to assess the situation throughout the whole incident. If you deem that you're not going to brake in time, then you should have a second idea in mind. Usually this would mean evasive action, and as you've already initiated the braking process, the danger of tipping the semi-truck will already be greatly reduced. Be vigilant for possible areas to drive into that are free of any obstacles. If you have taken evasive action after initiating the braking process, then you will want to initiate the braking process again afterwards.
Bringing the vehicle to a complete stop is advisable, because you will be shaken up after such an incident, and driving onwards may not at all be a wise choice. However, you must ensure that the place you choose to stop is somewhere safe, as other vehicles surrounding you may be wholly unaware of the incident that has just unfolded.
