How to Perform an Emergency Stop in a Car

Press the brake pedal as hard as you can with your right foot, keep your eyes up, and steer straight; in vehicles with ABS, maintain firm pressure and steer around hazards, while in cars without ABS, brake to the point just before the wheels lock (release and reapply if they do). Emergency braking is about maximizing deceleration while keeping control—what you do in the first second determines how quickly and safely you stop.

The essentials: what to do immediately

The following step-by-step sequence applies to most cars in a sudden “stop now” situation, whether from a hazard ahead or a collision risk. It prioritizes maximum braking force and maintaining directional control.

1. Look where you want to go: lift your eyes, scan for escape space, and aim your steering there.
2. Stomp the brake pedal hard with your right foot; modern cars activate brake assist and ABS automatically.
3. Keep the steering wheel straight unless you must steer around a hazard; steer smoothly, not abruptly.
4. For manuals: keep braking hard and press the clutch just before the engine stalls; if that distracts you, press it earlier.
5. Expect rapid pulsing and noise from the pedal if ABS engages—this is normal; do not let up.
6. Maintain firm pressure until the vehicle stops or you have safely avoided the hazard; then secure the scene.

These fundamentals maximize tire grip, let ABS do its job (if fitted), and keep the car controllable so you can stop as short as conditions allow.

Technique differences: ABS vs. non-ABS

Most cars built in the last decade have ABS (anti-lock braking system), which prevents wheel lockup and allows you to steer while braking. Older cars or cars with a failed ABS sensor require a different feel to avoid locking the wheels.

• With ABS: “Stomp, stay, steer.” Apply maximum, steady pressure; do not pump the brakes. Steer around obstacles while keeping the pedal down. Pedal vibration and grinding noise are normal.
• Without ABS: Use threshold braking. Press hard until just before the wheels lock; if a wheel locks (you’ll feel a skid and hear screeching), slightly release to regain rotation, then reapply—this is cadence braking. Keep the car straight while adjusting pressure.
• On loose gravel, snow, or ice: ABS may lengthen stopping distance compared with a controlled lockup, but it preserves steering control—still use firm, steady pressure and steer where you want to go.

Knowing whether your car has ABS (check your dash for an ABS light at startup or your manual) helps you choose between steady maximum pressure and threshold/cadence braking.

Transmission and EV specifics

Manual transmissions

Manual drivers must manage the clutch without compromising braking force. These points keep your stop short and the car controllable.

• Brake first, clutch second: keep braking hard and press the clutch just before the engine would stall (low RPM), preserving engine braking early in the stop.
• If coordinating clutch timing distracts you, press the clutch immediately and focus on maximum braking and steering control.
• Do not downshift through gears during the emergency stop; it wastes time and doesn’t shorten stopping distance compared with firm pedal braking.

Prioritizing brake pressure over gear changes ensures the tires, not the drivetrain, do the stopping.

Automatics and hybrids/EVs

Automatics and electric cars simplify the emergency stop—electronics handle the powertrain as you brake. Keep these considerations in mind.

• Use your right foot to press the brake fully; do not shift to Neutral or Park mid-stop. Many cars have brake-throttle override that cuts engine power when you’re braking.
• In EVs and hybrids, regenerative braking is not enough in an emergency—press the brake pedal firmly to engage the friction brakes and ABS; the system will blend regen automatically.
• One-pedal driving modes: in a true emergency, go straight to the brake pedal for maximum deceleration and stability control support.

Let the vehicle’s systems assist you—your job is full, firm braking and smooth steering until stopped.

Aim, space, and steering: avoiding the crash

Braking hard is only half the task; you must also manage where the car is going. These steering and space tips help you miss hazards while stopping as quickly as possible.

• Eyes lead hands: look at the escape route, not the hazard; your hands will follow your gaze.
• Steer smoothly while braking—ABS allows you to turn; abrupt jerks can exceed tire grip.
• Use the shoulder or open lane if it’s the only clear path; avoid swerving into oncoming traffic.
• Do not rely solely on mirrors during the stop; focus ahead. Check mirrors once deceleration is underway if you must choose between lanes.

Combining firm braking with deliberate, smooth steering maximizes your chance of both stopping and avoiding impact.

What to do after you’ve stopped

Once the vehicle is under control and stopped, you must secure the scene and assess the situation to protect yourself and others.

• Keep the brake applied until you’ve assessed your surroundings; then set the parking brake and shift to Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual).
• Activate hazard lights to alert other drivers; use them while stationary, and if local law allows, when moving abnormally slowly after an emergency.
• If you’re blocking a live lane and it’s safe to move, pull to a safe shoulder or refuge area.
• Check for injuries and vehicle damage; call emergency services if needed.

Stabilizing the vehicle and making yourself visible reduces the risk of secondary collisions.

Common mistakes to avoid

In emergencies, small errors can add distance or cost control. Avoid these frequent pitfalls.

• Pumping the brakes in an ABS-equipped car—this defeats ABS and lengthens stopping distance.
• Over- or under-steering while braking hard—smooth inputs maintain grip.
• Yanking the parking brake at speed—this can lock rear wheels and spin the car; use only if hydraulic brakes fail, and apply gradually.
• Looking at the hazard instead of the escape path—target fixation pulls you toward what you fear.
• Taking a hand off the wheel to shift or signal mid-stop—brake and steer first; everything else can wait.

Eliminating these errors helps the tires deliver maximum, controllable grip when it matters most.

Surface conditions and stopping distance

Grip depends on the road and your tires. Understanding how conditions alter stopping distance helps you set expectations and choose safer speeds.

• Dry pavement with good tires: a modern car can stop from 60 mph in roughly 120–140 feet; heavier vehicles and SUVs often take longer.
• Wet roads: expect stopping distances to roughly double; gentle steering is even more critical.
• Snow/ice: distances can multiply several times; ABS preserves steering but cannot create grip—slow down early.
• Gravel/sand: ABS may lengthen pure stopping distance but helps you steer; keep pressure steady and aim for firm ground.
• Tires and load: worn tires, underinflation, and heavy cargo increase stopping distance significantly.

Adjusting speed for conditions and keeping tires healthy are the best ways to reduce the distance you’ll need in an emergency.

Advanced driver aids: helpful, not a substitute

Modern cars often include safety tech that can assist in emergencies, but you still need correct technique.

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) can apply the brakes if it senses an imminent collision, especially at city speeds, but it may not catch every scenario.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps keep the car stable during hard braking and steering but cannot overcome excessive speed for conditions.
• Forward Collision Warning and lane systems can buy time—stay alert and be prepared to brake hard yourself.

Driver attention and proper emergency braking technique remain essential even with advanced assistance systems.

If your brakes fail

True brake failures are rare, but if the pedal sinks or braking is severely reduced, use these steps to slow the vehicle safely.

• Pump the brake pedal rapidly to build pressure if the pedal is soft.
• Downshift (manual) or select a lower gear (automatic with manual mode) to use engine braking.
• Apply the parking brake gradually, not abruptly, to avoid a rear-wheel lockup.
• Use hazards and horn; steer to the shoulder, uphill grade, or soft runoff if available.

Progressively combining engine braking, gentle parking brake, and safe positioning can bring the car to a stop with minimal control loss.

Practice and preparation

Practicing the technique in a controlled environment builds the muscle memory you’ll need under stress.

• Review your owner’s manual for ABS status and emergency procedures specific to your model.
• Practice one or two firm ABS stops in a safe, empty lot to feel pedal pulsing and vehicle behavior.
• Maintain tires, brakes, and shocks; good hardware shortens stops and improves stability.
• Secure cargo; loose items can become projectiles under hard deceleration.

Familiarity with your car’s feel and systems, plus good maintenance, is the best preparation for a real emergency.

Summary

In an emergency, look where you want to go, press the brake pedal as hard as possible with your right foot, and steer smoothly—maintaining steady pressure if you have ABS and using threshold/cadence braking if you don’t. Prioritize braking and control over gear changes, expect ABS pulsing, and keep inputs smooth. After stopping, secure the vehicle and make yourself visible. Practice in a safe area so the right actions are automatic when seconds count.

Do you need to put your e-brake on every time you park?

Engaging the parking brake every time you park helps ensure your vehicle stays securely in place – even on flat surfaces. This extra layer of protection can be especially valuable if your parked vehicle is struck by another car, helping prevent unwanted movement.

How to do emergency brake on automatic car?

To use the parking brake in an automatic car, first, bring the car to a complete stop with the foot brake. Then, engage the parking brake by pulling the lever, pressing the button, or pushing the pedal. Next, shift the transmission to “Park”. For the most secure parking, keep your foot on the brake pedal, then engage the parking brake, and then shift into Park before releasing the foot brake.
 
Traditional Parking Brake (Lever or Pedal)
This type of parking brake is common in older vehicles and is found between the front seats or to the left of the driver’s foot.
 

1. Stop: Apply the standard foot brake to bring the car to a complete stop. 
2. Engage: Pull up on the handbrake lever or push down on the foot pedal to engage the brake. You’ll hear a slight click or feel resistance when it engages. 
3. Shift to Park: While holding the foot brake, shift the gear selector to the “P” (Park) position. 
4. Secure: Release the foot brake. The car’s weight will now be held by the parking brake, not the transmission’s parking pawl. 

Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
Many modern cars have an electric parking brake, operated by a button or switch.
 

1. Stop: Bring the car to a stop using the foot brake. 
2. Engage: Press or pull the button or switch to activate the EPB. A light on the dashboard will illuminate to indicate it’s engaged. 
3. Shift to Park: With the EPB engaged, shift the gear selector to “P”. 
4. Release foot brake: You can now release the foot brake. The EPB will securely hold the vehicle. 

Why the Order Matters
Engaging the parking brake before shifting to Park ensures the car’s weight is supported by the parking brake instead of the transmission’s parking pawl. This prevents excessive strain on the transmission components, which can prevent costly repairs and make it easier to shift out of Park later. 
This video demonstrates how to use an electronic parking brake: 55sHelpful DIYYouTube · Jun 18, 2018

How to do emergency braking in a car?

And brake down at the same time over that amount of distance. And taking out that much speed you will stop considerably. Further down the motorway.

How to use an emergency brake in a car?

To use a car’s emergency (parking) brake, first bring the car to a complete stop, then apply the brake by pulling the handbrake lever, pressing the pedal, or pressing the electronic button. For the lever-type brake, you must press the release button on the lever’s end to disengage it. For the pedal-type, you press it down with your foot until it clicks. For electronic brakes, simply press the button. 
Engaging the parking brake

1. Ensure the car is stopped: Bring the vehicle to a complete stop before applying the parking brake. 
2. Apply the brake: 
   • Handbrake lever: Pull the lever up, making sure to press the release button on its end. 
   • Foot pedal: Press down on the small pedal on the floor to the left of the other pedals. 
   • Electronic brake: Press the button on the center console. 
3. Secure the car: After engaging the brake, shift into “Park” for an automatic or into gear for a manual transmission. 

Disengaging the parking brake 

1. Press the main brake pedal: With your foot on the main brake pedal, start the car and shift into gear (Drive or Reverse). 
2. Release the brake: 
   • Handbrake lever: Press the button on the end of the lever and lower it. 
   • Foot pedal: Press down slightly on the pedal, which will cause the lever above it to release. 
   • Electronic brake: Press the “P” button on the console. 
3. Confirm the brake is off: Check the dashboard to ensure the parking brake light is no longer illuminated. 
4. Drive away: Slowly release the brake pedal and press the accelerator to move forward. 

Important Considerations

• Consult your owner’s manual: Opens in new tabThe exact placement and operation of your parking brake can vary, so always refer to your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions. 
• Engage before parking: Opens in new tabFor automatic cars, engage the emergency brake before shifting into Park to prevent wear on the transmission. 
• Never drive with the brake on: Opens in new tabDriving with the parking brake engaged can cause the brakes to overheat, reduce fuel economy, and lead to damage to the brake system.