TM 9-2320-269-10
DRIVING - CONTINUED
Using Your Brakes - Continued
2.
Stopping quickly from high speed may cause your vehicle to skid. If you must stop quickly, fully apply the
brake pedal, releasing it, and reapplying your brakes, in a pumping action. Pumping the pedal gives the tires
better traction as the vehicle slows down.
3.
Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. A safe rule for following another vehicle is to
allow 20 feet (6 meters) for each 10 miles per hour of speed you are traveling.
Speed
1.
Watch your speed and observe posted speed limits.
a.
Speed kills, so drive using common sense. In a moment of danger, while driving at high speed you have
no control, nor any real time to think of how to avoid, evade, or stop your vehicle in the time necessary
to prevent an accident.
b.
The following factors can affect your stopping.
(1) Type and condition of the road surface.
(2) Ice, snow, rain, leaves, or mud on the road.
2. Existing conditions are constantly changing as you drive. One minute you are in a rolling country area, and
next you're in a small roadside community. A few moments later you're passing through a school zone.
3. NOTHING is more important to safe driving than careful control of your speed. By doing so you are also
conserving fuel and wear and tear of your vehicle.
Operate Your Vehicle Safely
1.
Always signal your Intentions when you are going to make a turn, move from straight line of travel, or slow
down. Use the vehicle controls.
2.
Govern the overall operation of your vehicle by paying attention and doing what the road regulatory or warning
signs are telling you.
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