You might think that the first time you get behind the wheel, the most important thing is making that car move. And while that is an important part or learning how to drive, learning all about braking is undoubtedly the most important part of learning how to drive. While driver instruction in the U.S. teaches you how to be adequate on the road, to be truly safe, you need to learn how a car acts in uncomfortable situations. That’s where Street Survival comes in.
Street Survival is an initiative of the BMW CCA Foundation and Tire Rack. It provides expanded training meant to make the next generation of drivers confident behind the wheel in all situations. Classes occur around the country, all year long. Check out the schedule here. Nothing local and interested in requesting a class? Click here.
So why is braking so important? For most new drivers, a car is far different from anything they’ve ever operated. It’s heavier, faster, and more dangerous. All three of those aspects contribute to the possibility of an accident.
“We do a lot of braking exercises because the majority of first incidents that students have, involve rear ending someone or something,” says Bill Wade, Street Survival’s program director. “They often don’t understand how hard they have to brake to stop the vehicle, and that speed and weight matters.”
That’s an especially important factor now, with cars getting heavier and faster than ever. While braking technology has only gotten better over time, weight is a real consideration. A 5000 lb family SUV hitting a car in front at 20 mph could have dire consequences.
Street Survival does their courses in large open areas, essentially a safety-focused autocross. That allows drivers to learn their cars safely and perform exercises, like a threshold brake. This is when the driver accelerates to about 40 mph and then stands on the brakes. This will show what the car is capable of in an emergency situation but also gives an added benefit, a chance to experience the cars anti-lock brakes.
“Most have never felt ABS engage,” says Wade. “When they experience that for the first time, they often think something is wrong and can take their foot off the brake pedal. We try to teach them to not give up on steering even when at threshold braking. We say ABS can also stand for Ability to Brake and Steer.”
Now, when I learned to drive on the road, I didn’t have the instructor in the Toyota Matrix teaching me about threshold braking and the nuances of ABS. I went to Street Survival for that. And I’m thankful I did.
