Which statement best describes braking to avoid wheel lock during heavy braking?

• A. Brake in a straight line.
• B. Turn the wheel while braking.
• C. Braking while coasting only.
• D. Use the parking brake during braking.

Answer: (A)

Brake in a straight line to avoid wheel lock during heavy braking. Keeping the vehicle straight helps the tires stay rolling and maximizes the friction between the tires and road, which gives you better control and a shorter stopping distance. Turning the wheel while you’re braking hard shifts weight and creates lateral forces that can cause tires to stop rotating or skid, making it much harder to steer. Braking while coasting isn’t using braking power effectively, so it increases stopping distance and reduces control. Using the parking brake during heavy braking can lock rear wheels and make steering unpredictable, which is dangerous in a heavy braking situation. If your vehicle has ABS, you can brake firmly and steer to avoid a hazard, but the general safety principle remains: stay straight while applying heavy braking to maintain control and prevent wheel lock.