What happens if you lock your brakes when stopping suddenly?

Locking your brakes when stopping suddenly causes the wheels to stop turning completely, which results in a loss of traction. When this happens, the vehicle cannot steer or change direction effectively because the tires are not making contact with the road in a way that allows for control. Without steering control, the driver may only be able to slide in the direction the vehicle was going, which can increase the risk of an accident or collision.

Maintaining control of the vehicle while braking is essential for safe driving, especially in emergency situations. Techniques like pumping the brakes or using anti-lock braking systems, if available, can help maintain both braking power and steering control. This is crucial for navigating around obstacles that may appear suddenly on the road.