What is a critical aspect of stab braking?

Stab braking is a specific technique used to maintain control of a vehicle, especially in slippery conditions. The critical aspect of this method involves the practice of intermittently locking and releasing the brakes. This technique helps to prevent the wheels from completely locking up, which could lead to a loss of steering control.

By applying the brakes firmly until just before a lock-up occurs, the driver can then release them slightly to allow the wheels to begin turning again. This process is repeated, allowing for better traction and control while reducing the risk of skidding. This is particularly important for drivers of large vehicles like school buses, where maintaining control is essential for safety.

In contrast, using the emergency brake is not appropriate for regular driving situations, as it is intended for specific emergencies. Braking smoothly refers to a different technique that doesn’t apply to emergency situations where stab braking is needed. Finally, braking with minimal force may not suffice in situations requiring immediate stopping power, which stab braking effectively employs by maximizing brake traction without losing control.