When driving a school bus with air brakes, when is stab braking recommended?

Stab braking is a technique used to stop a vehicle safely in emergency situations, particularly when driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes. This method involves applying the brakes fully for a brief moment and then releasing them. This process allows the wheels to regain traction and helps prevent wheel lockup, which can lead to loss of steering control.

When driving on dry surfaces, stab braking is recommended because the tires can maintain better grip on the road. The brief locking and releasing of the brakes helps manage the vehicle's stopping distance effectively while allowing the driver to maintain control. On dry surfaces, the likelihood of skidding is minimized, making stab braking a safer option in emergency braking situations.

In contrast, on wet or icy surfaces, the risk of skidding increases, so different braking techniques may be more appropriate to ensure control of the vehicle. Additionally, driving in heavy traffic often requires more nuanced braking strategies that consider the stopping distances of other vehicles, making stab braking less suitable in such an environment.