Is it necessary to tap the brake when meeting another vehicle?
2 Answers
It is necessary to tap the brake when meeting another vehicle. The 7 key points for braking in Subject 3 (passing through straight intersections, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, school zones, left and right turns, U-turns, and meeting vehicles) include meeting another vehicle. Below are the precautions for meeting another vehicle in Subject 3: Observe the surroundings before meeting: When approaching the operation of meeting another vehicle, the student needs to observe the surroundings, mainly focusing on oncoming vehicles, as well as the traffic and pedestrians on both sides, to ensure there is space to react in case of an emergency. Control the speed when meeting: When the system voice issues the instruction to meet another vehicle, the student must control the speed. Normally, braking is required to slow down, keeping the test vehicle's speed at 30 km/h. If the speed is too fast, it may result in a failure, and it would be difficult to avoid emergencies with oncoming vehicles. Maintain a lateral distance during the meeting: During the process of meeting another vehicle, it is essential to maintain a safe lateral distance. The lateral distance between the oncoming vehicle and your own vehicle should be relatively wide. Normally, while decelerating, gently steer the wheel to the right to keep the vehicle driving on the right side. Note that this is just driving on the right side, not changing lanes to the right. Maintaining a proper distance will ensure passing the meeting vehicle project smoothly.
After driving for so many years, I've experienced countless instances of oncoming traffic. Lightly tapping the brakes isn't always necessary—it's mainly used in specific situations to control speed or prevent accidents. For example, when passing on a narrow road or when facing large vehicles, a gentle tap can adjust your car's position and reduce the risk of sudden deceleration. I remember once on a mountain road, I forgot to tap the brakes and nearly sideswiped an oncoming car—since then, I've been extra careful. Of course, if the road is wide with light traffic, simply easing off the accelerator to slow down naturally is enough. The key is to assess the road conditions: tapping the brakes is safer in poor visibility like rain or at night; otherwise, maintain a steady speed to avoid instability from frequent braking, which could actually increase risks. The most important rule during oncoming traffic is to stay right and stay focused on changes ahead.
