Release the Handbrake First or Shift Gear First?
2 Answers
For manual transmission cars, shift into gear first and then release the handbrake. Below are some driving precautions: 1. Slow down and observe when turning: Develop the habit of slowing down significantly when making turns (especially when intersecting with bicycle lanes or pedestrian walkways). Carefully observe conditions in bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways, then proceed slowly. This applies to both urban and rural driving. Proactively yield to electric bikes in bicycle lanes and pedestrians on sidewalks. When making right turns in urban areas, yield to pedestrians and electric bikes crossing at crosswalks, and only proceed slowly after confirming no potential hazards. 2. Slow down and look both ways at intersections: Cultivate the habit of looking left and right (while slowing down) when approaching intersections, regardless of traffic light status or whether your lane has a green light. Observe traffic conditions on crossing roads, only accelerating through the intersection after confirming no vehicles are running red lights (while remaining vigilant for electric bikes which can be easily overlooked due to their small size).
I remember when I was learning to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized: engage the gear before releasing the handbrake when starting. I used to wonder why it was so important until I drove a manual transmission car myself. Once, I released the handbrake too early on a slope, and the car rolled backward, nearly hitting a wall. Since then, I’ve developed a habit: whether driving manual or automatic, I start the engine first, press the clutch (engage first or reverse gear for manual, shift to D for automatic), let the engine build power, and then release the handbrake. This prevents rolling risks, especially on rainy days or slopes—saving me more than once in my ten years of driving. When parking, don’t forget the reverse order: engage the handbrake before shifting to neutral or P to protect the transmission. Safe driving starts with small details—honing habits means fewer worries on the road.
