Should You Tap the Brake When Going Straight at an Intersection?
2 Answers
Yes. For example, when approaching an intersection ahead, follow the traffic signals if present; if there are no signals, adhere to safety principles. In both cases, it's essential to tap the brake in advance to slow down, then proceed when the light turns green or after confirming it's safe. For left or right turns, or where gear requirements vary by region, tapping the brake to reduce speed before entering the curve is always correct. Additional Information: When passing through uncontrolled intersections or those with heavy traffic, follow the principle of 'slow down, look around, and proceed cautiously,' obeying the right-of-way rules to yield to vehicles with priority. On a one-way three-lane road, merge into the middle lane in advance; on a one-way two-lane road, merge into the right lane ahead of time and reduce your speed.
As a seasoned driver who has traveled countless kilometers, I always insist on lightly tapping the brakes when going straight through an intersection. Don't get me wrong, it's not a sudden stop, just a gentle press on the brake pedal. Intersections are unpredictable—for example, when the light is green, a pedestrian or an e-bike might suddenly dart out. A light brake tap can slow your speed just a bit, giving you extra reaction time. I remember last year in a downtown intersection; if not for my habit of tapping the brakes, I might have hit a young man running across the street. Since adopting this habit, I've felt the safety it brings, especially in heavy traffic or slippery conditions like rain or snow. Light braking doesn’t waste time—it actually reduces the chance of accidents. In short, safety comes first when driving; a little extra caution means a lot less risk.
