sitting at lights with foot on the brakes - why

happyc84

Hi
At a set of lights, just noticed I was the only driver using handbrake whilst every other driver was sitting with feet firmly on the brake pedal. Talking minutes not seconds here.

Am I wrong to rest my brakes and use the handbrake? Any other thoughts?

Strider590

Not really a big deal, for me it depends on the circumstances.

For example if i'm the last car in a long line of traffic, i'll sit on the brakes so that anyone coming up behind can see everyone has stopped.

DaveF327

Strider590 wrote: »

For example if i'm the last car in a long line of traffic, i'll sit on the brakes so that anyone coming up behind can see everyone has stopped.

That means you're using judgement. Unfortunately, the majority of our beloved nation's drivers don't know what judgement is; they just drive on autopilot where the only thing on their mind is the text message they're currently sending.

Negotiator

Some cars are automatic so its best to use brake.

martinthebandit

Why? I think it must be that none of them are as good a driver as you.

Rolandtheroadie

How do you know it was firmly on the brake pedal and not just covering it?

How do you know the cars behind you and those at the other side had theirs on too?

happyc84

martinthebandit wrote: »

Why? I think it must be that none of them are as good a driver as you.

not at all, was just thinking about the wear and tear on my brakes, and what is safest if hit from behind; handbrake or foot on pedal.

neilmcl

happyc84 wrote: »

not at all, was just thinking about the wear and tear on my brakes, and what is safest if hit from behind; handbrake or foot on pedal.

Handbrake would be safest. Also, in the dark nights ahead I find it quite selfish for others drivers to sit in stationary traffic with their foot on the brakes blinding the driver sitting behind.

skivenov

Negotiator wrote: »

Some cars are automatic so its best to use brake.

Handbrake will hold an auto in place even if it's in drive. If you're going to be a while, knock it in N.

That said, I tend to sit at the lights with the footbrake on, but then I've driven so many cars with naff handbrakes, it's an ingrained habit :shhh:

happyc84

Strider590 wrote: »

Not really a big deal, for me it depends on the circumstances.

For example if i'm the last car in a long line of traffic, i'll sit on the brakes so that anyone coming up behind can see everyone has stopped.

I agree with the last car having extra lights on, if I'm the last car in queue country road and I can see that behind me there is a bend, i put my hazards on as well.

happyc84

neilmcl wrote: »

Handbrake would be safest. Also, in the dark nights ahead I find it quite selfish for others drivers to sit in stationary traffic with their foot on the brakes blinding the driver sitting behind.

my point, better explanation than i could.