Final answer:
The first response when a foot brake pedal goes to the floor is to pump the brake pedal. Shifting to lower gear and cautiously applying the parking brake can also assist in stopping safely. Stopping without a involves understanding static and kinetic friction; easing off the brake pedal as the vehicle slows allows for a smooth transition to static friction for a gentle stop.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you apply the foot brake and the pedal goes to the floor, the first thing you should do is pump the brake pedal three or four times. This action can build up sufficient pressure in the braking system to allow for some braking power. However, if this does not work, shifting to a lower gear could help slow down the vehicle through engine braking, and applying the parking brake can provide an additional method to reduce speed, although it should be done cautiously to avoid locking the rear wheels which can lead to a skid.
When learning to drive, easing up on the brake pedal as you come to a stop prevents the vehicle from stopping with a. This is related to the concept of static and kinetic friction. Kinetic friction acts while the vehicle's wheels are in motion, but as the vehicle slows down, static friction becomes more significant. To achieve a smooth stop without the motion caused by suddenly locking the wheels (where static friction forces quickly overcome kinetic friction), the driver needs to reduce the braking force by letting up on the brake pedal gradually.