nødbremsing

Nødbremsing refers to the act of applying brakes with maximum force to stop a vehicle as quickly as possible in an emergency situation. This is typically done to avoid a collision or mitigate its severity. The term originates from the Danish word "nødbremse" which translates to "emergency brake."

In modern vehicles, nødbremsing often involves a system known as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. When ABS is active, the driver may feel pulsations in the brake pedal and hear grinding noises, which are normal indications that the system is working.

For vehicles without ABS, nødbremsing requires the driver to pump the brakes rapidly to avoid skidding. This technique, known as threshold braking, aims to keep the wheels rotating just short of locking up. However, it demands significant driver skill and is less effective than ABS.

The effectiveness of nødbremsing depends on various factors, including the vehicle's speed, the condition of the tires, the road surface (e.g., wet, dry, icy), and the driver's reaction time. Early detection of hazards and timely application of brakes are crucial for successful nødbremsing. In some cases, even with full braking force, a collision may be unavoidable, but nødbremsing can still significantly reduce the impact speed.