What should you do first in an emergency situation if you have ABS brakes?

In an emergency situation when equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) brakes, the first step should be to firmly press down on the brakes. This is because ABS is designed to help prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, which allows you to maintain steering control while slowing down. When you stomp on the brakes, the ABS will automatically modulate the brake pressure, preventing skidding and helping you avoid an obstacle.

Understanding the functionality of ABS is crucial; it works best when you apply steady pressure to the brakes. This system will often produce a pulsing sensation under your foot when it is actively working, which is normal and should not be confused with brake failure. In an emergency, it's essential to remember that maintaining control of the vehicle is critical, and using the brakes effectively is key to ensuring safety.

Other strategies, such as steering away from the vehicle or looking for an open area, may be relevant in different contexts, but they do not address the immediate and necessary action of using the brakes properly in a situation where stopping quickly is required.