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• Offroad Driving Mistakes: Braking

We've tirelessly trawled YouTube for some of the worst crashes and biggest off-roading mistakes, caused by improper braking technique.

Range Rover Crash Downhill

What went wrong here? Well the driver had his foot on and off the brakes all the way down the hill. You should select a low range gear and use the engine to manage your decent. Avoid using the brakes and as with any off-road situation, walk it first - to establish the best route and spot potential hazards.

Try and pick as straight a route as possible to reduce the risk of rolling over on steep slopes. Keep your foot off the brakes, and if you absolutely must use them, and find your vehicle veering or skidding, remove your foot from the brake pedal - this will help regain traction as the wheels are able to move, increasing the effectiveness of the steering wheel and regaining control.

Here's another example, as soon as the driver brakes things go terribly wrong. Driving too fast for the conditions also played a major part:

Here's another example where the driver should have stuck it in 1st, low gear and eased the car down. Controlled forward momentum would have avoided any problems here. A real near miss:

Defender into Pipeline Support

What can we say? Always remember where your steering wheel is pointed! Put a piece of tape dead center if this helps you remember. This driver was lucky not to roll when navigating the bend at the beginning and finished with his wheels out of line.

Slip Across Ruts Downhill

You can see the exact moment the driver taps the brakes... nice gloves by the way.

Defender off Ledge

Always take things easily. A well known off-roading adage to follow says "go as slowly as possible and as fast as necessary". That's a great mantra to follow, always trying to keep a slow, steady speed rather than gunning it - unless you really have to. And if you do, then always know what's over the crest, round the corner, down that drop e.t.c

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