Hard braking explained: why it happens and how to reduce it

In Road Rank, a hard-braking event costs 4 points, the biggest single deduction. It is also the one most within your control.

What counts as hard braking

Hard braking is a sharp, sudden drop in speed. Your phone’s sensors pick up the strong deceleration, and Road Rank logs an event. A gentle slow-down for a red light does not count. A late stop for a light that turned amber does.

Why it happens

• Following too closely. A short gap leaves no time to ease off.
• Looking too close. If you only watch the car in front, you react late. Looking several cars ahead gives you warning.
• Misjudging junctions and lights. Arriving faster than you realise.
• Distraction. Looking away, even briefly, and then reacting late. Never use your phone while driving.
• Other drivers. Sometimes a cut-in forces a hard stop, and that is not always your fault.

Habits that cut hard braking

1. Leave more space. Use a gap of at least three seconds in good conditions and more in rain.
2. Look further ahead. Check brake lights, junctions and traffic well beyond the car in front.
3. Lift off early. When you see a reason to slow, take your foot off the accelerator and let the car slow before you touch the brake.
4. Brake progressively. Start gently, add pressure, then ease off as you stop.
5. Match your speed to the road. Slow down for bends, junctions and busy areas before you arrive.

Look at the pattern, not one drive

One hard stop in heavy traffic is normal. If your breakdown shows several events on every commute, look for the spot where they happen and try a bigger gap or an earlier lift-off there.

Not a safety rating

Road Rank’s score is an estimate based on phone GPS and motion. Use it as feedback, and always drive according to the conditions.