To use the handbrake ?

[PapitoSpice]

Inspired by another thread but without wishing to hijack it, do you (or did you) use your handbrake parking and at traffic lights?

(Admittedly with modern cars and auto-hold, this has become less of a thing).

I was taught to use the handbrake when parking and at traffic lights, if I was going to be longer then, I don’t know, say 30 seconds. It’s ingrained so I do it on the flat as well as on hills.

DH and his family (who are from East Anglia - not sure if it’s linked to the topography) don’t do it.

AIBU to regularly use the handbrake?

what you should do is ensure you have left a sufficient gap between you and the person in front so that if they do roll back, they have time to correct it before they hit you.

I always use my handbrake. Although my main car is auto hold, but if I drive the other car it's manual.

@SavBlancTonight yes too many people stop close up your backside. No room for error then! My driving instructor used to say make sure you can see tyres and tarmac in front of you. I only passed 18 months ago so it's in my head quite often when I drive!

I do. Not always.

YABU for asking this question.

@SavBlancTonight well since I've never actually been hit by someone rolling backwards I evidently don't stop too close... still makes me nervous. 🤷‍♀️

Your husband, and his family, don't put the handbrake on when parked?

I'm from East Anglia, that's not an East Anglia thing 🙄. Can you tell us where you live so we can avoid them please?

Yes - almost always.

I use handbrake if I think I'll be stopped for more than a few seconds so I can rest my feet. I have to stretch a bit for clutch so holding position gets uncomfortable quickly

If I feel i'm going to been sitting for awhile then I would use the hand brake, to save sitting on the brake/clutch

I usually do, If I think I'm going to be stuck for a while, but if it's constant stop-start, I won't. I'm more likely to use the handbrake at night, because of the glare (mentioned by others already).

@Affit She's not. I don't know what it's like now but someone from Florence told me exactly the same thing about 30 years ago.

I was taught the same rules about using the handbrake as you, but I don't unless I'm stopped on a hill for a while. I always put it on when parked but every time I do I think about what my friend in Florence told me!

As fishingfor pointed out, it is illegal not to keep your foot on the football at traffic lights as soon as another vehicle pulls up behind you.

In the Highway Code "should" is an advisory instruction, not a law

If a stop becomes a wait, put your had upon the brake!

Hand* ffs

Yes. I have really sensitive eyes and the bright leds of brake lights set off migraines so even in an auto I use the handbrake - auto hold often keeps brake lights on.

That’s a defensive driving course thing as well. That way you can always get out of trouble.

it obviously has to go out the window if people need to squash up to avoid backing up onto junctions etc

@Yogibearspicnic

Rule 114You MUST NOT

• use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders

The law backing this is:

RVLR Reg 27.

I live in Norfolk and learned to drive here. I was taught to always use my handbrake when stopping for any period of time beyond a pause and wouldn't dream of not putting it on when parked.

I'm always mindful of only having my foot on the brake long enough to ensure the car following knows I have stopped and then I remove my foot so as not to dazzle.

I was taught to, so that is another car behind you doesn't stop, and hits you, you are less likely to be sent into the path of the cars crossing the junction.
Think about that every time, and always do it.

Yes, always. But I learnt to drive somewhere very hilly.