I believe that the idea came from a racing driver, who was commissioned to write a manual for police drivers in the mid-Thirties. That was refined into the Roadcraft textbook, which was recently updated yet still applies the relatively dogmatic "brakes to slow, gears to go" maxim. This simply states that, on approach to any hazard, speed should be lost by applying the brakes before the correct gear is established. This gear, when selected with thought and application, is then used to negotiate the hazard and also to accelerate away from it.

I do not endorse this technique merely because it was established more than 65 years ago, nor because it is used by police drivers, for whom I have the utmost respect. I use and recommend it because it works, the same reason why the Department of Transport adopted it for novice drivers and why the police and advanced driving organisations have used it for many years.

Nobody ever suggested that "brakes to slow, gears to go" was the top priority in achieving a smooth, safe drive. It is just one of hundreds of elements that need a fresh approach and new understanding when improving your driving. As you rightly say, you have to want to do it.

Many readers ask why one should use the brakes to slow, rather than changing gear. The main reason is that the brakes operate on all four wheels, which enhances stability, while changing gear only affects the driven wheels. It is also easier for a driver, who is bombarded with information every second, to press the brake pedal rather than operating both the gearlever and clutch - and allows him to fine-tune the speed reduction required, according to circumstances.

Changing gear, while it does reduce speed, tends to be less smooth than sensitive application of the brakes. And braking means that drive is retained, which enhances control and can prevent the wheels locking in an emergency in cars without ABS assistance.

Some of these elements might not have great significance in isolation, yet together they make great sense and assist driver efficiency, leading to improved safety.

So, whenever possible, use the brakes to slow the vehicle (if easing the throttle is not enough) and select one gear with which to negotiate and leave the hazard. It might be helpful to apply the "driving plan" of Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Gear before the hazard. For example, if you would normally negotiate a certain bend in second gear but are approaching in fourth, first check your mirrors so you know what's behind. A signal is not necessary on this occasion, but remember that brake lights are a form of communication with following drivers.

Think about your position on the road, which should assist the views ahead and maintain safety margins. Then the magic ingredient, speed: use your brakes as appropriate but don't change down to third gear. When you decide that your corner entry speed is right, then select second gear. In effect, this technique involves missing out intermediate gears while braking. As ever, it's a case of developing many skills and using the one that best fits the situation.

It is absolutely correct to say that concentration, observation and awareness play a vital part in ensuring safety for all.

Even more important is attitude, which I believe to be 80 per cent of safety. However, we cannot force other drivers to aspire to improvement - we can only strive to make our own driving safer so that we don't get involved in other people's stupid, avoidable accidents.

:D

Not really you can make your brakes last alot longer if you downshift plus then your in gear and can accelerate thro the turn for better handling