What primary action should a driver take when utilizing ABS brakes during an emergency?

When utilizing Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) brakes during an emergency, the primary action a driver should take is to press down hard on the brake pedal. ABS is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control while braking.

By firmly pressing the brake pedal, the system will automatically modulate the braking force, rapidly applying and releasing the brakes to help maintain traction with the road surface. This helps the driver stop more effectively while still being able to steer around obstacles or maintain control of the vehicle.

It's important to understand that this is different from conventional braking methods, where a driver might pump the brakes or release them momentarily to regain control. With ABS, the system's design handles those adjustments automatically when the brake pedal is pressed firmly, making it crucial for drivers to trust the technology and not to reduce pressure on the brake pedal.