What is the process of braking just short of lockup called?

Threshold braking is a technique used by drivers to maximize their braking performance without losing traction. This method involves applying the brakes with enough force to bring the vehicle to a stop while avoiding the point at which the wheels lock up. When wheels lock, the vehicle can skid, which negatively affects steering control and increases stopping distance.

By employing threshold braking, a driver can maintain better control over the vehicle, allowing for quick stops while still having the ability to steer as needed to navigate around obstacles. This technique is particularly important in emergency situations where reaction time and control are paramount. It requires practice and a good understanding of the vehicle's braking system to perform effectively.

The other options, while related to braking, don’t specifically refer to this precise method of braking just short of lockup. Controlled braking might suggest managing the brakes at a steady pace, emergency braking generally refers to a rapid stop in an urgent situation, and random braking lacks the intentional precision that threshold braking entails.