Always apply the brakes with a
>slow steady motion, not abruptly.  Leave plenty of distance between your
>car and the car in front and travel slow enough so that you can apply
>the brakes slowly and steadily.

Sean, I'm not in complete agreement on this point. Although  slow steady
pedal pressure will prevent skidding, if you are in a situation when you
have to stop under control  as quickly as possible, this braking technique
will not indicate how slippery the conditions are,  or how much pressure you
can apply without skidding. I use a rapid, short burst pumping style...
kinda like human ABS... and believe this makes for significantly shorter
stopping distances while still maintaining control.  There are times when
defensive driving is not the whole solution.  IMHO  :-)

Len
'78 Westy
wannaEver