SCARY: Rockford Woman’s Brake Pedal Freezes While Driving

I’ve always had a list of driving fears—black ice, my tires somehow falling off, even my engine exploding while I’m on the road. It’s not just paranoia; winter in Rockford can be unpredictable, and the cold weather often brings its own dangers.

On Wednesday morning, I encountered a new fear I never even thought would happen to me: my brake pedal freezing.

SCARY: Rockford Woman’s Brake Pedal Freezes While Driving

It was 3 degrees outside, remember that?  I warmed up my car prior to driving and was on my way to work when my brake pedal decided it wasn't going to work. As I approached a stop sign, I pressed my brake like I always do, but instead of slowing down, my car just kept going!

I pushed harder, praying my car would magically stop, and finally the pedal unstuck. I could only assume that the extreme cold had kept the pedal from fully defrosting.  Still a heart-stopping moment, not gonna lie.

I had to get to work!  So, I cautiously drove under the speed limit down N. 2nd Street, past the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, enjoying the All Aglow lightshow while trying not to panic.

But it happened again.

And again.

And again.

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Every stoplight became my worst enemy. I was literally stomping on the brake, hoping it would work. Eventually, the pedal returned to normal, and I could stop as usual, but those few moments felt like a lifetime.

You’ve never known fear until you hit the brake, and it doesn’t work.  I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.