Abstract: A vehicle braking apparatus includes a braking mat assembly, a mounting unit for securing the mat assembly to the vehicle chassis, and a shock absorbing unit. The mat assembly includes a drum mounted on a shaft and a braking mat. The braking mat has a first portion secured to and wound around the shaft, an apron portion and a second portion intermediate the apron portion and the first portion. The apron portion forms an extension which has a free end secured by a restraining member to normally maintain the mat in an inoperative position. A release unit enables the retaining unit to release the mat from its inoperative position so that the mat can be unwound from the shaft and moved to its operative position between the vehicle wheels and the road surface. The shock absorbing unit includes a stop member extending parallel to and spaced from the shaft.