Emergency Awareness
- 1/22If your brakes fail while driving, you should first
Pumping the brakes vigorously can help to build up pressure in the hydraulic system. This action may restore some or all braking power, allowing you to slow down the vehicle safely.
If your gas pedal sticks, the recommended course of action is
Shifting your vehicle into neutral will immediately disengage the engine from the wheels, stopping acceleration. This allows you to safely apply the brakes and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
If your headlights go out while driving at nightt
First, try checking your headlight switch to see if it was accidentally turned off. If the lights do not come back on, safely pull your vehicle over to the side of the road to avoid driving without proper illumination.
If you experience trouble on a freeway
Immediately moving your vehicle to the nearest shoulder removes it from the flow of high-speed traffic. Turning on your hazard lights alerts other drivers to your stopped vehicle.
If your wheels go off the pavement, you should
It is crucial to remain calm and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to control the vehicle. Gradually reduce your speed and gently steer back onto the paved road when it is safe to do so.
In the event of a tire blowout, the correct response is to
A tire blowout can cause your vehicle to pull strongly to one side. You must maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and steer in your intended direction. Gradually slow down by easing off the accelerator.
If you are involved in a collision where someone is injured
Immediately turning off all engines at the scene helps prevent potential fires or further damage. You should offer basic first aid if you are trained, and always wait for emergency services to arrive.
In a minor collision where there are no injuries
After moving to a safe spot, set up warning signals to alert other drivers. You should then exchange necessary information with the other party.
If you are involved in a collision with damage less than $2,000 and there are no injuries
For minor collisions with limited damage and no injuries, the law generally requires you to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. You are typically not required to report such collisions to the police.
If you become stuck or stranded in severe weather conditions
Keep the engine running periodically for heat, and use your emergency flashers, increasing your visibility to potential rescuers while conserving fuel. You should only leave the vehicle if absolutely necessary for your safety.
When performing an emergency stop with ABS brakes, the action you should not take is
To effectively use ABS during an emergency stop, you should apply steady, firm pressure to the brake pedal. Pumping or releasing the pedal would interfere with the system ability to maintain traction.
In vehicles without ABS brakes, if you brake too hard
When you apply excessive force to the brake pedal in a vehicle without an anti-lock braking system, the wheels can lock up. This causes the tires to stop rotating and slide, resulting in a complete loss of steering control.
If your vehicle wheels lock during emergency braking and it does not have ABS
If the wheels lock in a non-ABS vehicle, you must slightly release pressure on the brake pedal. This allows the wheels to begin rolling again, which immediately restores your ability to steer the vehicle and regain control.
If your vehicle begins to skid, you should not touch
When your vehicle begins to skid, it is crucial to keep your foot completely off both the brake pedal and the accelerator. Applying either can worsen the loss of control by altering the weight distribution.
The most effective way to recover from a skid is
Gently steer your wheels in that precise direction you want to go. This technique helps align the vehicle with your intended path and recover traction.
If you experience a braking skid in a vehicle without ABS, the first thing to do is
This crucial step allows the locked wheels to start rolling again, which immediately restores your steering control and helps you regain vehicle stability.
If you experience a cornering skid, you should
It is critical to take your foot off the gas pedal and absolutely avoid using your brakes. Applying the brakes during a cornering skid can further destabilize the vehicle and worsen the loss of control.
If you accidentally drive off the paved portion of the roadway
If your vehicle leaves the paved roadway, maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel is paramount. This action helps you maintain control over the vehicle direction and prevents sudden, uncontrolled movements.
If your vehicle breaks down and you need to stop, you must not stop on
It is extremely dangerous and therefore prohibited. These locations have limited space for other traffic, poor visibility, and can quickly become hazardous for you and other road users.
If both of your headlights fail while driving
If both of your headlights fail unexpectedly, the first immediate step is to turn on your vehicle hazard lights. This makes your vehicle visible to others on the road, reducing the risk of a collision in dark or low-visibility conditions.
If your vehicle breaks down in a potentially dangerous situation on a highway, all occupants should
In a hazardous breakdown scenario, it is safest for all occupants to exit the vehicle and move to a safe area. This means standing well away from the vehicle itself and the flow of traffic.
If a tire goes flat while you are driving, the immediate action you should resist is
Sudden braking can cause the vehicle to pull sharply towards the deflated tire, leading to a loss of control. Instead, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and allow the vehicle to slow gradually.