Emergencies come down to three tools: brakes, steering and power. Staying calm, keeping the wheels rolling and continuing to steer, even after a hit, give you the best chance.
Basic rules for any emergency:
- Try not to panic
- Don't slam the brakes and slide the wheels (ABS prevents this automatically)
- Brake as hard as you can without sliding; if a wheel slides, release and reapply
- Steer toward a less dangerous spot, and keep controlling the car even after a hit
- Wear your belt so you stay in position to control the vehicle
Know the rule
Tire blowouts most often result from poor tire care. Check air pressure and tire condition every month.
Handbook p. 80 ↗Tire blowout (also use for a lost wheel):
- DO NOT apply the brakes
- Grip the wheel firmly and steer to stay in your lane
- Slow down gradually without braking until moving very slowly
- Then brake lightly and pull off into a safe area
Total brake failure:
- Pump the brake pedal quickly
- Shift to a lower gear
- Look for an escape route; use lights and horn to warn others
- Apply the parking brake gradually – not rapidly or with great force
Know the rule
If steering fails completely, slowly reduce speed and brake as needed to avoid objects, stopping smoothly. With a power-steering failure, steer harder, reduce speed and stop in a safe area.
Handbook p. 82 ↗Wheels drop off the pavement edge:
- DON'T jerk the wheel to force the car back
- Keep driving with wheels off the pavement and slow down
- Brake gently
- At a safe speed, steer back on and be ready to correct
Someone passing you can't finish because of oncoming traffic:
- Steer as far right as safely possible, even onto the shoulder
- If they keep going, slow so they can move in ahead
- If they're dropping back, speed up so they can return behind you
Know the rule
If an oncoming vehicle is in your lane: flash your lights and honk, slow quickly and steer right into any clear area. Never enter the oncoming lane.
Handbook p. 82 ↗Accelerator stuck open:
- Slap the pedal hard (fully press and quickly release)
- Turn the ignition off, but not so far that the steering lock engages
- Apply the brakes
- Pull off the road into a safe area
To steer out of a skid:
- Avoid braking; if braking started it, release the brakes
- Ease off the accelerator
- Turn the wheel firmly (not suddenly) in the direction the rear is skidding
- Straighten as the skid stops; if you overcorrect, steer gently into the new skid
Vehicle fire:
- Drive to a safe area clear of traffic and stop
- Turn off the ignition and all electrical switches
- Get everyone out and away from the vehicle
- Smother a small fire with an extinguisher, dirt, sand or blanket
- NEVER use water on gasoline, oil or electrical fires; don't fight a large one
Breakdowns:
- Move the vehicle to a safe spot if you can
- If the car can't be moved but a safe place is reachable, move occupants there; otherwise stay in
- Use hazard lights, flares, reflectors and a flashlight
- Signal for help by raising the hood and tying a white cloth to the antenna or door handle
- Stay locked in until you're sure of a helper's intentions
- If you must walk, face traffic well clear of the road; never walk on freeways
Put it into practice
Your rear end starts sliding to the right on a wet curve. Ease off the gas, keep off the brakes and turn the wheel firmly to the right, the way the rear is skidding. Straighten the wheel as the car recovers.