A 3-minute lesson from the Illinois course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Crashes often happen when equipment fails. Each failure has a specific fix, and most involve easing off the gas, not braking hard. Aggressive drivers are another hazard. Don't engage them.
Know the rule
Blowout: a thumping sound may warn you. Ease off the gas, keep a firm grip on the wheel, pull safely off the road and check the tires. Don't brake suddenly. Treat the loss of a wheel or tire the same way.
With power steering or a locking steering wheel, don't turn off the ignition during a steering failure. You'll lose the power steering or the ability to steer.
Brake failure: if the pedal sinks to the floor, pump it to build pressure. If that fails, use the emergency or parking brake, and shift to a lower gear to slow down.
Headlight failure: try the emergency flashers, parking lights and/or turn signals, and pull off the road. If your lights begin to dim, drive to a service station or pull off and get help.
On the highway your brake pedal suddenly goes to the floor. Pump it to build pressure. If nothing happens, apply the parking brake and shift into a lower gear to slow down.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
For a tire blowout, what is the correct response?
Ease off the gas and hold the wheel firmly
Turn off the engine at once
Brake hard to stop quickly
Accelerate to keep control
Answer: Ease off the gas and hold the wheel firmly
Ease off the gas and grip firmly; sudden braking can worsen a blowout.