A 3-minute lesson from the Indiana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Breakdowns, blowouts, and brake failures happen without warning. These guidelines aren't all required by Indiana law, but they help you regain control and stay visible to other drivers.
Roadside emergency guidelines:
If possible, pull onto the roadside shoulder
Turn on your flashing hazard lights
Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries within the driver's reach
Store a reflective safety vest and a red emergency reflective triangle in your vehicle
In winter, pack blankets, extra gloves, and warm hats
If you must get out, exit on the passenger side after checking for traffic, obstructions, and drop-offs
With a flat tire or blowout, hold the wheel firmly and keep the car going straight. Take your foot off the gas but don't brake. Let the car slow, pull off the road, and brake only when it's almost stopped.
If conventional disc or drum brakes suddenly fail, shift to a lower gear if possible and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times to build pressure.
You may try the parking brake, but hold the release so you can let go if the rear wheels lock and skid. In low gear, look for a place off the road to stop; once stopped, call for help and don't drive anywhere.
Don't turn off the engine while the vehicle is moving. With a steering wheel interlock, never turn the ignition to lock while moving: the steering will lock as you turn the wheel.
Your front tire blows out on the highway. Grip the wheel firmly and keep the car straight. Take your foot off the gas but don't brake. Let the car slow, pull off the road, and brake only when it's almost stopped.
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.
What should you do first if you experience a flat tire or blowout?
Apply the brakes hard and immediately
Hold the wheel firmly and keep the car going straight
Continue driving on the rim to your destination
Speed up to reach a safe area quickly
Answer: Hold the wheel firmly and keep the car going straight
In a flat tire or blowout situation, hold the wheel firmly and keep the car going straight.