In the few seconds before a possible crash, try not to panic; reacting properly and quickly can avoid it or reduce the damage. Know how your brakes work, when to steer away, and how to brace if a hit is coming.
Four factors behind most U.S. collisions:
- Equipment failure: brakes, unsafe tires, steering, suspension
- Roadway design: traffic controls, surfaces, weather, hazards, traffic flow
- Poor roadway maintenance: debris, potholes, construction
- Driver behavior: speeding, tailgating, aggression, unsafe lane changes, not signaling or yielding
Know the rule
In 95% of motor vehicle crashes, driver behavior combined with one of the other three factors.
Handbook p. 120 ↗Know the rule
Put loose items in the trunk, and keep an accident kit in the glove compartment: paper, pen, insurance information, any medical information, and emergency supplies.
Handbook p. 120 ↗Emergency stop without ABS:
- Pump the brake: push the pedal hard
- As the car begins to skid, quickly let up
- Quickly push down again, pumping until the car stops
Know the rule
When you press hard, ABS pumps the brakes up to 30 times per second. ABS doesn't stop the car faster; it keeps you in control and stopping in a straight line so you can steer.
Handbook p. 120 ↗Know the rule
An ABS light that comes on when you start the car and then dims means you have ABS. If it stays lit, the ABS isn't working correctly.
Handbook p. 120 ↗Know the rule
If a crash looks likely, turn away even if it means leaving the road: drive, don't skid, off it. Hit something that gives, like brush, rather than something hard, and make it a glancing blow. Never cross into oncoming traffic.
Handbook p. 120 ↗Know the rule
Sometimes speeding up quickly avoids a crash, such as when a car is about to hit you from the side or behind.
Handbook p. 120 ↗Oncoming car in your lane:
- Blow your horn and flash your lights, if there's time
- Brake fast, but don't lock your wheels
- If a crash is probable, steer off to the right shoulder or ditch, never into the left lane
Someone passing you can't finish the pass:
- Slow down and move as far right as you safely can
- If they must drop back, speed up so they can move in behind you
- If a crash is almost certain, move onto a safe right shoulder
Bracing for a crash
| About to be hit from | What to do |
|---|---|
| The rear | Be ready to brake; brace; head back on headrest |
| The side | Grip the wheel tightly; be ready to steer |
| The front, belted | Protect your face with your arms and hands |
| The front, no shoulder strap | Throw yourself across the seat |
Put it into practice
A pickup crosses the center line toward you on a two-lane road. Honk and flash your lights, brake hard without locking the wheels, and if it keeps coming, steer onto the right shoulder or into the ditch, never into its lane.