Maine driving lesson · Emergencies and Vehicle Problems
Breakdowns and other emergencies
A 4-minute lesson from the Maine course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Some emergencies give you only seconds: a train approaching your stalled car, a car coming at you in your lane, your car going into water. Knowing the right move in advance is what saves you.
If your vehicle breaks down:
Get your vehicle off the road and away from traffic
Turn on your emergency flashers
Warn others: put flares 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle
A flooded engine has too much gas in the cylinders to burn. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold it (don't pump), turn the key, and let off the pedal when the engine starts. If it doesn't, wait about ten minutes and repeat.
Stalled on railroad tracks with a train coming? Stop trying to move the car and get out. Head toward the oncoming train and away from the tracks at a 45° angle to avoid crash debris.
The best escape from a car in water is through a window, because water pressure makes doors hard to open. Open power windows as soon as possible, before water shorts out the electrical system.
Your car stalls on the tracks and you hear a train horn to your right. Get everyone out immediately and move away from the tracks at an angle toward the right, the direction the train is coming from, so flying debris won't hit you.
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.
How far behind your broken-down vehicle should you place emergency flares?
500 to 600 feet
20 to 30 feet
200 to 300 feet
50 to 75 feet
Answer: 200 to 300 feet
Put emergency flares 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle to warn other drivers.