A 3-minute lesson from the Nebraska course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Air bags protect you best when you're buckled up, but they deploy with great force. Where people sit and how you hold the wheel matter. Deer are another serious hazard on Nebraska roads.
Know the rule
Air bags are an added safety feature and do not replace wearing a seat belt. Combined with seat belts, they give improved crash protection.
About to hit a deer? BRAKE firmly, STEER to maintain control, and STOP as safely as possible. In a passenger vehicle, swerving puts you at more risk of death or injury.
At dusk a deer jumps onto the highway ahead. Brake firmly and steer to keep control, but don't swerve into the ditch or the oncoming lane. Then watch for a second deer following the first.
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.
The recommended hand position on a steering wheel equipped with an air bag is:
10 o'clock and 2 o'clock
8 o'clock and 4 o'clock
12 o'clock and 6 o'clock
9 o'clock and 3 o'clock
Answer: 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock
The recommended hand position for airbag-equipped wheels is 9 and 3 o'clock.
If your vehicle is about to hit a deer, the safest response is to:
Swerve immediately to avoid the deer
Steer onto the shoulder around it
Flash your high beams and coast
Brake firmly
Answer: Brake firmly
If you are about to hit a deer, the safest action is to brake firmly, steer to maintain control and stop; swerving raises your risk of death or injury.
