A 3-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
One basic rule applies in every emergency: think before you act. Most car emergencies share the same first move: don't slam the brakes. Take your foot off the gas, steer, then brake gently.
If your vehicle breaks down
If you can't get the car off the road, get everyone out and off the road; use portable warning devices
Otherwise move off the pavement; a car with a flat or blowout can be driven slowly off the road
Turn on emergency warning lights (or taillights if you have none); at night also turn on inside lights
Tie a white cloth to the antenna or door handle; if you have none, raise the hood
On a steep downhill, shift into a low gear to help slow the vehicle. Never coast in neutral, and with a standard transmission never coast with your foot on the clutch.
Your rear tires slide to the right on a wet curve. Lift off the gas, don't stomp the brake, and turn the steering wheel to the right, the direction of the skid. As the car straightens, gently return the wheel to center.
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 is the first thing you should do if your car starts to skid?
Slam on the brakes immediately
Ease off the gas and steer into the skid
Turn the wheel opposite the skid direction
Speed up to regain traction
Answer: Ease off the gas and steer into the skid
Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid to recover control.
