Sometimes it is best or necessary to accelerate to avoid a collision. This may happen when another vehicle is about to hit you from the side or from behind and there is room to the front of your vehicle to get out of danger. Be sure to slow down once the danger has passed.
Dealing with Skids
Any road that is safe under normal conditions can be dangerous when it is wet or has snow or ice on it. High speeds under normal conditions also increase the possibility of a skid if you must turn or stop suddenly. Skids are caused when you are traveling too fast for conditions, when you stop too suddenly or when the tires can no longer grip the roadway. As you cannot control a vehicle when it is skidding, it is best to avoid a vehicle skid in the first place. If your vehicle begins to lose traction:
Visually look for open space – You must pay attention to where your
vehicle can go on the roadway. Do not fixate on the hazard you are trying to avoid.
Lift off any pedals – Release brake or accelerator pressure to
determine if the vehicle is losing traction to the front or rear tires.
Recognize traction loss – If the vehicle continues straight while
steering, traction is lost to the front tires. If the vehicle is moving sideways without any additional steering input, the rear tires have lost traction.
Brake or acceleration response – If the front traction is lost ease off the brakes to regain traction and reapply the brakes without skidding to continue steering. If the vehicle has ABS apply the brakes fully to gain steering control to the front tires.
Steer – If rear traction is lost, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the intended path of travel (the direction you want to go) and continue to steer and counter-steer until the vehicle is traveling straight. Continue to look in the direction you want to go. Avoid looking into the on-coming lane so that your vehicle does not travel across the centerline. If your vehicle is equipped with traction
technology, keep steering toward the path of travel to aid the vehicle technology. Protect Yourself in Collisions
You may not always be able to avoid a collision. Try everything you can to keep from being hit. If nothing works, try to lessen any injuries that could result from the crash. The most important thing you can do is to use your safety belt. In addition to your safety belt, there are other things that could help prevent serious injuries.
Hit From the Rear – If your vehicle is hit from the rear, your head and body will be thrown backwards.
Press yourself against the back of your seat and put your head against the head restraint. Be ready to apply your brakes so that you will not be pushed into another vehicle.
Hit From the Side – If your vehicle is hit from the side, your body will be thrown towards the side that
is hit. Frontal air bags will not help in this situation. Your lap and shoulder belts are needed to help keep you behind the wheel. Get ready to steer or brake to prevent your vehicle from hitting
something else.
Hit From the Front – If your vehicle is about to be hit from the front it is important to try to have a “glancing blow” rather than being struck head on. This means that if a collision is going to happen, you should try to turn the vehicle. At worse, your vehicle will be hit with a glancing blow or you might miss it. If the frontal impact is severe, the air bag will deploy and then deflate, so be ready. You
67
must use your safety belt to keep yourself behind the wheel and to protect yourself if your vehicle has a second crash.
Emergencies
All drivers eventually will find themselves in an emergency situation. As careful as you are, there are situations that could cause a problem for you. If you are prepared, you may be able to prevent any serious outcomes.
There is always a chance of a vehicle problem while driving. You should follow the recommended maintenance schedule listed in the vehicle owner’s manual. Following these preventive measures greatly reduces the chance that your vehicle will have a problem.
Brake Failure
If your brakes stop working:
Rapidly pump the brake pedal several times. This will often build up enough brake pressure to allow you to stop.
If that does not work, use the parking brake. Pull on the parking brake handle if in the center console or push the parking brake foot pedal slowly so you will not lock the rear wheels and cause a skid. Be ready to release the brake if the vehicle does start to skid.
If that does not work, look for a safe place to slow to a stop. Make sure the vehicle is off the roadway. Do not continue to drive the vehicle without working brakes.
Tire Blowout
Tire blowout is a rapid deflation of air from the tire. If a front tire blows out, the vehicle will pull sharply in the direction of the blowout. If a rear tire blows out, the vehicle will wobble, shake and pull some in the direction of the blowout. If a tire blows out or suddenly goes flat:
Grip the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle going straight. Slow down gradually. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Do not brake. Allow the vehicle to slow by itself or brake gently if necessary.
Do not stop on the road if at all possible. Pull off the road in a safe place and turn on emergency flashers.
Have the tire changed and replaced. Power Failure
If the engine shuts off while you are driving:
Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. Be aware that the steering wheel may be difficult to turn, but you can turn it.
Shift to neutral and look for an escape path. Do not brake hard, brake with steady pressure on the pedal, slow down then pull off the roadway.
Stop and try to restart the engine, if unsuccessful, raise hood and turn on emergency flashers. Call for help.
Accelerator Failure
Accelerator failure could be caused by either a broken spring or the pedal getting stuck in the down position. In either case:
Shift to neutral and search for an escape path. Steer smoothly, brake gently and pull off the roadway.