Helpful Driving Information

HANDLING EQUIPMENT FAILURE

The last step to your becoming a successful defensive driver is knowing how to handle the unexpected. Mechanical failure and environmental hazards are a part of driving, and you must be prepared to handle them.

BRAKE FAILURE

If your brakes suddenly fail, do the following:

• Downshift to low range (labeled as 1) in case of automatic transmission and low gear in manual transmission.
• Pump the brake pedal fast and hard to build up brake fluid pressure. You will know in three to four pumps if the brakes will work. Do not pump antilock brakes. (In case of ABS, the driver has to press down hard on the brake pedal and hold it. In an emergency situation, ABS pumps the brakes for the driver and pumps the brakes at a much faster rate than the driver ever could.)
  

BRAKE FAILURE

• Apply the parking brake, but be ready to release it if the car begins to skid.
• You can still steer and swerve. Find an escape route—a safe exit from the highway. If you must, steer into bushes or something soft.
• Sound your horn and flash your lights to warn other drivers.
• When you no longer need to change direction, turn off the ignition.

TIRE BLOWOUT

If your tires suddenly blow out, do the following:

• Do not slam on the brakes.
• Take your foot off the accelerator and gently apply the brakes.
• Steer straight ahead to a stop.
• When you are able to do so safely, pull the vehicle off the road.

HEADLIGHT FAILURE

If your headlights suddenly go out, do the following:

• First, try your dimmer switch. Often that will turn them back on again.
• Try the headlight switch a few times. If that does not work, use your parking lights, hazard lights, or turn signals.
• Pull off the road as soon as you can and leave your hazard lights on so that other cars can see you.
  

HOOD LATCH FAILURE

If you are driving and the hood of your car flies open, do the following:

• Slow down.
• Try to look underneath the hood at the road ahead.
• If that is not possible put your head out the window and look around the hood.
• Use the painted center line or lane markings as a guide.
• As soon as possible, pull off the road, put your hazard lights on, and then deal with the hood problem.

STUCK ACCELERATOR

If your accelerator gets stuck down, do the following:

• Shift to neutral.
• Apply the brakes.
• Keep your eyes on the road and look for a way out.
• Warn other drivers by blinking and flashing your hazard lights.
• Try to drive the car safely off the road.
• Turn off the ignition when you no longer need to change direction.
  

DRIVING OFF THE PAVEMENT

Serious collisions can result from driving off the pavement. Here are certain things you can do to recover:

• Do not panic.
• Hold your steering wheel tightly.
• Steer straight ahead.
• Stay on the shoulder.
• Ease up on the accelerator and brake gently.

ENGINE FIRE

If your engine catches fire, stop the car as soon and as safely as possible, and exit the roadway.
Turn off your engine, and quickly get out and away from your car.