Chapter 14:Adverse Driving Conditions

and Emergencies

Emergency situations

Emergencies happenAdverse conditions, vehicle failures and driver errors all can create emergency situations.

Staying in controlCorrect responses to most emergencies can be learned by thinking through possible situations and mentally rehearsing appropriate responses.

Reduced visibility• Plan to be seen

• Keep headlights clean

• Clear the windshield/rear windows

• Defrosters

Driving at night• Sight distance is limited

• Your eyes must adjust

• Glare affects you

Question: What can you do to minimize the challenges of night driving?

Reduced traction

Testing the surface• First, wait until there is an area free of traffic.

• Slow to 15 to 20 mph and quickly press the brake pedal -- note if the tires begin to skid or if the anti-lock braking system engages earlier than when in dry conditions.

HydroplaningWet conditions, water on the road, excessive speed, under-inflated tires and low tire tread can cause your tires to lose contact with the roadway and lose traction.

Question: What can you do to help prevent hydroplaning?

Braking in slick conditions

Braking with ABS• Press the brake pedal and hold it down.

Braking without ABS• Use squeeze (or threshold) braking.

Off-road recoveryKeep a firm grip

• Resist the tendency of the vehicle to pull toward the shoulder if it is soft.

If your path of travel is clear• Remain calm and do the following:

• Ease off the accelerator, and slow down gradually. • If possible, avoid braking.

Off-road recoveryIf you must return to the road quickly…

Do the following:• Align your wheels 12 inches away from the edge of the pavement.

• Remove your foot from the accelerator and stay off the brakes.

• Turn the steering wheel quickly about 1/8th turn toward the road.

• As the outer wheel meets the edge of the pavement, counter-steer about a 1/4 turn.

• Make steering corrections to center or straighten steering.

• Continue to look and steer where you want to go.

Evasive actions

Question: What are some examples of evasive actions?

The best plan• It is generally better to use evasive steering rather than braking.

• At speeds greater than 25 mph, less distance is required to steer around an object than to brake to a stop.

• The key to successful evasive steering is to have already identified an alternate path of travel to move into.

Evasive steering• Hand-to-hand steering maximizes steering control and reduces the risk of injury should the airbag deploy.

• Fixed-hand steering using the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock or 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock hand positioning can also be effective.

Evasive brakingThe best action is a combination of controlled braking and evasive steering. The heel-pivot methodIf you do not have anti-lock brakes, the best way to make a controlled stop is the heel-pivot method.

Question: How do you use this method?

Evasive accelerationThe accelerator can be used effectively to avoid crashes at intersections and in merging situations. Accelerating may be your only means of escape!

Skidding Skidding is a situation in which your tires lose all or part of their grip on the road.

Skids can result from:• Accelerating or braking too hard • Steering too much or too quickly• Entering a curve with too much speed.

Preventing skidsThe key to maintaining traction at all times is to recognize when a skid is possible and take action to prevent one from occurring.

Skids can be prevented by:• Applying the brakes in a smooth and progressive manner.• Making smooth, precise steering wheel movements.• Slowing down well in advance of curves.• Maintaining speeds appropriate for conditions.

Avoid shifting in slick conditionsThe sudden increase in either power or braking can cause a sudden weight shift in your vehicle.

You do not have to be going fast for a skid to happen when roads are slick.

You should always drive slower on wet, slippery or debris covered roads.

Responding to skids• First, recognize that you are experiencing a skid.• Detect when the front of your vehicle deviates from your intended path. • Take corrective action. • Once you begin to respond to a skid, do not stop trying to regain traction.

Look and steer where you want the vehicle to go!

Types of skids and recovery techniques

Counter-steeringCounter-steering means steering in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, toward your intended path of travel.

When you counter-steer, straighten the wheels as soon as you feel the rear of the vehicle begin to realign with your intended path of travel.

Getting unstuckWhen your vehicle’s wheels are stuck, apply power slowly and steadily.

• Keep the front wheels pointed straight ahead so the vehicle can move in a straight line.

• If you cannot go forward, try to back out and steer in the tracks the vehicle has just made.

Vehicle failures Mechanical problems when you are driving

The most serious failures are those that affect steering, braking or engine power.

Your main objective should be to steer safely off the roadway onto the shoulder, then call for help.

Be visible when stoppedUse flairs, reflective triangles, or walk back 200-300 feet and signal drivers.

Raise the hood and tie a white handkerchief on your antenna, door handle or side-view mirror, or place it in the window.

Emergency road serviceEmergency road-service vehicle operators usually can change a flat tire or perform minor repairs on the spot.

If you need a tow, find out:• If it’s covered by your roadside assistance program • Where the tow truck will take your vehicle• How many miles away the garage is• How much the towing will cost. • If you need to arrange transportation.

Joining an auto club can give you peace of mind regarding potential emergencies along the roadway.

Engine failure

Question: What are the most common engine failures?

Light failureA common problem is headlight, brake light or turn-signal light failure.

Sudden headlight failureHigh and low beams are on different circuits, so one or the other may still work.

If this does not help, turn on the parking lights, emergency flashers or turn signals.

Tire failureIf a tire suddenly goes flat while you are driving:

• Look down your intended path of travel – maintain a straight course.

• Keep a firm, steady grip on the steering wheel.

• Stay off the brakes.

• Ease up on the accelerator, allowing the engine drag to slow the vehicle; accelerating slightly may help improve the vehicle’s directional stability.

• Lightly apply the brakes with an easy, steady pressure– once under control, pull off the road.

FireIf fire breaks out:

• Steer the vehicle off the road.• Turn off the ignition, get everyone out and well away from the vehicle. • Call 911 and notify the fire department. • Use a fire extinguisher, or a blanket/clothing to smother the fire. • If the fire is under the hood, do not raise the hood.

Question: What usually causes an automotive fire?

Brake failure

Question: What should you do if you experience brake failure?

Slowing your vehicle during brake failure

• Try downshifting.

• Find an escape route — a safe exit from the roadway.

• Sound your horn and flash your lights to signal an emergency.

• In extreme cases, run along an embankment, scrape against a curb or drive into bushes or other obstructions.

Child restraint laws Safety restraints for childrenAll states have child restraint laws that require children, at least up to age 4, to be properly secured in child safety seats.

Rear-facing infant seats are designed for infants, usually from birth to 20–22 pounds.

After a baby has outgrown the infant seat, parents should use a convertible child safety seat to secure the baby.

Buckle up — everyoneIt is crucial that all occupants be buckled up properly during every ride in the vehicle.

When seat belts are used by front-seat occupants, chances of fatal injury are reduced by 45 percent.

Question: What are some vehicle features and equipment that are designed to reduce risk and injury when a crash is unavoidable?

Minimizing consequences

Protect yourselfWhen you use the safety equipment on your vehicle properly, you can reduce the possibility of death or injury. Keep everyone safe by ensuring that:• All passengers are belted.• No passengers are seated where belts are unavailable.• No passengers are in a pickup truck’s bed.• No passengers are in the in cargo area of an SUV.• Pets are secured.

Air bag/safety belt combinationAn air bag/safety belt combination helps keep the driver from coming in contact with the steering wheel and column. Set a good example

• Set a good example; wear your safety belt at all times. • Insist that others also wear safety belts.

Lock the doors• Locked doors may be less likely to open in a rollover or side collision.

• Locked doors decrease the possibility of being ejected.

The collisionThe first collision occurs between the vehicle and another vehicle, an abutment, a tree or some other object.

The second collision occurs a fraction of a second later between the occupants and some part of the vehicle’s interior.

A third collision generally occurs a fraction of a second after the second collision. This is when the body’s internal organs strike other body parts such as the ribs or the skull.

Choose how to collideIf a collision appears unavoidable, perhaps you can choose an off-road path– try to go right instead of left! Hit with a glancing blowAnother general rule is to hit an object at an angle rather than head-on.

If you are involved in a collision ResponsibilityYou are liable for actions that cause injury or damage to others or their property. What to expect:

• Stop immediately• Assist the injured• Control the scene• Remain at the scene• Exchange required information• Notify the police• A report must be submitted to the state

Notify your insurance carrierBe sure to contact your insurance representative promptly to ensure proper claims filing. Unattended vehicle or propertyShould you hit an unattended vehicle or property, try to inform the owner. If you cannot locate the owner, attach a written notice with the required information to the vehicle or property. Stopping when not personally involvedYou have a moral responsibility to stop if you come upon a collision and assistance is needed.

Know what to sayDo not argue, accuse anyone, admit fault or sign any statement except as required by police.

You might have the right to consult an attorney before you make any statement. Financial responsibilityMotor vehicle owners must assume financial responsibility for their driving actions and those of others permitted to use their vehicles.