CHAPTER 7:
DRIVING EMERGENCIES


When you are driving a vehicle, things can happen very fast. You may have very little time to react, so you must know how to handle emergencies when they happen.

AVOIDING COLLISIONS

In the few seconds that you have before a possible collision, try not to panic. Reacting properly and quickly can avoid collisions, or at least, minimize the damage.

Do not brake hard and hold. This locks the wheels and puts the car into a skid. To stop quickly in an emergency, you should pump the brake.

1. Push the brake pedal hard.
2. As the car begins to skid, quickly let up on the brake. Then quickly push down again.
3. Use this quick pumping action until the car is stopped.

Turning quickly may be your only chance in avoiding a collision. If a collision looks probable, turn away from it even if it means leaving the road. Drive (rather than skid) off the road. Choose to hit something that will give way (such as brush or shrubs) rather than something hard. If you have to hit anything, try to make it a glancing blow. A sideswipe, for example, is better than a head-on collision. Never cross over into the oncoming traffic lane. The other driver may swerve back into his own lane.

Sometimes you may need to speed up quickly to avoid a collision. This may be the case when another car is about to hit you from the side or from behind. If your car has a manual shift, shift quickly into a lower gear and push the gas pedal to the floor. In any case you may have only seconds to decide and act.

Oncoming car in your lane. If you see a car coming toward you in your lane:

1. Blow your horn and flash your lights to warn the other driver, if you have time.
2. Brake fast, but don't lock your wheels and lose control.
3. If the other driver keeps coming, and a collision is probable, steer off the road to the right shoulder or ditch. Do not drive into the left lane.

Overtaking vehicle in danger. If another vehicle is attempting to overtake and pass you but cannot complete passing because of oncoming traffic, you must act quickly to help avoid a collision.

1. If the passing vehicle continues to attempt to pass, you can help by slowing your vehicle and moving as far to the right as you can with safety.
2. If the other driver definitely cannot complete the pass and must drop back, increase your speed so that he can move in behind you.
3. If the right shoulder is safe, and a collision is almost certain, move quickly onto the shoulder to allow the passing car to move into your lane. (In either case, be certain of the intentions of the driver of the passing vehicle before you change your speed.)

PROTECTING YOURSELF IN COLLISIONS

You may not always be able to avoid a collision. If your car is about to be hit, here are some tips on how to protect yourself.

Rear Collisions. It you are about to be hit from the rear:
1. Be ready to apply your brake so you won't be pushed into the car ahead.
2. Brace yourself between the steering wheel and the seat back.
3. Press the back of your head firmly against the head rest.

Side Collisions. If you are about to be hit from the side:
1. Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel. This may keep you from being thrown against the side of the car.
2. Get ready to steer quickly so that if you spin around you can try to regain control of the car.

Head-on Collisions. If you are about to be hit from the front:
1. Use your arms and hands to protect your face if you are wearing your seat belt and shoulder strap.
2. If you are not using your shoulder strap, throw yourself across the seat to keep from hitting the steering wheel or windshield.

Stalled on railroad tracks. If your vehicle is stalled on a railroad track and there is immediate danger of an approaching train, don't try any last minute heroics to make it. Get all passengers and yourself out, and walk quickly alongside the tracks in the direction toward the approaching train so that you will not be struck by debris when your vehicle is hit.

If danger is not immediate, and you are certain there is time, you may move your vehicle off the tracks.

OTHER VEHICLE EMERGENCIES

Skids. Most skids happen when you try to turn or stop suddenly on slippery pavement. If the rear of your car starts to slide, don't use your brakes. Steer in the direction in which the rear end of your car is skidding. To steer out of a skid:
1. Take your foot off the gas pedal.
2. Turn your front wheels only enough to keep them going straight down the road. If the rear of your car is skidding to the right, turn the front wheels to the right. Turn left for a skid to the left.
3. Be careful not to over-steer. Your car may start to skid the other way. Again turn your wheels in the direction of the skid. You can feel when the car is back under control. Then straighten the wheels.

STEERING OUT OF A SKID

Try not to use your brakes during a side skid. If necessary, pump them lightly.

Running off the pavement. If your wheels should slip off the edge of the road, do not try to turn back onto the pavement right away. This could cause you to swerve into the lane of oncoming traffic. You should stay on the shoulder:
1. Slow down by using your brakes gently.
2. If there is no drop-off from the pavement, steer back easily onto the road.
3. If the shoulder is much lower than the pavement:
· Slow to a very slow speed (10 m.p.h.)
· Look for traffic coming in both directions, then turn your wheels sharply back onto the pavement.

Tire blowout. The most important rule is - don't panic and slam on the brakes. You should:
1. Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep your car in the same lane. There may be a strong pull to the right or left.
2. Let your car slow down. Don't use the brakes until you have slowed to a safer speed.
3. Then brake gently and pull all the way off the road into a safe area.

Gas pedal sticks. If your gas pedal sticks, keep your eyes on the road:

1. Put the gear shift in neutral.
2. Try to free the pedal with your foot. Have your passenger try to free it if you can't.
3. Turn the ignition off. (Use care not to lock the steering wheel locking mechanism. Vehicles with power steering and brakes will require much more effort to control).
4. Put on the brakes. Pull off the road into a safe area.

Brakes fail. You will generally have advance warning that your brakes are starting to fail when the pedal feels spongy, and slowly continues to sink while being pressed. If your brake pedal sinks all the way to the floor:
1. Pump the pedal rapidly; then
2. Shift to a lower gear.
3. Look for an escape route. Use your horns and lights as a warning to other drivers.
4. Apply the parking brakes slowly --- while holding the brake release lever in the release position. Steer with your hand at the top of the steering wheel.

Do not put on your parking brake suddenly. This could cause you to lose control of your car.

Loss of a wheel. This is a rather uncommon emergency, but if it should happen, use the same procedure as for a tire blowout. The warning signs are - a thumping noise and/or pulling to one side. Once stopped, you will be unable to move the vehicle; it must be towed.

Overheating. If steam begins to come from under the hood, your cooling system is boiling. You should:

1. Pull to the side of the road and turn off the engine. Do not open the radiator cap.

Fire. Most vehicle fires occur as a result of an overheated engine, an electrical short, a fuel leak, or an oil leak. Any burning odor should be immediately investigated. If smoke comes from under the hood:

1. Drive off the road clear of traffic and stop.
2. Turn off the engine and all electrical switches.
3. Get all passengers out of and away from the vehicle. Poisonous fumes may fill the vehicle.
4. If the fire is small, use a chemical fire extinguisher, dirt, mud, sand or clothing to smother the fire. Do not use water on gasoline, oil, or electrical fires.
5. If a large gasoline or oil fire develops, you may not be able to fight it. Don't try, seek assistance.

Plunging into water. If your car plunges into water, but does not sink immediately, you can escape through a window. It is hard to open a door against water pressure. If the car sinks beneath the surface before you can escape, the weight of the engine will force the front end down first. Some air may be trapped near the roof. You should:

1. Get into the air pocket so you can breathe.
2. When the car settles and pressure inside and outside is equal, it is easier to open a door or window.
3. Remember, you haw several minutes time. If you don't panic, there can be enough time to escape.

Dead battery. If your car has a dead battery, be very careful if you "jump start" it from another car's battery. Either battery could possibly explode and cause you injury. Here are some helpful hints:

1. Take off the vent caps from both batteries. Put a cloth over the open vent wells.
2. Turn off lights, heater and radio.
3. Connect the positive post of the dead battery to the positive post of the live battery.
4. Then connect the negative post of the live battery to the negative post of the dead battery or to the engine block or frame.

Make sure the two cars are not touching. Then, start the car giving the jump. After letting it run a few minutes, start the other car. Take off the cables in the opposite order and put the vent caps back on. Throw away the cloth used to cover the vent wells.

If you get battery acid on your skin, eyes, or car, wash it off immediately with water.

Never light a match or smoke a cigarette near a battery. The fumes from the battery can cause an explosion.

Breakdowns. Fortunately most vehicle breakdowns are not dangerous. If your car breaks down, slow down and pull off the pavement as far as possible. Always turn on your four-way emergency flashers.

At night, if you have flares, put them at least 100 feet behind your car at the side of the road. Flares put beside and 100 feet ahead of your car and at the side of the road will give you added safety.

During daylight, you should tie a white cloth to the radio antenna or left door handle and raise the hood as a signal that your car has broken down.

Except for an emergency, stay with your car. It is generally best to wait outside your car in a safe place. But when traveling alone at night, it may be a good idea to stay in the car with the windows closed and doors locked. Be cautious of those that offer help. If in doubt, remain locked inside the car and ask that the police be notified.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. Carbon monoxide is a gas given off from a vehicle's exhaust system. It can seep into a car if there are holes in the exhaust system. Your car may take in this gas from cars in traffic jams. It may build up when the engine is running in closed spaces such as a garage. Because carbon monoxide does not have an odor, you can be affected without knowing it. It can make you sleepy. Early symptoms include: yawning, dizziness and upset stomach. If any of these occur, suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and get fresh air immediately.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Accidents. If you are involved in a traffic accident resulting in injury, death or property damage, you are required to:
1. Stop immediately. Do not leave the scene of the accident without identifying yourself. · Have someone warn approaching traffic to prevent further damage.
2. Help the injured.
· Call the police and ask for an ambulance if needed. If in doubt, assume that an ambulance is needed.
· Do not move injured persons unless absolutely necessary.
3. Exchange information. Drivers must give their name, address and vehicle license number and if requested, display their driver's license to any person involved in the accident.
· If you damage an unattended vehicle or property, you must notify the police and attempt to locate the owner. Leave your name, address and telephone number on a note where the owner will be sure to see it.
4. In addition to the police report, all drivers or vehicle owners must complete an individual accident report, (form SR-10) and send it to the Office of Motor Vehicles within ten (10) days.
· Be sure to fill in all required liability insurance information on your vehicle.

Notify your insurance company as soon as practical. Give complete information about the accident. See your doctor as soon as possible if you are shaken up.

If you are not trained in first aid, remember that there are only a few things that you can do:

1. Send for help.
2. Try to help the injured where they lie in order of their needs. Keep them warm.
3. To stop bleeding, place a clean cloth over the wound.
4. If a person has stopped breathing, give first aid if you know how
5. Do not move the injured unless there is immediate life threatening danger. Movement could cause more injury.
6. Ask a walking injured person to sit or lie down on his back. If the person is bleeding from the lower part of the face or jaw, turn him on his side. Do not give fluids.
7. You should not try to take an injured person to the hospital yourself unless there is no way to get help. With serious injuries, improper movement may be harmful.


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