Section 6: Handling Emergencies Flashcards
How do you handle a tire blowout?
Hold the steering wheel steady, go straight, and stop acceleration.
When the vehicle has slowed down to the point of almost stopping, pull off to the side and gently brake.
How should you handle a fire in your car?
Pull over immediately and shut the engine off. Evacuate the vehicle.
If the fire is small enough for you to control, use a fire extinguisher or blanket to put it out. If not, move far away from the vehicle and call 911.
How should you handle steam coming from under the hood and/or overheating?
Pull over to the side of the road, turn off the car, and open the hood enough to let the engine cool down.
Do not open the radiator cap until the engine has cooled. At this point, you may add extra water to the radiator.
What do you do if your power steering fails?
Grip the wheel extra hard and pull off the side of the road. Press the brakes extra hard if they are power brakes.
What should you do if your headlights stop working?
Try switching to/from high beam and low beam to see if that gets them working again.
Try turning them on and off a few times.
If these fail, use your emergency lights, turn signals, or parking lights and pull over.
What should you do if your breaks fail?
If you DO NOT have Anti-Lock Breaks: Pump the breaks quickly. This may build up enough pressure to stop the vehicle.
Alternatively, gently and slowly apply the parking brake while holding the brake release so you can ease off it if the back tires lock. Shift into low gear and look for a safe place to stop.
What are some ways you can potentially avoid or lesson injury from a crash?
If it’s a rear end crash, pull your vehicle forward if possible to allow the driver more time to break. Release your breaks before you are hit to lesson impact.
If it’s a front-end crash, reduce your speed, flash your lights, and honk your horn to try to alert the driver. Try to pull onto the shoulder if possible. If you cannot avoid it, try to maneuver your car in a way to reduce impact.
What can you do to recover from a skid?
Do not brake further. Turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. When your vehicle begins to straighten out, turn your wheel quickly the opposite way to stop the skid in the opposite direction. Continuing going back and forth until your vehicle has regained it’s normal path.
What information should you provide if you are involved in an accident?
- Drivers license number.
- Name and address.
- Insurance company name and policy number.
- Information on witnesses of the crash.
- License plate number.
