Driving emergencies can happen any time and any where. Its important to be prepared. We’ve identified the 9 Worst Driving Emergencies and come up with Easy Life Saving Hacks.Table of contents
- 1. Panic Stops
- 2. Running Off The Road
- 3. Tire Blow Out
- 4. Stuck Throttle
- 5. Rear Tire Slide
- 6. Front Tire Slide
- 7. Failed Power Steering
- 8. Wet Brakes
- 9. Brake Failure
- Be Ready For A Driving Emergencies At All Times
1. Panic Stops
Imagine a situation where a vehicle suddenly runs out of fuel in the middle of the freeway. The only solution is to brake hard.
You can make panic stops in very short distance if your car has an antilock braking system, ABS. All vehicle models of 2012 and later should have ABS. With this system, all you need is to press the brake pads to the floor and keep it that way until the vehicle stops. There is no harm if you rest all your energy on the leg.
Perfecting the art of panic stops takes practice on how to use the ABS. But first, get it installed in your vehicle. Finally, remember that when you have to make an emergency braking, the person behind is not a concern, the one in front is. You will get a ticket for hitting the guy in front. If the guy behind bumps on your, he will get a ticket.
2. Running Off The Road
According to the National Highway Transport and Safety Authority, 25% of fatal accidents are single vehicle accidents. Even more, 70% of the accidents occur when drivers run two wheels off the road, panic and lose control.
If you find yourself running off the road, the first step is to remain calm. It gives you time to do the next steps correctly. Release the accelerator; allow the vehicle to slow down while keeping the steering wheel straight. Smoothly wheel back the vehicle to the road once it has gained enough control.
Do not use the brakes unless all the four wheels are off the road or when you are about to hit something such a tree or rail. The ABS will come in handy in this situation.
3. Tire Blow Out
The shotgun blast of a tire burst can send even the most experienced driver into a panic attack, and most of them end up worsening the situation. The first instinct is to step on the brakes and drive out of the road. However, trying to turn at high speed with a burst rear tire will most likely result in a spin or a deadly crash.
First, remember to remain calm. Then press the accelerator for a moment to collect your wits. Do not step on the brakes, instead, drive straight and let the car slow down before turning off the road.
4. Stuck Throttle
It will cause the vehicle to start accelerating uncontrollably. You must stop the car immediately to avoid a fatal crash. Release the brake pedals if the car began accelerating when you stepped on them. If that does not work, shift the transmission to neutral and switch off the ignition. You may try the brakes, but it will only contain the engine’s power for a short time.
5. Rear Tire Slide
It happens when the rear tire loses grip. It is almost impossible to handle this type of emergency even in an all-wheel driving mode. You cannot use the brake as you will be asking the tires to do more than they can. The only proper solution is to anticipate the problem and solve it.
Even if your car has Electronic Stability Control, ESC, the system still has no power over the laws of physics. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, and the tread depths are adequate.
6. Front Tire Slide
There is more hope for you when the front wheels lose traction than with the rear wheel skid. Most drivers handle this emergency situation right all the time. Let go of the gas pedal and do not touch the brake pedal either. Keep on steering straight ahead and pray that your vehicle regains its grip before you hit an obstruction.
7. Failed Power Steering
A failed power steering makes it difficult to control the wheels. First, turn emergency flashers on to warn other road users. Remember that in such a situation, you will have to use a lot of force to make sharp turns. So avoid them as much as possible. Your next call should be a steering expert.
8. Wet Brakes
It is the result of driving through deep water. First, test the brakes by pressing them lightly. The brakes will shift to one side or not hold if they are wet. The easiest way of drying your brakes is to drive slowly in low gear while applying pressure to the brakes. Keep your hazard lights on when driving with wet brakes.
9. Brake Failure
First, test your brakes when you begin descending a winding steep. If your brake fails, do not panic. Step off the accelerator, start shifting to lower gears as you stomp on the brake. Try controlling the car using the parking brake if possible.
Find something to rub against such a wall, shrubs or a guardrail. In desperate situations, hit something that will give way to minimize damaging your car. Do not drive the car again until you have the brakes repaired.
Be Ready For A Driving Emergencies At All Times
Stay calm is the ruling principle when handling driving emergencies. It will help you stay clear of the gas and brake pedals when you should. Practice also is essential at ensuring that making right decisions during an emergency comes in naturally.