Web Traffic School
Driving Emergencies
WATER CRASHES
If your vehicle runs off the roadway into water, but does not sink right away, try to escape through a window.

Because of the difference in water pressure, you may not be able to open your car door.
If your vehicle starts to sink before you can escape, move to the back seat where an air pocket usually forms. Take a deep breath and exit from a side window, or kick out the rear window. Rear windows are designed to pop out of most cars.
LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES

CONTACT WITH HOT ELECTRICAL WIRES

Running off the roadway can also cause a collision with electrical poles, causing the wires to fall on the car, or sometimes you can drive into wires that are either lying on the road or hanging low from electrical poles.
If this ever happens, you should stay inside the car. If you step out of the car, you could be electrocuted the minute your foot touches the ground. Wait until help arrives and the wires are removed. Do not let anyone approach the car or touch it. Touch things only with the back of your hand. If you use the inside of your hand, and there is a current, it will cause the muscles to contract and grab hold.
CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
What happens if the car catches on fire because of the hot wires? Obviously, you can't stay in the car.
Open the door. Crouch in the open door and spring out as far as you possibly can. Land with both feet as far away from the car as possible. Roll forward so you won't stumble backward and make contact with the car.
IF YOUR CAR CATCHES ON FIRE

If your car ever catches fire while you are driving, try to take the following action. Steer off the road immediately to an open area away from buildings and/or people. Turn off the ignition to cut electrical power to the engine. Get any passengers out of the vehicle and as far away as possible. Assess the situation to determine if it is a serious car fire or a small fire you can deal with yourself. If you don't have a fire extinguisher, stay away from the car.
If you determine you can deal with the fire, use a rag or clothing to protect your hands when opening the hood. Turn the fire extinguisher directly on the fire. Remember, water is not effective in oil and fuel fires. Wait for help to arrive. Never work under the hood while the engine compartment is hot.
SHOULDER HAZARDS

PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

You always try to take the path of least resistance. Whether it's to avoid a head-on collision, side-impact collision, or any other emergency situation on the road, taking the path of least resistance involves choosing the escape route that will decrease the risk of injury and damage to the drivers and vehicles involved.
If you run off the pavement, grip the steering wheel tightly and take your foot off the accelerator. Don't hit the brakes hard. Don't try to swing back onto the pavement. That could cause your vehicle to flip over. Instead, reduce your speed, turn your wheel, and drive carefully back onto the pavement.
NO KIDDING THEY'RE SKIDDING
If your car's rear wheels start to skid, you should take your foot off the gas immediately and turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid. Don't slam on your brakes, as that will cause you to lose further control of your vehicle.
If you go into a front-wheel skid, you should maintain your speed and turn your steering in the direction of the skid. Once again, don't slam on the brakes.
TASKS USUALLY IGNORED
There's one simple way to find out many of the things you need to know about taking care of your car: your owner's manual. It's the authority. If we show you something that differs from what your manual indicates, follow the manual.
One of the first things to think about in car care is the type of fuel you use: regular, unleaded, or higher octane premium. Octane helps your engine use gas efficiently. If there's not enough octane in the fuel you use, you'll hear a sharp knocking noise that results from uncontrolled combustion in your engine.
If you hear persistent and severe knocking, try a higher-octane gasoline, and if that doesn't solve the problem, you should take your car to a service facility because it can signal a more serious problem. You won't get better performance by using premium fuel if your car doesn't need it.

CHECKING THE OIL

It should be a habit that you never break. Oil lubricates, cleans, and cools your engine. And without it, serious damage will result.

HOW TO CHECK THE OIL

With the engine turned off, find the dipstick. Take it out and wipe it clean. Then insert it back in the engine. Then take a look at the reading. It says right on the dipstick if you need more oil. If you need oil, check your owner's manual for the correct oil for your car. The most popular weights of oil are SAE 5w/30, SAE 10w/30, and SAE 10w/40.
If you do a lot of high-speed highway driving, you'll need thicker oil that can lubricate the engine at higher temperatures. In very cold weather, use thinner oil, like SAE 5w/30, that will reduce engine resistance for easier starting.
Also, be aware of the oil pressure warning light on your dashboard. It won't tell you if you need more oil, but it will tell you if the pressure is low.

If the oil pressure light ever goes on, don't drive. Call a mechanic.

THE WALK AROUND INSPECTION

There's another habit you should develop each time you fill your car: a walk-around inspection. It will take you minutes, but can save you endless trouble. Begin your walk-around inspection by checking the tire treads for wear.

Tires come with built-in wear bars. If you can see them, your tires are done for.

Watch out for bulges, cuts, and blisters. Also, check for nails, glass, rocks, or other hazards stuck in the tread.
Make sure that your turn signals are working.

Try your brake lights and headlights. If the headlights are dirty, you could be losing as much as 90 percent of the illumination they provide.
See that your windshield is clean and that the wipers are working.

Turn your ignition key until the dash board warning lights go on and check to see if any dashboard warning lights are burnt out and get them replaced if they are.

Check the brake pedal for firmness, and make sure the emergency brake is in good working order by parking on an incline and seeing if it holds.
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
We'll begin with the most important topic of all, safety maintenance. There are several parts of your car on which your life depends. One of these is your brakes.

In this next section, we'll take a look at some of the most common problems that can develop in your brake system so that you can be sure to recognize them before they become too severe. All of these problems need the immediate attention of your mechanic. Don't ever put off having a look at your brakes if you have any doubts about their effectiveness.

BRAKE TROUBLE

Spongy brake pedal can be caused by:

· Incorrect adjustment

· Brake drums that are too thin

BRAKE TROUBLE

If your brake pedal "fades"...

· Needs more pressure than usual

· Does not respond as usual

· Does not respond at all

...the cause could be

· A defective power assist unit

· A partial brake system failure

BRAKE TROUBLE

If your brakes pull to one side you might have:

· Grease or foreign matter in the linings

· Sticky or leaky wheel cylinder

Grease on the linings or pads can also cause your brakes to grab, endangering you and your occupants.

BRAKE TROUBLE

Other signs of trouble:

· Steering wheel shimmies

· Noises like squealing or vibrating

Good brake maintenance means having your wheel bearings re-packed every two years.

TIRE MAINTENANCE

Another very important safety feature on your car are your tires.
The most common tires that cars have today are known as "radial ply."
The three most commonly used "radial ply" are:

· regular radials

· all-weather

· snow tires
Sometimes a flat is unavoidable, so make sure you know where the spare tire and the tools are kept in your car. (Check your spare often to ensure its readiness for use.)

Some cars have a mini spare designed to be used for driving short distances only. It saves space and weight in your car. But like a temporary filling in your tooth, it must be replaced quickly. Use it only to get to a facility where your regular tire can be replaced or repaired.
Heavy tread wear on one side of a tire spells alignment problems.
Sudden failure of your suspension system or steering is uncommon, since the problems usually develop gradually as a result of wear.
Suspension or steering trouble signs:

· If you can turn your steering wheel two inches before the wheels move

· If you have power steering and it becomes extremely difficult to turn the wheel (It needs immediate attention.)

· Front-end shimmy, or wobbling, and pulling to the side as you drive

SAFETY BELTS

When worn properly, safety belts save lives and reduce injuries in collisions. Be sure your safety belts are in good working order.

SAFETY BELTS

Check your safety belts by braking sharply. They should engage immediately.

Check the passenger safety belts, too.

Make sure you use a child restraint system that meets federal standards.

Replace your safety belts if you have a collision.

WHEN THE CAR WON'T START

You've been responsible about having all your inspections done and you're aware of safety factors and the maintenance of your brakes, tires, suspension, and steering. You jump in your car, put on your safety belt, adjust the head restraint and mirrors, turn the key, and the car won't start. What can you do?

WHEN THE CAR WON'T START

Make sure the vehicle is in park or neutral.

Do you have gas?

Check your dash lights and see if any current is being generated by the battery.
· Try the headlights
· If the battery is dead, jump-start the car
· Keep jumper cables handy and know how to use them
· Check for corrosion on the terminals and cables

WHAT GOES IN THE EMERGENCY KIT?

  • The name and number of someone who should be notified in an emergency
  • A waterproof flash light with alkaline batteries
  • A pocket knife
  • A tire pressure gauge
  • A pad of note paper with a pen or pencil
  • The registration numbers of your car keys in your wallet

IN THE TRUNK

  • Commonly used hand tools
  • Work gloves
  • First aid kit
  • Plastic ground cloth
  • Jumper cables
  • Clean rags or paper towels
  • Electrical tape

IN THE TRUNK

  • Duct tape
  • Flares
  • Warning triangles
  • Tire pump
  • Some flexible wire
  • A piece of sand paper or battery cleaning tools

IN THE TRUNK

  • A can of engine oil
  • A fire extinguisher
  • A jack and lug wrench
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.
· Turn off light, heater and radio.


· Connect positive post of the dead battery to the positive post of the live battery.


· Then connect 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 one. Take off the cables in the opposite order.
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.
TIRE BLOWOUTS
Here are a few more helpful hints when faced with serious driving situations.

Even at the legal speed limit, a tire blowout could cause a serious crash. A front tire blowout can cause you to lose steering control and swerve to the side in which the blowout occurs.

If your left front tire blows, it could cause you to swerve left into a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle.

A blowout on any wheel could cause your vehicle to flip over.

A BLOWOUT OF ANY WHEEL COULD CAUSE
YOUR VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER.

  • Keep a firm grip on your steering wheel
  • Don't slam on your breaks
  • Slowly steer your vehicle out of the skid
  • Correct any change in direction
  • Remove your foot from the accelerator
  • Slowly ease the car off the roadway
Should you have a blowout, be sure to keep a firm grip on your steering wheel to maintain as much control over steering as possible. Don't slam on your brakes. That could cause further loss of steering or cause your vehicle to flip over. Instead, slowly steer your vehicle out of the skid, correct any change in direction, remove your foot from the accelerator, and slowly ease the car off the roadway.
  • Get your vehicle under control
  • Cautiously work your way off the roadway
  • Look before you change lanes
  • Use your turn signals
  • Never try to change a tire on the roadway
If you're in heavy traffic, get your vehicle under control as quickly as possible after a blowout. Then, cautiously work your way off the roadway. Look before you change lanes, and use your turn signals.
Never try to change a tire on the roadway. It's better to slowly drive the car off the road before attempting to change a tire. Even if you destroy the tire and rim in the process, you'll come out way ahead in the long run by putting safety ahead of economics.

Get as far off the roadway as you possibly can. You don't want to get hit by a speeding car while you're changing a tire.

WAYS TO ENSURE AGAINST A BLOW-OUT

The best way to ensure against a blowout is to make certain that your tires are in good shape. Routinely inspect them for tread wear and punctures. The law requires at least 1/16th of an inch of tread depth. And routinely check to make sure the tires are properly inflated.

With the advent of self-service gas stations, many routine tire checks the attendant used to make are now almost entirely the individual's responsibility. And all too often, we don't check.

So, get back in the habit of routinely checking your tires at least once a week.
Losing a wheel is similar to a blowout. The warning signs are often the same: a thumping noise or pulling to one side. The same basic rules apply for recovering control.
GIMME A BRAKE!
Many of the bad breaks that happen on our roads are caused by bad brakes on our cars.

It's the responsibility of all motorists to make sure their brakes are in good working order. Your sense of survival should tell you that it simply makes good sense.
Unlike tires, brakes are more difficult to inspect and maintain. This procedure usually has to be performed by a mechanic or brake specialist. But, it's something you should do at least once a year, and sooner if your brakes aren't operating properly. If the brake pedal feels soft or mushy, if the pedal goes almost to the floor, or if you have to pump the pedal before the car will stop within the required distance, you need to have them inspected immediately.
In the event of brake failure, do the following: (1) Pump the brake pedal rapidly, (2) immediately shift into a lower gear, and (3) apply the hand brake.
These procedures will help bring the car to a stop. But, depending on your speed and the severity of the failure, your vehicle will travel some distance before you'll be able to bring it to a halt. So, be looking for escape routes to avoid a collision. Get your car off the roadway as soon as you can do so safely.

Don't be tempted to try to drive it to a garage. Call a tow truck and have it safely removed from the side of the road.
STEERING
Your vehicle's steering mechanism is another critically important part of safe driving.

It takes you one and a half seconds just to react. If your steering doesn't respond instantaneously, your life could take a turn for the worse.
Make sure your steering wheel has a minimum of "play" in it.
LOSING POWER TO YOUR CAR

IF YOU SUDDENLY LOSE POWER ON YOUR CAR:

  • Don't brake suddenly
  • Shift into a lower gear
  • Slowly ease safely off the roadway
  • Do not turn off the ignition
  • If necessary, use the emergency brakes to assist in braking
  • Shift to a lower gear if you have a manual transmission
  • If you emergency flashers still work, be sure to turn them on
If you suddenly lose power on your car, you'll find it very difficult to steer with power steering. If it happens, don't brake suddenly since that makes it even more difficult to steer. Shift into a lower gear and slowly, safely ease off the roadway. Do not turn off the ignition while the car is in motion since this may lock up your steering wheel. Although steering and braking may be difficult with a loss of power, they will still function. So use them to the best of your ability.
If necessary, use the emergency brake to assist in braking, or shift to a lower gear if you have a manual transmission. If your emergency flashers still work, be sure to turn them on.

When you use your parking brake to stop after brake failure, be sure to keep the release button down on the hand brake handle. Otherwise, you will lock up your rear wheels and induce a skid. If you have a foot emergency brake, be sure to use the brake release lever. Ensure that you use the brake release lever and not the hood release lever. Otherwise, you will compound your problem. If you are not sure how your emergency brake works, consult your owner's manual.
Remember to check your power steering fluid weekly. Have your steering and linkage checked periodically. And while you're at it, get your muffler inspected. A faulty muffler can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your vehicle, causing drowsiness and fatigue.

In fact, too much carbon monoxide can be lethal.

Also check your battery and electrical system. Remember, if your car loses electrical power, it makes your power steering and brakes difficult to operate.
Check all fluid levels routinely. Your car's power steering and power brake systems won't operate properly with low fluid levels.

Make sure your headlights are in good order, both the high and low beams. They should be properly adjusted so as not to blind other drivers.

Should your headlights fail, bring your vehicle to a stop off the roadway as quickly and smoothly as possible. Turn on your emergency flashers and turn signals as a warning to other vehicles, and to give yourself as much light as possible.
HOOD FLYING OPEN
If your hood flies up while your vehicle is in motion, take your foot off the accelerator immediately and brake smoothly as you ease onto the shoulder of the road. You will have to look out your left window to see. But on some cars, you may be able to peek through the gap under the hinge edge of the hood. Make it a habit after service to check to see that if the hood is securely attached.
BREAKDOWNS
There are certain procedures to follow in the event your car breaks down. Move your car off the pavement. If you can't get off the roadway, get everyone safely out of the car. Turn on your emergency flashers and raise the hood. If it's night, turn on the inside light.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SEE
A LIGHT FLASHING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD?

  • MOVE
  • REDUCE
  • OBSERVE
  • BE PREPARED
What should you do if you see a light flashing on the side of the road? Move into the lane furthest away from the flashing light. Reduce your speed. Observe the scene carefully. Be prepared for the unexpected.
Sure, it's going to cost some money to keep your car properly maintained.

But, in a piece of machinery, you're entrusting your life in it. Just think how much it could save down the road.