In this section we will identify common driving emergencies and appropriate reactions to these emergencies. When something unexpected happens, what will you do? In an emergency you must make rapid, often life-or-death, decisions. Learn what to do in each emergency situation, and you will be prepared to avoid a collision.

Sometimes, the more comfortable you are driving, the less aware you are of the speed you're going. But when an emergency situation occurs, suddenly everything starts happening very fast.

Chances are, when an emergency happens, you'll have very little time to react. Knowing what to do will help you make the right decisions.

Collision Traps

A collision trap is a situation in which you are not able to maintain an adequate space cushion around your vehicle. Collision traps can occur in front of you, behind you, and to your sides.

Front - A tailgater behind you can cause a collision trap in front of you. If you try to move forward to give the tailgater more room, you end up shrinking the space cushion between you and the car in front of you. Instead of moving forward, it would be a better idea to slow down gradually (say, by taking your foot off of the gas pedal) and let the tailgater pass you when he/she can.

Rear - A collision trap can occur to the rear of your vehicle, if you slow down to avoid tailgating a vehicle )n front of you.

Sides - A collision trap can occur to one or both sides of your vehicle.
In all cases, try to communicate -- with your lights, horn, etc. -- to make sure that you can maintain your safety space cushion. Increase your distance from the car in front of you and leave yourself an "out."

Mr. Francis Jay Kowalski was driving
a 2000 Red International owned by K-3 Resources Inc. He was headed North on
Highway 249 in Houston, Texas. The weather conditions were cloudy and the ambient
lighting was “Dark-Not Lighted”. Mr. Kowalski slowed his tractor-trailer to turn left into
a Chevron gas station on the west side of Highway 249. At this time Mr. Zermino was
headed south on highway 249 approaching Mr. Kowalski’s vehicle traveling beside a
green car driven by an unknown driver. After slowing Mr. Kowalski started his turn into
the driveway. Mr. Zermino observed the tractor-trailer crossing in front of his lane. He
tried to avoid collision by veering to the left and braking. Mr. Zermino was most likely
blocked by the green car as he attempted to go around tanker. When he applied his
brakes he was traveling 45 miles per hour and 50 feet from the trailer. After skidding he
impacted the trailer traveling at 39 miles per hour.

A tailgating driver can also push you into a collision trap from the sides. Unless you increase your safe space in front of you, here's what could happen.

The tailgater w as able to push you into a collision trap because you didn't maintain enough safe space, front, rear and side.

But you weren't alone. The car you sideswiped got caught in the same trap.

By not observing the situation to his front and side, and by not maintaining enough safe space to the side, he suffered the consequences.

In the moments prior to a potential collision the most important thing to remember is: don't panic. By reacting properly and quickly you may be able to avoid collision situations.

And to be prepared in case of a collision, it's also very important to know about your braking system. Does your car come with an anti-lock braking system? It makes a difference when determining how you should brake in an emergency.

If you have anti-lock brakes: Brake hard and hold the brakes in. You will continue to be able to steer and control your vehicle.

If you do not have anti-lock brakes: Do not brake hard and hold the brakes in. This will lock your wheels and send your car into a skid. Instead, to stop quickly, you should pump your brakes.

Protecting Yourself in a Collision



You can't always avoid a collision. If your car is about to be hit, remember these tips to protect yourself.

Rear Collisions

Be ready to apply your brake so you won't be pushed into the car ahead.
Brace yourself between the steering wheel and the seat back.
Flash your brakes early to alert other drivers.
As the car nears, release the brake and move forward, if you can.
Press the back of your head firmly against the headrest.
If you are at an intersection and the intersection is clear, accelerate across the intersection.
Side Collisions

Keep a tight hold on the steering wheel. This may help prevent you from being thrown against the side of the car.
Be prepared to steer quickly. Your car may get spun around or have its direction radically changed. If you can regain control of the car, you may be able to avoid further damage.
Brake or accelerate quickly to avoid getting hit in the passenger compartment.
Blow your horn to alert other drivers.
Change lanes or swerve away from the other vehicle.

Use Your Horn



Use your horn sparingly, using the following guidelines:

Sound your horn when necessary to avoid collisions. Don't honk at other times. Try to get "eye contact" with other drivers. Sometimes it may be necessary to tap your horn to alert another driver who may want to turn in front of you.

On narrow mountain roads, drive as far to the right as possible and sound your horn where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead.

If a driver is going too slowly, don't honk just to make the slow driver hurry. The driver may be ill, lost, or may be having problems with the car.

Don't honk simply to show other drivers that they have made a mistake. Your honking may upset them so much that they may make more mistakes.

Never honk because you are angry or upset.
Use your headlights: