What to Do When a Crash Seems Inevitable

If You Veer Off The Road , your instinct will be to swerve back onto the road. Don’t. Instead, lift off the accelerator, gently straighten up your car, and scan ahead for obstacles. If your car is straddling a high curb, slow to 25 mph before attempting to drive over it.

If Your Tire Blows , your instinct will be to stomp on the brakes. Don’t. Instead, take your foot off the gas, hold the wheel firmly, and gently counter-steer to overcome any pulling or fishtailing the blowout has caused. When you feel in control, gently apply the brakes, signal, and pull over to the shoulder.

You See A Deer Ahead , your instinct will be to swerve or slam on the brakes. Don’t, this can cause a head-on collision with a car or a tree. Instead, aim for the deer’s behind, as it will usually jump out of the way.

You’re About to Rear-End The Car In Front Of You , your instinct will be to brake hard. Don’t. Instead brake even harder. Statistics show that people who think they are breaking hard are usually only using about half of the brakes power.

You Hit Black Ice , your instinct will be to turn away from the slide and hit the brakes. Don’t. Instead, if you think you will regain traction before loosing control, keep your foot off both the gas and the brake until your tires grab again while also steering your car in the direction you want to go. If you are sliding out of control, slam on the brakes which will slide your car in one direction which will at least make it easier for other drivers to avoid hitting you. _______________________________________________________________________________

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