How to Handle Emergency Situations While Driving

Not all drives will be perfect. Occasionally, something can go wrong: your vehicle can break down, the tire can blow out, or something out of the blue can occur on the road. Those emergencies can be frightening if you are an inexperienced driver. But knowing how to react when they happen can help a lot. You don’t have to panic. You need to remain cool, remain safe, and make wise decisions.

Learning to turn or park isn’t the whole story when you go to driving school. You should also learn how to keep safe when an accident strikes. When prepared, you are less likely to panic or get things wrong. That’s why every driver should learn to deal with emergencies early on.

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down

If your vehicle breaks down, the first thing you must do is remain calm. Gradually remove your foot from the accelerator and guide your vehicle to the road’s edge.

If you can safely do so, transition over the shoulder or to a non-threatening location out of the traffic flow. Activate your hazard lights so oncoming traffic will notice something is amiss. These flashing lights signal, “My vehicle isn’t operational—give me space.“

Do not get out of the car immediately if you’re near traffic. Only step out when it’s safe. If you have a phone, call for help. You can contact roadside assistance or a trusted family member. Keep a few emergency items in your car, like a flashlight, a warning triangle, and a charger.

How to Handle a Tire Blowout

A tire blowout sounds like a loud pop, followed by your car pulling to one side. It can feel scary, but you can stay in control. Do not slam on the brakes. Please keep your hands on the steering wheel and hold it steady. Slowly take your foot off the gas and let the car slow down. When it’s safe, guide the vehicle to the side of the road and stop.

Once you stop the car, engage the hazard lights. If you know how to change a tire and it is safe, you can repair it. If not, remain in the car and call for assistance. A tire blowout can be a surprise, but provided you stay cool and act diligently, you should be able to manage the situation well.

What to Do If Your Brakes Fail

This is rare, but it can happen to you. If you push on the brakes and the car won’t stop at all, do not panic. First, pump the brakes hard. This may restore pressure and get the brakes functioning. If this does not help, slowly pull the emergency or park brakes. This should stop the car.

If your car still doesn’t slow down, shift the vehicle into a lower gear. This will help reduce your speed. As your car slows, look for a safe place to pull over. Honk your horn or flash your lights to warn other drivers. Once you stop, turn off the engine and immediately call for help.

Staying Safe During Bad Weather

Rain, fog, or gusty winds may pose hazards when driving. Drive slower when the weather is poor. Leave your headlights on and increase the gap from the car ahead. Roads get slippery; take care when braking and steering.

If you cannot see well, it is right to stop at a safe location and wait. Engage the hazard lights and wait out the weather. It is better to be late than to risk a lot.

What to Do If You’re in an Accident

Rain, fog, or gusty winds may pose hazards when driving. Drive slower when the weather is poor. Leave your headlights on and increase the gap from the car ahead. Roads get slippery; take care when braking and steering. If you cannot see well, it is right to stop at a safe location and wait. Engage the hazard lights and wait out the weather. It is better to be late than to risk a lot.

Final Thoughts

Emergencies can happen to anyone on the road, but drivers don’t have to panic. When you know what to do and stay calm, you protect yourself and others. At Northwest Driving School, you’ll learn how to drive and stay safe when things are unplanned. Enroll at Northwest Driving School and acquire the confidence to handle any driving challenge with ability and composure.