Chapter 7Chapter 7

Driving EmergenciesDriving Emergencies

Teenage DriversTeenage Drivers Teens have a higher crash rate than other age Teens have a higher crash rate than other age

groups, and their crashes are different. groups, and their crashes are different. Their inexperience and immaturity behind the Their inexperience and immaturity behind the

wheel produces a pattern of fatal crashes among wheel produces a pattern of fatal crashes among 16 yr old drivers.16 yr old drivers.

They have the highest percentages of crashes They have the highest percentages of crashes involving speeding, single-vehicle crashes, crashes involving speeding, single-vehicle crashes, crashes due to driver error and occupancy.due to driver error and occupancy.

Teens take more risks and are less likely to use Teens take more risks and are less likely to use safety belts.safety belts.

They are more likely to underestimate dangers They are more likely to underestimate dangers and less able to cope with those dangers.and less able to cope with those dangers.

Most states have developed a Graduated Licensing Most states have developed a Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) in an effort to reduce teenage Program (GLP) in an effort to reduce teenage deaths on highways.deaths on highways.

Avoiding CollisionsAvoiding Collisions

In the few seconds you have In the few seconds you have before a possible crash, try not before a possible crash, try not to panic.to panic.

Reacting properly and quickly Reacting properly and quickly can avoid crashes or minimize can avoid crashes or minimize the damage.the damage.

Avoiding Collisions cont.Avoiding Collisions cont.

Know your vehicle’s braking systemKnow your vehicle’s braking system Turning quicklyTurning quickly Speed up quicklySpeed up quickly Oncoming car in your laneOncoming car in your lane Overtaking vehicle in dangerOvertaking vehicle in danger

Know your vehicle’s Know your vehicle’s braking systembraking system

If you have a manual (disc) brake system, do If you have a manual (disc) brake system, do not brake hard and hold. This will lock the not brake hard and hold. This will lock the wheels and puts the car into a skidwheels and puts the car into a skid Push the brake pedal hardPush the brake pedal hard As the car begins to skid, quickly let up on the As the car begins to skid, quickly let up on the

brake then quickly push down again.brake then quickly push down again. Use this quick pumping action until the car is Use this quick pumping action until the car is

stoppedstopped If you have an anti-locking braking system If you have an anti-locking braking system

(ABS), when the brakes are pressed hard the (ABS), when the brakes are pressed hard the ABS pumps the brakes up to 30 times/sec. ABS pumps the brakes up to 30 times/sec.

This system helps you maintain control and This system helps you maintain control and stop the car in a straight line rather than stop the car in a straight line rather than spinning out of control.spinning out of control.

ABS does not stop the car faster, it enables ABS does not stop the car faster, it enables you to stop it where you want to.you to stop it where you want to.

Turning QuicklyTurning Quickly

This may be your only chance of avoiding a This may be your only chance of avoiding a crash.crash.

If a crash looks probable, turn away from it If a crash looks probable, turn away from it even if it means leaving the road.even if it means leaving the road.

Drive off the road choosing to hit something Drive off the road choosing to hit something that will give way (brush or shrubs) rather that will give way (brush or shrubs) rather than something hard. than something hard.

A sideswipe is better than a head-on crash. A sideswipe is better than a head-on crash. Never cross over into the oncoming traffic Never cross over into the oncoming traffic

lane.lane.

Speed Up QuicklySpeed Up Quickly

Sometimes you may need to speed up Sometimes you may need to speed up quickly to avoid a crash.quickly to avoid a crash.

This may be the case when another car is This may be the case when another car is about to hit you from the side or from about to hit you from the side or from behind.behind.

If your car has a manual shift, shift If your car has a manual shift, shift quickly into a lower gear and push the quickly into a lower gear and push the gas pedal to the floor.gas pedal to the floor.

In any case, you may have only seconds In any case, you may have only seconds to decide and act.to decide and act.

Oncoming Car in Your Oncoming Car in Your LaneLane

If you see a car coming toward you in If you see a car coming toward you in your lane:your lane: Blow your horn and flash your lights to Blow your horn and flash your lights to

warn the other driver, if you have time.warn the other driver, if you have time. Brake fast, but don’t lock your wheels Brake fast, but don’t lock your wheels

and lose control.and lose control. If the other driver keeps coming and a If the other driver keeps coming and a

crash is probable, steer off the road to crash is probable, steer off the road to the RIGHT shoulder or ditch. the RIGHT shoulder or ditch.

DO NOT DRIVE INTO THE LEFT LANEDO NOT DRIVE INTO THE LEFT LANE

Overtaking Vehicle in Overtaking Vehicle in Danger Danger

If another vehicle is attempting to If another vehicle is attempting to overtake and pass you but cannot overtake and pass you but cannot complete passing due to oncoming traffic, complete passing due to oncoming traffic, you must act quickly.you must act quickly. If the passing vehicle continues to attempt to If the passing vehicle continues to attempt to

pass, you can help by slowing your vehicle and pass, you can help by slowing your vehicle and moving as far to the right as you can with moving as far to the right as you can with safety. safety.

If the other driver definitely cannot complete If the other driver definitely cannot complete the pass and must drop back, speed up so that the pass and must drop back, speed up so that he can move in behind you.he can move in behind you.

If the right shoulder is safe and a crash is If the right shoulder is safe and a crash is almost certain, move quickly onto the shoulder almost certain, move quickly onto the shoulder to allow the passing car to move into your lane.to allow the passing car to move into your lane.

Protecting Yourself in a Protecting Yourself in a CrashCrash

TIPS ON HOW TO PROTECT TIPS ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELFYOURSELF

Rear CollisionsRear Collisions Side CollisionsSide Collisions Head-on CollisionsHead-on Collisions Stalled on Railroad TracksStalled on Railroad Tracks

Rear CollisionsRear Collisions

If you are about to be hit from the If you are about to be hit from the rear:rear: Be ready to apply your brake so you Be ready to apply your brake so you

won’t be pushed into the car ahead.won’t be pushed into the car ahead. Brace yourself between the steering Brace yourself between the steering

wheel and the seat back.wheel and the seat back. Press the back of your head firmly Press the back of your head firmly

against the head rest.against the head rest.

Side CollisionSide Collision

If you are about to be hit from the If you are about to be hit from the side:side: Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel. Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel.

This may keep you from being thrown This may keep you from being thrown against the side of the car.against the side of the car.

Get ready to steer quickly so that if you Get ready to steer quickly so that if you spin around you can try to regain spin around you can try to regain control of the car.control of the car.

Head-on CollisionsHead-on Collisions

If you are about to be hit from the If you are about to be hit from the front:front: Use your arms and hands to protect Use your arms and hands to protect

your face if you are wearing your seat your face if you are wearing your seat belt and shoulder strap.belt and shoulder strap.

If you are not using your shoulder strap, If you are not using your shoulder strap, throw yourself across the seat to keep throw yourself across the seat to keep from hitting the steering wheel or from hitting the steering wheel or windshield.windshield.

Stalled on Railroad Stalled on Railroad TracksTracks

If your vehicle is stalled on a railroad track If your vehicle is stalled on a railroad track and there is immediate danger of an and there is immediate danger of an approaching train, don’t try any last minute approaching train, don’t try any last minute heroics to make it.heroics to make it.

Get all passengers and yourself out and Get all passengers and yourself out and walk quickly alongside the tracks in the walk quickly alongside the tracks in the direction direction towardtoward the approaching so that the approaching so that you will avoid any debris from your vehicle.you will avoid any debris from your vehicle.

If danger is not immediate, and you are If danger is not immediate, and you are sure you have time, move your vehicle off sure you have time, move your vehicle off the tracks.the tracks.

Other Vehicle Other Vehicle EmercentiesEmercenties

SkidsSkids Running off the pavementRunning off the pavement The blowoutThe blowout Gas pedal sticksGas pedal sticks Brakes failBrakes fail Loss of a wheelLoss of a wheel OverheatingOverheating FireFire Dead batteryDead battery BreakdownsBreakdowns Carbon monoxide poisoningCarbon monoxide poisoning

Skids Skids

Most skids happen when you try to turn or Most skids happen when you try to turn or stop suddenly on slippery pavement.stop suddenly on slippery pavement.

If the rear of your car starts to slide, don’t use If the rear of your car starts to slide, don’t use your brakes. your brakes.

To steer out of a skid:To steer out of a skid: Take your foot off the gas pedalTake your foot off the gas pedal Turn your front wheels enough to keep them going Turn your front wheels enough to keep them going

straight. If the rear of your car is skidding to the straight. If the rear of your car is skidding to the right, turn the front wheels to the right. Turn left right, turn the front wheels to the right. Turn left for a skid to the left.for a skid to the left.

Be careful not to over steer. Your car may start to Be careful not to over steer. Your car may start to skid the other way. Turn your wheels in the skid the other way. Turn your wheels in the direction of the skid and straighten the wheels direction of the skid and straighten the wheels when the car is back in control.when the car is back in control.

Skids cont.Skids cont.

CAUTION:CAUTION: If your car begins to skid due to wet or icy If your car begins to skid due to wet or icy

conditions:conditions: Let off the gasLet off the gas Do not brake!!Do not brake!! Simply look and steer in the direction you want to Simply look and steer in the direction you want to

gogo Be prepared to counter steer after making the Be prepared to counter steer after making the

initial steering corrections.initial steering corrections. Try not to use your brakes during a side skid.Try not to use your brakes during a side skid. If necessary, pump them lightly.If necessary, pump them lightly.

Running Off the Running Off the Pavement Pavement

If your wheels should slip off the edge of the If your wheels should slip off the edge of the road, do not try to turn back onto the road, do not try to turn back onto the pavement.pavement.

This could cause you to swerve into the lane This could cause you to swerve into the lane of oncoming traffic.of oncoming traffic.

You should stay on the shoulder:You should stay on the shoulder: Slow down by using your brakes gentlySlow down by using your brakes gently If there is no drop-off from the pavement, steer If there is no drop-off from the pavement, steer

back easily onto the road.back easily onto the road. If the shoulder is much lower than the pavement:If the shoulder is much lower than the pavement:

Slow to about 10 mphSlow to about 10 mph Look for traffic coming in both directionsLook for traffic coming in both directions Turn your wheels sharply back onto the pavementTurn your wheels sharply back onto the pavement

The BlowoutThe Blowout

The most important rule is – don’t panic The most important rule is – don’t panic and don’t slam your brakes. You should:and don’t slam your brakes. You should: Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep your Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep your

car in the same lane. There may be a strong car in the same lane. There may be a strong pull to the right or left.pull to the right or left.

Let your car slow down. Don’t use the brakes Let your car slow down. Don’t use the brakes until you have slowed to a safer speed (around until you have slowed to a safer speed (around 30 mph).30 mph).

Brake gently and pull all the way off the road Brake gently and pull all the way off the road into a safe area.into a safe area.

Gas Pedal SticksGas Pedal Sticks

If your gas pedal sticks, keep your eyes If your gas pedal sticks, keep your eyes on the road:on the road: Put the gear shift in neutralPut the gear shift in neutral Try to free the pedal with your foot. Have Try to free the pedal with your foot. Have

your passenger try to free it if you can’t.your passenger try to free it if you can’t. Turn the ignition off.Turn the ignition off. Put on the brakes. Pull off the road into a Put on the brakes. Pull off the road into a

safe area.safe area.

Brakes FailBrakes Fail At the first sign of trouble, try not to panic.At the first sign of trouble, try not to panic. Do not put your parking brake on suddenly.Do not put your parking brake on suddenly. Work your vehicle to the right lane toward the Work your vehicle to the right lane toward the

shoulder or, if possible, toward an exit.shoulder or, if possible, toward an exit. When changing lanes, do so smoothly and When changing lanes, do so smoothly and

carefully, watching your mirrors and other carefully, watching your mirrors and other traffictraffic Let the car slow down gradually by taking your foot Let the car slow down gradually by taking your foot

off the gas pedal. Steer until it slows and shift to a off the gas pedal. Steer until it slows and shift to a lower gear to let the engine help the car slow.lower gear to let the engine help the car slow.

Shift into neutral and gradually apply the hand brake Shift into neutral and gradually apply the hand brake until the vehicle stops. If that fails, direct the car onto until the vehicle stops. If that fails, direct the car onto a soft shoulder.a soft shoulder.

Do not attempt to drive your vehicle without brakes!Do not attempt to drive your vehicle without brakes!

Loss of a WheelLoss of a Wheel

This is a rather uncommon This is a rather uncommon emergency, but if it should happen, emergency, but if it should happen, use the same procedure as for a tire use the same procedure as for a tire blowout.blowout.

The warning signs are a thumping The warning signs are a thumping noise and/or pulling to one side. noise and/or pulling to one side.

Once stopped, you will be unable to Once stopped, you will be unable to move the vehicle; it must be towed.move the vehicle; it must be towed.

OverheatingOverheating

If steam begins to come from under If steam begins to come from under the hood, your cooling system is the hood, your cooling system is boiling.boiling.

You should pull to the side of the You should pull to the side of the road and turn off the engine.road and turn off the engine.

Do not open the radiator cap.Do not open the radiator cap.

Fire Fire Most vehicle fires occur as a result of an Most vehicle fires occur as a result of an

overheated engine, an electrical short, a fuel overheated engine, an electrical short, a fuel leak or an oil leak.leak or an oil leak.

Any burning odor should be immediately Any burning odor should be immediately investigated.investigated.

If smoke comes from under the hood:If smoke comes from under the hood: Drive off the road clear of traffic and stop.Drive off the road clear of traffic and stop. Turn off the engine and all electrical switches.Turn off the engine and all electrical switches. Get all passengers out of and away from the vehicle. Get all passengers out of and away from the vehicle.

Poisonous fumes may fill the vehicle.Poisonous fumes may fill the vehicle. If the fire is small, use a chemical fire extinguisher, If the fire is small, use a chemical fire extinguisher,

dirt, mud, sand or clothing to smother the fire. Do dirt, mud, sand or clothing to smother the fire. Do not use water or gasoline, oil or an electrical fire.not use water or gasoline, oil or an electrical fire.

If a large gasoline or oil fire develops, you may not If a large gasoline or oil fire develops, you may not be able to fight it. Don’t try, seek assistance.be able to fight it. Don’t try, seek assistance.

Dead BatteryDead Battery

If your car has a dead battery, be careful if If your car has a dead battery, be careful if you “jump start” it from another car’s you “jump start” it from another car’s battery. Batteries could possibly explode battery. Batteries could possibly explode and cause harm.and cause harm.

Here are some helpful hints:Here are some helpful hints: Take off the vent caps from both batteries. Put a Take off the vent caps from both batteries. Put a

cloth over the open vent wells.cloth over the open vent wells. Turn off lights, heaters and radio.Turn off lights, heaters and radio. Connect the positive post of the Connect the positive post of the deaddead battery to battery to

the positive post of the the positive post of the livelive battery. battery. Then connect the negative post of the Then connect the negative post of the live live

battery to the negative post of the battery to the negative post of the deaddead battery battery or to the engine block or frame.or to the engine block or frame.

Dead Battery cont.Dead Battery cont. Make sure the two cars are not touching.Make sure the two cars are not touching. Then, start the car giving the jump.Then, start the car giving the jump. After letting it run a few minutes, start the other After letting it run a few minutes, start the other

car.car. Take off the cables in the opposite order and put Take off the cables in the opposite order and put

the vent caps back on.the vent caps back on. Safely discard the cloth used to cover the vent Safely discard the cloth used to cover the vent

walls.walls. If battery acid gets on your skin, eyes, or car, wash If battery acid gets on your skin, eyes, or car, wash

it off immediately with water. it off immediately with water. NEVER light a match or smoke a cigarette near a NEVER light a match or smoke a cigarette near a

battery.battery. The fumes from the battery can cause an explosion.The fumes from the battery can cause an explosion.

BreakdownBreakdown At the first sign of car trouble, gently and At the first sign of car trouble, gently and

smoothly take your foot off the accelerator.smoothly take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake hard or suddenly.Do not brake hard or suddenly. If you are on an interstate, try to reach an If you are on an interstate, try to reach an

exit.exit. Signal your intentions to drivers behind you.Signal your intentions to drivers behind you. If changing lanes, watch your mirrors and If changing lanes, watch your mirrors and

the traffic around you closely.the traffic around you closely. Once off the road, make your car visibleOnce off the road, make your car visible Put reflectorized triangles behind your Put reflectorized triangles behind your

vehicle or use your emergency flashers.vehicle or use your emergency flashers. If it’s dark, turn on the indicator light or, if If it’s dark, turn on the indicator light or, if

you have flares, put them up at least 100 ft you have flares, put them up at least 100 ft behind the car.behind the car.

BreakdownBreakdown

Do not try to flag down other vehicles.Do not try to flag down other vehicles. Don’t stand behind or next to your vehicle.Don’t stand behind or next to your vehicle. If your car is safely out of traffic wait inside If your car is safely out of traffic wait inside

the vehicle with the doors locked.the vehicle with the doors locked. Watch for a uniformed police officer or Watch for a uniformed police officer or

other emergency personnel.other emergency personnel. It is inadvisable to walk on an interstate, It is inadvisable to walk on an interstate,

especially during inclement weather.especially during inclement weather.

Carbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide PoisoningPoisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be deadly.Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be deadly. CO is a gas given off from a vehicle’s exhaust CO is a gas given off from a vehicle’s exhaust

system.system. It can seep into a car if there are holes in the It can seep into a car if there are holes in the

exhaust system.exhaust system. Your car may take in this gas from cars in traffic Your car may take in this gas from cars in traffic

jams.jams. CO does not have an odor, therefore you can be CO does not have an odor, therefore you can be

affected without knowing it- it can make you sleepy.affected without knowing it- it can make you sleepy. Symptoms include:Symptoms include:

Yawning, dizziness, & upset stomachYawning, dizziness, & upset stomachIf any of these occur, suspect CO poisoning and get fresh air If any of these occur, suspect CO poisoning and get fresh air

immediately.immediately.

Traffic CrashesTraffic Crashes

One in every 8 drivers will be One in every 8 drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle involved in a motor vehicle crash this year, according to crash this year, according to the National Safety Council.the National Safety Council.

AccidentsAccidents Unattended motor vehiclesUnattended motor vehicles

AccidentsAccidents

If you are involved in a traffic crash If you are involved in a traffic crash resulting in injury, death or property resulting in injury, death or property damage, you are required to:damage, you are required to: Stop your vehicle immediately if it is Stop your vehicle immediately if it is

clear and safe. Do not leave the scene clear and safe. Do not leave the scene of a crash without identifying yourself.of a crash without identifying yourself. Have someone warn approaching traffic to Have someone warn approaching traffic to

prevent further damage.prevent further damage. Make sure to turn off the ignitions of the Make sure to turn off the ignitions of the

vehicles involved.vehicles involved.

Accidents cont.Accidents cont. Make a first aid check of all persons involved in the Make a first aid check of all persons involved in the

crash.crash. Call the police and ask for an ambulance if needed. If in Call the police and ask for an ambulance if needed. If in

doubt, assume that an ambulance is needed.doubt, assume that an ambulance is needed. Gather the names of all persons in the motor Gather the names of all persons in the motor

vehicles and people who witnessed the crash.vehicles and people who witnessed the crash. Drivers must give their name, address and vehicle Drivers must give their name, address and vehicle

license number. They may also be required to license number. They may also be required to display their driver’s license to any person involved display their driver’s license to any person involved in the accident.in the accident. If you damage an unattended vehicle or property, you If you damage an unattended vehicle or property, you

must notify the police and attempt to locate the owner. must notify the police and attempt to locate the owner. Leave our name, address and telephone number on a note Leave our name, address and telephone number on a note where the owner will be sure to see it.where the owner will be sure to see it.

Accidents cont.Accidents cont.

Make a quick diagram of where the Make a quick diagram of where the vehicle occupants were seated and vehicle occupants were seated and indicate the vehicle’s direction of travel indicate the vehicle’s direction of travel and lane. Also note the date, time and and lane. Also note the date, time and weather conditions.weather conditions.

Notify your insurance company as soon Notify your insurance company as soon as practical. Give complete information as practical. Give complete information about the accident. See your doctor as about the accident. See your doctor as soon as possible if you are shaken up.soon as possible if you are shaken up.

Accidents cont.Accidents cont.

If you are not trained in first aidIf you are not trained in first aid, there are a , there are a few things you can do:few things you can do: Summon helpSummon help Try to help the injured where they lie in order of Try to help the injured where they lie in order of

their needs. Keep them warm.their needs. Keep them warm. To stop bleeding, place a clean cloth over the To stop bleeding, place a clean cloth over the

wound.wound. If a person has stopped breathing, give first aid if If a person has stopped breathing, give first aid if

you know how.you know how. Do not move the injured person to sit or lie down Do not move the injured person to sit or lie down

on his/her back. Do not give fluids.on his/her back. Do not give fluids. You should not try to take an injured person to the You should not try to take an injured person to the

hospital yourself unless there is no way to get help.hospital yourself unless there is no way to get help.

Unattended Motor Unattended Motor VehiclesVehicles

LA’s “Move It, Move It, - Steer It Clear” LA’s “Move It, Move It, - Steer It Clear” campaign is an attempt to make you aware of campaign is an attempt to make you aware of your responsibility to remove vehicles from your responsibility to remove vehicles from the roadway to the nearest soft shoulder.the roadway to the nearest soft shoulder.

In accordance with LA law, no person driving In accordance with LA law, no person driving or in charge of any motor vehicle shall or in charge of any motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the motor, locking the ignition, stopping the motor, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the removing the key and effectively setting the brake.brake.

Removal of vehicles from the roadway will Removal of vehicles from the roadway will play a great role in reducing traffic play a great role in reducing traffic congestion and reduce the chances of congestion and reduce the chances of secondary crashes.secondary crashes.

Approach of an Authorized Approach of an Authorized Emergency VehicleEmergency Vehicle

If approached by an authorized emergency If approached by an authorized emergency vehicle (police car, ambulance, fire truck, etc) vehicle (police car, ambulance, fire truck, etc) making use of signals, you will always yield the making use of signals, you will always yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to a position right-of-way and immediately drive to a position parallel to the right and remain stopped until that parallel to the right and remain stopped until that vehicle has passed.vehicle has passed.

When driving on an interstate with 2 or more When driving on an interstate with 2 or more lanes traveling in the same direction as the lanes traveling in the same direction as the emergency vehicle, slow to a speed of 25 mph emergency vehicle, slow to a speed of 25 mph until it is safe to proceed at the posted speed until it is safe to proceed at the posted speed limit and merge into the lane farthest from the limit and merge into the lane farthest from the emergency vehicle.emergency vehicle.

When driving on a 2-lane road, slow to a speed of When driving on a 2-lane road, slow to a speed of 25 mph (or the posted speed) until it is safe to 25 mph (or the posted speed) until it is safe to proceed at the posted speed limit.proceed at the posted speed limit.