Handling Emergencies

1
Chapter 13

• Handling Emergencies

2
Chapter 13 Overview

• Chapter 13 discusses driving emergencies caused
  by vehicle malfunction and driver error. You
  will learn how to handle emergencies and what
  actions to take after a collision.

3
13.1 Vehicle Malfunctions

• This section is devoted to common vehicle
  malfunctions including tire failure, brake
  failure, accelerator malfunction, engine failure,
  and steering failure. These malfunctions are
  identified and appropriate reactions are
  described. Loss of forward vision, vehicle
  fires, and stalling on railroad crossings are
  also addressed.
• Section 1 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. List actions to take if a tire blows out.
• 2. List the proper steps to follow if the brakes
  fail.
• 3. Explain what to do if your accelerator
  sticks.
• 4. Describe what to do in case of steering
  failure.

4
13.1 Vocabulary

• At the conclusion of this section, I will be able
  to define
• 1. blowout
• 2. brake fade
• 3. jack
• 4. lug nuts

5
Vehicle Malfunctions

• Most vehicle malfunctions can be prevented
  through proper maintenance. If you detect a
  warning sign, have the necessary repairs made
  promptly.
• Some vehicle equipment can malfunction without
  any warning thus causing an emergency. Think
  ahead of what you might do in the event of an
  emergency. Being prepared can help reduce your
  risk of serious trouble in traffic.

6
Tire Failure

• Abrupt braking and sharp steering shorten tire
  life.
• Hitting bumps, potholes, or driving on poor
  roadway surfaces can damage tires.
• Unbalanced wheels and poor alignment can cause
  tires to wear unevenly.
• Underinflation and overinflation cause tire wear.

7
Blowout

• Occurs when a tire suddenly loses air pressure.
• If front tire blows out, steer firmly against the
  pull of the vehicle.
• Especially dangerous is the left front tire
  blowing out as it will pull you toward the
  oncoming traffic.
• If rear tire blows out, handle it like you would
  a skid (turn in the direction of the skid).

8
Blowout

• Follow these steps when a tire blows out
• 1. Grip the steering wheel firmly.
• 2. Ease up on the accelerator to slow down. Do
  not brake as it may cause you to swerve.
• 3. Check the traffic situation as you gain
  control of your vehicle.
• 4. Drive off the roadway slowly, braking gently.
• 5. Turn on hazard flashers. Drive slowly until
  you find a safe location to stop.

9
Changing a Tire

• 1. Park on level area. Turn on hazard lights
  and put gearshift into PARK.
• 2. Set the parking brake.
• 3. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
  tire.
• 4. Have passengers get out and stand in a safe
  place.
• 5. Get out the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.
• 6. Assemble the jack and position it under the
  vehicle.
• 7. Jack up the vehicle partway. The tire should
  still touch the ground so that it will not turn.
• 8. Remove the wheel cover and loosen the lug
  nuts.

10
Changing a Tire

• 9. Jack up the tire until it is completely off
  the ground.
• 10. Using the lug wrench, remove the lug nuts.
• 11. Remove the wheel with the flat tire and
  place to the side.
• 12. Mount the spare tire.
• 13. Replace and tighten the lug nuts.
• 14. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack.
• 15. Tighten the lug nuts using the lug wrench.
• 16. Leave the wheel cover off as a reminder to
  fix the flat tire. Put tire changing equipment
  in the trunk and remove the blocks.

11
Brake Failure

• Vehicles are required to have a two-part braking
  system. If one part fails then there will still
  be brakes for two wheels.
• If both parts fail, you will have no foot braking
  ability.
• The brake warning light will signal brake
  failure.

12
Total Brake Failure

• This rarely happens but when it does, it is
  usually when you are braking for a hard stop.
• If it does occur, follow these steps
• 1. Pump the brakes. It may be enough to restore
  enough brake pressure to slow you down.
• 2. Downshift to a lower gear which uses engines
  braking power.
• 3. Pull and hold the parking-brake release lever
  out or the button in the off position. Apply
  the parking brake. You can quickly release the
  parking brake if the vehicle starts to skid.
• 4. Search for an open zone. As a last resort,
  rub your wheels against a curb to slow down. If
  a collision is unavoidable, go for a sideswipe
  rather than a head-on collision.

13
Power Brake Failure

• If you have power or power assisted brakes and
  they fail, it is usually because of the loss of
  power to your brakes.
• The power stops if your engine stops.
• The brakes will still work, you will just have to
  push the brake pedal a lot harder.

14
Other Brake Failures

• Brake fade- when brakes overheat as a result of
  continuous hard braking. (Let them cool off)
• Water- driving through water can cause your
  brakes to not work properly. (After leaving the
  water, gently apply the brake to cause friction
  which will help dry out the brakes.)

15
Accelerator Malfunctions

• Broken spring- pedal does not respond and may be
  flat on the floor. Shift to NEUTRAL, activate
  the hazard lights, check traffic and brake safely
  to the side of the road. Do not use the vehicle
  until this problem is fixed.
• Stuck accelerator- if engine does not return to
  idling speed when you let up on the accelerator.
  Follow these steps to counteract this situation
  Kick the side of accelerator pedal apply the
  brakes choose an escape route shift to neutral
  if you are going into a sharp curve follow your
  identified escape path off the roadway turn off
  the ignition once you are off the roadway.

16
Accelerator Malfunctions

• Put your toe under accelerator pedal and try to
  lift it up. Never reach down with your hand to
  lift the pedal while driving.
• After stopping, check for obstructions, tap the
  accelerator repeatedly. Check accelerator pedal
  for a broken spring. Fix before driving.

17
Engine Failure

• Follow these steps if you have engine failure
• 1. Shift to NEUTRAL if engine sputters or stops.
• 2. Move out of traffic to nearest shoulder.
  Activate hazard lights. Do not brake.
• 3. Try to restart the engine while moving. If
  it starts, shift into gear and proceed. If it
  does not start, continue on to shoulder of road.
  Try to start again.
• 4. If engine fails to start, raise the hood and
  leave your flashers on. Go or call for help.

18
Flooded Engine

• Follow these steps to start flooded engine
• 1. Hold accelerator pedal to floor to allow air
  in and to clear excess fuel from engine.
• 2. While holding down accelerator, turn engine
  switch on for five seconds. If engine does not
  start, wait a few minutes and try again.
• 3. When engine starts, release accelerator
  gradually to help clear excess fuel from the
  engine.

19
Overheated Engine

• Follow these steps if your engine overheats
• 1. Turn off the air conditioner.
• 2. Turn on the heater to draw heat from the
  engine. This will help lower engine temperature.
• 3. During stops, shift to NEUTRAL. Press the
  accelerator pedal gently to speed up the engine
  slightly to help it cool down.
• 4. If temperature gauge or light points to hot,
  move to safe place. Turn off engine, lift hood,
  let engine cool. Do not add water until engine
  has cooled.

20
Steering Failure

• If your steering totally fails, follow these
  steps
• 1. Use your horn and hazard flashers to
  communicate your emergency.
• 2. Stop as quickly and smoothly as possible.
  Lift your foot from the accelerator. Do not
  brake as this could put you into a skid. Use a
  quick on-off action of the parking brake with the
  release in the off position.
• 3. Shift to a lower gear.

21
Power Steering Failure

• Occurs when the engine dies, when the power
  steering fluid level is low, or when the drive
  belt slips or breaks.
• The steering mechanism still works, but you will
  have to exert more effort to steer.

22
Loss of Forward Vision

• Hood flies up- Follow these steps
• 1. Look through the crack below the open hood
  (if possible) and steer to a safe place. Check
  your rear zone.
• 2. If you cannot see under the hood, roll down
  your window. Look in the direction that you are
  driving.
• 3. Turn on the hazard flashers. Pump your
  brakes gently to warn other drivers of your
  emergency.
• 4. Slow down and drive out of the traffic flow
  to a safe location.

23
Headlights Fail

• Follow these steps if your headlights fail
  entirely
• 1. Turn on your right turn signal to light up an
  escape path to the right.
• 2. Immediately slow down and bring your vehicle
  to a safe stop.
• 3. Try your dimmer switch, parking lights, and
  hazard flashers. Some circuits might still work.
  If so, these lights to help you drive off of
  roadway to a safe location.
• 4. Use light from street lights, signs,
  buildings, or other vehicles to help you see.
  Move to a safe location. Use your flashlight to
  check fuses or fuse clips. If necessary, replace
  or reseat the fuse before proceeding.

24
Splashed Windshield

• If your windshield gets splashed with snow,
  slush, or mud, turn on your windshield wipers
  immediately.
• Slow down and try to maintain your path of travel
  until you regain visibility.
• If you anticipate your windshield being splashed,
  turn your wipers on before you lose your vision.

25
Vehicle on Fire

• A vehicle fire can be very dangerous. It can
  involve fuel oil, grease, ordinary combustibles,
  electrical equipment, or a combination of
  sources.
• Carry an A-B-C type fire extinguisher that is
  designed to control such fires.
• Notify the fire department of any vehicle fires.

26
Engine Compartment Fire

• Most vehicle fires start in the engine
  compartment. Follow these steps in case of fire
• 1. Quickly steer vehicle off roadway to a safe,
  open area. Stay away from buildings and service
  stations. Turn off the ignition.
• 2. Have passengers move at least 100 feet away
  from the vehicle.
• 3. Estimate how serious the fire is. You might
  see smoke and flames around the hood. Dont open
  the hood.

27
Engine Compartment Fire

• If you think the fire is small enough to control
  and you have an A-B-C type fire extinguisher,
  follow these steps
• 1. Use gloves or a rag to protect your hands as
  you open the hood. Turn your face away to
  protect it from the flames and heat. Carefully
  open the hood.
• 2. Direct the extinguisher on the fire. Water
  will not put out oil and fuel fires and can
  spread the fire.
• 3. Never try to disconnect the battery.
• Reminder If fire occurs, turn off the engine
  and get passengers out and away from vehicle.

28
Passenger Compartment Fire

• A passenger compartment fire usually is caused by
  a carelessly handled match or burning tobacco
  product.
• Pull off the road.
• Use water or fire extinguisher to completely put
  out the fire. Upholstery fires often restart.

29
Vehicle Fires

• Each year drivers are surprised to see their
  vehicles go up in smoke shortly after the vehicle
  is parked. The catalytic converter, located
  underneath the vehicle, produces a great deal of
  heat as it decreases exhaust emissions. Heat
  from the catalytic converter, which can reach
  1,200 degrees, can ignite combustible
  substancessuch as leaves or dry grass. Once a
  fire starts underneath a vehicle, it does not
  take long for the vehicle to catch fire.

30
Vehicle Stalls on Railroad Tracks

• Check to make sure no train is coming. Try to
  restart the vehicle. If the engine floods, hold
  the accelerator to the floor as you restart the
  engine.
• 2. If you cannot restart the engine, have
  passengers leave the vehicle. Have one person
  watch for trains and have others help you.
• 3. Shift to NEUTRAL and push the vehicle off the
  tracks.
• 4. If train is coming, abandon your vehicle.
  Move away from the tracks in the direction the
  train is approaching.

31
Review It

• 1. What actions should you take if a tire blows
  out?
• 2. What should you do if the brakes fail?
• 3. What actions should you take if the
  accelerator sticks?
• 4. What actions should you take if your steering
  fails?

32
13.2 Driver Errors

• This section focuses on what to do if your
  vehicle runs off the roadway and how to use
  emergency swerving.
• Section 2 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Describe how to return to the roadway if your
  vehicle runs off the roadway.
• 2. Explain how to use an emergency swerve.

33
13.2 Vocabulary

• At the conclusion of this section, I will be able
  to define
• 5. countersteer.

34
Driver Errors

• Driver errors (i.e., inexperience, lack of
  attention, poor decisions) cause many more
  emergencies than do vehicle malfunctions.
• Developing automatic responses to emergencies is
  critical to the driving task.
• A fatal one-vehicle collision can occur if a
  driver turns the steering wheel too fast and too
  soon to return to the roadway, or does not
  countersteer after returning to the roadway. As
  a result, the vehicle can roll over, cross the
  roadway, and slide off the left side of the
  roadway.

35
Off-Road Recovery

• Follow these steps for a safe off-road recovery
  (see pictures on p. 276)
• 1. Hold the steering wheel firmly on the top
  half with both hands. The greater the drop-off,
  the more control you are going to need. Keep
  your vehicle heading straight toward your target.
  Check for upcoming obstructions.
• 2. Let up on accelerator and brake gently to 5
  or 10 mph. Avoid hard braking.
• 3. Straddle the roadway edge with your vehicle.
• 4. Select a place to return to the roadway where
  the shoulder is nearest the level of the roadway.

36
Off-Road Recovery

• 5. Signal, check for traffic and your blind
  spot, and return to the roadway.
• 6. Steer 1/8 to ¼ of a turn toward roadway to
  return. If the drop off is severe, slow more and
  turn very sharply to get back onto the pavement.
• 7. Countersteer (steer in the opposite
  direction) sharply as soon as the front tire
  touches the roadway.
• 8. Center the vehicle in the lane and
  reestablish your target. Cancel your signal and
  accelerate to match the flow of traffic.

37
Need to Swerve

• The need for an emergency swerve is almost always
  the result of the driver being surprised.
  Eliminating the surprise will go a long way
  toward eliminating the need for an emergency
  swerve. Two things that help drivers eliminate
  surprises are identifying a clear path of travel
  and identifying a line-of-sight restriction that
  prevents you from seeing something that can come
  into your path. A closed front zone requires a
  reduction of speed. By reducing speed you give
  yourself more time to make slight prevention
  actions rather than executing an emergency swerve.

38
Emergency Swerving

• Use only as a last measure to avoid a collision.
  
• Swerve only when you think that braking will not
  prevent a collision.
• At speeds over 30 mph, you can usually swerve to
  a new path in less distance than it would take to
  stop safely.

39
The Stop-Swerve Decision

• Follow these steps if you decide to swerve
• 1. Identify the escape path.
• 2. Grip the steering wheel firmly and turn the
  wheel sharply in the direction of the swerve.
• 3. Countersteer to stabilize your vehicle.
  Straighten the wheel and continue to steer in
  your path.
• As speed increases you have less time to
  swerve. At 40 mph you have about 2 seconds to
  swerve. At 60 mph you have just 1 second to
  swerve.

40
Avoiding Emergency Swerves

• A driver can develop three behaviors into habits
  that will serve as an insurance policy against
  driving into situations requiring an emergency
  swerve. First, keep at least three seconds of
  following distance. This will eliminate the
  swerves caused by vehicles in front stopping
  abruptly. Second, use the lane positioning and
  speed reductions in response to identifying
  closed zones and line-of-sight restrictions.
  Third, never put the vehicle into a space unless
  you can see that the space is empty.

41
Review It

• 1. How should you return safely to the roadway
  if your vehicle runs off the roadway?
• 2. Under what conditions should you make an
  emergency swerve?

42
13.3 Roadway Hazards

• This section identifies roadway hazards,
  including potholes and objects in the roadway,
  and how to avoid them. Instructions for dealing
  with sharp curves are also included. The lesson
  also focuses on what to do if a vehicle goes into
  deep water.
• Section 3 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Describe how to minimize vehicle damage
  caused by potholes.
• 2. Explain what to do if you enter a curve too
  fast.
• 3. Tell how to escape from a vehicle that is
  sinking in water.

43
13.3 Vocabulary

• No words for this section.

44

• What kind of roadway emergencies have you
  observed as passengers?
• Based upon what you described, what would be
  suggestions as to how these emergencies might
  have been prevented?

45
Roadway Hazards

• Unusual and unexpected roadway hazards can cause
  you to lose control of your vehicle thus
  resulting in emergency situations.

46
Potholes in the Roadway

• Potholes have sharp edges that can severely
  damage your tires.
• If you hit a pothole at a fast speed you might
  lose control of your vehicle.
• Watch for and avoid hitting potholes whenever
  possible.
• If you cant avoid hitting a pothole, stay in
  your lane and slow down.

47
Sharp Curve

• Take these steps if you enter a curve too fast
• 1. Brake gently as soon as you realize you are
  going too fast. If you are not yet into the
  curve, brake more firmly. If you are already in
  the curve, brake, but do not lock the wheels.
• 2. About halfway through the curve, find your
  target and accelerate gently to stabilize your
  vehicle.

48
Object on the Roadway

• Any object in the road can be a hazard.
• Avoid all objects in the roadway if at all
  possible.
• Only straddle an object if you are sure it will
  clear the vehicle.
• Avoid swerving left across the center line as you
  could encounter oncoming traffic.
• Drive over an object only as a last resort.

49
Vehicle in Deep Water

• Do not attempt to drive through deep water on the
  roadway. Turn around or take another route.
• Take these actions if your vehicle goes into deep
  water
• 1. Open window that is most out of the water.
  Power windows may short out so open these windows
  immediately.
• 2. Unfasten your safety belt. Check your
  passengers and have them unfasten their safety
  belts.
• 3. Exit promptly through the open window.

50
Vehicle in Deep Water

• If windows do not open, attempt to exit through a
  door. It may open slowly due to pressure from
  the outside. As the water enters the vehicle it
  will equalize and then you can open the door.
• If vehicle is fully submerged under water, there
  will be a pocket of air at the highest point.
  Get a full breath of air while locating a window
  or door that is facing up. Open the window or
  door and leave your vehicle.
• If trapped in your vehicle underwater, turn on
  your headlights as this may help rescuers to find
  your vehicle more quickly.

51
Review It

• 1. What should you do if you see a pothole in
  your path of travel?
• 2. What actions should you take if you enter a
  curve too fast?
• 3. How should escape a vehicle that is sinking
  in deep water?

52
13.4 Collisions

• This section focuses on how to avoid collisions
  and what to do if a collision occurs. It also
  presents follow-up steps needed after a
  collision.
• Section 4 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Explain how to avoid or minimize head-on,
  side impact, and rear-end collisions.
• 2. List the immediate steps to take if a
  collision occurs.
• 3. Describe other follow-up steps needed after a
  collision.

53
13.4 Vocabulary

• No words for this section.

54
Minimizing Effects of a Collision

• Knowing how to react in advance can lessen the
  effects of a collision. If a collision is about
  to occur, act as follows
• 1. Do not give up. Keep control of your
  vehicle. Any change of speed or direction that
  lessens the impact will help.
• 2. Steer for something soft if you leave the
  roadway. Look for bushes or open fields.
• 3. Avoid objects such as trees or parked cars.
• 4. Get yourself and passengers out of and away
  from your vehicle if there is a chance of another
  vehicle colliding with your vehicle.

55
Threat of a Head-on Collision

• Serious injury and/or death are more likely to
  occur with a head-on collision as it has the
  greatest force of impact of any collision.
• Follow these steps if threatened with a head-on
  collision
• 1. Maintain vehicle control. Brake hard but
  avoid locking the wheels. Slowing lessens the
  impact and gives the other driver time and space
  to recover.
• 2. Blow the horn and flash the headlights.
  Continue braking and move to the right .
• 3. Steer right toward the shoulder. Do not
  steer to the left. The other driver will more
  than likely try to recover to the correct lane.
  Be prepared to drive entirely off of the roadway,
  if necessary.

56
Threat of a Side-Impact Collision

• Take these steps to avoid or lessen the effect of
  a side-impact collision
• 1. Brake or accelerate quickly.
• 2. Blow the horn to alert the other driver.
• 3. Change lanes or swerve away from the impact.
  Be aware of what is going on around you.
• An impact to the passenger compartment often
  causes a second collision between passengers and
  the inside of the vehicle.

57
Threat of a Rear-End Collision

• Take these actions if threatened with a rear-end
  collision
• 1. Flash your brake lights early to alert the
  driver behind you.
• 2. Check your front zones for open space. You
  may be able to move forward to avoid or minimize
  the collision.
• 3. If the intersection is clear, accelerate to
  give the other driver more space. If your path
  is not clear, turn right.
• 4. If the collision is unavoidable, release your
  brakes just before the collision occurs as it
  will help reduce the impact. Brake immediately
  after the collision to avoid sliding into another
  traffic lane.
• Maintain at least a 3 second following
  distance as this will provide you with space to
  help minimize or avoid a rear-end collision.

58
If You Have a Collision

• If you collide with another vehicle, a
  pedestrian, or someones property, you are
  legally required to follow these steps
• 1. Stop immediately- move your vehicle to the
  side of the road out of the way of traffic if
  possible turn off ignition if you damage a
  parked car and cannot find the owner, write your
  name, address, and phone number on a note and
  leave it under the windshield wiper notify the
  police.
• 2. Aid to the injured- never move an injured
  person unless there is danger of fire or another
  collision. Send for paramedics administer first
  aid (if trained) for severe bleeding, shock, or
  breathing stoppage.
• Good Samaritan Law

59
If You Have a Collision

• 3. Prevent further damage- set flares (if
  available) 100 ahead and behind the collision
  site (500 if high-speed traffic). Or, have a
  person direct traffic around the collision site.
  Do not put yourself or others in danger while
  directing traffic.
• 4. Send for police- call police if anyone is
  injured or killed. Some states require the
  police to be called on any collision.
• 5. Exchange information- get and provide the
  following information with drivers involved in
  the collision names, addresses, drivers license
  numbers, license plate numbers, and names and
  addresses of insurance companies. Also, get
  names and addresses of passengers, position they
  were sitting in and the extent of their injuries.
  You are responsible for gathering this
  information.

60
Additional Steps After a Collision

• 1. Record witnesses names and addresses make a
  sketch of the collision scene or take a photo
  record date, time, weather, and driving
  conditions note what hospital people are being
  taken to write down the name and badge number of
  the police officer at the scene of the collision.
• 2. Provide police with accurate, honest facts.
  Never argue over blame or admit to blame. Stay
  at the scene until you are told you can leave.
  If necessary, take your vehicle to a repair shop.
  You will usually need at least two repair
  estimates for insurance purposes. Keep all bills.

61
Additional Steps After a Collision

• 3. You must file a written report if someone was
  killed or injured or if the property damage
  exceeds a set amount. Some states require this
  to be finished within 24 hours. You must also
  produce proof of financial responsibility by
  showing your insurance card that shows your
  current coverage. Notify your insurance agent
  promptly. Some companies might refuse to pay
  your claim if your insurance agent has not been
  notified within the time frame prescribed in your
  policy.

62
Review It

• 1. How can you minimize the impact of a head-on
  collision? A side-impact collision? A rear-end
  collision?
• 2. What steps should you take immediately if you
  are involved in a collision?
• 3. What additional steps should you take
  following a collision?