How Can I Be Prepared For The Unexpected?
Emergency situations can happen at any time. That’s why it’s important for you and your family to know what to do when these situations arise. Knowing how to handle your automobile during these times can put your mind at ease and help keep your family safe on the road.
Tire Blowouts
A tire blowout, which is characterized by the loud noise of your tire bursting and the sudden loss of air, can happen without warning. Taking the right actions can help you safely maintain control of your vehicle and maneuver your car to a safe stop. Here are some tips to help you make the right decisions:
Do slightly accelerate. This will keep the vehicle momentum constant and will compensate for the pulling of the vehicle towards the flat tire.
Do keep the steering wheel held straight and firm.
Do put on your hazard lights. Once the vehicle is under control, slow down and when safe, move to the side of the road out of traffic.
Don’t panic.
Don’t step on the brake.
Don’t abruptly release your foot from the accelerator.
Don’t jerk or overcorrect the steering.
When Your Brakes Fail
No one wants to think about their brakes failing while driving. It can be a scary situation. Having the knowledge to handle this type of emergency and keep your family safe in the process is priceless.
What to do:
- Take your foot off the gas pedal.
- Quickly pump your brakes to try to use any residual pressure in the brakes.
- Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch pedal (for manual transmissions) and apply the emergency brake.
- If your automobile has an automatic transmission, simply apply the emergency brake.
- Try to ease the car to the side of the road safely or look for something to rub against. A fence, guardrail or bushes would work. If possible, select something that will give way when you hit against it to reduce damage to you and the car.
Concerned about your brakes? Find out the most common signs they are failing here.
Be Prepared
Always have an emergency kit in your vehicle. According to the National Highway Safety Commission, you should have a minimum of these items in your kit:
- Car jack
- Lug nut wrench
- Jumper cables (the longer and heavier duty, the better)
- Two 30 minute flares
- A reflective triangle
- A “Help” sign or white cloth to tie to the antenna
- A flashlight with extra batteries (small LED flashlights are tiny, long lasting and surprisingly bright)
- Small tool kit including screwdrivers, pliers, needle-nose pliers or wire cutters and a small knife
- Two quarts of oil
- A gallon of water
- Windshield washer fluid
Being prepared for the unexpected includes knowing how to change a flat tire. Visit eHow.com to watch a great tutorial video.
Driving on Ice & Snow
Winter weather can make driving conditions treacherous. Making the wrong decision while driving on ice or snow can mean serious consequences for you and your precious cargo. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 450,000 crashes involving injury occur annually in adverse weather conditions or on slick pavement. The best solution to bad weather driving is to not drive at all.
If you must venture out into winter weather, follow these tips:
- Don’t start driving until all the windows are defrosted and clean — even if you’re only going a short distance.
- Allow extra time to reach your destination.
- If possible, wait for snow plows to clear roads before heading out.
- Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
- Turn on your lights to increase visibility on the road.
- Apply the brake pedal gently. If your wheels begin to lock, ease off the brakes.
- Avoid unnecessary braking on the road. This is what causes most winter weather accidents.
- Black ice, which will make asphalt appear shiny, wet or slick, can sneak up on you. If you encounter while driving, don’t panic. Just keep driving at the same speed without heavy breaking, acceleration or turning of the steering wheel.
If your vehicle gets stuck in winter weather, try the following tips:
- First, put on your hazard lights to make other motorists aware.
- Turn your wheels from side-to-side to move snow out of the way.
- Try to gently move your car by lightly touching the gas pedal.
- Don’t spin your wheels. This will only anchor your car in the snow.
- After parking, use a shovel to clear away snow from the wheel area and underneath your car. During winter months, it is also a good idea to keep an extra blanket, clothing and supplies in your car in case you are stuck in winter weather for an extended period of time.
Sources: Weather.com and SafeMotorist.com
