What to Do in Emergency Situations While Driving or Riding

Driving or riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with risks. No matter how careful you are, unexpected situations can arise at any time. From mechanical failures to hazardous road conditions, knowing how to handle emergency driving situations can mean the difference between safety and disaster.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common emergency driving situations, how to stay calm and respond appropriately, and best practices for staying safe in a vehicle emergency.

Handling Car Breakdowns on the Highway

A vehicle breakdown on a busy highway can be dangerous and stressful. Whether your car suddenly loses power, overheats, or has another mechanical issue, follow these steps to keep yourself safe:

Stay Calm and Signal: As soon as you notice a problem, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Pull Over Safely: Move your vehicle to the right shoulder if possible. If you cannot, try to stop in a lane where you are most visible, such as near an exit or under a streetlight at night.
Call for Help: Contact roadside assistance or emergency services if needed. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance as part of their coverage.
Stay Inside Your Vehicle: Unless you are in immediate danger, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened. If you must exit, do so on the side away from traffic.
Use Emergency Markers: Place reflective warning triangles or flares behind your vehicle if you have them to increase visibility.

How to Handle a Sudden Tire Blowout While Driving

A tire blowout can be alarming and dangerous, especially at high speeds. Here’s how to maintain control:

Grip the Steering Wheel Firmly: Keep your hands steady to prevent the vehicle from veering off course. Use small, gradual movements of the steering wheel to control direction.
Do Not Slam the Brakes: Sudden braking can cause your vehicle to skid. Instead, gradually ease off the accelerator.
Allow the Vehicle to Slow Down Naturally: Once you have control, gently apply the brakes to bring the car to a stop. Think about applying the brakes as you would in slick conditions.
Pull Over Safely: Move to a safe location, such as a shoulder or parking lot, before inspecting the damage. If you cannot access the damage tire safely from traffic, drive further or call a tow truck over changing the tire in an unsafe location.
Change the Tire or Call for Assistance: If you have a spare tire and the necessary tools, replace the tire safely. If you’re unsure, call for professional help.

Best Practices for Staying Safe in a Vehicle Emergency

Emergencies can happen anywhere, and being prepared can make all the difference. Follow these safety tips:

1. Brake Failure

If your brakes suddenly stop working:

Pump the Brake Pedal: This may help restore pressure in the braking system.
Downshift to a Lower Gear: In automatic vehicles, switch to “L” or first gear. If you are fortunate to have a manual vehicle, smoothly downshift through the gears.
Use the Emergency Brake: If you have a manual emergency brake gradually engage to avoid skidding.
Find a Soft Landing: If you must stop suddenly, aim for an open field, guardrail, or area with minimal impact risk.

2. Engine Stall or Loss of Power

Turn on Hazard Lights: Alert other drivers immediately.
Try Restarting the Engine: Shift into neutral and turn the ignition.
Steer Towards Safety: Use any remaining momentum to move off the road.
Try Restarting: Turn all of the power and then try restarting the vehicle. Check for obvious issues, like no fuel or a indication light on the dashboard.
Call for Help: If the car won’t restart, contact a tow service.

3. Headlight Failure at Night

Try turning the lights off and then back on: This often resolves the problem for the time being.
Try Switching to High Beams or Fog Lights: These may still work.
Turn on Hazard Lights: Warn other drivers of your presence.
Pull Over Immediately: Stop in a safe place and call for assistance.
Call for assistance: .Do not attempt to drive without headlights.

4. Skidding on Ice or Wet Roads

Do Not Slam the Brakes: Instead, ease off the accelerator.
Steer in the Direction of the Skid: This helps regain control.
Avoid Overcorrecting: Sudden steering movements can worsen the skid. Apply small, gradual movements of the steering wheel.
Drive Slowly: Reduce speed to prevent further loss of traction. Shift into a lower gear.

5. Dealing with an Oncoming Vehicle in Your Lane

Flash Your Headlights and Honk: Alert the other driver.
Slow Down and Move Right: Give them room to correct their course.
Avoid Swerving Into Oncoming Traffic: Stay on your side of the road.
Prepare for Impact if Necessary: Brace yourself and look for soft landing spots like grass or an empty shoulder.

6. Car Fire

Pull Over Immediately: Move away from traffic and turn off the engine.
Exit the Vehicle: Do not attempt to retrieve personal items.
Move at Least 100 Feet Away: Car fires can spread rapidly. DO NOT attempt to open the hood, which could only serve to fuel the flames.
Brakes: If the brakes are on fire, use an extinguisher, water or dirt/sand along side the road to put the fire out.
Call 911: Let professionals handle the situation.

7. Submerged Vehicle (Crashing into Water)

Act Quickly: Most vehicles sink within 30-60 seconds.
Remove Your Seatbelt: Unbuckle immediately.
Roll Down a Window: This is the fastest escape route.
Exit Before the Car Fills with Water: If you can’t open the window, use a sharp object to break it.
Swim to Safety: Push off from the vehicle and head toward shore.

8. Encountering Wildlife on the Road

Slow Down: Many animals are active at dawn and dusk.
Use Highbeams: You will be able to see up the road further to give you more time to react.
Aggressively scan: Keep your eyes moving, scanning the left and right, using your peripheral vision to sense movement.
Anticipate: If you are in an area where you often encounter nature, expect that there will be an animal crossing in front of you.
Avoid Swerving: Swerving can lead to loss of control.
Brake Firmly: If safe, slow down but do not lock the brakes.
Consider the Size of the Animal: If it is a small animal, you are better off hitting the animal than trying to make an emergency maneuver. If it is a large animal and you are in a small vehicle, release the brakes before impact to raise the frontend and lessen the chances of launching the animal onto your vehicle.
Stay Alert for More Animals: Deer often travel in groups.
Report the Incident: If you hit a large animal, notify authorities.

9. Tips for Motorcycles

Road Hazard or Debris: Slow down, straighten the bike, come off the brakes and blip the throttle prior to impact, put some weight on your footpegs and hit the obstacle perpendicular.
Tire Blowout: Minimize lean, slow gradually using the brake of the undamaged wheel, no sudden movements, move to safety.
Sticky Throttle: Quickly twist and release the throttle to unstick. If the throttle doesn’t release, pull in the clutch, hit the engine cutoff switch and cost to safety.
Compromised Traction: Minimize lean, quick braking and abrupt throttle and unnecessary body movements. Keep the bike straightline as much as possible and minimize inputs. Consider lowering you tire pressure to increase your contact patch.
High Wind: Maintain slight lean and bar pressure into the wind. Reduce speed and maintain a tucked position to minimize drag. Maintain light grip on bars so as not to overreact to wind gusts. Smoothly correct for any sudden change caused by wind. Consider using other vehicles as wind block.
Speed Wobble: Smoothly roll off throttle, relax grip, downshift or apply brakes in a linear fashion.
Tire Pressure: Though not specifically an emergency, checking your tire pressure before every ride can prevent a lot of them. With only two points of traction, having the proper contact patch is critical. Also take the time to check your tread depth and wear.
Fuel: Gas tanks on motorcycles are small (duh!), so make sure you know what your tank range and exactly the distances between service stations. Consider carrying extra fuel or adding an enduro tank.

FAQs

What should I do if my car breaks down on the highway?

Turn on hazard lights, pull over safely, call for help, and stay inside your vehicle unless necessary.

How do I handle a sudden tire blowout while driving?

Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, avoid braking suddenly, and pull over when safe.

What are the best practices for staying safe in a vehicle emergency?

Stay calm, signal other drivers, avoid abrupt movements, and follow specific safety steps for different situations.

Conclusion

Emergencies on the road can happen at any time, but staying calm and knowing how to respond can keep you and others safe. Whether dealing with a mechanical failure, hazardous weather, or an unexpected obstacle, being prepared can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major accident.

By following these emergency driving tips, carrying essential supplies, and practicing defensive driving, you can handle most road emergencies with confidence. Stay safe out there and remember your best defense is preparation and awareness.

Ready to Ride Safely?

Visit gowmst.com to explore our training programs and expert resources.