Staying alert is a constant effort, especially in neighborhoods, at intersections and busy areas.
Not all accidents are avoidable, but it is possible to lessen the impact of an accident if one occurs.
| Search, Predict, Act (SPA) |
A Three-Step Defense Against Any Driving Emergency
- Search
- Keep your eyes moving between your mirrors and the
roadway environment around your vehicle.
- Look ahead of your vehicle into your path of travel.
- Observe the actions of other drivers.
- Check road conditions.
- Watch for pedestrians.
- Monitor your vehicle’s gauges.
- Predict
- Are there any potential dangers or immediate threats?
- Will the approaching vehicle stop at the intersection in time?
- What will you do?
- Should you honk?
- Should you change speed?
- What are the consequences?
- Keep a margin of safety around your vehicle. Have a way out.
Develop a plan of action.
- Act
- Take necessary action or a combination of actions.
- Accelerate.
- Brake.
- Turn.
- Honk.
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Controlled Braking: Bringing Your Vehicle To A Quick Stop
Generally, drivers respond to an emergency by slamming on the brakes, often
locking their wheels and skidding. Instead, use controlled braking.
If your vehicle has ABS (Antilock Braking System), it automatically provides controlled braking.
Read your owner’s manual for important ABS information.
For vehicles without antilock brakes:
- Apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels (locking the wheels may cause a skid).
- Steer as little as possible — keep any movements small.
- Keep squeezing and releasing your brakes (also referred to as “pumping the brakes”)
to avoid a skid and slow your vehicle as quickly as possible.
- If you need to steer hard or if the wheels lock, release the brakes.
Then, reapply the brakes as soon as possible.
The Quick Swerve
The “quick swerve” may be your only chance for avoiding an accident.
- Identify the available alternate paths. Looking down the road while driving helps make this possible.
- Choose a path.
- Grip the steering wheel firmly and turn into the alternate path.
- After swerving into your chosen path, turn the steering wheel to
straighten the direction of travel. Quick opposing “swerves”
causes the possibility of over-correction.
If A Head-On Accident Is Likely
- Move to the right immediately and as safely as possible.
- Use controlled braking.
- Flash your lights and honk your horn: The approaching driver may be asleep or inattentive.
- Steer to an open path off the road.
If A Side-Impact Accident Is Likely
- Honk your horn.
- Decide whether braking or accelerating will prevent the collision or lessen the impact.
- Swerve or change lanes — if doing so will not cause another collision.
If A Rear-End Accident Is Likely
- Flash your brake lights by lightly tapping the brake pedal to get the
attention of the approaching driver.
- If possible, move forward to give the approaching driver more room to stop.
This is why it is important to stop with sufficient room between
you and the vehicle in front of you.
- If possible, turn right and get out of your lane.
- If no safe alternate path is available, stay calm and release your brakes just before impact — then apply the brakes immediately after.
Releasing your brakes keeps your vehicle rolling forward, reducing some of the
force of the impact. Brake afterward to prevent hitting another vehicle or object.
| Staying Safe In A Construction Zone |
- Be patient. Plan ahead and allow more time to reach your destination.
- Do not speed. Be observant of the posted speed limits. Anticipate the need to slow down.
- Keep up with the flow of traffic, but do not follow too closely.
- Do not weave in and out of the traffic.
- Merge as soon as you see a lane closure.
- Pay attention to the roadway. Watch for signs indicating lane changes, speed limit zones and ramp closures.
- Drive with your headlights on so that workers and motorists can see you.
- Do not use your cell phone. Minimize other distractions, such as adjusting
vehicle controls or talking with passengers.
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