Emergency Situations
Generally, emergencies of any kind are unpredictable. Still,
they do require immediate action.
At the first sign of trouble:
- Move your vehicle to the right.
- Use your turn signal to indicate your intentions to other drivers.
- Get off the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
Overheated Engine
If your temperature warning light indicates that your engine is overheating,
turn off the air conditioner to reduce the demand on the engine.
- Shift to Neutral. Gently press the accelerator to increase
the speed of the radiator fan. Do not race the engine.
- If the engine temperature does not go down or the gauge
moves to “hot,” turn off the ignition.
- Open the hood to help dissipate heat from the engine.
- Do not touch the radiator cap or attempt to add coolant
until the engine has cooled.
Vehicle Fires
- Once you are off the road, turn off the ignition.
- Move at least 100 feet away from the vehicle and call 9-1-1.
Attempting to extinguish the fire yourself is dangerous.
Engine Failure
- If the engine stops while you are driving, shift to Neutral.
This allows the vehicle to keep moving while you look for a place
to pull over and out of traffic. Do not apply the brakes.
- If it can be done safely, attempt to restart the engine while
the vehicle is moving; it may be stalled.
- Once you are off the road, attempt to restart the engine.
Brake Failure
- If the brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor, try pumping it to
build up pressure. Shift to a lower gear to help slow your vehicle.
If the pumping does not help, use the emergency or parking brake.
- If you have a pedal-type parking brake, hold the brake release
lever out as you apply a steady pressure to the brake pedal.
- If you have a stick-type parking brake, hold the button at “off.”
You can release braking pressure if the wheels start to skid. Use steady
pressure on the stick.
Tire Failure
- In a front tire blowout, the vehicle will pull in the direction of
the blowout. The pull will be strong. A blowout on the left front tire
will pull you toward oncoming traffic.
- In a rear tire blowout, you may experience a “fishtail” effect.
- If a blowout occurs, hold the steering wheel firmly and ease your foot off the accelerator.
- If the vehicle skids, steer into the direction of the skid.
- Do not use the brake until the vehicle is under control.
| Staying Safe In A Roadside Emergency |
If you must stop driving due to any emergency,
it is essential that you protect yourself.
- Get as far off the traveled roadway as possible.
- Turn on the emergency flashers.
- If the vehicle is on the shoulder of a busy highway, exit from the passenger side.
- Set out flares or reflective triangles at least 200 feet behind
your vehicle to alert other drivers.
- Raise the hood or tie something white to the antenna as a signal to police that you need help.
- Do not stand near your vehicle.
- If you can leave your vehicle and get to another location safely, do so.
- If your vehicle is in a safe location, stay inside and lock the doors.
- Be cautious. If someone stops to offer help, open your window slightly
and ask them to call the police. Do not exit your vehicle or get into another
vehicle with someone you do not know.
- Program your cell phone with numbers to call in case of emergency (ICE).
|
See Vehicle Emergency Kit Items
for a list of some basic items to carry in your vehicle.
|
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