Hazard Perception and Emergency Maneuvers
See it before it happens
Hazard perception means asking "what if" constantly: what if that car pulls out, what if that load shifts, what if this hill has a stalled truck beyond the crest. Identify an escape route before you need one. Scan for brake lights three or four vehicles ahead, for walkers and bikes near the shoulder, and for wildlife sign in rural stretches.
Handling failures
Brake failure: downshift, pump the brakes if the system allows, and use the parking brake gradually - never slam it at speed. Look for an escape ramp or a soft shoulder. Tire blowout: hold the wheel firmly with both hands, stay off the brakes, ease off the throttle, and let the vehicle slow before pulling off. Steering failure: stop accelerating, brake gently, and get off the road. Fire: stop, shut down, get out, and get away; do not open the hood wide.
Evasive action
Brake first and steer second whenever both are possible. Hard steering at highway speed risks a rollover, especially with a high center of gravity. If you leave the pavement, hold the wheel straight, slow down, and re-enter at a shallow angle rather than jerking back.
Traps
Wrong answers include slamming the brakes during a blowout, swerving into oncoming traffic, and using the parking brake suddenly at speed.
Rule of thumb
Before every downgrade, ask where the escape ramp is. If you cannot name it, slow down.