Emergency Maneuvers, Collision Avoidance, and Defensive Driving
Decision hierarchy
Defensive driving organizes around hazard recognition, escape-route planning, and a priority order: brake first, steer second. Braking shortens the energy of a crash and keeps the vehicle more stable than a swerve. In an emergency, look and steer to the gap, not at the obstacle. ABS allows steering while braking; the driver presses firmly and holds. In a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go and ease off the accelerator; in a front-wheel skid (understeer), reduce speed and straighten the wheel. In a blowout, grip the wheel, keep the car straight, ease off the accelerator, and brake gently after control is regained. For an unintended acceleration event, shift to neutral and brake firmly. If a wheel drops off the pavement, slow down, then return gradually.
Traps
Questions reward calm sequencing and punish dramatic action. Do not swerve for an animal if a fixed object or oncoming traffic is the alternative; brake in a straight line. Do not pump ABS. Do not yank the wheel to recover from an off-road excursion.
Rule of thumb
"See it early, slow it early, aim at your escape route." If the only options are braking and swerving, braking in a straight line preserves the most control for the most drivers.