Emergency situations, breakdowns and crashes
Emergency questions test calm, correct decisions: what to do when the vehicle fails, when a crash happens, and when the road surface is against you. Fiji's wet season, flooded causeways and long rural stretches make these scenarios realistic.
Breakdowns
- Get the vehicle as far off the road as possible and switch on hazard lights.
- At night or in poor visibility, wear a reflective vest and place a warning triangle well behind the vehicle.
- Keep passengers away from the traffic lane, preferably behind a barrier.
- Do not stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic; call for help and wait in a safe place.
Crashes
- Stop, switch on hazards and warn other traffic.
- Check for injuries; call the emergency services (911) if anyone is hurt.
- Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.
- Exchange names, addresses, licence and registration details with the other driver.
- Report the crash to police as soon as practicable, and within 24 hours where there are injuries or significant damage.
- Never leave the scene of a crash you were involved in.
Losing control
- Skid: ease off the accelerator, steer gently where you want to go and avoid hard braking.
- Blowout: grip the wheel firmly, keep the car straight, ease off the accelerator and slow gradually before pulling over.
- Brake failure: pump the pedal, change down through the gears and use the handbrake gently.
- Floodwater: never drive into fast-flowing water or a flooded causeway; you cannot judge depth or current.
Worked example
A rear tyre blows out at 80 km/h. The car pulls to one side. What do you do? Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, keep the car straight, ease off the accelerator and let it slow. Do not stamp on the brakes or wrench the wheel - that can spin the car. Once speed is down, steer gently off the road and stop.
Traps
- Stopping in a live lane to change a tyre.
- Dragging an injured motorcyclist off the road.
- Leaving the scene because there appeared to be no damage.
- Underestimating a flooded causeway.