Vehicle Control, Emergencies and Driving Conditions
Before you drive
Adjust the seat, head restraint, mirrors and steering wheel before moving. Check tires, lights, wipers and washer fluid regularly, and in winter clear snow and ice from the whole vehicle - a sheet of snow off the roof can blind the driver behind you.
Skids, hydroplaning and ABS
If the vehicle starts to skid, ease off the accelerator, look where you want to go and steer smoothly. If you hydroplane, lift off the accelerator and hold the wheel straight. With anti-lock brakes, press the pedal firmly and keep it down; the pulsing is normal and you can still steer.
Winter and poor visibility
Reduce speed, increase following distance and brake earlier and more gently. Use low beams in fog and falling snow. Don't pass a working snowplow on the right; the surface behind the plow is the best you will find.
Breakdowns and collisions
Pull as far off the road as possible, turn on hazard lights, and raise the hood or set out a warning triangle if you carry one. Stay in the vehicle on a busy highway and call for help. After a collision, stop, give assistance, exchange information and report to police where the law requires it.
Worked example
Your right tires drop onto a soft shoulder at highway speed. The wrong move is to yank the wheel left. Instead, ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady, let the car slow, and steer back onto the pavement with one small, gradual input once you have control.
Traps that cost marks
- Pumping ABS brakes instead of pressing firmly.
- Steering harder into a skid.
- Stopping in a live lane after a minor collision when the vehicle can be moved.
- Using high beams in fog or snow.