TL;DR

Stay calm and handle tire blowouts by slowing down gradually.
Use hazard lights and steer carefully during engine failure.
In case of brake failure, pump the brakes or use the emergency brake.
Adjust to weather conditions, such as skidding or fog.
At Get Drivers Ed, we provide training to equip you for unexpected driving emergencies.

Driving emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Whether you’re a new driver or someone with years of experience, being prepared for these situations is essential. At Get Drivers Ed, our drivers ed program equips students with the knowledge and skills to handle a wide range of emergencies on the road. Here’s a guide to 12 common driving emergencies and how to manage them safely.

1. Tire Blowouts

What to Do:

Stay calm and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Gradually slow down without abrupt braking to maintain control.
Steer the vehicle to a safe location, then stop.

Tire blowouts are common but can be terrifying. Our drivers ed courses at Get Drivers Ed teach you how to stay in control when the unexpected happens.

2. Engine Failure

What to Do:

Turn on your hazard lights.
Carefully steer your vehicle to the side of the road.
Try to restart the engine if it's safe to do so.

An engine failure is often unexpected, but knowing what to do can make the situation much safer. Get Drivers Ed covers handling these types of emergencies and more in our courses.

3. Brake Failure

What to Do:

Pump the brake pedal to build up pressure.
If that doesn’t work, use the emergency brake, but be ready for a sudden stop.
Steer to a safe area and try to stop the car as gently as possible.

Brake failure is a critical emergency. Our drivers ed program emphasizes the importance of being prepared for mechanical failures like this one.

4. Skidding on Wet Roads

What to Do:

Ease off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you want to go.
Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can make the skid worse.

In drivers ed, we teach the skills necessary to regain control when your vehicle starts to skid, especially in wet conditions.

5. Animal Crossings

What to Do:

Slow down and be alert.
Avoid swerving; instead, slow down safely and maintain control of the vehicle.
If necessary, brake firmly to avoid hitting the animal.

At Get Drivers Ed, we teach how to stay calm and make the right decisions when faced with animal crossings on the road.

6. Foggy Conditions

What to Do:

Slow down and use low-beam headlights (high beams can reflect off fog and make visibility worse).
Increase your following distance to account for reduced visibility.

Foggy conditions are common, and Get Drivers Ed prepares you to navigate them safely with the right driving techniques.

7. Overheating Engine

What to Do:

Turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heater to draw heat away from the engine.
Pull over to a safe spot and let the engine cool down before continuing.

Knowing what to do in case of engine overheating is just one of the many safety measures covered in our drivers ed courses.

8. Getting Stuck in Snow

What to Do:

Keep a steady pace to plow through the snow.
If stuck, use a shovel to clear snow around the tires and try gently rocking the car back and forth.

Snow can present unique challenges, but Get Drivers Ed helps you learn how to respond properly during winter driving emergencies.

9. Sudden Illness or Incapacity

What to Do:

Pull over safely if you start feeling ill or incapacitated.
If someone else is in the car, ask them to take over and drive.

Knowing when to pull over and seek help is crucial, especially if you're feeling unwell while driving. Get Drivers Ed offers training for drivers to recognize these situations and handle them properly.

10. Headlight Failure

What to Do:

Slow down and use your emergency flashers.
If needed, use fog lights if they are available.
Safely pull over when possible and address the headlight issue.

A sudden headlight failure can be dangerous at night, but knowing how to handle it can keep you safe on the road. Get Drivers Ed prepares you for this and other nighttime driving challenges.

11. Aggressive Drivers

What to Do:

Stay calm and avoid engaging with aggressive drivers.
Don’t make eye contact or respond to gestures.
Keep your distance and avoid escalating the situation.

Handling aggressive drivers with composure is a critical skill, and Get Drivers Ed emphasizes this in our curriculum to help you stay safe in these situations.

12. Hydroplaning

What to Do:

Ease off the gas pedal and steer straight.
Avoid harsh braking or sharp steering movements.
Let the vehicle regain traction before proceeding.

Hydroplaning can be dangerous, but with proper knowledge, you can regain control. Our drivers ed courses at Get Drivers Ed teach you the best practices for handling slippery conditions.

Conclusion: Be Prepared for Anything on the Road

Driving emergencies can be unexpected and stressful, but being prepared can make all the difference. At Get Drivers Ed, we ensure that our students are well-equipped to handle a wide variety of situations, from mechanical failures to hazardous road conditions. We provide comprehensive drivers ed courses that help you become a confident and responsible driver.

Ready to be better prepared for the unexpected on the road? Enroll in Get Drivers Ed's online drivers ed courses today at Get Drivers Ed Online Courses and gain the skills and knowledge you need to navigate driving emergencies safely.