As a Phoenix accident attorney, I know that car accidents happen even in the most ideal driving situations and that an unexpected vehicle emergency can increase the chance of having an accident exponentially. I have posted this article with instructions from the American Safety Council to give you a plan to deal with common vehicle emergencies and help you avoid an accident in case a crisis does occur while driving. When you encounter a vehicular emergency, it is imperative that you understand ways and options to address the emergency, particularly since emergencies seem to happen in the least desirable moments and circumstances.
What should you do if your brakes are wet?
1. Test brakes by tapping or pressing them lightly after driving through deep water.
2. Brakes may pull to one side or may not hold at all.
3. Dry brakes by driving slowly in low gear and applying pressure to the brakes.
What should you do if you have a tire blowout?
1. Do not use your brakes and take your foot off the gas pedal or release your cruise control.
2. Concentrate on steering. Try to continue straight ahead as the car will pull in the direction of the flat.
3. Slow down gradually and begin moving toward the shoulder of the road.
4. Brake softly when the car is under control.
5. Pull completely off the pavement.
6. When you start to change the tire, make sure you are far enough off the road so that you will not back up into or fall in front of moving traffic.
7. If you can’t change the tire, call for help or follow the breakdown information covered earlier.
What can you do to stop your car in the event of brake failure?
1. Once you notice the brake failure, quickly pump your brakes to try and use any residual pressure in the brakes.
2. Take your foot off the gas pedal; try shifting to a lower gear. Let wind resistance and drive train friction slow your vehicle down.
3. Use your emergency brake if possible to control the brakes. If you have an emergency brake handle, keep the button on the end pressed down so the wheels will not lock up. If you do not know how to use your emergency brake, consult your owner’s manual.
4. Look for something to rub against. A fence, a guardrail, or bushes would work. Try to pick something that will give way when you hit against it to reduce damage to the car and to you.
What can you do when your power steering fails?
1. You will still have directional control of the vehicle, but the steering wheel will be difficult to turn.
2. Slow down and reduce the number of sharp turns you will need to make. The sharper the turn, the more effort it will require to turn the steering wheel.
3. Get the steering system checked by an expert and have it repaired if necessary
After any kind of car accident, even one caused by a vehicular emergency, you should contact an experienced Phoenix accident attorney to find out about your options. If you or a loved one has been injured due to somebody else’s careless, negligent, impaired, or distracted behavior, contact the experienced team at Kamper & Simmons at 602-277-5625 for a free consultation today.