10.3 Vehicle Malfunctions, Emergency Maneuvers & Roadside Breakdowns

10.3 Vehicle Malfunctions, Emergency Maneuvers & Roadside Breakdowns

Section 10 of the Manual: Emergency Situations covers what to do when the vehicle, rather than the traffic, becomes the problem. Ohio's instructions are specific and often counterintuitive — several correct answers are the opposite of a driver's instinct.

Avoiding Crashes: Your Three Options

Ohio identifies three emergency responses and notes that braking is only the first instinct, not always the best one.

• Braking: Most drivers' first reaction is to stop. Most new vehicles have ABS (anti-lock braking system) to stop without skidding; check the owner's manual for proper braking technique.
• Steering: You may be able to avoid a crash by quickly steering around a problem — "swerving." Grip the wheel with both hands, steer in the direction that avoids other traffic, then steer in the opposite direction to straighten out, regain control, and start slowing.
• Accelerating: It may be necessary to accelerate to avoid a crash — for example when another vehicle is about to hit you from behind or from the side.

Skids

Skids are caused by traveling too fast for conditions, stopping too suddenly, or tires that can no longer grip the roadway. When you begin to skid: release pressure from the brake or accelerator and turn the wheel into the skid. Ohio adds elsewhere that you should never apply the brakes while skidding.

Uneven Surface Drop-Offs

If your vehicle leaves the paved surface, let off the accelerator, slow down gradually, and return to the pavement only when it is safe to do so. Yanking the wheel back at speed is what turns a shoulder drop-off into a rollover or a head-on collision.

Vehicle Malfunctions

Brake Failure

• Use the parking brake — pull the handle or push the foot pedal slowly, so you do not lock the rear wheels and cause a skid.
• If that does not work, turn off the engine, pull off the road, and turn on the emergency flashers.

Stuck Accelerator

• Turn off the engine.
• Shift to NEUTRAL and search for an escape path.
• Steer smoothly, brake gently, and pull off the roadway.

Tire Blowout

Recognize which tire failed by what the vehicle does: a front tire blowout pulls the vehicle sharply in the direction of the blowout, while a rear tire blowout causes the vehicle to wobble, shake, and pull somewhat in that direction.

• Grip the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle going straight.
• Do not brake — slow down gradually.
• Pull off the road in a safe place and turn on hazard lights.
• Shift to PARK and turn off the engine.

Power Failure (Engine Shuts Off While Driving)

• Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. It will be difficult to turn without power assist, but it can still be turned.
• Brake with steady pressure, slow down, and pull off the roadway.
• Shift to PARK and try to restart the engine. If unsuccessful, raise the hood and turn on the emergency flashers.

Roadside Breakdown Procedure

If your vehicle breaks down:

1. Get the vehicle off the road and away from traffic if possible.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers to show the vehicle is disabled.
3. Warn other roadway users. If possible, place emergency flares about 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle. This gives approaching drivers time to change lanes — to "move over."
4. Stay in your vehicle until help arrives.

Step four is the one drivers most often get wrong. Standing beside a disabled car on a freeway shoulder places you in the most dangerous position available; the vehicle's structure is safer than the shoulder.

Emergency Response Quick Table

Realistic Exam Scenarios & Common Traps

1. The Blowout Braking Trap: The instinct is to brake hard. Ohio says do not brake — grip the wheel, keep straight, and slow gradually.
2. The Parking Brake Yank: Correct technique for brake failure is to apply the parking brake slowly. Pulling it fully locks the rear wheels and produces a skid.
3. The Flare Distance: Ohio's figure is 200 to 300 feet behind the disabled vehicle. Options offering 50 or 100 feet do not give following drivers enough warning.
4. The Get-Out-and-Wait Trap: Ohio says to stay in your vehicle until help arrives once you are off the road with flashers on.
5. The Braking-Only Fallacy: Braking is one of three options. Ohio explicitly lists steering and even accelerating as legitimate crash-avoidance responses.