How to Safely Come to an Emergency Stop While Driving

Stopping on a roadway is never safe, but sometimes it is an inescapable necessity. In an emergency, such as a flat tire or a mechanical breakdown, there is no time to think. You must know what to do. Unfortunately, we rarely get to practice such emergencies before it happens. When an emergency happens, there are precautions you should take during and after the emergency. Follow these guidelines to learn how to safely come to an emergency stop on a roadway.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ability to stay alert
• Patience
• Defensive plan while driving

1. Know where the other cars are in relationship to your car on the road at all times.
2. Pump your brakes when trying to come to a stop. Never slam on the brakes. That will cause your brakes to lock up and the vehicle could skid. Then you will have no control of your vehicle.
3. Turn on your turn signal and pull over to the far right shoulder away from moving traffic. You should try to find a flat level area to park off the roadway.
4. Activate your emergency flashers after you have brought the vehicle to a complete stop.
5. Check for oncoming traffic before getting out of your car. If you need assistance and you do not have a cell phone, raise your hood and tie a white cloth to the hood or antenna.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep children away from the traffic.
• When you are out of your car, never walk near the roadway.