Florida Drivers Handbook |
3.13. Handling Emergencies
Handling Emergencies
When you are driving, things can happen very quickly.
You may have only a fraction of a second to make the right
move. Follow these guidelines for handling emergencies.
Breakdowns
-
If possible, park where the disabled
vehicle can be seen for 200 feet in each direction.
-
Move the vehicle so all four wheels
are off the pavement.
-
Turn on your emergency flashers.
-
Get all passengers out on the side
away from traffic.
-
Tie a white cloth on the left door
handle or antenna.
Raise the hood.
-
Test brakes lightly after driving
through deep water.
-
Brakes may pull to one side or may
not hold at all.
-
Dry brakes by driving slowly in low
gear and applying brakes.
Right Wheels off Pavement
-
Take your foot off the gas pedal.
-
Hold the wheel firmly and steer in
a straight line.
-
Brake lightly.
-
Wait until the road is clear.
-
Turn back on the pavement sharply at
slow speed.
Car or Motorcycle Approaching in your Lane
-
Keep your eyes on the road.
-
Tap the gas pedal with your foot.
-
Try to pry the pedal up with the toe
of your shoe.
-
Shift into neutral.
-
Turn off the ignition. (Do not turn
the key to lock, or your steering will lock.)
-
Use your brakes.
-
Pump the brake pedal hard and fast,
except for vehicles with anti-lock brakes.
-
Shift to a lower gear.
-
Apply the parking brake slowly and
make sure that you are holding down the release lever
or button. This will prevent your rear wheels from locking
and your vehicle from skidding.
-
Rub your tires on the curb to slow
your vehicle, or pull off the road into an open space.
-
Take your foot off the gas pedal.
-
Do not use your brakes, if possible.
-
Pump the brakes gently if you are about
to hit something.
-
Steer the car into the direction of
the skid to straighten the vehicle out. Then steer in
the direction you wish to go.
-
If the fire is small and you have
a portable extinguisher, you should attempt to extinguish
the fire.
-
If you cannot extinguish the fire and
it continues to get larger, get away from the ehicle,
due to the presence of toxic fumes and the possibility
of explosion.
-
Never apply water to a gasoline or
diesel fire.
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