What are the principles for handling emergency situations while driving?
2 Answers
The principles for handling emergency situations while driving are: remain calm and composed, adhere to the principle of avoiding pedestrians before objects. When a vehicle is traveling at high speed, sudden steering can easily cause the vehicle to skid and collide or overturn due to centrifugal force. Therefore, even if a collision with the vehicle ahead is possible, the driver should first brake to reduce speed, then steer to avoid. Emergency measures for special situations: vehicle collisions mostly occur when the vehicle ahead suddenly slows down or changes direction abruptly, and the extent of damage mainly depends on the impact speed and location. When there is a possibility of a side collision, the first priority is to control the direction, following the direction of the vehicle ahead to transform a side collision into a glancing collision, thereby reducing the severity of damage.
I've been driving for over thirty years and encountered various emergencies, like pedestrians suddenly darting out or the car ahead braking sharply. The key is to stay absolutely calm and not let emotions cloud your judgment. First, steady the steering wheel to avoid sudden turns that could cause a loss of control, while gently applying the brakes to gradually slow down—hard braking can lead to skidding. If you feel the car might roll or lose control, try downshifting to ease the speed. Once the car is mostly stabilized, quickly turn on the hazard lights to warn vehicles behind, then slowly move to a safe spot on the roadside. Remember to assess the situation after getting out—don’t rush to fix the car; prioritize personal safety before calling for help. Over the years, I’ve found these principles can save your life in chaos and prevent accidents from escalating.