What to Do When Steering Fails on the Highway?
3 Answers
When the driver finds that steering is ineffective, the correct approach is to slow down as quickly as possible. If the driver suddenly encounters difficulty in steering and finds it laborious to operate, they should reduce speed promptly. If the vehicle deviates from the straight driving direction, the driver should continuously press the brake pedal. When the vehicle's steering is out of control, the driving direction deviates, and an accident is inevitable, the driver should try to shorten the stopping distance to reduce the impact of the collision.
Last year, I experienced a steering failure on the highway—the steering wheel suddenly locked up while I was driving at a terrifying speed. I took a deep breath to steady myself. The first step wasn’t slamming on the brakes but easing off the accelerator to let the car slow down naturally. Next, I firmly gripped the steering wheel with both hands and made slight adjustments to maintain direction, avoiding sharp turns to prevent rollover. Then, I immediately turned on the hazard lights to alert vehicles behind me and gradually moved to the right, stopping safely on the emergency lane. After getting out, I found the steering linkage had snapped and called a tow truck. This incident taught me to stick to quarterly car maintenance, checking tires and the steering system. While high-speed failures are rare, regular upkeep significantly reduces risks—like testing steering responsiveness before hitting the highway. Staying calm is a lifesaver; never panic or make reckless moves. Learning some self-rescue techniques also helps in emergencies.
Last month, shortly after I got on the highway, I experienced a steering wheel failure, which completely terrified me. However, driving school had taught me emergency procedures: don't slam on the brakes immediately, keep the steering steady while gently tapping the accelerator to slow down, and turn on the hazard lights. I followed these steps while nervously watching the cars behind me, gradually moving to the emergency stopping lane. After stopping, I was shaking all over. Later, it was found that the front wheel nuts were loose. Now I always remember to check the car's condition before heading out and have added some emergency tools to the vehicle. New drivers often overlook maintenance details, but the risks on highways are significant. Learning simple emergency measures in advance can prevent accidents.
