Ohio · Handbook chapter 9 · 4 min read
Chapter 9: Emergencies and crashes
How to avoid a crash by braking, steering or accelerating, skids, dark traffic signals, pavement drop-offs, brake failure, a stuck accelerator, tire blowouts, engine failure, breakdowns, and what Ohio requires after a crash.
Why this chapter matters
Emergency questions test whether you know the right first move: what to do if the brakes fail, a tire blows or the car leaves the pavement. The Digest also sets out what to do after a crash and when a crash report can be filed with the BMV.
Avoiding a crash
- Braking: most newer cars have ABS (anti-lock brakes), which lets you stop hard without skidding. Check your owner's manual for how to use it.
- Steering (swerving): hold the wheel with both hands, steer around the problem, then steer back the other way to straighten up and slow down.
- Accelerating: sometimes speeding up is the way out, for example when you are about to be hit from behind or the side.
- Skids come from going too fast, stopping too suddenly or losing grip. Ease off the brake or accelerator and turn the wheel into the skid.
Dark traffic signals
When the power is out and an intersection's lights are dark, treat it as a four-way stop, unless a police officer is directing traffic. Go carefully: other drivers may not stop.
Pavement drop-offs
If your wheels drop off the edge of the pavement, ease off the accelerator, slow down gradually and steer back onto the pavement when it is safe.
Vehicle failures
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Brake failure | Apply the parking brake slowly so the rear wheels do not lock. If that fails, switch off the engine, get off the road and put the flashers on. |
| Stuck accelerator | Turn on the flashers, shift to neutral, look for an escape route, steer smoothly, brake gradually and pull off. Then shift to park and turn off the engine. |
| Tire blowout | Grip the wheel firmly and keep the car straight. Do not brake; slow down gradually, pull off and turn on hazard lights. A front blowout pulls sharply toward the blown side; a rear one makes the car wobble. |
| Engine dies | Hold the wheel firmly: steering is harder but still works. Brake with steady pressure, pull off, shift to park and try to restart. If it will not start, raise the hood and turn on your flashers. |
| Breakdown | Get off the road if you can, turn on flashers, and place flares about 200 to 300 feet behind the car. Stay in the vehicle until help arrives. |
After a crash
- Stop. Move your car out of traffic if you can; if not, turn on hazard lights and set out flares.
- Stay calm and do not argue.
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Do not move injured people; keep them warm.
- Notify the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the sheriff or local police.
- Exchange names, addresses, plate numbers, vehicle details and insurance information, but do not discuss fault.
- If you hit an unattended vehicle, report it to police or leave your information at the scene.
- Note the weather, road conditions and what happened, and answer the investigating officer's questions.
- Tell your insurance company as soon as possible.
You may file a Crash Report (BMV 3303) with the BMV within six months of the crash if there was more than $400 of damage or any injury and the other driver or owner had no insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if my brakes fail?
Use the parking brake slowly and carefully. Should that fail, switch the engine off, get off the road and put your flashers on.
Should I brake hard after a tire blowout?
No. Hold the wheel firmly, keep the car straight and slow down gradually.
Where should I put flares after a breakdown?
About 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle.
What should I do at a dark traffic light?
Treat it as a four-way stop unless an officer is directing traffic.
Should I talk about who caused the crash?
No. Exchange information, but do not discuss fault with the other people involved.
Based on the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 10 (Ohio Department of Public Safety).