South Carolina · Handbook chapter 9 · 3 min read
Chapter 9: Emergencies and avoiding collisions
Braking with ABS, swerving, accelerating out of danger, skids, pavement drop-offs, brake failure, tire blowouts, engine failure, a stuck accelerator, breakdowns and emergency contacts.
Why this chapter matters
You cannot control every situation, but you can know the right move ahead of time. Section 9 of the manual covers what to do when something goes wrong.
Three ways out
To avoid a collision or lessen it, you can brake, steer or accelerate.
- ABS braking: press hard and keep pressing. Do not pump. A vibrating pedal and clicking noise are normal, and you can still steer.
- Steering around a problem: both hands on the wheel, steer where you want to go, then steer back to straighten out.
- Accelerating may be the answer when a vehicle is about to hit you from behind or the side.
Skids and drop-offs
- Skid: ease off the brake or accelerator and steer where you want to go.
- Pavement drop-off: do not jerk the wheel back. Slow down gradually, then steer gently back onto the pavement.
Vehicle failures
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Brakes fail | Apply the parking brake slowly, ready to release it if the car skids; if it does not work, turn off the engine and find a safe place to stop off the road |
| Tire blowout | Grip the wheel, keep straight, ease off the gas, do not brake hard, pull off and use flashers |
| Engine dies | Hold the wheel firmly (steering gets heavy but still works), brake with steady pressure, pull off, try to restart, raise the hood and use flashers |
| Stuck accelerator | Turn off the engine, shift to neutral, steer smoothly, brake gently and pull off |
- A front tire blowout pulls the car sharply toward the flat side; a rear one makes it wobble and shake.
- Do not drive when the brake warning light is on.
Breakdowns
- Get off the road if you can, turn on emergency flashers, and call for help.
- Place flares about 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle.
Emergency contacts
Add your emergency contact to your SCDMV record online so officers can reach your family after a crash or medical emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pump ABS brakes?
No. Press firmly and hold; pumping stops ABS from working.
What should I do if a tire blows out?
Hold the wheel firmly, keep going straight, take your foot off the gas and let the car slow down; brake only gently if needed.
Where do warning flares go?
About 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle.
Based on the South Carolina Driver's License Manual (SCDMV), Section 9: Emergency Situations and Avoiding Collisions.