NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL RECOMMENDS
THE FOLLOWING MEASURES FOR DRIVERS.
1. Downshift immediately
Putting the car in a lower gear allows the engine
to slow the car, and may give you enough time
to be able to safely pull over. Whether you're
driving an automatic or a manual, try to
downshift smoothly through the gears. If you
downshift too quickly, you risk a skid. Do not
shut off the car to stop it, as you'll lose your
power steering, and do not put the car in neutral
or you will lose the engine braking effect.
2. Try the emergency brake, but don't depend on
it to stop you
If you're driving a car with a good, strong
emergency brake, go ahead and use it. In cars
with manual transmissions, the emergency brake
is often operated via a hand-activated lever
located behind the shifter, while in many
automatics you use a small pedal located on the
far left of the driver. It helps to try your
emergency brake out at slow speeds to see how
much stopping power it really has.
3. Work your vehicle into the right lane as soon
as you can
Move toward the right shoulder of the road, or, if
possible, toward an exit. If it is necessary to
change lanes, do so smoothly and carefully,
watching your mirrors and the traffic around you
closely.
4. Stay off the gas pedal
Perhaps this goes without saying, but do not
touch the gas pedal. Your goal, right now, is to
slow down, pull over and safely stop.
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