Emergency Manoeuvre Driving Actions

Emergency manoeuvres are sudden, quick actions taken by a driver to avoid an accident or danger.

They require calm, quick thinking, and good vehicle control.

BRAKE FAILURE

When brakes fail

If you hit the brake pedal and nothing happens, stay calm and act fast.

Follow these steps:

Downshift to a lower gear to slow the vehicle.

Pump the brake pedal fast and hard to build up hydraulic pressure.

It should take 3–4 pumps to restore pressure.

Apply the emergency brake (handbrake) slowly while holding the release button.

Release immediately if the car begins to skid.

If brakes are still ineffective, use the handbrake gently to help slow the car.

Keep steering control.

If you can’t stop, steer into something soft, such as bushes or grass.

Use your horn and flash your lights to warn other drivers.

After stopping safely, do not drive again, call a mechanic immediately.

HOW TO PREVENT BRAKE FAILURE

Use low gears and drive slowly on long downhill roads to prevent overheating.

If brakes overheat, pull over and let them cool before continuing.

In wet weather, avoid deep puddles that can reduce braking power.

If brakes get wet, dry them by pressing the gas and brake lightly for 5–10 seconds several times.

Check your brakes regularly and have them serviced on schedule.

Inspect brake fluid levels along with other vehicle fluids.

If your brake warning light comes on, stop and have the brakes checked immediately.

Take care of your brakes and use them properly. Doing so greatly reduces the chance of brake failure.

TYRE BLOWOUTS

If a tyre bursts while driving:

Hold the steering wheel firmly.

Do not brake suddenly.

Let the vehicle slow down gradually.

Steer carefully to the side of the road when safe.

Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

WHEEL OFF PAVEMENT

If one or more wheels drop off the edge of the road:

Hold the steering wheel firmly.

Remove your foot from the accelerator.

Avoid braking heavily.

When the road is clear, steer smoothly back onto the pavement.

HEADLIGHTS FAIL

If your headlights suddenly go off at night:

Check the light switch immediately.

Try turning it on and off to reset.

If the lights remain off, pull off the road safely and stop the vehicle.

Turn on hazard lights or use a torch to remain visible.