Steering in EmergenciesThere are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill and finda truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pullsout from nowhere, or a child darts out from betweenparked cars and stops right in front of you. You canavoid these problems by braking — if you can stop intime. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room.That is the time for evasive action — steering aroundthe problem.Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies likethese. First apply your brakes.See Braking on page 4-6. It is better to remove as muchspeed as you can from a possible collision. Then steeraround the problem, to the left or right depending on thespace available.An emergency like this requires close attention and aquick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel atthe recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, youcan turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly withoutremoving either hand. But you have to act fast, steerquickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheelonce you have avoided the object.The fact that such emergency situations are alwayspossible is a good reason to practice defensive drivingat all times and wear safety belts properly.4-13
