How to Handle Dangerous Situations When Driving a Car

- How to Handle Dangerous Situations Encountered When Driving a Car
Latest update date: February 28, 06

In the ever-changing world of road traffic, being prepared for dangerous situations is essential for every driver. According to statistics from the Vietnam National Traffic Safety Committee, in 2023, there will be more than 11,000 road traffic accidents, causing more than 6,000 deaths. Many of these accidents could be prevented if drivers were equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle emergency situations. Let's learn how to deal with the most common dangerous situations on the road.

Lost Brakes

Loss of brakes is one of the scariest situations a driver can encounter. According to the Vietnam Register, about 15% of accidents related to vehicle technical errors are caused by the braking system.

Steps to take when losing brakes:

  • Stay calm – This is the most important factor in being able to think and act properly.
  • Try pumping the brakes – Applying the brakes repeatedly and quickly can help rebuild brake fluid pressure.
  • Use engine braking – Shift to lower gears to take advantage of engine resistance.
  • Pull the handbrake slowly - Avoid pulling hard to avoid losing control.
  • Find an escape route – Direct your vehicle into safe areas such as soft medians or bushes.

Important note: Regular brake system maintenance every 6 months can prevent most cases of brake failure.

- How to Handle Dangerous Situations Encountered When Driving a Car
The car lost its brakes

Blow

According to data from the Vietnam Rubber Manufacturers Association, each year there are about 5,000 accidents related to tire explosions. Knowing how to react correctly can save your life and the lives of those around you.

Procedure for dealing with tire explosion:

  • Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands.
  • Do not apply the brakes immediately – This could cause the vehicle to skid or flip.
  • Gently accelerate for a few seconds to stabilize the vehicle.
  • Slowly release the accelerator and steer the vehicle to the side of the road.
  • Brake gently when the speed has decreased to about 30 km/h.

Note: Check tire pressure monthly and replace tires when tread depth is 1.6mm.

- How to Handle Dangerous Situations Encountered When Driving a Car
The car's tire blew out while moving

Stuck Accelerator

Although rare, a stuck accelerator pedal can have serious consequences. According to a report from the Vietnam Register, there are about 50 cases of stuck accelerator pedals recorded each year.

Steps to regain control:

  • Step on the brake pedal firmly and hold the brake pedal - Do not click and release because it may cause loss of brake assist.
  • Shift to N (Mo) – This disconnects the engine and wheels.
  • Drive to a safe place – Head towards the curb or open area.
  • Turn off the engine – Only do this when the above steps do not work.
  • Call for help after stopping the vehicle safely.

Safety note: Become familiar with the vehicle's gear shifting and ignition system before encountering an emergency situation.

Loss of Steering Wheel When Turning a Corner

According to statistics from the Traffic Police Department, about 25% of serious accidents occur on curves. Understanding the mechanics of cornering can help prevent these accidents.

Handling the phenomenon of understeer (Understeer - Front wheel slippage):

  • Release the accelerator – Do not apply the brake suddenly.
  • Slowly reduce the steering angle to allow the wheels to regain grip.
  • Look in the direction you want to go, not at obstacles.
  • Gently accelerate when you regain traction.

Handling the phenomenon of oversteer (Oversteer - Rear wheel slippage):

  • Skid Steer – Steer in the direction the front of the vehicle is pointing.
  • Avoid braking or accelerating suddenly – This can worsen skidding.
  • Gently increase the throttle when the car begins to straighten to regain grip.

Advanced tip: Practice these techniques in a safe environment such as a driving range or advanced driving course.

- How to Handle Dangerous Situations Encountered When Driving a Car
The car lost control when cornering

How to Handle When Your Vehicle Gets Bogged

Getting bogged down can happen to any driver, especially during the rainy season. According to a survey by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), there are about 10,000 cases of bogged vehicles needing rescue each year.

Techniques to get out of the mud:

  • Determine drive type – Know if your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.
  • Road Clearing – Remove mud and dirt from around the wheels and their tracks.
  • Increase grip – Use floor mats, tree branches, or sand under the driving wheels.
  • Accelerate slowly – Avoid turning the wheel too quickly, which can cause the car to sink deeper.
  • Rock the car – Switch between forward and reverse gears to create momentum.

Note: Bring a shovel, tow rope, and wheel pads if you frequently drive in muddy conditions.

- How to Handle Dangerous Situations Encountered When Driving a Car
How to handle when the car gets bogged

Downhill On Slippery Road

Steep and slippery mountain passes are a big challenge for many drivers. According to statistics from the Vietnam Road Administration, there are about 500 accidents each year occurring on steep mountain passes.

Safe driving strategies when going downhill:

  • Use low gear – Use 1st or 2nd gear to get the most out of engine braking.
  • Maintain a steady speed – Avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
  • Increase safety distance – Leave space for unexpected situations.
  • Use gentle, intermittent braking – Helps maintain tire grip.
  • Steering in the direction of skidding – If you skid, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the vehicle's skidding.

Tip: Consider using winter or off-road tires to improve grip on slippery roads.

Although these situations may seem scary, with careful preparation and a calm, methodical approach, you can get through them safely. Regular vehicle maintenance, taking defensive driving courses, and becoming familiar with your vehicle's systems are invaluable investments in your safety on the road.

Remember, the best way to handle a dangerous driving situation is to avoid it in the first place. Stay alert, maintain your vehicle in good condition, and always drive within the limits of yourself, your vehicle, and road conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How to recognize signs of a tire about to explode?

There are 4 main signs:

  • Abnormal noise from tires,
  • Abnormal vibrations in the steering wheel,
  • The vehicle deflects when going straight,
  • Tire pressure drops rapidly.

Checking tires periodically every 2 weeks can help detect 90% of tire problems before they explode. Read the article now: Tips to help cars avoid tire bursts while moving & notes to remember are shared on the website.

2. What is the appropriate frequency of brake system maintenance?

Expert recommendations Brake system maintenance every 20.000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. For commercial vehicles, the frequency can be shortened to 10.000 km. This reduces the risk of brake problems by 75%.

3. When is it necessary to change brake fluid and why is it important?

Brake fluid needs to be changed every 40.000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, reducing its boiling point and braking effectiveness. Changing brake fluid on time can improve braking performance by up to 20%.

4. How does the ABS system work and what benefits does it bring?

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) works by quickly releasing the brake (up to 15 times/second) when it detects that the wheel is locked. This system helps reduce braking distances on slippery roads by 40% and reduces the number of serious accidents by 22%.

5. How to handle a situation where the car is flooded?

When your car is flooded, follow these steps:

  • Turn off the machine immediately,
  • Do not restart the engine,
  • Disconnect the battery,
  • Open the car door if it is safe to do so,
  • Call for rescue.

Statistics show that 60% of flooded vehicles can be saved if handled properly in the first 30 minutes. View article: These What to do when your car is flooded Fast, safe, most effective and recommended by many experts.

6. Why is adjusting tire pressure important and how often should it be done?

Tire pressure directly affects traction, fuel economy and tire life. You should check tire pressure every 2 weeks or before going on a long trip. Tires that are 20% under-inflated can increase fuel consumption by 3% and reduce tire life by 25%.

7. How to recognize signs of running out of "brake discs" and "brake pads"?

Main signs:

  • Metallic noise when braking,
  • Vibrations when braking,
  • The brake warning light is on,
  • The brake lever is "mushy".

Statistics show that 35% of brake-related accidents are caused by brake pads or brake discs that are worn beyond the allowable limit.

8. What is safe braking technique when traveling long distances?

Applying 3-stage braking technique:

  • Decelerate by releasing the accelerator (accounting for 70% of braking distance),
  • Light braking (20% of distance),
  • Brake gradually (last 10%).

This technique helps reduce the risk of losing control when braking suddenly by 30%.

9. How to handle the situation of car hydroplaning?

When hydroplaning:

  • Don't step on the brakes,
  • Release the gas slowly,
  • Keep the steering wheel straight,
  • Wait for the car to regain traction.

This phenomenon often occurs at speeds above 80 km/h with a water layer 3mm thick or more. Tires with 8mm deep grooves can reduce the risk of hydroplaning by 50% compared to 3mm grooved tires.

10. How to handle a car fire situation?

5-step process:

  • Stop the car immediately,
  • Turn off the machine and disconnect the power,
  • Evacuate passengers,
  • Use a fire extinguisher if safe.
  • Call the fire department.

Statistics show that 55% of car fires originate from the electrical system, 25% from the engine, and 20% from other causes.

11. Why is it important to properly adjust the rearview mirror?

Properly adjusting mirrors helps reduce blind spots by 30%. The BGE (Blindspot Gone Eliminated) method helps almost completely eliminate blind spots by adjusting the edge mirror 15 degrees outward from the normal position.

12. How to handle a situation where the vehicle overturns?

When the vehicle is at risk of overturning:

  • Reduce speed immediately,
  • Hold the steering wheel tightly,
  • Do not brake suddenly,
  • Try to drive towards the side with plenty of open space.

If the vehicle has overturned:

  • Turn off the engine,
  • Remove the seat belt,
  • Try to escape through a window or car door.

Statistics show that 95% of vehicle rollovers occur due to cornering too quickly or steering sharply to avoid obstacles.

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  • Thanks for sharing thanks to this article, I know a lot more things that I have not learned and met before

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