DMV Practice Test

Emergency Handling

Even the most careful drivers may encounter emergency situations. Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly can prevent accidents and save lives. This section covers how to handle various vehicle emergencies and what to do after an accident.

Brake Failure

Brake failure is rare in modern vehicles with dual braking systems, but it's important to know what to do if it happens:

If Your Brakes Fail

1. Try pumping the brake pedal rapidly several times. This may build up enough pressure to stop the vehicle.
2. If pumping doesn't work, use the parking brake gradually. Pull the lever slowly or press the pedal gently to avoid skidding.
3. Shift to a lower gear to use engine braking to slow the vehicle.
4. Look for an escape route such as an open field or side road where you can slow down safely.
5. Sound your horn and flash your lights to warn other drivers.
6. If necessary, use a side-swipe method against guardrails, bushes, or snow banks to slow down, but avoid head-on collisions.

Prevention

• Have your brakes inspected regularly as part of routine maintenance.
• Be alert to warning signs such as a soft brake pedal, grinding noises, or pulling to one side when braking.
• If the brake warning light comes on, have your vehicle serviced immediately.

Tire Blowouts

A tire blowout can cause a sudden loss of control. Here's how to handle this emergency:

If You Experience a Blowout

1. Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands to maintain control.
2. Do NOT slam on the brakes. This can cause you to skid or lose control.
3. Take your foot off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow down gradually.
4. Steer gently to keep the vehicle going straight while it slows down.
5. Apply the brakes gently once the vehicle has slowed down.
6. Pull completely off the road when it's safe to do so.
7. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning devices if available.

Prevention

• Check tire pressure regularly, including the spare.
• Inspect tires for signs of wear, damage, or embedded objects.
• Replace tires when tread is worn or they show signs of aging.
• Avoid overloading your vehicle beyond its recommended capacity.

Skids and Hydroplaning

Handling Skids

Different types of skids require different responses:

Front-Wheel Skid (Understeer)

• The front wheels lose traction and the vehicle continues straight despite turning the wheel.
• Response: Ease off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow down. Don't turn the wheel more sharply or brake suddenly.

Rear-Wheel Skid (Oversteer)

• The rear wheels lose traction and the vehicle's rear end slides sideways.
• Response: Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go (the direction of the skid). As the vehicle straightens, counter-steer to avoid skidding in the opposite direction.

Four-Wheel Skid

• All wheels lose traction, often on ice or very slippery surfaces.
• Response: Disengage the clutch (manual transmission) or shift to neutral (automatic), and steer in the direction you want to go. Avoid braking or accelerating until traction is regained.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when your tires ride on a film of water instead of the road surface.

If You Experience Hydroplaning

1. Do NOT brake or turn suddenly.
2. Take your foot off the accelerator to allow the vehicle to slow down gradually.
3. Hold the steering wheel straight and steady.
4. Wait for the tires to regain contact with the road surface.
5. If you must brake, do so gently with light pumping actions (if you don't have anti-lock brakes).

Prevention

• Reduce speed during rainy conditions.
• Maintain proper tire tread depth and inflation.
• Avoid standing water when possible.
• Replace windshield wiper blades regularly for better visibility.

Avoiding Collisions

Sometimes you need to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Here are techniques that can help:

Evasive Steering

• In many emergency situations, steering around an obstacle is quicker than trying to stop.
• Look for an escape route and steer smoothly in that direction.
• Avoid swerving sharply, which can cause you to lose control or roll over.
• If possible, steer to the right to avoid oncoming traffic.

Controlled Braking

• With anti-lock brakes (ABS): Apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. The system will automatically pump the brakes.
• Without ABS: Use threshold braking by applying the brakes firmly to the point just before the wheels lock, then ease off slightly if you feel the wheels begin to lock.

Combination Braking and Steering

• For vehicles with ABS, you can brake and steer at the same time.
• For vehicles without ABS, brake first to slow down, then release the brakes to steer, then brake again if necessary.

What to Do After an Accident

If you're involved in an accident, follow these steps:

Immediate Actions

1. Stop your vehicle at or near the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident is against the law.
2. Turn off the engine and turn on your hazard lights.
3. Check for injuries to yourself and others. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.
4. Move to safety if possible. If your vehicle is creating a hazard and can be moved safely, pull it to the side of the road.
5. Set up warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles if available.

Legal Requirements

1. Call the police if there are injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.
2. Exchange information with other drivers involved, including:
   • Name, address, and phone number
   • Driver's license number
   • License plate number
   • Insurance company and policy number
3. Gather witness information if possible.
4. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any relevant road conditions or signs.
5. File an accident report with the DMV within 15 days if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.

Insurance Considerations

• Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, even if the damage seems minor.
• Provide accurate information about the accident.
• Do not admit fault at the scene; let the police and insurance companies determine responsibility.

Emergency Vehicles

When you encounter emergency vehicles with flashing lights and/or sirens:

When Emergency Vehicles Approach

1. Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop.
2. If you cannot move to the right, stop where you are and remain stationary.
3. Stay stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
4. Check for additional emergency vehicles before proceeding.

Move Over Law

South Carolina's Move Over Law requires drivers to:

• Move over one lane when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or highway maintenance vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights.
• If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, slow down significantly below the posted speed limit.
• Violations can result in fines and points on your driving record.

Evacuation Procedures

South Carolina is vulnerable to hurricanes and other natural disasters that may require evacuation.

Hurricane Evacuation Routes

• Familiarize yourself with designated evacuation routes in your area.
• Pay attention to evacuation orders from local authorities.
• During evacuations, normal traffic patterns may be reversed on major highways to facilitate outbound traffic.

Evacuation Tips

• Keep your vehicle's gas tank at least half full during hurricane season.
• Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlight, and battery-powered radio.
• Leave early to avoid traffic congestion.
• Follow designated routes; shortcuts may be blocked or unsafe.
• Stay tuned to local radio for updates on road conditions and evacuation instructions.

Study Tips for Emergency Handling

• Mentally rehearse how you would respond to different emergency scenarios.
• Remember that staying calm is essential in any emergency situation.
• Practice identifying the difference between various types of skids and the appropriate responses.
• Memorize the steps to take after an accident.
• Take our Emergency Handling Practice Test to test your knowledge.