Emergency Maneuvers Drivers continually face the potential for hazards on the highway. Emergency situations happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Being able to drive away safely from each emergency situation is the ultimate goal. To increase the chances for success, you must know what to do before it ever happens.

Prevent:

Your first priority is always to prevent emergencies from happening in the first place. Stay alert. Watch your speed and the traffic around you. Make sure your equipment is properly maintained. Observe what other drivers are doing.

Avoid:

Find and use the best escape path possible. Don't panic or slam on your brakes. Use other traffic lanes, the shoulder, or if necessary, the median.

Minimize:

Slow your vehicle down as much as possible without losing control. Always avoid the head-on collision. If you are going to collide, it's better to collide at an angle than directly head-on or perpendicular.