General Knowledge: Emergency Maneuvers
5 questions in the bank cover this topic. Everything below is drawn from the sources those questions cite.
Sources: TC 21-305-20 para 4-4
What you need to know
The instinct to jerk back on is what rolls vehicles.
The edge can be several inches high, so a sharp steering input makes the tire climb suddenly and throws the vehicle across the road. Resist the urge to whip it back onto the pavement.
If the two right or left wheels of the vehicle veer off the paved roadway, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Keep the vehicle traveling straight ahead. Straddle the edge of the pavement. Fight the tendency of the wheels to pull toward soft shoulders. Resist the urge to immediately whip the vehicle back onto the pavement.
TC 21-305-20 para 4-4
Easing off rather than braking.
Braking with two wheels on loose gravel and two on asphalt gives very different grip side to side, which pulls the vehicle toward the shoulder. Let the tires start rolling again to recover grip.
Ease off the accelerator pedal so the vehicle can slow down. If possible, avoid braking.
TC 21-305-20 para 4-4
A quick, deliberate quarter turn once speed is down.
A gradual drift lets the tire scrub along the edge without climbing, then grip suddenly and snatch the steering. Do it only once you are safe and your speed is under control. That lets the tire climb the pavement edge.
When it is safe and speed is under control, turn the wheel quickly about a quarter turn to the right or left as necessary. This lets the tire climb the pavement edge and get back on the roadway.
TC 21-305-20 para 4-4
The input that got you up the edge will carry you across the lane if you hold it.
Counter-steering immediately is what keeps the recovery from becoming a head-on.
As soon as the front tires are back on the roadway, counter steer quickly to maintain the proper lane.
TC 21-305-20 para 4-4
Less grip and an unpredictable surface.
The manual also warns the drop from road to shoulder may be several inches, which is what makes the return the dangerous part. Grass counts too, and the drop-off at the edge is separate again.
Most shoulders provide less traction than the roadway surface. They may be quite narrow and consist of loose gravel, grass, or mud.
TC 21-305-20 para 4-4
Check yourself
- How do you respond when two wheels drop onto the shoulder?
- What should you do when your vehicle begins to hydroplane?
- How do you return to the pavement after running off it?
- What must follow immediately after the front tires regain the pavement?
- What three things should you expect of a shoulder compared with the roadway?
Answers are in the practice test for this topic.