Automobile Equipment Failures
What should I do if my brakes fail?
If you're driving and your breaks fail, first of all don't panic. Try to get your car over to the right side of the road as quickly and as safely as possible. Put on your hazard flashers, take your foot off the gas and let your car slow gradually. If necessary always use your emergency break if you need to stop the car right away.
What should I do if my car breaks down on the freeway?
If your car breaks down on the freeway or interstate, first of all get your car over to the right shoulder of the road as quickly and safely as possible. If you're going to get out of the car be very careful exiting the car, and if you can, get out on the passenger side rather than the driver side. Turn on your hazard lights, but if your car breaks down at night and you use the hazard lights, be sure to get out of the vehicle and stand off to the right side of the vehicle, because the flashing lights attract drunk drivers like a moth to a flame.
What is a "blowout"?
A blowout is a tire exploding on your vehicle. A blowout could be kind of dangerous, because the blowout could do damage to the area around the tire. Also, blowouts can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, and it will actually change the direction the vehicle is travelling.
What should I do if I have a blowout on the freeway?
If you experience a blowout on the freeway, first of all, hold your steering wheel tightly to maintain control of the vehicle. Then you want to take your foot off the gas, and as quickly and safely as possible move the vehicle over to the right shoulder. Also, be sure and use your horn and your hazard lights to signal other drivers.
What should I do if my car catches fire?
If you're driving and your car catches fire, you want to stop the car as quickly as possible. You want to get out of the car as quickly as possible, and you want to clear the immediate area as quickly as possible. If you have passengers or see somebody standing nearby, you want to get them away from the area as well. Above all, do not try putting out the fire yourself. It may be the last thing you ever do.
How can I get help on the highway?
If you need to get help on the highway for a breakdown or other emergency, simply pick up your cell phone and call for help, call for a tow truck, whatever kind of assistance you need. If you don't have a cell phone, safely walk to the nearest call box on the highway and call for help from there.
