Automobile
Emergencies
At
one time or another, most drivers encounter some
sort of
emergency involving a malfunction of their vehicle or a situation
requiring emergency driving techniques. If these emergencies are not
handled properly, the result can be an accident, injury or even death. In
an emergency, panic is the real enemy.
Emergency
plans, like the ones
described here, can help prevent panic and possibly save lives.
Following are some of the most common emergencies and how they can be
handled, so that accident prevention, along with pedestrian and
motorist safety, are the prime concerns.
Many
emergencies require stopping on the highway. Stopping on
a highway for any reason is dangerous, so if you must stop, observe the
following precautions: If the highway has paved shoulders, signal your
intention to pull off the highway, pull off at near traffic speed, then
slow down. If the shoulder is unpaved, signal a right turn and slow
down to a safe speed before pulling off the paved roadway.
In
dusk, darkness, or bad weather, leave your low-beam
headlights on and turn on your interior lights and your four-way
flasher. If you have to stop in a risky location (such as over the
crest of a hill or on a curve), get everyone out of the vehicle and
well away from traffic.
Place
a flare or other warning device just behind the vehicle and another at
least 300 feet (91m) farther back.
Retrieve them before you drive away. If you need help, raise the hood
and tie a white cloth to the antenna or left door handle. It is
difficult to predict every type of auto emergency, but some special
tools can ensure you are prepared.
Help
Is In The Way
Wilma is a young artist who is
trying to make in the business by selling her paintings. She heard that
many artists do lots of suffering before they become famous, and
figured this is hers. She frequently arranges meetings with people all
over town and sometimes out of town.
She drives an
aging vehicle that is not in the greatest of shape. It usually gets her
where she wants to go without many problems. One day she got a call
from some out of town clients who wanted to make a large purchase for
their gallery. She knew these people well, but they could only meet at night.
They apologized
for the inconvenience but because of their schedules night was the only
time available. Wilma agreed and set up the meeting. She knew this
would be the beginning of something good for her. The day finally came.
She left early to get there in plenty of time. She loaded the car and
started on her way. It was about a 60 mile drive.
About 35 miles
into the trip she heard a pop, her tire blew out. The car rattled to a
stop as she pulled over to the shoulder. She knew about changing tires,
so she could still make it in time. She got out of the vehicle and
started to change the tire. She was both amazed and relieved that no one
stopped.
But no matter,
she had it under control. Besides, she had a cell phone if she could
not get it changed. At that time a small car pulled up behind her. A
man got out and asked if she needed help. She said no thanks, I think I
got it. He said are your sure, she said yes. The guy seemed a little
disappointed that she did not accept his help.
He went back to
his car, but he did not leave. He just sat there staring at Wilma. She
began to feel uneasy, and started thinking about what she would have to
do if he tried anything. He got back out of his car and started toward
her again. As he approached he told her she looked just like his
girlfriend, who had just broken up with him. Wilma was really nervous
now.
He was about to
touch her when a police officer pulled up behind the two. He asked what
was going on. Wilma explained that she had broken down, and this guy
would not leave after she refused his help. The officer placed them
both in a secure position and ran their tags for warrants.
Turns out the
guy was wanted for assault and battery of a highly aggravated nature on
his exgirlfriend. He was taken into custody. Wilma was released and
proceeded on her way. She could not stop thinking about how lucky she
was, or what she would have done if things escalated.
Roadside
breakdowns are pretty common. Automobiles are not perfect and will
break when you least expect it. Each situation is different, and you
never know whom you are going to encounter along the way. While there
is no advice to fit all situations. You should prepare your self as
best you can. Obviously, make sure your car is in excellent mechanical
condition.
If you do
experience a breakdown, assess the problem. If you can take care of it
yourself do so. A cell phone is no longer a want, it is a must. If you
have to call for help, call immediately. Most people believe that you
should sit in the vehicle with your windows closed and doors locked. If
you do choose this option, and someone stops to help, stay in the
vehicle and tell him or her to phone for help.
Many experts
note that sitting in a disabled vehicle on the side of the road is not
the best place to wait for help. You might be hit by traffic, or better
yet you are easy to spot as a target. They say you should get out of
the car, call for help, and stay in a wooded area close to the car
until help arrives if safe and possible. Characters stopping to do you
harm, will simply figure you have gone and left the car behind. If you
breakdown do not panic, think and make wise decisions.
Back to
home
