Female Speaker: There are a number of things that can go wrong with your car, even if you are driving safely. These emergency situations can become disastrous especially if handled incorrectly. Let's take a look at some potentially serious incidents and ways in which to handle them.
This first incident is actually caused by driver error. Traction loss can cause you to loose total control of your vehicle if not handled properly. In the interest of safety we are using country roads to show you an example of traction loss. Not only that but, the sharp curves and loose gravel are primary reasons that tires loose traction. Traction loss is caused by driving too fast around curves or breaking too hard, especially on slippery surfaces. If you notice the front or rear of your vehicle moving outward from the intended path of travel, you are experiencing traction loss.
In order to regain traction you must first direct your vision to your intended path of travel and then turn your steering wheel in the desired direction. I can't emphasize that enough. Always look where you want to go, not where the traction loss has caused you to go. Next be sure to release any paddle that you are pushing to allow your vehicles weight to redistribute. If your vehicle still hasn't regain traction; ease off the steering and tap your break. Once the vehicle has regained traction; steering will become responsive again and you will need to make necessary adjustments to return to the intended path of travel.
By the time you become visually aware of traction loss; it is fairly difficult to regain control of your vehicle. However if you are properly seated you are more likely to detect traction loss through movement; therefore giving you a better chance to regain traction. While traction loss is caused by driver error; a lot of dangerous problems occur seemingly out of nowhere.
Female Speaker 2: If you're driving down the road and one of your tires blows out; you can be in serious danger.
Female Speaker 3: What should I do if that happens?
Female Speaker 2: Since we are on an empty street, we can practice the appropriate steps. If your tire blows, grip your steering wheel tightly and take your foot off the accelerator. Good, the vehicle will pull in the direction of the blown tire; breaking will make it worse. So let the car slow to a stop by itself. If you absolutely must break; do it gently. Check the traffic around you and turn on your hazard lights to warn others.
Female Speaker 3: What I'll do now?
Female Speaker 2: Get out and replace the tire.
Female Speaker: Check out the basic car maintenance bonus feature for simple explanation on how to change a tire. While driving you may also experience steering, accelerator and engine failure .While these are rare you should still be prepared to handle them.
If your accelerator paddle gets stuck in the down position; immediately shift in neutral to disconnect your engine from the wheels. Calmly search for place to pull over and steer and break smoothly off the road. Once safely stopped off the road; turn your vehicle off and activate your hazard lights. Do not attempt to drive the car again. Call for help and have your accelerator paddle repaired. You should react similarly to engine failure. However breaking and steering will become very difficult when the engine shuts off. Once stopped, try to restart the engine, if the engine won't restart; activate your hazard lights, raise the hood and call for help. Now if your steering fails; here is what you should do.
Male speaker: This empty parking lot is perfect for stimulating steering failure.
Female Speaker 4: I have never heard of this happening to anyone I know.
Male speaker: Driving is the ultimate what-if Molly. Most people go a life time without this happening to them, but it does happen, so you got to be prepared.
Female Speaker 4: So what should I do if it happens?
Male speaker: You must communicate with other drivers immediately by using your horn and activating your hazard lights. Let's start driving and when I say so pretend your steering is failed. Now your steering is failed. Don't be shy; now is the time to be assertive with that horn. People have got to know that you have a serious problem, try it again.
That's it. Now use your parking break to come to a stop. You have to push on it with some force. I tell you that take some time to get used to, but using the parking break is safer than using the break paddle. Using the break paddle in this situation could cause the car to surf out of control. Now let's put the car in park.
Female Speaker 4: And then I'll call for help.
Male speaker: Right, that's why it's a good idea to have a cell phone with you at all times. But only use it for emergencies, not to call your girlfriends while you're driving.
Female Speaker 4: Yes, I know dad.
Female Speaker: Of all the vehicle malfunctions you may encounter, break loss might be the scariest. It is important to remain calm and follow the necessary steps to bring your car to a stop. When you first realize you've lost your breaks, pump your break paddle quickly in an attempt to build pressure. You may be able to build enough pressure to bring your car to a stop. Pumping the break paddle doesn't always work. If it doesn't remain calm and follow these next few steps. Down shift to a lower gear and activate your hazard lights to warn other drivers then apply your parking break. The parking break should help you gradually come to the stop because it controls the rear breaks and is separate from the hydraulic breaks your paddle controls.
If your vehicle still hasn't stopped don't panic, follow the next set of steps in the order they are mentioned. First, search for an uphill slope. By coasting up hill your car will decelerate and you may be able to come to a safe stop. If an uphill slope is nowhere to be found, carefully rub your wheels against the kerb to help slow your vehicle. If a kerb is not an option then scrape your vehicle against guard grills to help slow your vehicle. If none of these options are available and a collision is unavoidable, you should steer for soft fixed objects such as bushes rather that hard objects like trees or brick walls.
If a collision with another vehicle is unavoidable, try to steer for a side swipe rather than a head-on collision. Head-on collisions produce the greatest impact and increase your chance of serious injury.
Remember the last few step should only be performed if the previous safer steps fail to bring your vehicle to a stop. I know it is scary to think about, but you need to know what to do just in case it happens to you. Let's just hope it never does.
Congratulations on finishing the program. Hopefully the instructions and demonstrations have helped you to become a safe skillful driver. Please check out the in-car lessons to learn more about what you should practice in depth before applying for your license. Also be sure to check out the awesome bonus features on this DVD including the virtual driver and basic car maintenance sections.
Male Speaker 2: Need any help sister?
Female Speaker: Yeah about 20 minutes ago. Adam and his friends have all become licensed drivers with the help of their parents and you will too if you practice safe driving procedures and follow the rules of the road. Good luck.
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