Maintain an Exit Strategy While Driving

Try not to drive directly beside another vehicle for long periods. If someone pulls alongside you and matches your speed, gently speed up or slow down so the lane next to you becomes open. That way, if you need to swerve, you have space to move.

If you cannot use the lane next to you, consider whether the shoulder is an option and increase your following distance so you have more room to brake. The goal is to have a plan in mind before you need it.

If you follow far enough behind the vehicle in front of you, you will rarely need to swerve. Swerving should be a last resort. If you are forced to swerve, it often means you were following too closely or did not leave yourself enough room.

Give yourself more than one escape route whenever possible. That means keeping a safe following distance and keeping space open to the sides of your vehicle so you can steer out of trouble if needed.

Nearly every driver will eventually face a driving emergency. The difference between a near miss and a collision often comes down to how prepared you are.

Here are three common emergencies to plan for:

• Tire blowout: Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands to keep the vehicle stable as the tire loses air, then slow down gradually and steer to a safe place.
• Hydroplaning: When your tires lose contact with the road surface due to water, ease off the accelerator, keep the wheels pointed in the direction you want to go, and avoid hard braking or sudden steering.
• Brake failure: Stay as calm as you can, downshift to a lower gear in a manual or low gear in an automatic, and use your parking brake gradually while steering to a safe area. Look for open space away from traffic.

Thinking through these situations ahead of time makes it easier to act quickly and safely if they ever happen to you.

Professional drivers and emergency responders are trained to expect the unexpected and always have a plan. You can do the same in everyday driving.

By looking far ahead for hazards, keeping your eyes moving to get the full picture, and always maintaining an exit strategy, you greatly increase your chances of avoiding crashes and handling surprises safely.

Take the next step toward becoming a confident and skilled driver. Visit our Teen Program Options and Adult Driving Options to find a driver education program that fits your needs.

Our Safety Tips page offers guidance on defensive driving, safe following distances, managing distractions, and handling tailgaters.