Driving emergencies

Key points

1. The basic rule in every emergency is to think before you act.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “There is one basic rule that applies in all driving situations, and especially in emergency situations THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 73

2. After a blowout, hold the wheel tightly, steer straight and ease off the gas. Do not brake until in control.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “hold tightly to the steering wheel, steer straight and ease up on the accelerator. Do not brake until the vehicle is under control.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 73

3. If the brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor, pump it to build up pressure.

   Source: Handbook p. 74

   “If your brake pedal suddenly sinks all the way to the floor, try pumping the pedal to build up the pressure.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 74

4. If your wheels drift onto the shoulder, stay there and slow down before turning gently back.

   Source: Handbook p. 74

   “stay on the shoulder and reduce speed. After you've slowed down, turn gently back onto the pavement.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 74

5. If a car is coming at you in your lane, pull to the right, slow down and sound your horn.

   Source: Handbook p. 74

   “If you see a car coming toward you in your lane, pull to the right and slow down. Sound your horn.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 74

6. If stalled on tracks with a train coming, abandon the car and walk along the tracks toward the train.

   Source: Handbook p. 75

   “abandon the vehicle, and quickly walk alongside the tracks in the direction of the approaching train”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 75

7. For a stuck accelerator, try hooking your toe under the pedal to raise it.

   Source: Handbook p. 75

   “If your accelerator pedal sticks, you may be able to free it by hooking your toe under the pedal and attempting to raise it.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 75

3 questions from the Alabama practice test

1. 1. What is the safest response if an Alabama vehicle has a blowout?

   1. Hold the steering wheel, steer straight, and ease off the accelerator
   2. Brake hard immediately
   3. Turn sharply toward the shoulder
   4. Shift into reverse while moving
   Show answer

   Hold the steering wheel, steer straight, and ease off the accelerator. During a blowout, hold the steering wheel firmly, steer straight, and ease up on the accelerator. Braking before control returns can make the vehicle less stable, so the hard-braking option is especially dangerous. A sharp turn may create a second loss of control before speed is reduced. Keep the vehicle pointed straight, let it slow, and brake only after control has been regained. A thumping sound or a pull to one side can warn of tire trouble, so respond calmly rather than making a sudden correction.

2. 2. If a brake pedal sinks to the floor, what should you try first?

   1. Pump the pedal to build pressure
   2. Turn off the engine and coast in neutral immediately
   3. Pull the emergency brake as hard as possible
   4. Accelerate to test whether the brakes recover
   Show answer

   Pump the pedal to build pressure. A pedal that suddenly reaches the floor may respond to repeated pumping, which can rebuild braking pressure. If pumping fails, the manual directs the driver to use the emergency or parking brake gently, and it also mentions a lower gear or turning off the engine while leaving the car in gear. The hard pull choice risks locking the brakes and causing a skid. Diagnose the pedal movement first, then add slowing methods progressively while keeping the vehicle under control.

3. 3. What should a driver do if the vehicle runs off the pavement onto the shoulder?

   1. Swerve sharply back immediately
   2. Accelerate until the tires climb onto pavement
   3. Stay on the shoulder and reduce speed
   4. Turn across the opposite lane
   Show answer

   Stay on the shoulder and reduce speed. If wheels drift onto the shoulder, stay there and reduce speed instead of swerving immediately back onto the pavement. A sharp return can throw the vehicle off balance, especially when the shoulder edge is uneven. Once speed is lower and the roadway is clear, turn gently back onto the pavement. The acceleration choice adds instability and the opposite-lane option introduces opposing traffic. Keep both hands steady, avoid panic steering, and use a gradual reentry angle.

Source: the Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 7: Adjust to Driving Conditions. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.