Blowouts, brake failure, skids and fires

Key points

1. In a blowout, do not apply the brakes; grip the wheel firmly and steer to stay in your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “DO NOT APPLY THE BRAKES. This may cause your vehicle to become uncontrollable. Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer to remain in your traffic lane.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 81

2. Slow gradually without braking until you are moving very slowly, then brake lightly and pull off the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “Reduce speed gradually without using the brakes until you are moving very slowly, then Apply the brakes lightly and pull off the road into a safe area.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 81

3. If your brakes fail completely, pump the pedal quickly, then shift to a lower gear.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “Pump the brake pedal quickly; then Shift to a lower gear.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 81

4. Apply the parking brake gradually, never rapidly, to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “Apply the parking brake gradually and bring your vehicle to a stop.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 81

5. If your wheels leave the pavement, keep driving with them off the pavement, reduce speed and brake gently.

   Source: Handbook p. 82

   “Continue to drive with the wheels off the pavement and reduce speed. Use the brakes gently.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 82

6. If the accelerator sticks, slap the pedal hard, then turn the ignition off.

   Source: Handbook p. 83

   “Slap (quickly fully depress and quickly release) the accelerator pedal hard with your foot. Turn the ignition off.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 83

7. In a skid, avoid the brakes, ease off the gas and turn the wheel in the direction the rear is skidding.

   Source: Handbook p. 83

   “Avoid using the brakes. If the skid started when you applied the brakes, release the brakes. Ease off the accelerator. The skid may stop as soon as you do this. Turn the steering wheel in the direction that the rear of the vehicle is skidding.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 83

8. Never use water on a gasoline, oil or electrical fire.

   Source: Handbook p. 84

   “DO NOT USE WATER ON GASOLINE, OIL, OR ELECTRICAL FIRES.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 84

9. If a broken down vehicle cannot be moved and there is no safe place to go, occupants should stay in the vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 84

   “In all other cases, occupants should remain in the vehicle.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 84

3 questions from the Hawaii practice test

1. 1. When a tire blows out while you are driving, what should you do first?

   1. Apply the brakes firmly to stop as quickly as possible
   2. Accelerate to restore tire stability
   3. Turn sharply toward the nearest shoulder
   4. Grip the steering wheel and keep the vehicle in its lane
   Show answer

   Grip the steering wheel and keep the vehicle in its lane. A blowout can pull the vehicle sharply, so the first priority is steady control of the steering wheel and lane. Firm braking can make the vehicle uncontrollable, and a sudden shoulder turn can create a second loss of control. Acceleration does not repair the failed tire or reduce the danger. Hold the wheel firmly, ease the vehicle down gradually, and wait until it is moving very slowly before braking lightly and leaving the roadway. The practical cue is to stabilize direction before trying to stop.

2. 2. What sequence does the Hawaii manual recommend for an accelerator that sticks open?

   1. Shift into park immediately while traveling at full speed
   2. Quickly depress and release the pedal, turn off the ignition, brake, and pull off safely
   3. Pump the accelerator repeatedly and continue toward the destination
   4. Turn the steering wheel sharply before touching the brake
   Show answer

   Quickly depress and release the pedal, turn off the ignition, brake, and pull off safely. A stuck accelerator can keep the vehicle moving or accelerating after your foot leaves the pedal. The manual calls for a quick full depression and release of the accelerator, then turning the ignition off carefully, applying the brakes and pulling into a safe area. Shifting into park at speed can damage the vehicle or cause a loss of control. Repeated pumping leaves the problem active, and a sharp steering movement adds an avoidable hazard. Turn the ignition only far enough to stop the engine, since engaging the steering lock would create another emergency.

3. 3. If your vehicle starts to skid, which steering response does the Hawaii manual recommend?

   1. Turn the wheel in the direction the rear is skidding and avoid a large sudden turn
   2. Brake hard and turn sharply away from the skid
   3. Accelerate to force the tires straight
   4. Close your eyes until the vehicle stops
   Show answer

   Turn the wheel in the direction the rear is skidding and avoid a large sudden turn. During a skid, Hawaii advises easing off the accelerator, avoiding the brakes, and turning the steering wheel in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding. The movement should be firm but not a large sudden turn. Hard braking and a sharp opposite correction can intensify the loss of control, while acceleration adds the force that helped create the problem. Once the skid stops, guide the wheel back toward straight ahead and make small corrections until control returns.

Source: the Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter X: Safe Driving Techniques. 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.