Key points
In a blowout, hold the wheel tightly, steer straight and ease off the gas. Do not brake until you have control.
Source: Handbook p. 83
“hold the steering wheel tightly, steer straight ahead and slowly ease your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake until the vehicle is back under your control.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 83If the brake pedal sinks to the floor, pump it. If that fails, slowly apply the parking brake.
Source: Handbook p. 84
“If your brake pedal suddenly sinks all the way to the floor, try pumping the pedal to build pressure. If this does not work, slowly apply your emergency/parking brake.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 84If your wheels drift onto the shoulder, do not try to swerve back onto the pavement.
Source: Handbook p. 84
“If your wheels drift onto the shoulder of the road, do not try to swerve back onto the pavement.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 84If a vehicle comes at you in your lane, move to the right, not the left.
Source: Handbook p. 84
“If a vehicle is traveling toward you in your lane, move to the right. Do not use the left lane to avoid the vehicle.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 84If stalled on tracks with a train coming, get out and walk at a 45 degree angle toward the train's direction.
Source: Handbook p. 85
“Walk quickly at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks in the direction from which the train is approaching.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 85Most vehicles float on the water for only 30 to 60 seconds.
Source: Handbook p. 85
“Most vehicles will float on the surface of the water for 30 to 60 seconds.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 85If smoke rises from under the hood, pull off, turn off the ignition and get out. Do not use water on the fire.
Source: Handbook p. 85
“pull off the road, turn off the ignition and exit the vehicle immediately. Do not use water to put out the fire”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 85If the gas pedal sticks and you cannot free it, apply the brakes and shift into neutral.
Source: Handbook p. 86
“If this does not work, apply the brakes and shift into neutral to disengage the engine.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 86If you hit a utility pole or power box, stay in the vehicle and call 911 unless it is on fire.
Source: Handbook p. 86
“Stay in your vehicle and call 911. Only get out of the vehicle if it is on fire.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 86
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 45 degrees | angle to walk away from the tracks, toward the approaching train | Handbook p. 85 |
| 30 to 60 seconds | how long most vehicles float | Handbook p. 85 |
| 911 | call from inside the vehicle after hitting a power line or box | Handbook p. 86 |
3 questions from the Minnesota practice test
1. If a tire blows out while you are driving, what should you do before braking?
- Release the steering wheel so the vehicle can settle itself
- Brake hard and turn sharply toward the shoulder
- Hold the wheel firmly, steer straight, and ease off the accelerator
- Accelerate briefly to keep the damaged tire turning
Show answer
Hold the wheel firmly, steer straight, and ease off the accelerator. A blowout can abruptly disturb the vehicle, so the first priority is maintaining directional control. Hold the steering wheel tightly, keep the vehicle straight, and gradually remove your foot from the accelerator. The hard-braking choice can worsen the loss of control, and the manual specifically says to delay braking until control returns. Once stable, pull completely off the road at the nearest safe location. A useful cue is control before stopping: steady the path, reduce power gently, then brake only after the vehicle responds normally again.
2. If a brake pedal suddenly sinks all the way to the floor, what should the driver try first?
- Switch off the ignition before touching the brakes again
- Turn the steering wheel sharply toward the nearest lane
- Pump the pedal to build pressure
- Press the accelerator to restore hydraulic pressure
Show answer
Pump the pedal to build pressure. A pedal that drops to the floor can indicate sudden brake failure. The first response is to pump the pedal in an attempt to rebuild pressure. If that fails, the manual advises slowly applying the emergency or parking brake, because a sudden application can start a skid. Turning sharply or pressing the accelerator does not restore braking control, and shutting off the ignition is not the initial response described here. The practical cue is a pedal with no pressure: pump it, stay composed, and use the remaining slowing options gradually while seeking a safe place to stop.
3. If the accelerator remains stuck, what sequence should you follow?
- Press the accelerator repeatedly until it releases
- Turn the key off while traveling in the lane
- Apply the brakes, shift into neutral, and steer toward the shoulder
- Pull the parking brake sharply before steering
Show answer
Apply the brakes, shift into neutral, and steer toward the shoulder. If lifting the stuck pedal does not free it, first apply the brakes and shift into neutral to disconnect engine power. Then choose a safe path and steer toward the shoulder. This order helps reduce speed while preserving control of the vehicle. Turning the key off while moving may create steering or braking complications, pressing the accelerator does not solve the jam, and a sharp parking-brake application can cause a skid. Keep the vehicle pointed straight, activate hazard lights when appropriate, and pull completely off the roadway as soon as it is safe.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with emergencies questions from the free Minnesota practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: 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.