Brake failure, blowouts and other emergencies

Key points

1. The most important rule in any emergency is do not panic.

   Source: Handbook p. 64

   “The most important rule in any emergency is do not panic.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 64

2. If the brake pedal sinks to the floor, pump it fast and hard several times, then use the parking brake gradually.

   Source: Handbook p. 64

   “Pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times. If that does not work... • Use your emergency or parking brake, but use it gradually.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 64

3. In a tire blowout, hold the wheel tightly, take your foot off the accelerator and do not hit the brakes.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “Hold the steering wheel tightly. Take your foot off the accelerator, but do not hit the brakes.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 65

4. If your wheels run off the pavement, slow down and steer back only when you have control and the lane is clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “When the vehicle has slowed and you have control of your vehicle, turn back onto the pavement if the lane is free of traffic.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 65

5. If the accelerator sticks, shift to neutral and apply the brakes.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “If your accelerator becomes stuck, you should: • Shift to neutral; • Apply the brakes;”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 65

6. If your headlights go out, try the dimmer or headlight switch first.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “Try the dimmer switch or headlight switch, that might turn them on again.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 65

7. If a vehicle comes at you head on in your lane, pull right and sound your horn; do not swing into the left lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “Pull over to the right and sound your horn. • DO NOT swing over into the left lane.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 65

8. If you stall on tracks with a train coming, get out and run toward the direction the train is coming from.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Unfasten your seat belt, get out of your vehicle, and off the tracks. • Run in the direction the train is coming from.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 66

9. If your vehicle breaks down on the highway, stop where others can see you, not just over a hill or around a curve.

   Source: Handbook p. 41

   “If you cannot get your vehicle off the roadway, try to stop where other drivers have a clear view of your vehicle. Do not stop just over a hill or just around a curve.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 41

3 questions from the Missouri practice test

1. 1. What should a driver try first when the brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor?

   1. Turn off the ignition while still moving
   2. Pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times
   3. Apply the parking brake as hard as possible at once
   4. Accelerate to reach a repair shop quickly
   Show answer

   Pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times. For a sudden brake-pedal failure, Missouri advises pumping the pedal fast and hard several times first. If that does not work, use the emergency or parking brake gradually, shift to a low gear, and look for a place to stop off the road. Turning off the ignition while moving can create another loss of control, and a sudden hard parking-brake application can cause a skid. The sequence matters: pump, apply backup braking gradually, select low gear, and seek a safe stopping place.

2. 2. If your accelerator becomes stuck, what should you do first?

   1. Shift to neutral and apply the brakes
   2. Pump the accelerator until it releases
   3. Turn off the ignition immediately while moving
   4. Pull the parking brake and close your eyes
   Show answer

   Shift to neutral and apply the brakes. A stuck accelerator requires the driver to reduce engine power while preserving steering control. Shift to neutral, apply the brakes, keep watching the road, and look for a safe way off the roadway. Turning off the ignition while still moving can lock the steering wheel in many vehicles, so the guide places that action after direction changes are no longer needed and the vehicle has stopped. Keep control, warn nearby drivers, and use the shoulder only when it is safe.

3. 3. If your headlights go out while driving, what should you try first?

   1. Keep driving at the same speed
   2. Open the hood in the travel lane
   3. Turn off all emergency lights
   4. Use the dimmer or headlight switch
   Show answer

   Use the dimmer or headlight switch. A sudden headlight failure may be corrected by trying the dimmer switch or headlight switch. If that does not restore the lights, use parking lights, emergency flashers, or turn signals, then pull off the road while leaving the emergency flashers on. Continuing at normal speed leaves other drivers little warning and poor visibility. Opening the hood in a lane creates a separate danger. The first cue is to try the vehicle's lighting controls while maintaining a steady, controlled path.

Source: the Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 9: Safe Driving Tips for Special 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.