Driving Emergencies and Flash Floods

Key points

1. If brakes fail, pump the pedal, and if that does not work, use the emergency parking brake.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “Brakes Fail Try pumping the brake pedal. If the brakes still do not respond: Use the emergency parking brake.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 58

2. If the gas pedal sticks, press it hard and release; if that does not free it, shift to neutral, brake and pull off to the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “Accelerator (Gas Pedal) Sticks Quickly press your foot hard against the pedal and release. This may free or release the pedal. If not: Shift to neutral. Apply the brakes. Pull off the highway to the right (if possible) and stop.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 58

3. If smoke comes from the hood, slow down, pull off and turn off the ignition immediately.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “If smoke comes from under the hood, slow down, pull off the road and turn off the ignition immediately.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 58

4. If a fire gets out of control, move at least 100 feet away.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “If you have no way to stop the fire or if it gets out of control, move well away (at least 100 feet) from your vehicle.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 58

5. In a blowout, grip the wheel, ease off the gas and do not hit the brakes.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “blowout (when a tire suddenly loses air) can throw a vehicle out of control. Use the following tips for safe recovery: Grip the steering wheel firmly. Ease up on the gas pedal to slow down. Do not hit the brakes!”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 59

6. If a car comes at you in your lane, slow down, sound your horn, flash your lights and pull right.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “If you see a vehicle coming toward you in your lane, slow down, sound your horn, flash your headlights and pull as far to the right as you safely can.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 58

7. Less than 1 inch of water can make you lose control, and most vehicles float in 2 feet or less.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “Less than 1 inch of water can cause a driver to lose control of his or her car. Most vehicles can float in 2 feet of water or less.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 59

8. Do not try to drive through a flooded roadway.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “If you encounter a flooded roadway, don’t attempt to drive through it.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 59

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Nevada practice test

1. 1. If your brakes fail and pumping the pedal does not restore braking, what should you try next?

   1. Turn off the ignition and release the steering wheel
   2. Place the vehicle in park immediately while moving downhill
   3. Use the emergency parking brake and shift to a lower gear if possible
   4. Accelerate to reach a repair shop before stopping
   Show answer

   Use the emergency parking brake and shift to a lower gear if possible. The Nevada handbook says that when the brakes fail, first try pumping the brake pedal. If the brakes still do not respond, use the emergency parking brake and, if possible, shift to a lower gear. The handbook also says to NEVER place the vehicle into park, so selecting park while moving downhill is wrong. Turning off the ignition and releasing the wheel, or accelerating toward a repair shop, are not steps the handbook gives. It also notes that using a lower gear on long downhill stretches helps prevent wear on the brakes in the first place.

2. 2. If smoke comes from under your hood, what should you do first?

   1. Accelerate until the smoke clears
   2. Pour water over the engine while moving
   3. Slow down, pull off the road, and turn off the ignition
   4. Open the hood immediately beside traffic
   Show answer

   Slow down, pull off the road, and turn off the ignition. Smoke under the hood calls for a controlled move away from traffic and an immediate shutdown of the ignition. Slowing down reduces the chance of losing control, and pulling off the road creates space from moving vehicles. Water can spread burning gasoline, so it is not a safe default. Opening a hot hood without caution can expose you to flames or heat. Once stopped, keep people away from danger and follow the handbook's fire guidance, including moving at least 100 feet away if the fire cannot be controlled.

3. 3. If the accelerator sticks, what should you do after trying to free the pedal?

   1. Shift into park while traveling quickly
   2. Shift to neutral, apply the brakes, and pull off to the right
   3. Pump the accelerator harder until traffic passes
   4. Turn sharply across the centerline
   Show answer

   Shift to neutral, apply the brakes, and pull off to the right. For a stuck accelerator, the Nevada handbook says to quickly press your foot hard against the pedal and release, which may free it. If that does not work, shift to neutral, apply the brakes, pull off the highway to the right if possible, and stop. The handbook also says to NEVER place the vehicle into park, so shifting into park at speed is wrong. Pumping the accelerator harder or turning sharply across the centerline are not handbook steps. Shift to neutral first, then brake and make a controlled stop at the right side of the road.

Source: the Nevada Driver's Handbook, Chapter 5: Driving Emergencies and Flash Floods. 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.