Avoiding collisions and vehicle malfunctions

Key points

1. Your three options to avoid a collision are braking, steering or accelerating.

   Source: Handbook p. 9-1

   “You have three options to avoid a collision or to reduce its impact. These options are braking, steering, or accelerating.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 9-1

2. With ABS, press the brake as hard as you can and keep constant pressure. Do not pump.

   Source: Handbook p. 9-1

   “Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep applying constant pressure. Do not pump the brakes because this will deactivate ABS.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 9-1

3. In a skid, release the brake or accelerator and steer where you want to go.

   Source: Handbook p. 9-2

   “Release pressure from the brake or accelerator. Look where you want to go and steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 9-2

4. If your wheels leave the pavement at a drop off, slow down gradually and steer gently back.

   Source: Handbook p. 9-3

   “slow down gradually when safe to do so, and steer gently back onto the pavement.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 9-3

5. If brakes fail, use the parking brake slowly so the rear wheels do not lock, and release it if you skid.

   Source: Handbook p. 9-3

   “push the parking brake foot pedal slowly so you will not lock the rear wheels and cause a skid. Be ready to release the parking brake if the vehicle does start to skid.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 9-3

6. After a blowout, grip the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle going straight.

   Source: Handbook p. 9-4

   “Grip the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle going straight.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 9-4

7. With a stuck accelerator, turn off the engine, shift to neutral and look for an escape path.

   Source: Handbook p. 9-5

   “Turn off the engine. 2) Shift to neutral and search for an escape path.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 9-5

8. If you break down, place flares about 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 9-5

   “place them about 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle, giving other drivers some time to change lanes if necessary.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 9-5

Numbers to know

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. How should a driver use the brake pedal in a vehicle equipped with ABS during emergency braking?

   1. Press hard and maintain constant pressure
   2. Pump the pedal repeatedly
   3. Use only the parking brake
   4. Release the pedal whenever it vibrates
   Show answer

   Press hard and maintain constant pressure. With anti-lock brakes, press the brake pedal as hard as possible and keep steady pressure on it. Pumping the pedal can deactivate ABS, and the system is designed to prevent skidding while preserving steering control. A vibrating pedal or clicking noise is normal during ABS operation, so releasing the pedal at that moment defeats the system's purpose. The parking brake is not the substitute described here. The useful cue is firm, continuous pressure while steering remains available.

2. 2. What is the recommended response if the vehicle's brakes stop working while driving?

   1. Use the parking brake slowly and release it if the rear wheels begin to skid
   2. Pump the accelerator to restore hydraulic pressure
   3. Continue driving until the next service station without slowing
   4. Pull the parking brake sharply and keep it locked regardless of the vehicle's response
   Show answer

   Use the parking brake slowly and release it if the rear wheels begin to skid. A failed service brake calls for controlled use of the parking brake. Pull or press it slowly so the rear wheels do not lock and start a skid. Be ready to release it if the vehicle begins to slide. The accelerator cannot restore braking, and continuing to drive with no working brakes is unsafe. A sudden, fully locked parking brake can create the very loss of control the procedure is meant to avoid. After slowing, get off the roadway if possible and do not continue operating the vehicle without working brakes.

3. 3. If a disabled vehicle is stopped on a highway, how far behind it should emergency flares be placed when available?

   1. Directly beneath the rear bumper
   2. About 20 to 30 feet
   3. At least one mile
   4. About 200 to 300 feet
   Show answer

   About 200 to 300 feet. Emergency flares create an advance warning zone for approaching drivers. The manual recommends placing them about 200 to 300 feet behind a disabled vehicle, giving other road users time to change lanes if necessary. A distance of 20 to 30 feet may leave almost no reaction time, while one mile is far beyond the stated guidance. Placing a flare under the bumper provides no useful warning. First get the vehicle away from traffic when possible, activate the flashers, and only place warnings when doing so can be done safely.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 9: Emergency Situations and Avoiding Collisions. 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.