Skids, brake failure and other vehicle emergencies

Key points

1. The 3 options to avoid a crash are braking, steering or accelerating.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “There are three options to avoid a crash or to reduce its impact. These options are braking, steering, or accelerating.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 57

2. With ABS, press the brake as hard as you can and keep the pressure on.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep applying pressure.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 57

3. If you skid, release pressure from the brake or accelerator and look where you want to go.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “Release pressure from the brake or accelerator. • Look where you want to go.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 57

4. If you drop off the pavement, slow down gradually and turn back on when it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “If the vehicle leaves the paved road surface, slow down gradually, when safe to do so, and turn back onto the pavement.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 57

5. If the parking brake does not stop you, turn off the engine and look for a safe place to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “If that does not work, turn off the engine and look for a safe place to slow to a stop.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 58

6. After a blowout, do not brake; let the vehicle slow by itself, or brake gently if necessary.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “Do not brake. Allow the vehicle to slow by itself or brake gently if necessary.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 58

7. If the accelerator sticks, turn off the engine, shift to neutral and find an escape path.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “Turn off the engine. • Shift to neutral and search for an escape path.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 58

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

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “Place emergency flares about 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle, giving other drivers some time to change lanes if necessary.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 58

9. If headlights fail, try the switch a few times, then use flashers, turn signals or fog lights.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “Try the headlight switch a few times. • If that does not work, put on the emergency flashers, turn signals, or fog lights if possible.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 58

Numbers to know

3 questions from the South Dakota practice test

1. 1. When using ABS in an emergency stop, how should you press the brake pedal?

   1. Press as hard as you can and keep pressure applied
   2. Pump the brake pedal rapidly until the vibration stops
   3. Brake lightly and steer only after the vehicle stops
   4. Use the parking brake before touching the pedal
   Show answer

   Press as hard as you can and keep pressure applied. With ABS, press the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep steady pressure on it. The system can prevent wheel lock only while you continue pressing the pedal, and vibration or clicking can be normal. Pumping the brakes is the tempting older habit, but it defeats the instruction for ABS-equipped vehicles. The cue is an emergency stop in a modern vehicle: press firmly, hold, and continue steering around danger if needed.

2. 2. What should you do first if your vehicle begins to skid?

   1. Turn the ignition to lock
   2. Set the parking brake firmly
   3. Release pressure from the brake or accelerator
   4. Accelerate hard toward the shoulder
   Show answer

   Release pressure from the brake or accelerator. When a skid begins, release pressure from the brake or accelerator and look where you want the vehicle to go. Adding abrupt braking or power can make the tires lose more grip, which leaves you with even less control. The parking brake choice is especially risky because locking wheels can deepen the skid. Your cue is the first slide or sideways pull: get off the pedal causing the skid and aim your eyes down the intended path.

3. 3. If a stuck accelerator makes your vehicle accelerate out of control, what should you do?

   1. Turn off the engine, shift to neutral, steer smoothly, and brake gently
   2. Shift into a lower gear and continue to the nearest mechanic
   3. Press the accelerator harder to free the pedal
   4. Use the horn while staying in the travel lane
   Show answer

   Turn off the engine, shift to neutral, steer smoothly, and brake gently. With a stuck accelerator, turn off the engine, shift to neutral, search for an escape path, steer smoothly, and brake gently. The goal is to remove engine power and guide the vehicle out of traffic without adding abrupt steering. Pressing the accelerator harder is wrong because it can keep or increase the unwanted acceleration. The cue is speed building without your command: separate power from the wheels, then move to a safe stopping place.

Source: the South Dakota Driver License Manual, Emergency Situations and Avoiding Crashes. 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.