Avoiding crashes, crash duties and roadside emergencies

Key points

1. The chance of a crash doubles when a teen driver has another teen in the vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “The chance of a crash doubles if a teen driver has another teen in the vehicle.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 46

2. With ABS in an emergency, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “The proper way to use ABS in an emergency is to apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 46

3. If someone is injured or killed, stay at the scene and do not move the vehicles. Leaving the scene is a crime.

   Source: Handbook p. 47

   “Stay on the scene and do not move the vehicles Stay in the vehicle if it is safe to do so It is a crime to leave the scene if someone is injured or killed.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 47

4. Report a crash to police for any injury or death, or $1,000 or more in property damage.

   Source: Handbook p. 47

   “There is an injury or someone is killed Property damage of $1,000 or more”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 47

5. Also report government property damage of $200 or more, such as signs or guard rails.

   Source: Handbook p. 47

   “Government property damage of $200 or more (ex: signs, guard rails)”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 47

6. If your brakes fail, pump the pedal, then use the parking brake, releasing it if you skid.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “Pump the brake pedal several times Pull the parking brake. If you start to skid, take off the parking brake”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 48

7. After a tire blowout, hold the wheel straight and slow down little by little.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “Hold the steering wheel to keep your vehicle going straight Lift your foot off the gas pedal and slow down little by little”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 48

8. If the gas pedal sticks, keep your eyes on the road and switch to neutral.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “Gas Pedal Sticks: Keep your eyes on the road Switch the car to neutral”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 48

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Wisconsin practice test

1. 1. How should you apply ABS during an emergency stop?

   1. Press firmly and continuously until stopped or danger passes
   2. Pump the brake pedal rapidly from the first moment
   3. Release the brake whenever the wheels begin to slow
   4. Use the parking brake instead of the foot brake
   Show answer

   Press firmly and continuously until stopped or danger passes. With ABS, use firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal and keep applying it until the vehicle stops or the danger has passed. The pumping choice describes a technique for a vehicle without ABS, not the handbook's emergency ABS method. The system is designed to help prevent wheel lock and reduce skidding while you maintain braking force. Keep watching for traffic behind you, because a sudden stop can create a second hazard.

2. 2. When must a Wisconsin crash be reported to police?

   1. Only when both vehicles need towing
   2. When someone is injured or killed, among other listed conditions
   3. Only when the crash occurs after dark
   4. Only when an insurance company requests a report
   Show answer

   When someone is injured or killed, among other listed conditions. Wisconsin lists several police-report triggers, including an injury or death. Reporting is also required for property damage of at least $1,000, government property damage of at least $200, an immovable vehicle, or a driver who appears impaired by alcohol or drugs. Waiting for a tow truck, darkness, or an insurer does not replace those conditions. At a serious crash, call 911, remain on scene, and follow directions. The amount and type of damage matter, not just whether a vehicle looks badly damaged.

3. 3. What should you do first if the gas pedal sticks?

   1. Turn the ignition off while steering at speed
   2. Switch the car to neutral
   3. Pump the accelerator until it releases
   4. Shift into reverse to slow the car
   Show answer

   Switch the car to neutral. A stuck accelerator calls for switching the vehicle to neutral, then pulling off safely when possible and turning off the engine. The ignition choice skips the handbook's control step, while reverse gear can create a dangerous loss of control. Keep your eyes on the road and manage the vehicle toward a safe stopping place. Neutral removes engine drive while preserving your ability to steer and brake.

Source: the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Section 8: Handling Emergencies. 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.