The Lincoln times., 1956-05-03
Use These Rules
For Emergencies
IFoced On Highway

RALElGH-Irafhc emergencies,
as rule, separate the really ex-
pert driver from those who are
just average. the State Depart
ment of Motor Vehicles declared
this week.
Despite new cars and improved
highways di S ster turks along
every mile. Unless drivers are pre-
pared for unexpected hazards, they
motor at the risk of their lives.
NINE SUGGESTIONS
The vehicles agency has pre-
pared list of nine common
traffic emergencies with sugges-
tions for meeting each of them:
You hit a curve too fast and
get Danicky.
Don't slam on the brakes with
the wheels turned. You may slide
into ditch. Straighten wheels for
moment. brake briefly, let up,
turn to keep on the road, repeat
several times if necessary. Some
times you can step on the gas
lightly and the rear wheels will
pitch" you safely around curve.
Test your cars harozontal bal
ance on turns. Most cars are built
so they won't upset in curve if
you avoid over steering - that is.
jerking the wheel in the opposite
direction.
An animal runs into the road
in front of you.
Harsh as it seems, if yau are
travelling at relatively high speed,
it's better to hit an animal than
risk ditching OF collision with an
other car. No animal is worth a
human life.
| A front tire blows out.
In this emergency, fight off your
instinct to step on the brake. Grip
the steering wheel firmly and let
The engine slow you down. Step
| ping on the gas in short bursts
may help you regain control by
liftinv weight off the dragging
tire.
Suppose your right wheel drops
off the pavement.
Continue straight ahead and
slow down gradually Never try
to yank your car back on the
road. Don't slam on the brake.
Keep a light touch on the gas
pedal to maintain control. Let
your car roll evenly until stopped,
or until you can regain the hard
top without difficulty.
What if a rear tire blows out at
a fairly high speed.
Again, don't touch the brake.
If the car fishtails back and forth,
steer to keep it straight, but be
careful not to over-correct. Care
full use of the gas pedal may help
you regain control by relieving en-
CINE drag, for an instant, on flat
tire. It's wise to check tires oc-
casionally, and avoid high speeds
on hot roads.
Suppose your lights go out.
Switch to low beams, foglights
OF parking lights. They may still
work and prove strong enough to
guide you to the nearest place
where you can get help. If you
have no lights at all, hold the
wheel steady. slow down and stop
off the travelled portion of the
roadway.
What if your hood blows up
shutting off vision.
Brake instantly. The hood may
fall down again as wind speed is
reduced. If it still stays UP, try to
peer under it. This is possible on
| some cars with hoods which have
a curved back edge. If not, lean
out the window to see ahead and
drive along slowly until you can
park safely.
If the gas pedal sticks, then
what
Press the clutch, or in auto
matic-shift cars go to neutral
| apply brakes and cut the ignition
If you have power steering and
brakes, leave the. ignition on or
your brakes won't function. Your
engine may race, but you'll be
safe
If your brakes fail, what should
you do.
Use the emergency brake. If
that fails to hold, speed up engine
shift into next lower gear, and let
the engine slow you down. Then
race the engine again and shift
into low or low-drive. If you have
power steering, be ready to use
some real muscle on the wheel
after you shut off the engine.
The Motor Vehicles Department
emphasizes that emergencies like
those described are more COM
mon than most people think. Many
motorists are killed each year in
unnecessary accidents they didn't
know how to meet. Keep alert,
avoid getting hurt.
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