Emergencies on the road can be nerve-wracking and unexpected situations that catch even the most experienced drivers off-guard. To ensure the safety of you, your loved ones, and people on the road, you need to be prepared for these situations.
In this guide, we will walk you through the tips laid down by driving schools on how to deal with emergencies on the road. So, let’s dive in.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
A driving school instructor will tell you that the first and foremost step is to stay calm. If you panic, it can cloud your judgment and keep you from making the right decision. When something goes wrong while driving, take a deep breath and assess the situation around you. Has anyone been injured? Is your car obstructing traffic flow? Once you are aware of the situation, you can create a plan and move forward with it.
Your emotions can influence how you handle the situation. Don’t let it steer you in unexpected directions.
Move Your Vehicle to Safety
Your instructor driving school in Scarborough might have already explained to you that if you are in a dangerous position or have a traffic obstruction, moving it to a safer location is essential. Turn on the hazard light to alert others on the road. Move your vehicle to a parking lot nearby or the shoulder of the road. Make sure that the location you are choosing to move your vehicle is safe while you are handling the emergency. It will help in preventing further accidents.
Reach Out to Roadside Emergency Services
In times of severe accidents, hazardous situations, or injuries, get in touch with emergency services, immediately. No matter whether you need a car to be fixed or medical assistance getting professionals to the scene is essential. Let them know your location, a briefing of what happened, and relevant details. Any driving school Toronto will teach you the importance of keeping contact details of emergency services handy.
Use Warning Signals
You should alert the other drivers on the road of your situation. Use warning signals for this. Such signals include hazard triangles, road flares, or reflective signs. Using these warning signals will increase your visibility and also prevent more accidents. However, make sure that these warning signals are placed at a good distance away from the vehicle. It creates a buffer zone for your safety.
Attend to Injuries
In case there are injuries involved in the roadside emergency, prioritize attending to affected people’s well-being. A cheap driving school imparts basic first-aid knowledge. Put it to use and provide assistance until medical professionals arrive. But avoid moving any severely injured individuals unless truly necessary. It is because it can worsen the condition.
Notify Your Loved Ones
If the situation permits, it is a good idea to notify your loved ones about your location and the emergency. This will keep them informed while you manage the situation. A quick call or text will help in preventing unnecessary worry. But make sure that not to overwhelm them unnecessarily.