Purpose

To introduce the student to: preparing for emergencies, dealing with emergencies when the vehicle is in motion, and dealing with an accident once it has occurred.

Duration: 120 minutes.

Learning Objectives

Performance Objectives

Actively participate in discussions and group work.

Knowledge Objectives

Know how to:

• equip the vehicle so that it is prepared for emergencies;
• control the vehicle in an emergency situation - where to look, emergency braking techniques, emergency steering techniques, left-foot brace, combined braking and steering; neutral/declutch, skidding, drifting onto the soft shoulder, and ditches;
• deal with vehicle malfunctions - blow-outs, brake failure, power steering or power brake failure, accelerator sticking and headlight failure;
• deal with animals, especially wildlife, on the road;
• recognize personal limits and the limits of the vehicle; and,
• respond appropriately at the scene of an accident.

Teaching Points

1. Good drivers prepare for emergencies, particularly when driving in winter conditions.
2. It is "not a big deal" to lock one or more wheels. If the front wheels are locked, you will slow down but not steer. If you wish to steer, take your foot off the brake.
3. Do one thing at a time: either brake or steer, don't try to do both at once.
4. Emergency conditions require hard braking and fast wheel movements.
5. The sequence is critical at the scene of an accident.
6. Never admit blame when you have been in an accident.

Content

Preparation for Emergencies

• Prepare for minor vehicle malfunctions, particularly in winter - see Driver's Handbook.
• Prepare survival equipment, particularly in winter - see Driver's Handbook.
• Prepare accident equipment, for example, first-aid kit, flashlight.

Control of the Vehicle

• where to look
• emergency braking techniques
• emergency steering techniques
• left-foot brace
• combined braking and steering
• neutral/declutch
• skidding
• drifting onto the soft shoulder
• ditches - see Driver's Handbook

Vehicle Malfunctions

• blow-outs
• brake failure
• power steering or power brake failure
• accelerator sticking
• headlight failure - see Driver's Handbook

Animals on the Road

• See Driver's Handbook

Know Your Limits and the Limits of Your Vehicle

• There are limits to how fast you can process information, how fast you can turn the wheel or get on or off the brakes. To be good at dealing with emergencies requires hands-on practice. Do not expect to get it right the first time.
• Vehicles vary enormously in their responses to emergency input.

At the Scene of an Accident

• Stop.
• Protect the scene.
• Assist the injured.
• Call the police.
• Check for witnesses.
• If asked, provide a report to the police.
• Exchange information with other drivers.
• Write everything down and never admit blame.

See Driver's Handbook.

Assignments

Read the sections on Emergency Driving and Accidents in the Driver's Handbook (COM).

Instructional Approaches

• Student presentation based on slides, overhead transparencies, and videos (COM).
• Solicit student responses and fill in the gaps.
• Have students act out/role play an accident scene.

Support Requirements

Materials

• Appropriate slides, videos, and overhead transparencies.

Equipment

• Slide projector, VCR, and overhead projector.

Notes: