Emergencies — How to Handle Them

Vehicle Malfunctions

1. Look through the space at the bottom of your windshield to maintain an open line of sight.
2. Steer to the side of the road.
3. Secure the hood.

This could happen when the engine quits running completely, becomes flooded, overheats or is simply out of gas. In the event of an engine failure:

1. Stay off the brake – you may need the momentum to pull off the road – steer firmly.
2. Keep eyes on open target area - where you want the car to go.
3. Quickly shift to neutral and attempt to restart – if that fails take an open escape path.
4. Turn off ignition.

Accelerator Sticks:
This could be caused by a broken spring, or the pedal being stuck in the down position. In either case:

1. Shift to neutral.
2. Search for an escape path.
3. Steer smoothly.
4. Brake gently.
5. Pull off the roadway.
6. Turn off the ignition.

A brake failure can be a complete loss of brakes or only the power brakes fail. If the brakes quit working:

1. Keep eyes on target area - where you want the car to go.
2. Control steering.
3. Rapidly pump the brakes.
4. Shift to a lower gear.
5. Use the parking brake to slow or stop.
6. Find a soft crash area if necessary.

Blowouts can cause serious damage to vehicles and injury or death to occupants.

1. Aim to the target area — where you want the car to go.
2. Apply a QUICK burst of acceleration to restore direction.
3. Reduce speed gradually:
• Maintain balance.
• Stay off brake.
4. Control steering.
5. Find a safe place to pull off the road.

If the car catches on fire:

1. Steer the vehicle out of traffic and away from buildings and people.
2. Have all occupants leave the vehicle immediately and move away.
3. Do not open the hood.

If You have a Crash:

• Stop immediately at the crash scene, or as close as possible, without needlessly blocking or endangering other traffic. If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. Avoid stopping or leaving your vehicle where it can block traffic unless it's so damaged it can't be moved.
• Turn off the ignition to avoid the possibility of a fire.
• Aid the injured. Remember, injured people should never be moved unless there is danger of fire or another collision.
• Prevent further damage by warning oncoming traffic with flares or reflectors.
• If an emergency, call 911.
• Exchange information. Be sure to get:
• Names and addresses.
• Driver license numbers.
• License plate numbers.
• Insurance company name, address, and policy number.
• Note the names of passengers and their position in the car.
• Record witnesses' names and addresses.
• File an Oregon Traffic Crash and Insurance Report. Oregon requires a crash report be filed with DMV within 72 hours anytime there is:
• Damage to the vehicle you were driving over $2,500.
• Damage to any vehicle over $2,500 and any vehicle is towed from the scene as a result of damages from this crash.
• Injury or death resulted from this crash.
• Damages to any one person's property, other than a vehicle involved in this crash, is over $2,500.

If You're Stopped by Law Enforcement:

• Turn on a dome light if it's dark outside.
  
• Be prepared to show:
• Instruction permit or driver license.
• Vehicle registration.
• Proof of insurance.
• Wait for the officer to ask you for these documents before you reach for them.
• Communicate with the officer where you are retrieving the items: “My registration is in the glove box, may I get it now?"