If the front right wheel of a vehicle runs off the pavement, a driver should ease off the accelerator, allow the vehicle to slow down, and gently steer back onto the pavement.
True
False
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
True
When the front right wheel of a vehicle runs off the pavement, the correct procedure is to ease off the accelerator, allow the vehicle to slow down, and gently steer back onto the pavement. This approach helps to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid dangerous situations.
Here’s why:
- Easing off the accelerator: When the vehicle’s wheel leaves the pavement, it can lose traction on the shoulder, which often has looser or softer materials like gravel or dirt. By easing off the accelerator, the driver prevents the vehicle from speeding up or losing control, as the loss of traction can make the vehicle more prone to swerving or fishtailing.
- Allowing the vehicle to slow down: As the vehicle slows, the chances of regaining full control increase. Higher speeds make it harder to regain control of the vehicle, especially when on unstable surfaces. Allowing the vehicle to slow down naturally reduces the risk of overcorrection, which could cause the vehicle to flip, roll over, or cause a more severe loss of control.
- Gentle steering back onto the pavement: Sudden or sharp steering can make the vehicle jerk and may lead to skidding, loss of control, or even the vehicle flipping if the tires strike the pavement abruptly. Instead, steering gently allows the driver to guide the vehicle back onto the road gradually. The vehicle should be steered straight to ensure the best possible chance of regaining full control without causing an accident.
Key Points for Safety:
- Avoid jerking the wheel or braking suddenly, as these actions can destabilize the vehicle.
- Gradually apply the steering wheel to avoid sharp, unpredictable maneuvers.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and stay calm to make better decisions in the moment.
By following these guidelines, drivers can safely return to the pavement without causing harm to themselves or others on the road.