What to do…..

          1 When your brakes fail
2 If your car catches fire
3 If tyre bursts in traffic
4 When you witness an accident
5 When you are caught in a jam

(A)   When your brakes fail:

            The National Safety council has these tips for coping with brake failure :

1.      At the first sign of trouble, try not to panic.  Instead, work your vehicle into the exit lane and then toward the shoulder or, if possible, toward an exit.  If it is necessary to change lanes, do so smoothly and carefully, watching your mirrors and the traffic around you very closely.

2.      Remember to use your directional signal to indicate your intentions to other drivers.  When you reach the right lane turn on your emergency hazard lights.

3.      Let  the car slow down gradually by taking your foot off the gas pedal.  Simply steer as your vehicle slows and shift the car into a lower gear to let the engine help slow the car.

4.      Once off the travelled roadway, gradually apply the parking brake until the vehicle stops.  If that brake has also failed, direct the car onto a soft shoulder or rub the wheel against a curb which will help you to slow down.  Get the car off the roadway and to a safe place to avoid stopping traffic or being involved in a read-end collision.

5.      When safely off the road, put out flares, warning flags or reflective triangles beside and behind your vehicle to alert other drivers; keep your emergency flashers going.

6.      You will need professional assistance.  Raise your hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out the window so police officers or tow truck operators will know you need help.  Don’t stand behind or next to your vehicle; if possible, stay away from the vehicle and wait for help to arrive.

In India the Highway Users Club provides mechanical assistance to car drivers on the major national highways and there are also several petrol stations along the highway where assistance  can be sought.

(B)      If your car catches fire:

            Many factors can cause a fire in a car. This calls for immediate action as it endangers the occupants of the vehicle as well as by standards. The National Safety Council offers the following step-by step general suggestions on what to do if your car (or other motor vehicle) catches on fire.

            While you are moving on a roadway :

            1.   Signal your intentions and move to the right lane.

            2.  Get onto the shoulder or breakdown lane.

            3.  Stop immediately.

            4.  Shut off the engine.

            5.  Get yourself and all other persons out of the vehicle.

            6.  Get far away from the vehicle and stay away from it.  Keep onlookers and       

     others away.

7.  Warn oncoming traffic.

8.  Notify the fire department.

9.  Don’t attempt to try to put out the fire yourself.  (The unseen danger is the possible ignition of fuel in the vehicle’s tank.)

While the vehicle is stopped in traffic or parked :

1.  Shut off the engine.

2.  Get far away from the vehicle.

3.  Warn pedestrians and other vehicles to stay away.

4.  Notify the fire department.

5.  Do not attempt to put out the fire yourself.  (The unseen danger is the possible ignition of fuel in the vehicle’s tank.)

(C)      If tyre bursts in traffic:

            Pull to the side and steer to safety.

            The most important factor governing your safety when your tyre bursts is the speed at which one is driving. The slower the speed the easier it is to control the vehicle.

(D)      When you witness an accident:

Ø     Do not hesitate to rush to the aid of victims.

Ø     Offer whatever help you can while calling for help.

Ø     Render first aid if possible.

Ø     Shift injured to the nearest hospital.

Ø     Help the police in investigation.

Ø     Stay as long as you think it necessary.

Ø     Help to keep away crowd.

Ø     Speak reassuringly to the victims. Soft pleasant words can have a soothing effect and act as a pain reliever.

(E)       When you are caught in a jam:

            ► Remain calm and patient.

            ► Turn off the engine.

            ► Stay in line.

► Never form a double or triple lane in a bid to move ahead. It worsens the situations and causes more complications and further delay.

► See if you can be of any assistance and offer whatever help required to control the traffic.