5 tips to survive emergencies on the road

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Here are some potentially catastrophic driving situations that can be turned into quickly forgotten incidents with simple, but effective, action. For most, passengers can save the day. PM contributor Mac Demere, a former racing driver and driving instructor, offers a few simple tips to keep you alive out there.

Keep calm and drive on

Most fatal single-vehicle crashes involve the vehicle running off the road. Here's what happens in many of them: An inattentive or distracted driver allows the car's right tires to drop off the pavement or onto Interstate rumble strips. The loud noise suddenly alerts the driver that he's drifting to the right, causing him to yank left on the steering wheel. The wayward front tire regains grip while one or both rear tires are in the loose stuff. With little or no rear traction, the vehicle spins out and leaves the highway—and could even flip.

The way to avoid this fate is to stay calm and not overreact. If you find yourself drifting off the road, let off the gas and allow the car to slow down, and gently ease back on the road. Do not depress the brake unless you see an obstacle approaching and need to get back in your lane faster. Whatever you do, be smooth with the steering; a little goes a long way at high speeds.

Put It in Neutral