What happens if you have to pull off the road to avoid colliding with an obstacle in the roadway or another vehicle? Most roadways have shoulders where you can do just that. Some of these are paved and others are dirt or gravel. If you’re pulling off a paved road onto a different kind of terrain, be especially cautious, as these might have less traction and cause your vehicle to skid.
Regardless of the type of shoulder your wheels drop off onto, follow these steps to recover safely:
The most important thing to do when your wheels drop off the road is maintain your composure. No matter what kind of hazard you face, you need to be calm. If you panic, you are much less likely to choose the correct response and react to the hazard safely.