How to Handle Driving Emergencies - Step-by-Step Tutorial

Emergencies require quick, correct responses. This tutorial covers emergency steering, brake failure recovery, skid control, and proper use of ABS—all commonly tested on the CDL exam.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time Required: 20 minutes to understand concepts
Prerequisites: Basic commercial vehicle operation knowledge

Part 1: Emergency Steering

When to Steer Instead of Stop

Key Principle: You can usually steer around an obstacle faster than you can stop.

Use emergency steering when:

• Not enough room to stop
• Obstacle appears suddenly
• Stopping would cause rear-end collision

Step-by-Step Emergency Steering

Step 1: Keep Both Hands on Wheel

• Firm grip required for quick turns
• Keep hands there at all times while driving

Step 2: Don't Brake While Turning

• Braking while turning can lock wheels
• Locked wheels = skid = loss of control

Step 3: Turn Only as Much as Needed

• Minimum steering to clear obstacle
• More turning = greater skid/rollover risk

Step 4: Counter-Steer Immediately

• Vehicle will keep turning after obstacle cleared
• Turn wheel back the other direction
• Think of it as one "steer-counter-steer" motion

Where to Steer

Part 2: Leaving and Returning to Road

If You Must Leave the Road

1. Avoid braking until speed drops to about 20 mph
2. Keep one set of wheels on pavement if possible
3. Stay on shoulder until completely stopped
4. Brake gently to avoid skidding on loose surface

Returning to the Road

Don't edge back gradually—tires may grab unexpectedly!

Correct procedure:

1. Hold wheel tightly
2. Turn sharply enough to get back on road
3. Counter-steer immediately when front tires hit pavement
4. Make it one smooth "steer-counter-steer" motion

Part 3: Emergency Braking

Controlled Braking Method

1. Apply brakes as hard as possible without locking wheels
2. Keep steering movements very small
3. If wheels lock or need to steer more:
   • Release brakes
   • Re-apply as soon as possible

Stab Braking Method

1. Apply brakes fully
2. When wheels lock, release brakes
3. Wait for wheels to start rolling (up to 1 second)
4. Apply brakes fully again
5. Repeat as needed

Critical: If you reapply before wheels roll, vehicle won't straighten out.

Part 4: Brake Failure Response

Recognize Brake Failure

Step-by-Step Response

Step 1: Downshift

• Lower gear provides engine braking
• Do this immediately

Step 2: Pump the Brakes

• May generate enough pressure to stop
• Worth trying on hydraulic systems

Step 3: Use Parking Brake

• Separate from hydraulic system
• Hold release button/lever while applying
• This lets you adjust pressure and prevent lockup

Step 4: Find Escape Route

• Escape ramp (first choice)
• Uphill road
• Open field
• Side road

Warning: Act immediately—the longer you wait, the faster you'll go.

Part 5: Tire Failure Response

Recognize Tire Failure

Step-by-Step Response

1. Hold wheel firmly (front blowout can twist wheel from hands)
2. Stay off the brake (braking can cause loss of control)
3. Let vehicle slow naturally
4. When slow enough, brake gently
5. Pull off road and stop
6. Check ALL tires (dual tire failure may not be obvious)

Part 6: Using ABS

Know If You Have ABS

• Yellow malfunction lamp on dash
• Light comes on at startup, then turns off
• If light stays on = ABS malfunction (regular brakes still work)

How to Brake with ABS

Brake the same way you always have.

ABS only activates when wheels are about to lock—you won't feel it work unless you're braking hard.

What ABS Does NOT Do

• Shorten stopping distance
• Let you drive faster
• Let you follow closer
• Prevent power skids
• Prevent turning skids
• Replace good brakes/maintenance

Part 7: Skid Recovery

Rear-Wheel (Drive-Wheel) Skid Recovery

Most common skid type. Rear wheels lock and slide sideways.

Step 1: Stop Braking

• Let rear wheels roll again
• Rolling wheels have more traction than locked wheels

Step 2: Counter-Steer

• Turn steering wheel toward the direction the rear is sliding
• If rear slides right, turn right
• If rear slides left, turn left

Step 3: Be Ready to Counter-Steer Again

• Vehicle tends to keep turning after straightening
• Turn wheel back the other way as needed

Front-Wheel Skid Recovery

Front wheels lose traction—vehicle goes straight no matter how you steer.

The ONLY recovery:

1. Let vehicle slow down
2. Stop turning so hard
3. Stop braking so hard
4. Wait for traction to return

Key difference: Rear skid = stop braking and counter-steer. Front skid = just slow down.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Braking while turning in emergency Braking during turns locks wheels and causes skids. Steer first, then brake.

Mistake 2: Jamming brakes in emergency Hard brake lock causes skids. Use controlled or stab braking.

Mistake 3: Edging back onto road gradually Tires can grab unexpectedly. Turn sharply to return to pavement.

Mistake 4: Braking during tire failure Can cause loss of control. Stay off brakes until vehicle slows naturally.

Mistake 5: Thinking ABS shortens stopping distance ABS helps maintain control, not necessarily shorter stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Steer or brake in an emergency?

A: Usually steer—you can turn faster than you can stop. Only brake if you have enough room to stop.

Q: What's the difference between controlled and stab braking?

A: Controlled braking: brake hard without locking, small steering adjustments. Stab braking: full brake, release when locked, wait for wheels to roll, repeat.

Q: How do I recover from a rear-wheel skid?

A: Stop braking and counter-steer (turn toward the direction the rear is sliding).

Q: How do I recover from a front-wheel skid?

A: Let the vehicle slow down—that's the only way to regain traction.

Q: Should I brake differently with ABS?

A: No, brake normally. ABS automatically prevents lockup during hard braking.

Q: What if my ABS light stays on?

A: ABS is malfunctioning, but you still have regular brakes. Drive normally and get it serviced.

Quick Reference

Emergency Steering

• Don't brake while turning
• Turn only as much as needed
• Counter-steer immediately
• Go right if possible

Skid Recovery

Brake Failure

1. Downshift
2. Pump brakes
3. Use parking brake (hold release)
4. Find escape route

Next Steps

1. Practice recognizing skid types
2. Memorize the recovery procedures
3. Understand ABS limitations
4. Know brake failure response sequence

Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our Emergency Procedures questions.