Recently, there have been a series of car losing control incidents that have resulted in serious damage to people and property. According to automotive experts, causes such as tire blowouts or driver distraction are common reasons for losing control. So how can we minimize this situation and handle it if it occurs?
What is Car Losing Control?
Losing control is a general term for when the driver loses the ability to manage or control the car. It often happens suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving drivers, especially inexperienced ones, with no time to react. This lack of response becomes the main cause of traffic accidents.
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What Causes a Car Losing Control?
Several objective factors can lead to a car losing control, including mechanical failures such as a tire blowout or a malfunction in the steering system or other related parts. Other causes include improper wheel alignment. More commonly, it’s due to the driver being careless or distracted, leading to mistakes in driving techniques such as speeding, mishandling the gas or brake pedals, or entering a corner at high speed.
How to Handle a Loss of Control?
When a car loses control, you typically have only 2 to 3 seconds to respond. The first and most crucial thing is to remain calm. Panic can lead to mistakes that make the situation worse.
If your car has only lost steering assistance, firmly grip the steering wheel with both hands to maintain control. Stay calm and gradually reduce the car’s speed. If the brakes are not functioning and the road is wet, lightly tap the brakes rather than applying them suddenly to maintain control over the direction. If the wheels lock up, the car will lose its lateral grip and skid out of control.
On dry, empty roads, you should brake quickly and decisively if your car is equipped with ABS, EBD, or BA braking systems. Additionally, slow the vehicle by shifting to lower gears, such as L, D1, D2 on an automatic transmission, or 1st and 2nd gear on a manual transmission.
Important Note: When your car loses control, never shift into neutral (N) or remove the key, as this will disable the steering system, making the situation even more dangerous.
Don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights and, if possible, steer the car to a safe area. If you can still control the car partially, try to move towards an empty area on the side of the road.
After You Stop the Car
Once the car has come to a stop, if no accident has occurred, take a moment to calm down before moving the car off the road. If you feel that you can no longer control the vehicle, mentally prepare for a potential collision. In this case, aim to minimize harm by veering the car into safer areas, such as along a guardrail, into a field, or using emergency escape routes to avoid major injuries.
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How to Prevent Car Losing Control?
When driving in bad weather conditions such as fog, rain, or slippery roads, drivers should be extra cautious and avoid being complacent. Turn on the correct lights and reduce your speed. Avoid sudden braking.
On winding mountain roads with sharp turns, you should steer towards the side of the mountain and reduce speed when entering corners with road surfaces sloping toward the edge of a cliff. Follow the speed limits, avoid reckless overtaking, and always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Reduce your speed before entering a curve. As you go through the curve, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Avoid accelerating too early or decelerating suddenly in the middle of a turn. Only use the hand-over-hand steering technique when driving at low speeds. At higher speeds, use the push-pull technique. Always hold the steering wheel correctly and adjust your seating position for comfort and flexibility in handling any situation.
Maintenance Matters
Make sure your car is regularly maintained to ensure it operates smoothly and without mechanical issues. If you notice any unusual signs in your vehicle – especially in the steering system, such as a loose steering wheel, misalignment, uneven tire wear, engine warning lights, or transmission warning lights it’s essential to have the car checked as soon as possible to prevent losing control.
By following these steps and maintaining vigilance, you can significantly reduce the risk of car losing control and ensure a safer driving experience.
For any inquiries or comments, feel free to contact Wapo Labs or visit our website: https://wapolabs.com/.
