April 15, 2026•⏱️ 5 min read•Advanced Skills

Handling Emergencies on the Road

Knowing what to do in an emergency can save your life. Stay calm and follow these steps.

If Your Brakes Fail

What to Do:

  1. 1. Don't panic
  2. 2. Push the brake pedal hard - some cars have backup braking
  3. 3. Use engine braking - shift down gradually
  4. 4. Apply parking brake slowly (pull up, don't yank)
  5. 5. Use the horn to warn others
  6. 6. Aim for an escape route - grass, soft verge
  7. 7. Once stopped, call for help

If Your Steering Fails

What to Do:

  1. 1. Don't slam on brakes - let car slow naturally
  2. 2. Hold wheel firmly but don't fight it
  3. 3. Turn on hazard lights
  4. 4. Guide car to safe area - off the road
  5. 5. Use emergency brake to stop
  6. 6. Call for assistance

If a Tyre Blows Out

What to Do:

  1. 1. Grip the wheel firmly - car will pull to one side
  2. 2. Don't brake hard - this makes it worse
  3. 3. Take foot off accelerator - let car slow
  4. 4. When stable, brake gently
  5. 5. Pull well off the road
  6. 6. Change the tyre or call for roadside assistance

If Your Car Catches Fire

EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY:

  1. 1. Pull over immediately
  2. 2. Turn off the engine
  3. 3. Get everyone OUT - don't try to save belongings
  4. 4. Move at least 100m away
  5. 5. Call 000
  6. 6. Do NOT open the bonnet - this feeds oxygen to the fire

If You're in an Accident

Immediate Steps:

  1. 1. Stop - never drive away
  2. 2. Check for injuries - your own and others
  3. 3. Call 000 if anyone is injured
  4. 4. Turn on hazard lights
  5. 5. Exchange details with other driver(s)
  6. 6. Take photos of damage and scene
  7. 7. Get witness details if available
  8. 8. Report to police if required (if someone injured, intoxicated driver, etc.)

Emergency Vehicles Behind You

When You Hear Sirens:

  • • Don't brake suddenly — this blocks their path
  • • Move to the left and slow down — let them pass on the right
  • • Never speed up or try to outrun them
  • • If you're at an intersection, clear the way even if it means running a red light (check it's safe first)
  • • Stay stopped until they pass — they may be coming from behind you

Same rules apply for police, fire trucks, and ambulances with sirens.

If Someone is Following You

Stay Safe:

  • • Don't go home - drive to a police station instead
  • • Keep driving in well-lit, busy areas
  • • Use your horn to attract attention
  • • Call 000 if you feel threatened
  • • Don't stop for them
  • • Lock your doors

Emergency Numbers

000

Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

*1

Roadside Assistance

131 444

Police (non-emergency)

13 11 11

NRMA / Roadside Help

Prevention:

Most emergencies are preventable. Maintain your car regularly, check tyres and brakes, and stay alert. A well-maintained car driven by an attentive driver rarely has emergencies.