Dodge – but do it right – kaernten.ORF.at

If wild animals suddenly cross the road, agricultural vehicles turn behind a curve that is difficult to see, or there are missing objects on the road, you must be quick. What is crucial in this matter is that the correct reaction occurs automatically, without hesitation. “Emergency safe braking in particular must be trained repeatedly until it is internalized in the long term,” said Roland Frisch, Senior Passenger Car Trainer at ÖAMTC Driving Technology.

Avoid distractions

Unnecessary secondary activities should generally be avoided and attention should be focused on the road. “It is important that the driver wastes no time in identifying obstacles as quickly as possible and taking countermeasures,” says Frisch.

“If an obstacle suddenly appears on the road, it can be life-saving to immediately brake with all your might and not move the steering wheel,” Frisch says. “In the meantime, you should assess whether it is possible to stop in front of the obstacle. If it is not possible to stop safely but there is space, you can initiate an evasive maneuver – it is important to keep the brakes on and steer carefully around the obstacle. However, if “If there is room to exit the road – for example due to oncoming traffic – it is important to reduce speed as much as possible before the collision.”

The impact is inevitable: every kilometer per hour is less important

Every km/h lower reduces the risk of injury in the event of a collision. In addition, when swerving, it is important to keep your gaze in the direction of travel and not focus on the obstacle, because: “Wherever you look, that's where you go.”

On some car models, you can still deactivate the individual assistance systems. Leading driving technique instructor warns against this. “Emergency Brake Assist protects the vehicle's occupants by warning the vehicle in time of a collision and applying an automatic emergency brake boost,” explains Frisch. For safety in vehicles, it is essential to use this truly life-saving technology.