Look ahead for cars or pedestrians that may move into your car’s path. Keeping a safe distance behind other vehicles (following the “two second rule” ) can help you have enough time to react when a vehicle in front of you makes an unexpected move. Stay away from distracted drivers (e. g. , the guy on his way to work using an electric razor), tailgaters and other drivers engaging in risky behaviors. Keep an eye on parked cars. They may pull out in front of you; people may exit from them or move from between them without much warning.

No anti-lock brakes - If your car lacks anti-lock brakes, you need to pump the brakes to keep the car under control. If you slam on the brakes, your car will start to skid and you will lose control. You cannot steer a vehicle when the brakes are locked. Press firmly, then release. If you feel the tires start to skid release the brakes before steering. Anti-lock brakes - Do not pump anti-lock brakes. Your car’s ABS computer will pulse them much faster than you can (you will feel the pedal vibrate a bit when this occurs). Just hold the brakes firmly and steer normally. [8] X Research source

Don’t hit the brakes. This will only make things worse. Keep a firm grip on the wheel. Steer in the direction of the skid. If the back of your car is sliding to the driver’s left, turn the wheels to the left. Wait for your tires to regain traction before braking or pressing the accelerator.

Avoid head-on collisions into other vehicles or front-end collisions into immovable objects like large trees or concrete barriers. [11] X Research source Do as much as you can to control your car’s speed. The faster the impact, the more damage it will cause. Avoid side impacts. Serious injury is likely to result if another car strikes your car on the side where it is much weaker structurally and closer to the driver.

If you can, carefully move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road. You can exchange insurance information and figure out who is liable for the accident.