If you are about to be hit from the rear, you should consider each of the following, except for:
Answers
Applying your brakes.
Letting go of the steering wheel.
Pressing your head firmly against the head restraint.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is Letting go of the steering wheel.
Explanation:
When you are about to be hit from the rear, it’s crucial to maintain control of your vehicle and prepare for the impact. Here’s why each of the actions listed matters, and why letting go of the steering wheel is the incorrect choice:
- Applying your brakes: Applying the brakes in this situation is important to reduce the severity of the impact. If you are able to slow down before being hit, the collision might be less forceful. This can prevent more serious damage to both your car and the passengers. However, braking should be done in a controlled way, as hard braking could cause you to lose control or be rear-ended more severely.
- Letting go of the steering wheel: This is the action that should not be done. Letting go of the steering wheel during a potential rear-end collision can result in losing control of your vehicle, especially if the impact is severe. If you don’t hold onto the steering wheel, you risk your vehicle veering off course, possibly making the situation worse. Maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel ensures that you can control the vehicle’s direction, even as you prepare for the impact.
- Pressing your head firmly against the head restraint: This action is vital for safety. By pressing your head against the head restraint, you reduce the risk of neck and spine injuries in the event of a rear-end collision. The head restraint is designed to prevent “whiplash,” which is a common injury in such accidents. Pressing your head against it ensures that your neck is supported, minimizing movement and the potential for injury.
In conclusion, the key to minimizing injury in a rear-end collision is maintaining control of your vehicle, slowing down when possible, and ensuring your body is properly braced with the head restraint. Letting go of the steering wheel, however, would increase the risk of losing control and cause greater harm.