What braking technique should be used when you accidentally go off the roadway?

• A. Slam on the brakes
• B. Take your foot off the accelerator and brake gently
• C. Immediately speed up
• D. Turn the steering wheel sharply toward the roadway

Answer: (B)

When you accidentally go off the roadway, the priority is to regain control smoothly. Easing off the accelerator and braking gently reduces your speed without upsetting the vehicle’s balance, which helps you stay in control on the softer surface and gives you time to steer back onto the road safely. Slamming on the brakes can cause skidding or loss of control on loose terrain, while speeding up pushes you further off and makes it harder to recover. Turning the steering wheel sharply toward the roadway can yank you back abruptly or lead to a sudden correction that risks a collision. Once you’ve reestablished traction and are back on the pavement, straighten the wheel and re-enter the traffic lane gradually.