If you are confronted with a potential head-on collision, what is one recommended action?

In the event of a potential head-on collision, the recommended action of heading toward the shoulder of the road if possible is based on the principles of evasive driving. This action allows the driver to create space between their vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, which can mitigate the severity of a collision or possibly avoid it altogether. The shoulder typically offers a safe area that can serve as an escape route, allowing for a better chance of avoiding direct impact.

Heading for the shoulder can help reduce the speed of the vehicle just before impact, or even allow the driver to completely avoid the collision by moving off the road. This approach emphasizes the importance of quick decision-making and maintaining control of the vehicle under extreme stress.

Other approaches, such as braking abruptly or changing lanes quickly, may not be as effective. Abrupt braking can lead to loss of vehicle control or being struck from behind, while changing lanes quickly can create confusion, potentially leading to additional collisions. Flashing lights to signal the other driver is a good practice in some scenarios, but it does not provide an immediate solution to avoiding a head-on collision. Overall, maneuvering toward the shoulder is a strategy that prioritizes safety and damage control in critical situations.