Crashing Into Chosen Objects: Evaluating Risk and Choosing the Least Harmful Option
Every driver faces the terrifying scenario of losing control of their vehicle in various dangerous situations. When forced to choose between hitting a streetlight, a brick mailbox, or a parked car, which is the best, or the least harmful, option?
Evaluating the Options
The ideal choice would be to miss all obstacles. However, in a situation where such avoidance is not feasible, the brick mailbox would be the safest choice. Although it may seem substantial, brick mailboxes are generally lightweight, hollow, and brittle, making them prone to shattering easily upon impact.
Hitting the Brick Mailbox
Striking a brick mailbox will cause minimal damage to the vehicle and property. The mailbox is typically made of unreinforced masonry and can easily shatter at the interface between the mortar and bricks. Additionally, the mailbox will not significantly slow down the vehicle, reducing the risk of further injury or damage.
A streetlight, designed to break away upon impact, may seem like a better option. While the pole will break on impact to minimize damage to the vehicle and its occupants, it can cause unforeseen collateral damage. The pole may fall and strike pedestrians, personal structures, or even other vehicles, disrupting traffic and causing additional harm.
Colliding with a Parked Car
Colliding with a parked car is the most dangerous and costly option. If the vehicle is struck hard enough, it can cause significant damage to the vehicle and the occupants. The impact can also cause the parked car to move, potentially hitting other cars or pedestrians. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid colliding with a parked car at all costs.
Liability and Responsibility
It is crucial to remember that as a driver, you are legally responsible for any damage caused in an accident. This includes the cost of replacing light poles or mailboxes, which will be borne by the municipality or your insurance company.
Braking Techniques in Emergency Situations
When faced with the urgent need to bring your vehicle to a stop, here are recommended braking techniques:
Keep Driving and Aim for Clear Road
If the situation directly in front of you is clear, consider aiming for clear road. Do not attempt to stop by hitting objects like a ditch, a parked car, or a mailbox. This method provides the least harm and maintains control of the vehicle.
Press HARD on the Foot Brake
Modern cars are equipped with dual braking systems, each braking two wheels on opposite corners of the vehicle. If one system fails, the other will still work but will be significantly less effective. It is crucial to press hard on the foot brake to ensure maximum braking power.
Use the Parking/Hand/Emergency Brake
The parking brake is an independent system, acting only on the rear wheels. While less effective, it can still bring your vehicle to a stop. In most cars, it uses an auxiliary drum brake, which, although small, can provide enough braking power to slow down the vehicle.
Consider Sideswiping or Driving Onto a Soft Shoulder
In a last resort, look for something you can sideswipe rather than hit head-on. A ditch or guardrail can provide a way to bleed off speed while reducing the risk of serious injury. However, it is important to note that striking a tree or a wooden utility pole is not a viable option. Trees are immovable and will cause fatal damage. They are even more dangerous than heavy concrete barriers.
Conclusion
While it is always ideal to avoid any objects on the road, the least harmful option in a dangerous situation is to hit the brick mailbox. If this is not possible, aim to hit the streetlight, but be aware of the potential for collateral damage. Above all, focus on maintaining control of your vehicle and seeking safe alternatives to avoid catastrophic accidents.