In a traffic emergency, if you need to leave the road, what should you avoid doing until your speed decreases?

In a traffic emergency, it is essential to manage your speed properly when leaving the road. The recommendation to avoid braking until your speed has dropped to around 20 mph is grounded in the principle of maintaining control of the vehicle. Braking hard at high speeds can lead to a loss of traction and make it more difficult to control the vehicle, especially if the surfaces are uneven or slippery.

By allowing your speed to naturally decrease to a safer level before applying the brakes, you ensure that you maintain better control over the vehicle's dynamics. This is particularly important when navigating potential hazards or when the terrain might be unstable. Keeping your speed manageable allows for a smoother transition out of the roadway scenario, which is critical in emergency situations.

In contrast, the other options involve actions that could lead to increased danger or loss of control. For example, accelerating might cause you to lose control at a critical moment, while swerving could result in tipping over or colliding with obstacles. Also, hard braking too soon could cause skidding or loss of control. Therefore, waiting for your speed to decrease before braking is a smart approach to ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road.