If your vehicle's wheels drift onto the shoulder, how should you react?

When your vehicle's wheels drift onto the shoulder, the safest course of action is to ease off the accelerator and steer back to the road when it is safe. This method allows you to maintain control of your vehicle while gradually adjusting your position back onto the roadway.

Easing off the accelerator helps reduce your speed without causing sudden movements that could destabilize the vehicle. It is important to remain calm and avoid jerking the steering wheel, which could lead to losing control or swerving unexpectedly. Waiting for a safe opportunity to steer back onto the road ensures that you can do so without risking a collision with other vehicles or obstacles.

Accelerating quickly may result in losing control, especially if the shoulder is uneven or not designed for vehicle travel. Making a sharp turn could also cause the vehicle to skid or flip if the turn is too sudden. Stopping immediately can create a hazardous situation for you and other drivers, as it may lead to rear-end collisions or obstruct traffic flow. Therefore, easing off the accelerator and steering back to the road safely is the most effective and controlled response in this situation.