What to do if You Drive Off the Pavement Edge

You may drive off the road or be forced off the road for any number of reasons, so it’s good to know what to do- and what not to do- if it happens. It’s not about returning to the road quickly, it’s about returning to the road safely. Follow these steps:
If the shoulder is wide enough and your path is clear
Continue to look at the road ahead. Drive all the way onto the shoulder. Gradually stop and “collect yourself.” Wait for a large gap in traffic, and then drive back onto the road.
If you can’t drive all the way onto the shoulder and stop
Continue to look and steer straight ahead. Do not try to steer back onto the road immediately- this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and crash.
First, if you’re driving at a high speed and you suddenly steer sharply, you may accidently drive into oncoming traffic.
Second, if your tires are close to the pavement edge and you attempt to drive back onto the road, they may “scrub’ against the pavement edge making it very difficult to drive back onto the road. If you do drive back with your tires scrubbing, you may lose control and crash into another vehicle or into something on the side of the road.
If there are no obstacles directly in front of you
Steer to “straddle” the pavement edge. Move the tires that are off the road away from the pavement edge, and then steer parallel to it. This will prevent your tires from scrubbing. Most importantly, continue to look at the road ahead.
Do not slam on the brakes!
Ease off the gas pedal. If you need to brake, brake very gently. If you brake hard wile your tires are on a different surface, this can cause your vehicle to skid.
Slow down gradually
Slowing down will help you get back onto the road without losing control. If there are no obstacles in front of you, slow down to 25 mph or less before mounting the pavement.
Take some time to “calm down”
If you have room, drive all the way off the road and as far onto the shoulder as possible to stop.
Wait until it’s safe
After you’ve slowed down or stopped, wait until there is a gap in traffic. Do not try to drive back onto the road if there is traffic in your lane, an adjacent lane, or any oncoming traffic.
When the road is “all clear,” turn the steering wheel about one-quarter turn to the left. Drive back onto the pavement. When all of your tires are on the pavement, steer back to the right to stay in your lane.

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