Skids, blowouts and stalls

By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 13, 2026 · How we check our content

Short answer: Calm, smooth control gets you through most emergencies.

Key points

• Skid: look and steer where you want the front of the car to go; don't jab the brake or gas.
• ABS: press firmly and hold; you can still steer.
• Blowout: hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, brake gently once in control.
• Wheels off the pavement: slow down, then steer back gently.
• Stalled on railway tracks: get everyone out and away, then call for help.

Law or advice?

These are safe techniques rather than laws, except getting a stalled vehicle off the road safely and warning others.

Example

Your car starts to slide on a snowy curve. You look toward your lane and steer there, without braking hard.

Checked against the Government of Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), used under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Laws change, so check alberta.ca for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Alberta Driver’s Guide, page 78: Skids; Emergencies.

Check yourself

Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.

1. Question 1 · Hazards

   How should you brake in an emergency in a car with ABS?

   1. A. Pump the brakes quickly
   2. B. Press firmly and keep steady pressure
   3. C. Brake lightly so the ABS does not activate
   4. D. Use the parking brake

   Show answer

   Answer: B. Press firmly and keep steady pressure

   With ABS, apply steady firm pressure. Do not pump.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 78: ABS emergency brakingReviewed October 2026Report an error

2. Question 2 · Hazards

   Your car starts to skid. What should you do?

   1. A. Look and steer where you want the front of the car to go
   2. B. Brake hard right away
   3. C. Accelerate to regain grip
   4. D. Steer the opposite way from where you want to go

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Look and steer where you want the front of the car to go

   To regain control, look and steer where you want to go.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 78: Skid recovery directionReviewed October 2026Report an error

3. Question 3 · Hazards

   When following another vehicle at night, when must you use low beams?

   1. A. Within 300 metres
   2. B. Within 50 metres
   3. C. Within 150 metres
   4. D. Never

   Show answer

   Answer: C. Within 150 metres

   Use low beams when following within 150 metres.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 82: Dim while followingReviewed October 2026Report an error

4. Question 4 · Hazards

   The lights at a railway crossing start flashing. What should you do?

   1. A. Slow down and cross
   2. B. Stop before the crossing and wait
   3. C. Speed up to cross before the train arrives
   4. D. Stop on the tracks

   Show answer

   Answer: B. Stop before the crossing and wait

   Flashing signals mean a train is coming. Stop and wait.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 104: Rail warning activationReviewed October 2026Report an error

5. Question 5 · Hazards

   A tire blows out while you are driving. What should you do?

   1. A. Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas
   2. B. Speed up to keep control
   3. C. Brake hard right away to stop quickly
   4. D. Turn sharply to the shoulder

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas

   Keep control, slow gradually, and pull off safely.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 80: Tire blowout controlReviewed October 2026Report an error

6. Question 6 · Hazards

   Traffic ahead is stopped just past a railway crossing. What should you do?

   1. A. Pass the stopped traffic on the shoulder
   2. B. Follow onto the tracks
   3. C. Stop on the tracks
   4. D. Wait before the tracks until there is room

   Show answer

   Answer: D. Wait before the tracks until there is room

   Do not cross unless you can completely clear the tracks.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 104: Rail crossing exit spaceReviewed October 2026Report an error

Next: Class 7 learner's licence rules. The learner stage lets you practise with an experienced driver beside you.