To avoid a collision, what should you do?

The appropriate action to take when faced with the possibility of a collision is to stop, turn, or speed up, as this response offers the most options for avoiding an accident. Each of these maneuvers is aimed at creating distance between your vehicle and the potential hazard, allowing for greater control of the situation.

Stopping can abruptly reduce your speed and give you a better chance to assess the circumstances, potentially allowing the other driver to pass or correct their path. Turning away from the collision path can help steer your vehicle out of harm’s way, while speeding up may also create a safer distance or allow you to escape a dangerous situation more quickly.

In contrast, staying in your lane and bracing for impact does not actively prevent a collision and can lead to serious consequences without attempting to find a solution. Moving into the other vehicle's lane often exacerbates the problem, putting you at risk of a more severe crash. Driving across to the shoulder can be a viable option in some circumstances, but it may not always be practical or safe depending on road conditions and traffic. Ultimately, the most effective approach is one that allows for a dynamic response to the environment, which is captured by the selection of stopping, turning, or speeding up.