If your wheel drops off the pavement onto the shoulder, what should you do?

When your wheel drops off the pavement onto the shoulder, the safest and most controlled response is to smoothly steer back onto the pavement when it is safe to do so. This method helps maintain vehicle stability and allows you to regain control without causing abrupt movements that could lead to loss of control or an accident.

By moving the steering wheel smoothly, you reduce the risk of over-steering, which can cause the vehicle to veer or spin out. It's essential to ensure that your steering is under control and that you have assessed the surrounding environment to ensure it's safe to return to the road.

Options that suggest quick or forceful actions, such as pulling the steering wheel sharply to the left or applying the brakes hard, can lead to dangerous situations. They can cause sudden shifts in weight distribution, making it harder to control the vehicle. Likewise, speeding up to get back onto the highway can be equally dangerous, as it may compromise safe handling of the vehicle and increase the risk of an accident. Therefore, the best practice is to proceed with caution and take measured actions to guide the vehicle back onto the road safely.