According to a recent news release by the MO Department of Transportation, 50 percent of all traffic crashes in Missouri are caused by at least one car travelling off the roadway. The key, according to MoDOT Director of Highway Safety, Leanna Depue, is not to overcorrect.
In an effort to educate drivers on run-off-road crashes and the dangers of overcorrecting, MoDOT has published some key safety tips. First of all, remain calm. If you panic, you're more likely to overcorrect. Keep a firm grip on the wheel while easing off the gas and staying off the brake. Only turn your wheel an 1/8th turn to the left. As soon as you feel your tires hit pavement again, turn your wheel a 1/4 turn back right. Following these simple steps can prevent you from causing an accident.
MoDOT has also shared some helpful videos on their site, SaveMoLives on what to do when your tires leave the roadway.
