If your car goes off the roadway, what braking technique should you use?

When your car goes off the roadway, taking your foot off the accelerator and braking carefully is the appropriate technique because it allows you to maintain better control of the vehicle. By easing off the accelerator, you prevent the car from accelerating further into any potential hazards that may exist off the road. Gradually applying the brakes helps to slow down the vehicle without causing it to skid or lose traction, which is critically important on uneven or loose surfaces often found off the road.

Braking hard can lead to a loss of control, especially if the ground is not stable or if there’s gravel or dirt involved. Steering back onto the roadway immediately can also create a risk of losing control as it may require abrupt maneuvering, which can lead to the vehicle spinning or flipping if it's done incorrectly. Pulling the emergency brake and stopping quickly could result in a skid, potentially causing the vehicle to slide sideways or overturn.

Using the method of easing off the accelerator and braking carefully is the safest option in this situation, allowing for a more gradual and controlled return to the roadway while minimizing the risk of an accident.