Official State of Rhode Island website

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State of Rhode Island, Division of Motor Vehicles , Department of Revenue

Threat of a Head-on Collision

Head-on collisions may result in injury that is more serious to drivers and passengers than any other type of crash. Head-on collisions are also more likely to result in death than any other type of crash. The following steps can be taken to avoid a head-on collision:

  1. Maintain vehicle control. Brake hard, but do not lock the wheels. Slowing lessens the force of the impact, gives the other driver space and time to recover control.
  2. Sound the horn and flash the headlights. These actions might alert an impaired (distracted) driver. Continue braking and move to the right if the driver does not heed your warning.
  3. Steer right toward the shoulder or curb-line.
  4. Do not steer left. The other driver likely will try to steer back into the proper lane. Prepare to drive entirely off the roadway to the right, if necessary.

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