What should you do if you drive off the pavement onto the shoulder of the road?

When you find yourself driving off the pavement onto the shoulder of the road, holding the steering wheel tightly and gently steering back onto the road is a crucial response. This approach helps maintain control of the vehicle without making abrupt movements that could destabilize it. By gently steering, you allow the vehicle to gradually return to the pavement, minimizing the risk of losing control or causing an accident.

This method is particularly important because turning sharply to get back on may lead to veering off the road further or even rolling the vehicle. Speeding up while keeping the steering relaxed could also enhance instability, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Similarly, applying the brakes hard and stopping immediately can cause the vehicle to skid, especially if the road conditions are not ideal. Therefore, gently steering back while maintaining a firm grip on the wheel is the safest and most effective option when re-entering the roadway.