If you had to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a crash, what should you do before returning to the pavement?

When you drive onto the shoulder to avoid a crash, it is critical to come to a complete stop, if possible, before returning to the pavement. This approach allows you to assess the situation safely and determine whether it is clear to re-enter the roadway. Stopping on the shoulder gives you the opportunity to check for any vehicles or obstacles coming from behind, ensuring that re-entering the highway can be done without risk.

By stopping completely, you also minimize sudden movements that could startle other drivers or lead to further accidents. This method is particularly important in high-traffic situations where vehicles are approaching quickly. After assessing the traffic and ensuring it's safe, you can then proceed to merge back onto the highway more cautiously, which contributes to the overall safety of the maneuver.