The viral dashcam footage of the Vanderbijlpark head-on crash that took the lives of 14 schoolchildren in January raises a crucial question – what should you do if faced with a similar horrifying situation?

There are techniques that can either reduce impact or help minimise injuries and death if a head-on collision is imminent – often going against your instinctual reaction.

“Choosing the right reaction depends on awareness of what may happen during a potential head-on collision and how to respond appropriately. This will make a war between instinct and a trained reaction significantly less,” said MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert

1. Scenario: A vehicle is overtaking ahead and is now in your lane, on a direct collision course.

Instinct: Swerving from the correct (left) lane into the incorrect (right) lane to avoid the vehicle coming your way in the wrong lane. This puts you more at risk of a head-on collision as the driver coming towards you will likely move back into the correct lane last-minute to avoid hitting you, meaning you will then be in the wrong lane.
Trained reaction: As the driver in the correct lane (left), never move into the right-hand lane. In most instances, the safest choice is to move left onto the shoulder or side of the road.

2. Scenario: You fixate on the oncoming vehicle.

Instinct: To steer towards the object you are staring at.
Trained reaction: Identify the risk and potential head-on, and look towards the direction you want to safely navigate.

3. Scenario: You need to reduce your speed to safely make your next move.

Instinct: You slam on brakes, causing them to lock (if you do not have ABS) or lose control because of the sudden and extreme change in speed.
Trained reaction: Stop accelerating and gradually apply brakes. Once speed is safely reduced, manoeuvre into a safe position.

4. Scenario: There are obstacles on the left of the road where you need to move your vehicle.

Instinct: Slam on brakes, freeze, or make a sudden overcorrection.
Trained reaction: It is still recommended to steer toward the left shoulder to avoid a direct head-on collision. Aim to hit obstacles from the side rather than a full-frontal crash.

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