If your vehicle runs off the pavement and onto the shoulder, what should you check for first?

When your vehicle runs off the pavement and onto the shoulder, the first thing to check is traffic behind you. This is crucial for safety as the presence of other vehicles can significantly impact your next move. If there are vehicles approaching quickly from behind, you might need to make a decision about whether to stay on the shoulder or attempt to re-enter the roadway. Ensuring that it is safe to maneuver back onto the pavement without risking a collision is the priority.

While checking for damage to the vehicle, weather conditions, or visual obstructions are also important considerations, they should come after confirming the immediate environment around you. By assessing traffic behind you first, you ensure that any action you take will not put you or others at risk.