If a vehicle suddenly approaches from the opposite direction in your lane:

• Brake hard. If speed can be reduced before the collision, the impact will be less severe.
• Move as quickly and safely as you can onto the shoulder on the right-hand side of the road, and sound the horn. The other driver may suddenly realize their actions and steer back onto their side of the road. If the shoulder is not paved, avoid excessive braking as this could cause you to lose control. Never swerve to the left to avoid a collision as you may then be in the path of oncoming traffic.
• Head for something that is capable of energy absorption to reduce the force on impact — for example, a bush, shrub or snowbank. Better to hit an object with a glancing blow rather than head-on. Sideswiping a guardrail, for instance, and bouncing off (some of the impact being absorbed), with the driver regaining control, has avoided more serious collisions.

By being alert at all times behind the wheel, you may gain that fraction of a second you would not otherwise have to determine your escape route.