Final answer:
In an emergency that requires swerving, you should grip the steering wheel firmly, identify escape paths, and counter steer to stabilize your vehicle. Turning sharply without counter steering can cause loss of control.
Step-by-step explanation:
When facing an emergency that requires you to swerve, it's crucial to handle your vehicle correctly to avoid losing control or causing a collision. The correct response would include gripping the steering wheel firmly to maintain control, identifying all possible escape paths to choose the safest direction to swerve, and counter steering to stabilize your vehicle after the initial swerve. Although it may seem counterintuitive, you should not turn sharply in the direction of the swerve without also preparing to counter steer, as this could lead to overcorrecting and losing control of the vehicle.
Understanding vehicle dynamics, such as the centrifugal force you feel when turning a corner at speed, helps explain why these actions are necessary. If the car is turning, you experience a sensation of being pushed to the outside of the turn due to your body's inertial resistance to the change in direction, emphasizing the need to grip the steering wheel firmly and counter steer appropriately.