What should you do now?

You chose both answer 1 (emergency braking manoeuvre) and answer 2 (hold the steering wheel straight and firmly), which is correct. In situations where you unexpectedly hit a dangerous road surface, such as severe potholes or sudden road damage, German traffic rules recommend performing an emergency braking manoeuvre to quickly reduce speed and minimize the risk of damage or losing control. At the same time, it's important to hold the steering wheel straight and firmly to maintain vehicle control and avoid swerving, especially if there is oncoming traffic. Steering to the left or making sudden movements could cause a collision or loss of control. So, for similar situations, always reduce speed quickly and keep a firm, straight grip on the steering wheel.