Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

12 sample Handling Emergencies questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. If a small fire starts under the hood and no extinguisher is handy, you should smother it with:

   Correct answer: Dirt or sand

   Use dirt or sand rather than water, because water causes burning gasoline to float and spread.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 7, Driving Emergencies

2. 2. When your vehicle starts to skid, you should avoid:

   Correct answer: Braking before you regain control

   Do not apply the brakes until you regain control, because braking increases the skid and can lock the front wheels.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 7, Skidding

3. 3. Which of the following is a warning sign of carbon monoxide poisoning?

   Correct answer: Dizziness and sudden drowsiness

   Symptoms include sudden weariness, yawning, dizziness, and nausea; the cure is to get fresh air.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 7, Carbon Monoxide

4. 4. If you suddenly lose steering control, the manual advises that you:

   Correct answer: Ease off the gas and avoid braking hard

   Ease off the accelerator but do not brake, since a sudden speed change can throw the car further off balance; brake gently only as it slows.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 7, Driving Emergencies

5. 5. If a front tire suddenly blows out at highway speed, you should first:

   Correct answer: Grip the wheel, steer straight, and ease off the gas

   During a blowout, hold the wheel firmly, steer straight, and ease off the gas; do not brake until the car is under control.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 7, Driving Emergencies

6. 6. If your brake pedal sinks to the floor and the brakes fail, you should first try to:

   Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal to build pressure

   Pump the pedal to build up pressure; if that fails, apply the parking brake gently and downshift.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 7, Driving Emergencies

7. 7. If your engine overheats and steam rises from under the hood, you should NOT:

   Correct answer: Open the radiator cap

   Pull over and shut off the engine, but do not open the radiator cap while the cooling system is boiling.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 7, Driving Emergencies

8. 8. When a crash causes injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more, an uninsured at-fault driver must file a written report within:

   Correct answer: 30 days

   An SR-31 form must be sent within 30 days when the at-fault party was uninsured and damage reaches $500 or more.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 4, Report All Traffic Mishaps

9. 9. If you are involved in a traffic crash, the law requires that you:

   Correct answer: Stop and provide your information and aid any injured

   You must stop, aid the injured, and give your name, address, registration, and show your license to others involved.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 4, What To Do If You Have a Crash

10. 10. If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching, you should:

    Correct answer: Get everyone out and away from the tracks immediately

    Get everyone out and away from the tracks at once; if you must walk, move toward the oncoming train alongside the tracks to avoid flying debris.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 4, Safety Tips for Motorists

11. 11. If your right wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder, you should:

    Correct answer: Stay on the shoulder, slow down, then ease back on

    Do not jerk the wheel back; stay on the shoulder, slow down, then ease gently back onto the pavement.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 7, Driving Emergencies

12. 12. If the rear of your car begins to skid, you should steer:

    Correct answer: In the direction the rear is sliding

    To correct a skid, steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding and avoid braking until you regain control.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 7, Skidding