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. When a collision seems unavoidable, which three basic options does the manual say a driver has?

   Correct answer: Stop, turn, or speed up

   You can almost always do something to avoid or lessen a crash. The three options are to stop, turn, or speed up.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Avoiding Collisions

2. 2. Your headlights suddenly go out at night. After trying the switch, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Turn on the emergency flashers and pull over

   Slow down and pull off the road as soon as possible. If the switch does not restore them, turn on the emergency flashers, plus signals or fog lights if available.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Equipment Failure (Headlight Failure)

3. 3. At the scene of a crash where someone is bleeding, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Apply direct pressure to the wound

   Apply direct pressure to the wound with your hand or a cloth. Even severe bleeding can usually be slowed or stopped this way. Do not give an injured person anything to drink.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Traffic Crashes (If someone is injured)

4. 4. With antilock brakes (ABS), how should you brake in a quick-stop emergency?

   Correct answer: Press hard and hold the pedal down

   Press the brake pedal firmly and keep pressing. You may feel it push back as the ABS works — do not let up, since ABS operates only while the pedal is down.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Avoiding Collisions (Stopping Quickly)

5. 5. Why should you never turn the ignition to the 'lock' position while the vehicle is still moving?

   Correct answer: The steering will lock and you lose control

   Doing so will lock the steering, and you will lose control of the vehicle.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Equipment Failure (Steering Wheel Locks)

6. 6. You are involved in a crash. When must the accident be reported to police?

   Correct answer: When there is injury, death, or property damage

   You must report a crash to police if there is an injury, a death, or property damage. It is a crime to leave a crash with injury or death before police have the information they need.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Traffic Crashes (Report the Accident)

7. 7. In many emergencies, why might turning be a better choice than braking to avoid a collision?

   Correct answer: You can usually turn faster than you can stop

   In most cases you can turn the vehicle more quickly than you can stop it, so steering away may avoid the crash. Keep a firm two-handed grip and stay in control.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Avoiding Collisions (Turning Quickly)

8. 8. If the gas pedal sticks and the engine keeps speeding up, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Shift the transmission into neutral

   Keep your eyes on the road, quickly shift to neutral, pull off the road when safe, and turn off the engine.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Equipment Failure (Gas Pedal Sticks)

9. 9. Your vehicle breaks down on a highway. What is one thing you should do to warn others?

   Correct answer: Turn on your emergency flashers

   Turn on your emergency flashers, get the vehicle off the road if possible, and place flares behind it so other drivers can see it and change lanes.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Vehicle Emergencies (Use Emergency Signals)

10. 10. The engine dies while you are driving. What should you keep in mind about steering and braking?

    Correct answer: Steering is harder but the brakes still work

    Keep a firm grip on the wheel — it may be hard to turn but is still possible — and pull off the road. The brakes still work, though you may have to push hard.

    Source: CT Driver's Manual — Equipment Failure (Power Failure)

11. 11. A front tire blows out at speed. What is the correct response?

    Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and keep going straight

    Grip the wheel firmly and keep the car going straight, ease off the gas, brake gently, and pull off the road in a safe place rather than stopping in traffic.

    Source: CT Driver's Manual — Equipment Failure (Tire Blowout)

12. 12. Your brakes suddenly stop responding. What should you try first?

    Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal several times

    Pump the brake pedal several times to try to build up pressure. If that fails, apply the parking brake slowly and downshift while looking for a safe place to stop.

    Source: CT Driver's Manual — Equipment Failure (Brake Failure)