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. How should you use the brakes on a vehicle equipped with ABS?

   Correct answer: Brake as you normally would

   You brake the same way you always have. The ABS works automatically only when needed, so there is no special pedal technique to learn for normal driving.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.18, Braking with ABS

2. 2. When using a fire extinguisher, where should you aim it?

   Correct answer: At the base of the fire

   Aim low, at the base or source of the fire, rather than into the flames. Stay as far back as you can and keep the wind at your back.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.21, Fires

3. 3. What should you avoid doing when there is a fire in the engine compartment?

   Correct answer: Opening the hood if you can avoid it

   Shut the engine down as quickly as possible, but avoid opening the hood if you can. Lifting it feeds the fire fresh oxygen and can make it flare up.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.21, Fires

4. 4. Your engine catches fire while driving. Where should you stop the vehicle?

   Correct answer: In an open area away from anything that could burn

   Get off the road and park in an open area, well away from buildings, trees, brush, and other vehicles. Never pull into a service station, where fuel could ignite.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.21, Fires

5. 5. Using the proper downgrade braking method, when do you reapply the brakes after releasing them?

   Correct answer: When speed returns to your chosen safe speed

   Once in a low gear, brake firmly enough to feel a clear slowdown, release when you are about 5 mph below your safe speed, then reapply after speed climbs back to that safe speed. Repeat to the bottom.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.16, Proper Braking Technique

6. 6. Where should you stand relative to the wind when fighting a fire with an extinguisher?

   Correct answer: Upwind of the fire

   Position yourself upwind so the breeze carries the extinguishing agent toward the fire and keeps the smoke and heat away from you.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.21, Fires

7. 7. When placing your reflective triangles, how should you hold them for your own safety?

   Correct answer: Between yourself and the oncoming traffic

   Keep each triangle between yourself and the oncoming traffic as you walk it out, so approaching drivers can see you and you stay shielded.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.5, Warning Devices

8. 8. What does it mean when a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the dash stays lit?

   Correct answer: Something in the antilock system is not working

   A yellow malfunction lamp that stays on means part of the antilock system is not working. You still have your normal brakes, but the ABS feature may not function.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.18, Antilock Braking Systems

9. 9. On a two-lane, two-way road, how should you set out the three warning devices?

   Correct answer: 100 feet ahead, 10 feet behind, and 100 feet behind

   On a two-way undivided road, place one device about 100 feet ahead, one about 10 feet behind to mark the vehicle, and one about 100 feet behind on the shoulder or in your lane.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.5, Warning Devices

10. 10. What is the correct technique for stab braking in an emergency?

    Correct answer: Brake fully, release at lockup, then reapply as wheels roll

    Apply the brakes fully, release them when the wheels lock, and reapply once the wheels start rolling again. Wait for the wheels to roll before reapplying, or the vehicle will not straighten.

    Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.17, Emergency Braking

11. 11. What is an escape ramp on a mountain downgrade designed to do?

    Correct answer: Stop a runaway vehicle safely

    An escape ramp uses a long bed of loose, soft material, sometimes combined with an upgrade, to bring a runaway vehicle safely to a stop without harming the driver.

    Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.16, Escape Ramps

12. 12. On a slippery road, what caution applies to using a speed retarder?

    Correct answer: It can make the drive wheels skid

    When the drive wheels have poor traction, a retarder can cause them to skid. On slick roads it may be wise to switch the retarder off.

    Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.3, Retarders