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 do you correct a drive-wheel braking skid?

   Correct answer: Stop braking so the wheels roll again, then counter-steer

   Stop braking so the rear wheels roll again, then counter-steer to keep the vehicle from swinging the other way.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.19.2 (Correcting a Drive-wheel Braking Skid)

2. 2. How does the 'stab braking' method work in an emergency stop?

   Correct answer: Apply fully, release when wheels lock, then reapply

   With stab braking you apply the brakes fully, release when the wheels lock, and reapply fully once the wheels begin rolling again.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.17.2 (How to Stop Quickly and Safely)

3. 3. How do you stop a front-wheel skid?

   Correct answer: Stop turning or braking so hard and let it slow

   A front-wheel skid ends only when the vehicle slows down, so stop turning or braking so hard and let it slow.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.19.3 (Front-wheel Skids)

4. 4. During a quick emergency turn to avoid a crash, what should you avoid doing?

   Correct answer: Braking while you are turning

   Do not use the brake while making the emergency turn, because braking while turning makes it easy to lock the wheels and skid.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.17.1 (Steering to Avoid a Crash)

5. 5. Why should you not use water on an electrical fire?

   Correct answer: It can cause an electrical shock

   Water on an electrical fire can cause a shock, so use a non-conducting extinguisher such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical instead.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.21.3 (Fire Fighting)

6. 6. How should you try to stop heavy bleeding from an injured person at a crash?

   Correct answer: Apply direct pressure to the wound

   Apply direct pressure to the wound to control heavy bleeding.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.20.3 (Care for the Injured)

7. 7. Does ABS shorten your stopping distance?

   Correct answer: No, it does not necessarily shorten stopping distance

   ABS does not necessarily shorten stopping distance; its main benefit is helping you keep the vehicle under control while braking hard.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.18.8 (Safety Reminders)

8. 8. What does an antilock braking system (ABS) do for you?

   Correct answer: Keeps the wheels from locking up during hard braking

   ABS keeps the wheels from locking up during hard braking, helping you keep steering control.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.18 (Antilock Braking Systems)

9. 9. A front tire suddenly blows out. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and stay off the brake

   Hold the wheel firmly and stay off the brake until the vehicle slows, then brake gently and pull off the road.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.17.4 (Tire Failure)

10. 10. What is the first thing you should do at the scene of an accident?

    Correct answer: Protect the area to prevent another crash

    The first step is to protect the area so that another crash does not happen in the same spot.

    Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.20.1 (Protect the Area)

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

    Correct answer: At the base or source of the fire

    Point the extinguisher at the base or source of the flames rather than up into the fire itself.

    Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.21.3 (Fire Fighting)

12. 12. If a fire breaks out in a van or box trailer, what should you do with the cargo doors?

    Correct answer: Keep them shut so you do not feed the fire oxygen

    Keep the doors shut, because opening them feeds oxygen to the fire and can make it burn much faster.

    Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.21.3 (Fire Fighting)