Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

11 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 about to happen, the manual says a driver's three options are to stop, speed up, or:

   Correct answer: Turn

   The three collision-avoidance options are to stop, turn, or speed up, and there is almost always something a driver can do.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Avoiding Collisions

2. 2. If your vehicle becomes disabled and you cannot get it off the roadway, you should:

   Correct answer: Turn on flashers and raise the hood

   Turn on your emergency flashers and, to warn others, raise the hood or tie a cloth to the left door handle or antenna.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Emergency Parking

3. 3. If you come upon a flooded roadway, the manual advises you to:

   Correct answer: Turn around and avoid the flooded road

   Turn around, don't drown; as little as 18 to 24 inches of moving water can sweep away most cars, and the road may be washed out.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — High Water and Flooding Dangers

4. 4. Tennessee law requires drivers involved in a crash to:

   Correct answer: Stop at the scene and notify police

   You must stop immediately at or near the scene without blocking traffic and notify the police, calling 911.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — If You Are Involved in a Crash

5. 5. If a deer or other animal suddenly appears in front of your vehicle and a collision seems unavoidable, you should:

   Correct answer: Keep control and avoid swerving

   Do not swerve; braking hard while keeping control on the roadway is safer than swerving, which raises your risk of injury.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Collisions with Animals

6. 6. If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, the first thing everyone should do is:

   Correct answer: Get everyone out and away from the tracks

   Get all occupants out of the vehicle immediately and away from the tracks, then call the ENS number or 911.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — If Your Vehicle Stalls on the Tracks

7. 7. If your wheels drift off the edge of the pavement onto the shoulder, you should:

   Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer back gently when clear

   Ease off the gas, keep a firm grip, brake lightly, and do not jerk the wheel back toward the road until it is clear and you have slowed.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Regaining Control of Your Vehicle

8. 8. If the rear of your vehicle begins to skid, you should:

   Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want to go

   Stay off the brake and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go until it straightens out.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Skids

9. 9. If your engine catches fire after a crash, you should:

   Correct answer: Turn off the ignition and get people away

   Turn off the ignition to help prevent a fire and get people out and away from the vehicle in case of an explosion.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — If You Are Involved in a Crash

10. 10. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet road, you should:

    Correct answer: Ease off the gas gradually

    Ease off the gas gradually to slow down; do not slam on the brakes, which can cause a skid.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Hydroplaning

11. 11. During a hard stop in a vehicle with anti-lock brakes (ABS), you should:

    Correct answer: Apply firm, steady pressure without pumping

    With ABS, press the brake firmly and hold steady pressure; never pump the pedal, and keep steering.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Stopping Quickly