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. According to the Washington guide, collisions typically have which three causes?

   Correct answer: Too much speed, too little space, and poor situational awareness

   Most collisions come down to too much speed, too little space, and insufficient situational awareness. Managing these three greatly reduces crash risk.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Collisions (5.9)

2. 2. You have vehicle trouble and stop on the roadside. How far behind your vehicle should you place emergency flares?

   Correct answer: 200 to 300 feet behind

   Place emergency flares 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle to warn approaching drivers. If you have no flares, stand in a safe spot and wave traffic around.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Vehicle Failures (5.7)

3. 3. You hit a legally parked car and cannot find its owner. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Leave a note with the date, time, and your contact information

   First make an effort to find the owner. When you can't, leave a clearly visible note listing the date and time of the crash along with how to reach you.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Crashing a Vehicle (5.9)

4. 4. If a fire forces you to leave a vehicle that is in contact with a power line, how should you exit?

   Correct answer: Jump clear, land with both feet together, and shuffle away

   Jump clear so you never touch the vehicle and ground at once, land with both feet together, and shuffle about 35 feet away to avoid electric shock.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Encountering Power Lines (5.9)

5. 5. A downed power line falls across your vehicle. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Stay inside, call 911, and wait for responders

   Assume the line is energized. Turn off the engine, call 911, and stay inside the vehicle until responders say it is safe, because the ground nearby may be charged.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Encountering Power Lines (5.9)

6. 6. When you drive past the scene of a crash where responders are working, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Keep moving, stay focused, and follow responders' directions

   Do not block emergency responders, follow directions from those authorized to direct traffic, and keep your focus on driving. Slowing to stare only creates congestion.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Witnessing a Crash (5.9)

7. 7. After a crash in which someone is injured, what are you required to do?

   Correct answer: Stay, call 911, and notify law enforcement

   Never leave the scene. When someone is hurt or killed, dial 911, since police have to be told. If you can, pull the vehicle to the roadside close to where it happened.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Crashing a Vehicle (5.9)

8. 8. You come upon an injured crash victim who is not in immediate danger. What should you avoid doing?

   Correct answer: Moving them or giving them water

   Do not move injured people unless they are in a burning vehicle or other immediate danger, and do not give them anything to drink, not even water.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Reporting an Injury (5.9)

9. 9. A front tire suddenly blows out while you are driving. What is the correct response?

   Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow gradually

   Grip the wheel firmly, keep the vehicle going straight, and ease off the gas. Do not brake hard; let the car slow on its own, then pull off in a safe place.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Vehicle Failures, Tires (5.7)

10. 10. Your accelerator sticks and the vehicle keeps speeding up. What is the recommended action?

    Correct answer: Quickly shift to neutral and steer to safety

    Keep your eyes on the road and quickly shift to neutral to disconnect the engine from the wheels. Pull off when it is safe, then turn off the engine.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Vehicle Failures, Accelerator (5.7)

11. 11. If your engine shuts off while you are driving, what should you expect and do?

    Correct answer: Steering gets harder but works, so brake steadily and pull off

    Keep a firm grip; the steering will feel harder but still turns. Do not brake hard. Use steady pressure to slow down, pull off the road, and try to restart.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Vehicle Failures, Power (5.7)

12. 12. If a law enforcement officer does not do it for you, within how many days must you file a collision report after a crash?

    Correct answer: Within 4 days

    If no officer files it for you, state law makes you submit a collision report within 4 days of the crash.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Reporting a Crash (5.9)