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. If your disabled vehicle is stopped near a hill crest or curve that blocks the view, a warning device should be placed how far away?

   Correct answer: At least 500 feet

   When a hill or curve hides your disabled vehicle, place a warning device at least 500 feet away.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Warning Devices for Stopped Vehicles)

2. 2. If your conventional brakes suddenly fail, what should you try?

   Correct answer: Shift to a lower gear and pump the brake pedal hard and fast

   Drop into a lower gear and press the brake pedal quickly and firmly several times to try to restore some stopping power.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 8 (Brake Failure)

3. 3. What is a recommended way to escape a vehicle that has plunged into water?

   Correct answer: Open a window and climb out onto the roof

   Open a window while the vehicle still floats, get out, and move onto the roof, then call for help.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 8 (Plunging into Water)

4. 4. If a tire blows out while you are driving, what should you do first?

   Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and keep the vehicle going straight

   Grip the wheel firmly and keep the vehicle heading straight; do not brake suddenly.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 8 (Tire Blowout)

5. 5. Which statement about carbon monoxide from a vehicle is true?

   Correct answer: You cannot see, smell, or taste it

   Carbon monoxide cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, which makes it especially dangerous.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 8 (Carbon Monoxide Poisoning)

6. 6. After a tire blowout, when should you apply the brakes?

   Correct answer: Gently, only after the car has slowed and you are nearly stopped

   Let the car slow on its own, pull off the road, and brake gently only when the car is nearly stopped.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 8 (Tire Blowout)

7. 7. If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks with a train approaching, what should the occupants do?

   Correct answer: Get out immediately and move away at an angle toward the oncoming train

   Everyone should get out immediately and run at an angle away from the tracks toward the oncoming train, then call 911.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Safety at Railroad Crossings)

8. 8. On a divided highway, how far behind a disabled truck or bus should a warning device be placed?

   Correct answer: 200 feet

   For a vehicle disabled on a divided highway, place a warning device about 200 feet behind it.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Warning Devices for Stopped Vehicles)

9. 9. After a collision, a driver should NOT move the vehicle out of traffic in which situation?

   Correct answer: When the crash involves injury, death, entrapment, or hazardous materials

   Do not move the vehicle if the crash involves hazardous materials, injury, death, or entrapment.

   Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 8 (Should You Move Your Vehicle?)

10. 10. If your vehicle goes into deep water, why should you avoid trying to open a door?

    Correct answer: Water pressure makes it nearly impossible and would flood the car

    Water pressure makes a door nearly impossible to open and would flood the passenger compartment.

    Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 8 (Plunging into Water)

11. 11. Once the lights start flashing and the gate begins lowering at a railroad crossing, about how long do you have to clear the crossing?

    Correct answer: 20 seconds

    You have roughly 20 seconds to get clear of the crossing once the lights flash and the gate lowers.

    Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Safety at Railroad Crossings)

12. 12. After a crash, Indiana law requires an involved driver to do what?

    Correct answer: Stop and give your name, address, and registration and show your license

    You must stop and give your name, address, and registration number to those involved and show your license.

    Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 8 (What to Do After an Accident)