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. Which type of fire should never be fought with water?

   Correct answer: An electrical or gasoline fire

   Do not use water on an electrical fire, which can cause shock, or on a gasoline fire, which will spread the flames.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Fire Fighting)

2. 2. After a tire blows out, when should you begin braking?

   Correct answer: Only after the vehicle slows, then brake gently

   Stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed on its own, then brake gently, pull off the road, and stop, unless you are about to hit something.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Tire Failure)

3. 3. While making a quick emergency turn to avoid a crash, what should you avoid doing?

   Correct answer: Applying the brakes during the turn

   Do not apply the brakes while turning, because it is very easy to lock the wheels and skid out of control.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Steering to Avoid a Crash)

4. 4. In an emergency where you lack room to stop, why can steering often be a better choice than braking?

   Correct answer: You can usually turn to miss an obstacle faster than you can stop

   You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop for it, though top-heavy vehicles risk rolling.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Steering to Avoid a Crash)

5. 5. Using the stab braking method to stop quickly, what do you do once the wheels lock up?

   Correct answer: Release the brakes, then reapply when the wheels roll again

   In stab braking you apply the brakes fully, release them when the wheels lock, and reapply fully once the wheels start rolling again.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (How to Stop Quickly and Safely)

6. 6. If your hydraulic brakes lose pressure and the pedal feels spongy or goes to the floor, what can help slow the vehicle?

   Correct answer: Downshift, pump the pedal, and use the parking brake

   Downshift to let the engine slow you, pump the pedal to build pressure, and use the parking brake, which is a separate system.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Brake Failure)

7. 7. Where is the ABS malfunction lamp located on a trailer equipped with antilock brakes?

   Correct answer: On the left side, front or rear corner

   Trailers have a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the left side, at either the front or rear corner.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (How to Know If Your Vehicle Has ABS)

8. 8. When a front-wheel skid occurs, what is the only way to stop it?

   Correct answer: Let the vehicle slow down

   Let the vehicle slow down by easing off the brake or accelerator and reducing how hard you are turning.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Front-Wheel Skids)

9. 9. If a front tire suddenly fails, what is the most important immediate action?

   Correct answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands

   Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, because a front tire failure can twist the wheel out of your grip.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Tire Failure)

10. 10. To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, what is the first thing you should do?

    Correct answer: Stop braking to let the wheels roll again

    Stop braking so the rear wheels can roll again and regain traction, then counter-steer to keep the vehicle from spinning.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Correcting a Drive-Wheel Braking Skid)

11. 11. In a van or box trailer, how should you handle a cargo fire?

    Correct answer: Keep the doors shut to avoid feeding it oxygen

    Keep the doors shut, especially if the cargo may be hazardous, because opening them feeds the fire oxygen and makes it burn faster.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Fire Fighting)

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

    Correct answer: It keeps wheels from locking so you keep control

    ABS keeps your wheels from locking during hard braking, helping you keep control; it does not necessarily shorten stopping distance.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Antilock Braking Systems)