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. The braking method in which you apply the brakes nearly to lockup without letting the wheels lock is called:

   Correct answer: controlled braking

   In controlled braking you press the brakes almost to the point of lockup with small steering movements, releasing if a wheel locks.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.17 How to Stop Quickly and Safely

2. 2. If a tire suddenly blows out, your first response should be to:

   Correct answer: hold the wheel firmly and stay off the brake until you slow down

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

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.17 Tire Failure

3. 3. The three basic steps to take at any accident scene are to protect the area, care for the injured, and:

   Correct answer: notify the authorities

   At any accident you should protect the area, notify the authorities, and care for the injured.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.20 Accident Procedures

4. 4. For a fire in a cargo van or box trailer, you should:

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

   Keep the van doors shut, especially with hazardous materials; opening them supplies oxygen and can make the fire burn very fast.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.21 Fire Fighting

5. 5. When there is not enough room to stop for an obstacle, the safest action is often to:

   Correct answer: steer around it

   You can usually turn to miss an obstacle faster than you can stop, though a top-heavy vehicle may flip if turned too sharply.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.17 Steering to Avoid a Crash

6. 6. If your hydraulic brakes lose pressure, one way to slow the vehicle is to:

   Correct answer: use the parking or emergency brake

   The parking or emergency brake is separate from the hydraulic system and can slow the vehicle; downshifting and pumping the pedal also help.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.17 Brake Failure

7. 7. In stab braking, after the wheels lock up you should:

   Correct answer: release the brakes and reapply fully once the wheels roll

   Apply the brakes fully, release them when the wheels lock, and reapply once the wheels begin rolling again.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.17 How to Stop Quickly and Safely

8. 8. At an accident, you should not move a severely injured person unless:

   Correct answer: there is danger from fire or passing traffic

   Do not move a severely injured person unless danger from fire or passing traffic makes it necessary; stop heavy bleeding and keep them warm.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.20 Care for the Injured

9. 9. Which type of fire should NOT be fought with water?

   Correct answer: An electrical fire

   Do not use water on an electrical fire because of shock risk, or on a gasoline fire because it spreads the flames.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.21 Fire Fighting

10. 10. To make a quick emergency turn safely, you should:

    Correct answer: avoid braking while you are turning

    Do not brake while turning quickly, since it can lock the wheels and cause a skid; be ready to counter-steer afterward.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.17 How to Turn Quickly and Safely

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

    Correct answer: At the base or source of the fire

    Stay as far back as possible and aim at the base or source of the fire, not up into the flames, positioning yourself upwind.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.21 Fire Fighting

12. 12. A driver whose brakes fail on a long downgrade should:

    Correct answer: use an escape ramp if one is available

    If your brakes fail going downhill, use an escape ramp when one is available; it can stop a runaway vehicle and prevent a serious crash.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.17 Brake Failure on Downgrades