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. You have been involved in a crash resulting in injury. What are you legally required to do first?

   Correct answer: Stop at once and do not leave without identifying yourself

   You must stop your vehicle at once, when it is clear and safe, and not leave the scene without identifying yourself.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Traffic Crashes

2. 2. If the rear of your car begins to skid, what is the correct steering response?

   Correct answer: Steer in the direction the rear is skidding

   Steer in the same direction the rear of the car is sliding; if it slides right, turn the front wheels to the right.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Other Vehicle Emergencies

3. 3. A car is coming straight toward you in your lane. What is the recommended escape route if a crash is likely?

   Correct answer: Steer off toward the right shoulder or ditch

   Brake without locking the wheels and steer off the road to the right shoulder or ditch; do not swerve into the left lane.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Oncoming Car in Your Lane

4. 4. If your car has ABS, how should you use the brakes to stop quickly in an emergency?

   Correct answer: Apply firm, steady pressure and let ABS work

   With ABS you apply firm, steady pressure and let the system pump the brakes for you rather than pumping them yourself.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Avoiding Collisions

5. 5. If your two right wheels drift off the pavement edge onto a much lower shoulder, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Slow down, then turn sharply back onto the pavement

   Do not jerk back immediately; slow down, look for traffic in both directions, then turn the wheels sharply to climb back onto the pavement.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Wheels Roll off the Pavement

6. 6. What is the danger of carbon monoxide, and why can it affect you without warning?

   Correct answer: It has no odor, so poisoning can happen unnoticed

   Carbon monoxide from the exhaust has no odor, so it can make you sleepy and cause poisoning without you noticing; early signs include yawning and dizziness.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

7. 7. What should you do first if your gas pedal sticks while you are driving?

   Correct answer: Shift the transmission into neutral

   Keep your eyes on the road and shift the gear selector into neutral to stop the engine from driving the wheels.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Gas Pedal Sticks

8. 8. Which type of vehicle is most prone to a rollover crash?

   Correct answer: SUVs, vans, and pickups with high centers of gravity

   SUVs, vans, pickups, and small trucks roll over more readily than passenger cars because their higher centers of gravity make them top-heavy.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Rollovers

9. 9. If your brakes fail on a level road, which of these actions is recommended?

   Correct answer: Downshift and gradually apply the hand brake

   You should shift into a lower gear to use engine compression and gradually apply the hand brake, avoiding a sudden yank on the parking brake.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Brakes Fail

10. 10. Your vehicle has stalled on railroad tracks with a train approaching fast. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Get out and walk toward the approaching train alongside the tracks

    Get everyone out and walk quickly alongside the tracks toward the oncoming train, so flying debris from the collision moves away from you.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Stalled on Railroad Tracks

11. 11. Smoke starts coming from under your hood. After pulling off the road, what should you do?

    Correct answer: Turn off the engine and get everyone away from the car

    Turn off the engine and all electrical switches and get all passengers out and away, since poisonous fumes may fill the vehicle.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Fire

12. 12. How does an anti-lock braking system (ABS) help you in a hard-braking emergency?

    Correct answer: It lets you keep control and steer while stopping

    ABS keeps the wheels from locking so the car stops in a straight line and lets you steer to safety; it does not stop the car faster.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 8 - Avoiding Collisions