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. During a roadside emergency, if it is not safe to stay in the vehicle, what should occupants do?

   Correct answer: Move away from the road and face oncoming traffic

   If it is unsafe to remain inside, occupants should pick a safe moment to get out, move quickly away from the road, and face oncoming traffic while staying alert.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Roadside Emergencies

2. 2. If a driver strikes an unattended parked vehicle and cannot find the owner, what must they do?

   Correct answer: Leave a note with contact information where it can be found

   A driver must stop, try to locate the owner, and if the owner cannot be found, leave a note with contact details and an account of what happened where it can be easily seen.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Crashes

3. 3. When a law enforcement officer pulls a driver over, what should the driver do with the engine and radio?

   Correct answer: Turn off the engine and radio

   A driver should pull off to the side, turn off the engine and radio, roll down the window, and stay in the vehicle with the seat belt fastened.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Traffic Stops

4. 4. During a traffic stop, where should a driver keep their hands?

   Correct answer: In plain view, preferably on the steering wheel

   A driver should keep their hands in plain view, ideally on the steering wheel, and avoid movements that might make the officer think they are reaching for something.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Traffic Stops

5. 5. In which situation must a driver always call the police after a crash?

   Correct answer: When a vehicle involved cannot be moved

   The police must be called whenever someone is injured, a vehicle cannot be moved, a driver appears impaired, a driver has no license, or public property is damaged.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Crashes

6. 6. Immediately after being involved in any crash, what should a driver turn on to warn other drivers?

   Correct answer: The emergency flashers

   A driver should switch on the emergency flashers, or set out flares, to warn other drivers after a crash.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Crashes

7. 7. Under Maryland's Move Over law, what must a driver do when approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights?

   Correct answer: Move over, or slow to a safe speed if moving over is not possible

   A driver must move over into a lane not next to the stopped vehicle; if that is not safe or possible, the driver must slow to a safe speed.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Move Over Law

8. 8. If a driver hits and injures a domestic animal such as a dog or horse, what must they do?

   Correct answer: Immediately call the police

   A driver who strikes and injures a domestic animal must call the police right away.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Crashes

9. 9. What is the penalty for leaving the scene of a crash that results in a serious injury?

   Correct answer: License revocation and up to five years in prison

   A driver convicted of leaving the scene of a crash with a serious injury faces license revocation, up to five years in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Crashes

10. 10. At a railroad crossing, what must a driver do when the flashing red signals are activated?

    Correct answer: Come to a complete stop, even if no train is seen

    A flashing red signal at a railroad crossing requires a full stop even if no train is visible; the driver may go on only when the flashing stops and the way is clear.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Highway-Railroad Crossings

11. 11. Before starting across railroad tracks, what must a driver make sure of?

    Correct answer: That there is room to get all the way across

    A driver should never begin crossing unless there is room to get completely across, and there is space for the vehicle on the far side of the tracks.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Highway-Railroad Crossings

12. 12. If you are involved in a crash where someone is injured, what must you do first?

    Correct answer: Stay at the scene and call 911 immediately

    When a crash involves an injury, a driver must remain at the scene and call 911 right away to get police, fire, and ambulance help.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Crashes