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. With an engine fire, what should you avoid doing?

   Correct answer: Opening the hood, which feeds the fire more oxygen

   For an engine fire, shut the engine off and try not to open the hood, since opening it supplies oxygen; keep van or box-trailer doors shut for a cargo fire too.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.21: Fires

2. 2. What is the correct way to stop a front-wheel skid?

   Correct answer: Let the vehicle slow down by easing off the accelerator and stopping hard braking or turning

   In a front-wheel skid the front end goes straight no matter how you steer; the only cure is to let the vehicle slow down.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.19: Skid Control and Recovery

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

   Correct answer: Downshift, pump the brakes, and use the parking brake while seeking an escape route

   With lost hydraulic pressure, downshift, pump the pedal to build pressure, use the separate parking brake, and look for an escape route.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

4. 4. What are two actions that correct a drive-wheel braking skid?

   Correct answer: Stop braking to let the rear wheels roll, then counter-steer

   Release the brakes so the rear wheels roll again, then counter-steer as the vehicle swings back on course.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.19: Skid Control and Recovery

5. 5. What are the three basic steps to take at any crash scene?

   Correct answer: Protect the area, notify authorities, and care for the injured

   At a crash, first protect the area from further collisions, then notify authorities, and then care for anyone injured.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.20: Crash Procedures

6. 6. In controlled braking, how hard do you apply the brakes?

   Correct answer: Firmly, right up to the point just short of wheel lockup, with only slight steering inputs

   Controlled braking means applying firm pressure short of lockup with only small steering inputs; release and re-apply if the wheels lock or you need a bigger steering change.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

7. 7. What kind of fire should a B:C fire extinguisher NOT be relied on to put out?

   Correct answer: A wood, paper, or cloth (Class A) fire

   A B:C extinguisher handles electrical fires and burning liquids; you need an A:B:C type to also fight burning wood, paper, and cloth.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.21: Fires

8. 8. Why should you not brake while making a quick emergency turn?

   Correct answer: Braking during a turn can lock the wheels and send you into a skid

   It is very easy to lock the wheels while turning; do not brake during the turn, and be ready to counter-steer once past the obstacle.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

9. 9. In stab braking, about how long can it take for the wheels to start rolling again after you release the brakes?

   Correct answer: Up to one second

   It can take up to a second for the wheels to begin rolling after release; re-apply too soon and the vehicle will not straighten out.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

10. 10. Which class of fire extinguisher is required for a fire in combustible metals?

    Correct answer: Class D

    Class D covers fires in combustible metals, put out with specialized dry powders; water is never used on electrical (Class C) fires.

    Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.21: Fires

11. 11. If you must leave the road to avoid a collision, when should you brake?

    Correct answer: Avoid braking until your speed drops to about 20 mph, then brake gently

    Once off the road, hold off on braking until your speed falls to roughly 20 mph, try to keep one tire set on the paved surface, then brake softly so you don't skid.

    Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

12. 12. When you do not have room to stop for an obstacle, what is often the quicker way to avoid it?

    Correct answer: Steer around it, since you can usually turn to miss faster than you can stop

    In most cases you can swerve around an object faster than you could brake to a halt, but top-heavy loads and multi-trailer rigs risk rolling over.

    Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies