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. If your vehicle breaks down on a highway, what is the safest thing to do?

   Correct answer: Move as far from the travel lane as possible and stay inside

   Get the vehicle as far away from the moving lane as possible and remain inside. Standing beside the lane or in the breakdown lane has killed many people.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Breakdowns

2. 2. If your gas pedal sticks while you are driving, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Shift into neutral and brake to slow down

   Shift into neutral and press the brake to slow down, keeping your eyes on the road; pull over and stop when it is safe.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Stuck Gas Pedal

3. 3. If your car drives into deep water, how should you try to escape?

   Correct answer: Open or break a window and climb out

   Unfasten your safety belt and get out through a window; opening a door lets water rush in and can flip the vehicle. If it sinks, an air pocket may form in the rear.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Vehicle Drives into Water

4. 4. Under the Move Over Law, what must you do when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

   Correct answer: Slow to a safe speed and move over a lane when possible

   You must slow to a safe speed and, where a highway has four or more lanes, shift over to leave an open lane beside the stopped emergency vehicle when you can.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Stationary Emergency and Maintenance Vehicles

5. 5. If a vehicle WITH anti-lock brakes loses braking, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Downshift and gently apply the parking brake

   With anti-lock brakes you should not pump. Downshift to a lower gear and gently apply the parking brake, holding the release in case you skid.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Brake Failure

6. 6. On a two-way road that carries traffic in both directions, where should you place warning triangles after a breakdown?

   Correct answer: 10 and 100 feet behind, and 100 feet in front

   On a two-way road, set triangles or flares 10 feet and 100 feet behind your vehicle and 100 feet in front of it.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Breakdowns

7. 7. How closely may you legally follow an emergency vehicle that is responding to an alarm?

   Correct answer: No closer than 300 feet

   Following within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle that is answering an alarm is against the law.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Moving Emergency Vehicle

8. 8. If you are involved in a crash, what does the law require you to do?

   Correct answer: Stop and exchange information

   You must stop, even for a minor crash, and exchange your name, address, license, registration, and insurance information. Leaving is a hit-and-run offense.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — If You Are Involved in a Crash

9. 9. Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks with a train bearing down. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Get everyone out and run toward the train at a 45-degree angle

   Get everyone out immediately and move away from the tracks, running toward the direction the train is coming at about a 45-degree angle to avoid flying wreckage, then call 911.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Stalling on Railroad Tracks

10. 10. If a front tire suddenly blows out, what should you do?

    Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly and ease off the gas

    Grip the wheel firmly and ease your foot off the gas. Do not brake until the vehicle is under control, then pull off the road when safe.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Flat Tire, Blowout, or Wheel Loss

11. 11. When your car begins to skid, what should you do first?

    Correct answer: Ease off the gas and shift into neutral

    Ease your foot off the gas and shift into neutral; do not hit the brakes, which makes the skid worse. Then steer in the direction of the skid.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Skidding

12. 12. If your headlights suddenly go out at night, what should you do?

    Correct answer: Use hazard flashers or parking lights and pull off the road

    Switch on your parking lights, hazards, or a turn signal, flick the headlight switch a couple of times, and get off the road as soon as you can.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Headlight Failure