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

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

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

   Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.20: Accident Procedures

2. 2. If you have working ABS on all axles of a straight truck or combination, what can you do in an emergency stop?

   Correct answer: You can fully apply the brakes

   The one exception to normal braking is that with functioning ABS on every axle, you can fully apply the brakes during an emergency stop.

   Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.18: Antilock Braking Systems

3. 3. After you swerve around an obstacle in an emergency, what must you be prepared to do?

   Correct answer: Counter-steer to bring the vehicle back on course

   Be ready to counter-steer—turn the wheel back the other way once you have cleared the obstacle—treating the swerve and counter-steer as one action.

   Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

4. 4. In the controlled-braking method of stopping quickly, how hard do you apply the brakes?

   Correct answer: As hard as possible without locking the wheels

   In controlled braking you apply as much brake pressure as possible short of locking the wheels, keep steering inputs small, and release if a wheel locks.

   Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

5. 5. While making a quick emergency turn, what should you avoid doing?

   Correct answer: Applying the brakes during the turn

   Do not brake while you are turning, because it is easy to lock the wheels and skid out of control.

   Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

6. 6. In an emergency where you lack room to stop, what is often true about steering versus stopping?

   Correct answer: You can usually turn to miss an obstacle faster than you can stop

   You can almost always steer around an obstacle more quickly than you can come to a stop, though top-heavy vehicles and multi-trailer rigs risk flipping.

   Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

7. 7. Which of these is a major sign that a tire has failed?

   Correct answer: A loud bang, vibration, or heavy steering feel

   A loud bang, heavy thumping or vibration, or steering that suddenly feels heavy are all signs that a tire has blown or gone flat.

   Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

8. 8. If an oncoming vehicle drifts into your lane, which way is generally best to steer?

   Correct answer: To your right

   A move to your right is usually best, because if the other driver realizes the mistake, the natural reaction is to return to their own lane.

   Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

9. 9. With an engine fire, what should you do rather than opening the hood?

   Correct answer: Keep the hood shut and turn off the engine

   Turn the engine off as soon as you can and avoid opening the hood if possible; shoot extinguishing agent through louvers, the radiator, or from underneath.

   Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.21: Fires

10. 10. In the stab-braking method, what do you do after the wheels lock up?

    Correct answer: Release the brakes, then reapply once the wheels roll again

    With stab braking you apply the brakes fully, release them when the wheels lock, and reapply once the wheels begin rolling again—which can take up to a second.

    Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

11. 11. If your hydraulic brakes lose pressure and the pedal goes to the floor, what is one action that can help slow the vehicle?

    Correct answer: Downshift to a lower gear

    You can downshift into a lower gear, pump the pedal to try to build pressure, and use the separate parking or emergency brake to help slow the vehicle.

    Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies

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

    Correct answer: At the base or source of the fire

    Direct the extinguisher at the base or source of the flames rather than up into them, and keep as far back as you safely can.

    Source: Missouri CDL Manual — Section 2.21: Fires