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 you must leave the road, until what speed should you avoid braking?

   Correct answer: About 20 mph

   Avoid using the brakes until your speed drops to about 20 mph, then brake gently to avoid skidding on the loose surface.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

2. 2. If an oncoming vehicle drifts into your lane, which way is usually the best escape?

   Correct answer: Move to the right

   A move to your right is usually best; if the other driver realizes the mistake, they will naturally return to their own lane.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

3. 3. What does the stab-braking method involve?

   Correct answer: Applying fully, releasing when wheels lock, then reapplying

   Apply the brakes fully, release them when the wheels lock, and reapply once the wheels start rolling again.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

4. 4. When making a quick emergency turn, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Avoid braking while you turn

   Do not brake while turning quickly; braking makes it easy to lock the wheels and skid out of control.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

5. 5. For a cargo fire inside a van or box trailer, what should you do with the doors?

   Correct answer: Keep the doors shut to avoid feeding the fire oxygen

   Keep the doors shut; opening them supplies the fire with oxygen and can make it burn much faster.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

6. 6. What is the first step to correct a drive-wheel braking skid?

   Correct answer: Stop braking so the rear wheels can roll again

   Stop braking so the rear wheels can roll again and regain traction, then counter-steer as needed.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

7. 7. What are the basic steps to take at an accident scene?

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

   Protect the area, notify the authorities, and care for the injured are the basic steps at any accident.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

8. 8. Right after a tire fails, what should you do about the brakes?

   Correct answer: Stay off the brake until the vehicle slows

   Stay off the brake until the vehicle slows on its own; braking with a failed tire could cause loss of control.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

9. 9. If your hydraulic brakes fail, which of these can help slow the vehicle?

   Correct answer: Using the parking (emergency) brake

   Because it works independently of the hydraulic system, the parking (emergency) brake can help bring the rig down.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

10. 10. After steering around an object in an emergency, what should you be ready to do?

    Correct answer: Turn the wheel back the other way to counter-steer

    Be prepared to counter-steer, turning the wheel back the other way once you have cleared the object.

    Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

11. 11. Which of these can cause a skid?

    Correct answer: Over-braking, over-steering, or over-acceleration

    Skids are caused by over-braking, over-steering, over-acceleration, or simply driving too fast for conditions.

    Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies

12. 12. What is an escape ramp designed to do?

    Correct answer: Safely stop a runaway vehicle

    Escape ramps use a bed of soft material, sometimes with an upgrade, to safely stop a runaway vehicle.

    Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Driving Emergencies