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. Your headlights suddenly go dark at night. What should you try?

   Correct answer: Switch the headlights off and on, or try high-beam or hazard lights

   If headlights fail, toggle the switch and try other lights like high beams or hazards, then slow and ease onto the shoulder.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Headlights Go Out, p. 85

2. 2. After driving through deep water, your brakes feel weak. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Gently apply the brakes while driving slowly until they respond

   If the brakes get wet, gently apply them while driving slowly until they begin working again.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Rain, p. 78

3. 3. After leaving a vehicle stuck on the tracks, what sign should you look for to report the problem?

   Correct answer: An Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign near the crossing

   Look for an Emergency Notification System sign posted at the crossing so you can call the railroad about the obstruction.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Railroad Crossings, p. 64

4. 4. If your power steering stops working, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly since steering will be harder, and slow down

   When power steering fails, hold the wheel firmly because steering becomes difficult, then slow down and ease onto the shoulder.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Power Steering Fails, p. 85

5. 5. You realize you have started onto a freeway ramp the wrong way. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Pull to the side of the ramp, stop, and turn on hazard lights

   If you enter a ramp the wrong way, pull off to the side, stop, turn on hazard lights, and cautiously turn around or back off the ramp.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Entering a Freeway, p. 34

6. 6. If your accelerator sticks while driving, one recommended step is to do what?

   Correct answer: Shift the vehicle into neutral

   If the accelerator sticks, look for an escape path, shift to neutral using an open palm, and brake smoothly before pulling off.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Accelerator Sticks, p. 85

7. 7. Your car breaks down on a freeway. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Move to the right shoulder and turn on your hazard lights

   If you have trouble on a freeway, move to the right shoulder or emergency area and turn on your hazard lights; it is usually safest to stay near the vehicle away from traffic.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Vehicle Trouble, p. 35

8. 8. If your brakes suddenly stop working, what should you do first?

   Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal to try to build pressure

   If your brakes fail, pump the pedal to try to build pressure, downshift, and slowly apply the parking brake.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Brakes Fail, p. 85

9. 9. You left your stalled car on the tracks and a train is approaching. Which way should you move?

   Correct answer: At a 45-degree angle toward the direction the train is coming from

   Move at a 45-degree angle toward the oncoming train's direction so debris from any collision is thrown away from you.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Railroad Crossings, p. 64

10. 10. Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks. What is the first thing you should do?

    Correct answer: Get everyone out and away from the tracks

    If stuck on the tracks, get out of the vehicle and move away from the tracks immediately, even if no train is in sight.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Railroad Crossings, p. 64

11. 11. If your wheels drift off the edge of the pavement, what is the safest action?

    Correct answer: Slow down, then ease back onto the road without turning sharply

    Don't panic or brake hard; slow down, keep a straight course, and turn just enough to get back on the road without a sharp turn.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Driving Off the Road, p. 75

12. 12. What happens when a rear tire blows out?

    Correct answer: The back of the vehicle weaves or sways

    A rear blowout causes the back of the vehicle to weave or sway; grip the wheel, slow gradually, and pull off.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Blowouts, p. 84