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 are involved in a crash, you are required to:

   Correct answer: stop, check for injuries, call for help, and exchange information

   Never leave the scene: stop immediately, render reasonable aid, call law enforcement, and exchange name, address, registration and insurance details.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Crash Tips

2. 2. The handbook notes that about 90% of crashes with deer and elk happen:

   Correct answer: between dusk and dawn

   Roughly nine in ten deer and elk collisions occur between dusk and dawn, so stay especially alert for animals during those hours in rural and mountain areas.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Emergencies (Animals)

3. 3. If your engine loses power while driving, you should be aware that:

   Correct answer: the steering will still work but be harder to turn, and the brakes still work with more effort

   After a power failure keep a firm grip; steering becomes hard but still turns, and the brakes still function though you must push harder as you pull off the road.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Vehicle Emergencies (Power failure)

4. 4. Under Colorado's 'Move It' law, drivers in a minor crash on a divided highway should move their vehicles off the road when:

   Correct answer: the vehicles are drivable and no injuries or alcohol and drugs are involved

   If the vehicles still run, no one is hurt, and no alcohol or drugs are involved, move off the highway to a safe spot, then exchange information and notify law enforcement.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Crash Tips (Move It Law)

5. 5. If your tires begin to hydroplane on wet pavement, you should:

   Correct answer: ease off the gas and steer gently in the direction you are sliding

   Take your foot off the gas and steer slowly in the direction of the slide until the tires regain grip; do not brake hard or jerk the wheel.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Weather (Hydroplaning)

6. 6. To stop quickly in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), you should:

   Correct answer: press the brake firmly and keep steady, hard pressure on it

   With ABS, apply hard, firm pressure and hold it; you may feel the pedal pulse, but do not let up, because ABS works only while the pedal is pressed.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Emergencies (Stopping quickly)

7. 7. If your vehicle starts to skid on snow or ice, you should:

   Correct answer: take your feet off both pedals and steer toward where you want to go

   In a skid, release both the brake and accelerator and turn the front wheels in the direction you want the car to travel.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Snow and Ice

8. 8. Colorado's Move Over Law requires that, when passing a stopped vehicle with hazard lights flashing and you cannot change lanes, you must:

   Correct answer: slow to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit

   Move over one lane if you safely can; if not, slow to at least 20 mph under the posted limit as you pass the stationary vehicle.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Crash Tips (Move Over Law)

9. 9. If a tire blows out while you are driving, you should:

   Correct answer: grip the wheel firmly, keep going straight, and slow down gradually

   Hold the wheel tightly and keep the car straight, ease off the gas and brake gently, then pull off the road in a safe spot once you have slowed.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Vehicle Emergencies (Tire blowout)

10. 10. In a vehicle without ABS, if the wheels lock up during hard braking, you should:

    Correct answer: ease off the brake slightly until the wheels roll, then reapply

    Without ABS, braking too hard can cause a skid; if the wheels lock, let up slightly until they turn again, then press the brake once more, repeating as needed.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Emergencies (Stopping quickly)

11. 11. If your accelerator sticks to the floor, the best immediate action is to:

    Correct answer: shift into neutral and keep your eyes on the road

    Shift quickly to neutral to cut engine power to the wheels, keep steering, and pull off the road before turning off the engine.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Vehicle Emergencies (Jammed gas pedal)

12. 12. If your brakes suddenly stop working, your first response should be to:

    Correct answer: pump the brake pedal to try to build pressure, then use the parking brake

    Take your foot off the gas and pump the brake several times to build pressure; if that fails, apply the parking brake slowly and downshift to slow the car.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Vehicle Emergencies (Brake failure)