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 should a driver do if the vehicle catches fire?

   Correct answer: Get everyone out and away, then call for help

   During a car fire, skip any attempt to fight it; get every rider clear of the car right away and phone for assistance.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Car Fires

2. 2. If a vehicle's engine dies and the power steering fails, what should the driver do?

   Correct answer: Keep a firm grip and steer with extra effort to a safe stop

   A dead engine makes the wheel far stiffer, so hold on tightly and use added muscle to guide the car off the road to a secure stop.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Power Steering Failure

3. 3. If a vehicle's hood suddenly flies up while driving, what should the driver do?

   Correct answer: Slow down and use lane markings to pull off safely

   If the hood flies up, slow down immediately and try to see the road by looking under the hood or out the side window, using lane markings as a guide to pull safely off the road.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Hood Latch Failure

4. 4. During a tire blowout, what should a driver do with the brakes and gas?

   Correct answer: Ease off the gas and avoid braking while slowing

   During a blowout, hold the wheel firmly, take your foot off the gas, and do not brake; let the vehicle coast and slow gradually before pulling off the road.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Tire Blowout

5. 5. If the gas pedal sticks while driving, what is the recommended response?

   Correct answer: Shift to neutral and steer to a safe area

   If the gas pedal sticks, keep your eyes on the road and quickly shift the transmission to neutral, then steer to a safe area off the road and turn off the engine.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Gas Pedal Problems

6. 6. If a vehicle plunges into water, what is a key way to escape while it is still floating?

   Correct answer: Escape through an open window while it floats

   A vehicle floats for about three to ten minutes, so the best escape is through an open window while it is still on the surface, since doors are hard to open against water pressure.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Plunging into Water

7. 7. When a vehicle becomes disabled and must stop on the highway, what should the driver do?

   Correct answer: Pull onto the shoulder, use flashers, and raise the hood

   Steer as far onto the shoulder or median as you can, switch on the hazard lights, lift the hood as a distress sign, and remain inside with the doors locked.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Disabled Vehicles

8. 8. If a vehicle's conventional brakes suddenly fail, what should the driver do first?

   Correct answer: Drop to a lower gear and pump the pedal repeatedly

   Should ordinary brakes give out, drop into a lower gear and press the pedal quickly and firmly again and again to try to rebuild pressure; if nothing happens, apply the parking brake bit by bit.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Brake Failure

9. 9. If a crash results in property damage over $500 and no police report is filed, what must the driver do?

   Correct answer: File a written report with the MVC inside 10 days

   If damage runs over $500 or someone is hurt and police file no report, a written report has to reach the MVC inside 10 days.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Reporting Crashes

10. 10. If a vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, what should the driver and passengers do?

    Correct answer: Get out and move away from the vehicle and tracks

    A car that dies on the rails means everyone climbs out at once and hurries well clear of both the car and the tracks, even with no train visible, then phones for help.

    Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Stalling on Railroad Tracks

11. 11. When making an emergency stop, how far behind the vehicle should a warning device be placed?

    Correct answer: At least 300 feet back

    Once on the shoulder, set a flare or marker right behind the car and position a second warning at least 300 feet to the rear.

    Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Emergency Stops

12. 12. If a driver cannot stop in time to avoid a crash, when is it best to turn away rather than brake?

    Correct answer: When turning away avoids the crash, keeping off the brakes to prevent a skid

    If you cannot stop in time, turning away and even driving off the road may be safer; keeping off the brakes while turning reduces the chance of a skid.

    Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Avoiding Crashes