Utah CDL — General Knowledge: Handling Emergencies Practice Test

Question 1

During a cargo fire in a box trailer, why should you keep the doors shut?

Accepted Answer

Opening them gives the fire more oxygen — Opening the doors supplies oxygen and can make flames spread far faster, so a load fire inside a van or box trailer stays sealed.

Answer

It keeps the cargo dry

Answer

It prevents theft

Answer

It keeps the placards visible

Question 2

When there is not enough room to stop before an obstacle, what is usually the quicker way to avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Steer around it — In most cases you can steer clear of an obstacle faster than you could brake to a stop, though top-heavy rigs or multiple trailers risk flipping.

Answer

Brake as hard as possible

Answer

Accelerate through it

Answer

Shift to a lower gear

Question 3

When forced to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a crash, what should you avoid doing until you slow to about 20 mph?

Accepted Answer

Using the brakes — If you must leave the road, hold off on the brakes until speed drops to around 20 mph, then brake gently to avoid skidding on the loose surface.

Answer

Holding the wheel firmly

Answer

Keeping wheels on the pavement

Answer

Signaling before returning

Question 4

Which type of fire should never be fought with water?

Accepted Answer

An electrical or gasoline fire — Water can cause a shock on an electrical fire and spread the flames of a gasoline fire, so it must not be used on either.

Answer

A burning wood pallet

Answer

A smoldering paper load

Answer

A cloth or rag fire

Question 5

If a tire suddenly blows out at speed, what should you do first?

Accepted Answer

Grip the wheel firmly and stay off the brake — Keep a firm two-handed grip on the wheel and avoid the brake until the rig slows, because braking on a failed tire can cost you control.

Answer

Brake as hard as you can immediately

Answer

Steer sharply onto the shoulder at once

Answer

Shift into neutral and coast off

Question 6

Where should you aim a fire extinguisher when putting out a fire?

Accepted Answer

At the base or source of the fire — Direct the nozzle low, at the base where the fire starts, keeping your distance instead of spraying into the flames.

Answer

At the top of the flames

Answer

Above the smoke cloud

Answer

At the surrounding pavement

Question 7

What should you avoid doing while making a quick emergency turn?

Accepted Answer

Applying the brakes during the turn — Do not brake while turning, because it is easy to lock the wheels and skid out of control during the maneuver.

Answer

Keeping both hands on the wheel

Answer

Being ready to counter-steer

Answer

Turning only as much as needed

Question 8

If hydraulic brakes lose pressure and the pedal goes to the floor, which action can help slow the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Downshift into a lower gear — Downshifting to a lower gear, pumping the pedal, and using the separate parking brake can all help slow a vehicle when hydraulic pressure is lost.

Answer

Shift up into the highest gear

Answer

Turn off the ignition immediately

Answer

Press the accelerator to build pressure

Question 9

Why is the parking brake useful if the hydraulic brakes fail entirely?

Accepted Answer

It is separate from the hydraulic brake system — The parking or emergency brake is a separate system from the hydraulic brakes, so it can still slow the vehicle when the main brakes are lost.

Answer

It shares the same fluid lines

Answer

It only works above 40 mph

Answer

It reconnects the failed circuit

Question 10

When should you move a severely injured person at an accident?

Accepted Answer

Only if fire or traffic makes it necessary — Do not move a severely injured person unless a danger such as fire or passing traffic makes moving them necessary.

Answer

Immediately, in every case

Answer

Never, under any circumstances

Answer

Only if they ask twice

Question 11

How do you correct a rear-wheel braking skid where the drive wheels have locked?

Accepted Answer

Stop braking, then counter-steer — Stop braking so the rear wheels roll again, then counter-steer, turning back the other way to keep from skidding in the opposite direction.

Answer

Brake harder to regain grip

Answer

Accelerate to pull the rear straight

Answer

Lock the wheels and hold the wheel still

Question 12

In the stab braking method, when do you release the brakes?

Accepted Answer

When the wheels lock up — With stab braking you apply the brakes fully, release when the wheels lock, and reapply fully once the wheels start rolling again.

Answer

The instant the vehicle stops

Answer

Only after ten seconds

Answer

When the engine reaches idle

Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

1. During a cargo fire in a box trailer, why should you keep the doors shut?

2. When there is not enough room to stop before an obstacle, what is usually the quicker way to avoid it?

3. When forced to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a crash, what should you avoid doing until you slow to about 20 mph?

4. Which type of fire should never be fought with water?

5. If a tire suddenly blows out at speed, what should you do first?

6. Where should you aim a fire extinguisher when putting out a fire?

7. What should you avoid doing while making a quick emergency turn?

8. If hydraulic brakes lose pressure and the pedal goes to the floor, which action can help slow the vehicle?

9. Why is the parking brake useful if the hydraulic brakes fail entirely?

10. When should you move a severely injured person at an accident?

11. How do you correct a rear-wheel braking skid where the drive wheels have locked?

12. In the stab braking method, when do you release the brakes?

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