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 your gas pedal sticks while you are driving, a good first step is to:

   Correct answer: Shift the transmission into neutral

   If the accelerator sticks, keep your eyes on the road and shift the car into neutral, then pull off and turn off the engine when safe.

   Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — C. Roadside Emergencies (Gas Pedal Sticks)

2. 2. If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, the recommended way to slow on a slippery road is to:

   Correct answer: Gently pump the brakes

   Without ABS, gently pump the brakes to help keep the vehicle from skidding on slippery surfaces.

   Source: Section 7: Driving Conditions — B. Severe Weather

3. 3. If your vehicle begins to skid, you should:

   Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want to go

   During a skid, stay off the brake and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go, then straighten as it recovers.

   Source: Section 7: Driving Conditions — B. Severe Weather (Skidding)

4. 4. You must report a crash to police if the property damage is at least:

   Correct answer: $1,000

   A crash must be reported to police when there is property damage of $1,000 or more, among the other reporting triggers.

   Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — B. Crashes

5. 5. To brake correctly in an emergency in a vehicle with anti-lock brakes (ABS), you should:

   Correct answer: Apply firm, steady pressure to the pedal

   With ABS, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal until the vehicle stops or the danger passes.

   Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — A. Avoiding Crashes

6. 6. You see a disabled vehicle on the shoulder ahead. How can you warn drivers behind you?

   Correct answer: Tap your brake pedal three or four times

   Tap your brake pedal three or four times to alert the drivers behind you to the stopped vehicle ahead.

   Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — A. Avoiding Crashes

7. 7. You are in a crash where a person is injured. Leaving the scene before help arrives is:

   Correct answer: A crime

   It is a crime to leave the scene of a crash in which someone is injured or killed; call 911 and stay there.

   Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — B. Crashes

8. 8. If your brakes suddenly stop working, one of the first things to try is to:

   Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal several times

   Pump the brake pedal several times, and if that fails, use the parking brake while looking for a safe place to stop.

   Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — C. Roadside Emergencies (Brakes Stop Working)

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

   Correct answer: Hold the wheel steady and ease off the gas

   During a blowout, grip the wheel to keep the vehicle straight, ease off the gas to slow gradually, and pull off when it is safe.

   Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — C. Roadside Emergencies (Tire Blowout)

10. 10. If your engine quits while you are driving, one thing you should expect is that:

    Correct answer: The steering wheel will become harder to turn

    When the engine stops, keep the key in the on position and steer to the roadside; the steering wheel will become hard to turn.

    Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — C. Roadside Emergencies (Engine Stops Working)

11. 11. The handbook lists three basic actions for avoiding a crash. They are stop, speed up, and:

    Correct answer: Turn

    Your three crash-avoidance options are to stop, turn, or speed up, depending on the situation.

    Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — A. Avoiding Crashes

12. 12. If your headlights suddenly stop working at night, you should:

    Correct answer: Turn on your emergency flashers and pull off when safe

    Flip the headlights off and on, turn on your emergency flashers and any low lights, and pull off the road when it is safe.

    Source: Section 8: Handling Emergencies — C. Roadside Emergencies (Headlights Stop Working)