Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV
Accident Procedures and Fires
Questions and answers
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Which list gives the basic steps to take at any accident?
Protect the area, notify authorities, care for the injured, collect information, report the accident
These five steps prevent further damage or injury when you are in an accident and not seriously hurt.
Section 2 · 2.20 – Accident Procedures ↗ -
What is the first thing to do at an accident scene?
Keep another accident from happening in the same spot
Protecting the area comes first.
Section 2 · 2.20.1 – Protect the Area ↗ -
Your vehicle is involved in an accident. Where should you try to get it?
To the side of the road
Moving it to the side helps prevent another accident and lets traffic move.
Section 2 · 2.20.1 – Protect the Area ↗ -
You are stopping to help at an accident. Where should you park?
Away from the accident
The area right around the accident will be needed for emergency vehicles.
Section 2 · 2.20.1 – Protect the Area ↗ -
How do you warn other traffic at an accident scene?
Turn on your 4-way flashers and set out reflective triangles
Place the triangles so other drivers can see them in time to avoid the accident.
Section 2 · 2.20.1 – Protect the Area ↗ -
You have a cell phone or CB radio after an accident. When should you call for assistance?
Before you get out of your vehicle
With a phone or CB radio, call for help before leaving the vehicle.
Section 2 · 2.20.2 – Notify Authorities ↗ -
You have no cell phone or CB radio after an accident. When do you phone, or send someone to phone, the police?
After the accident scene has been properly protected
Without a phone or radio, protect the scene first, then get word to the police.
Section 2 · 2.20.2 – Notify Authorities ↗ -
Why should you try to work out where you are after an accident?
So you can give the exact location
Emergency services need the exact location.
Section 2 · 2.20.2 – Notify Authorities ↗ -
A qualified person is already helping the injured. What should you do?
Stay out of the way unless asked to assist
If qualified help is on hand, do not interfere unless they ask for help.
Section 2 · 2.20.3 – Care for the Injured ↗ -
When may you move a severely injured person?
Only when the danger of fire or passing traffic makes it necessary
Moving a severely injured person can make injuries worse, so do it only to escape fire or traffic.
Section 2 · 2.20.3 – Care for the Injured ↗ -
How do you stop heavy bleeding?
Apply direct pressure to the wound
Direct pressure on the wound stops heavy bleeding.
Section 2 · 2.20.3 – Care for the Injured ↗ -
Besides stopping bleeding, what simple care does the handbook list for an injured person?
Keep the person warm
Keep the injured person warm.
Section 2 · 2.20.3 – Care for the Injured ↗ -
You were involved in an accident. What will you have to file?
An accident report
Anyone involved in the accident has to file an accident report.
Section 2 · 2.20.4 – Gather Information ↗ -
What should you record about the other drivers involved in an accident?
Names, addresses and driver license numbers
Collect names, addresses and DL numbers of the drivers, plus plate numbers and vehicle types.
Section 2 · 2.20.4 – Gather Information ↗ -
When do you need the names and addresses of the owners of the other vehicles?
When the owners are different from the drivers
If someone other than the driver owns a vehicle, record the owner’s name and address too.
Section 2 · 2.20.4 – Gather Information ↗ -
What should you record about a peace officer investigating the accident?
Name, badge number and agency
Record the officer’s name, badge number and agency.
Section 2 · 2.20.4 – Gather Information ↗ -
Which of these belongs in the information you collect for an accident report?
The exact location and the direction of travel of the vehicles
The report needs the exact location, direction of travel, damage descriptions and witness details.
Section 2 · 2.20.4 – Gather Information ↗ -
What causes of fire does the handbook link to accidents?
Spilled fuel and improper use of flares
After an accident, spilled fuel and badly used flares can start a fire.
Section 2 · 2.21.1 – Causes of Fire ↗ -
Which tire conditions can cause a fire?
Under-inflated tires and dual tires that touch
Under-inflated tires and duals that touch build up heat.
Section 2 · 2.21.1 – Causes of Fire ↗ -
What causes electrical system fires?
Short circuits due to damaged insulation and loose connections
Damaged insulation and loose connections lead to short circuits.
Section 2 · 2.21.1 – Causes of Fire ↗ -
Which of these is a fuel-related cause of fire?
Driver smoking, improper fueling or loose fuel connections
Smoking, improper fueling and loose fuel connections are the fuel-related causes.
Section 2 · 2.21.1 – Causes of Fire ↗ -
Which of these is a cargo-related cause of fire?
Flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded cargo, or poor ventilation
Flammable, badly sealed or badly loaded cargo and poor ventilation can all cause fires.
Section 2 · 2.21.1 – Causes of Fire ↗ -
What should you confirm about the fire extinguisher during your vehicle inspection?
That it is charged
Check that the extinguisher is charged, along with the electrical, fuel and exhaust systems, tires and cargo.
Section 2 · 2.21.2 – Fire Prevention ↗ -
What should you check for signs of heat whenever you stop during a trip?
The tires, wheels and truck body
An en route check of tires, wheels and body for heat helps prevent fires.
Section 2 · 2.21.2 – Fire Prevention ↗ -
While driving, how can you watch for signs of fire?
Check the gauges often for overheating and use the mirrors to look for smoke
Instruments show overheating, and mirrors show smoke from the tires or vehicle.
Section 2 · 2.21.2 – Fire Prevention ↗ -
When should you study the instructions printed on the fire extinguisher?
Before you need it
Drivers who did not know what to do have made fires worse.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
Your vehicle is on fire. What is the first step?
Get the vehicle off the road and stop
Pull off the road and stop first.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
Where should you park a vehicle that is on fire?
In an open area, away from buildings, trees, brush and other vehicles
Stay away from anything that might catch fire.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
Your vehicle is on fire and there is a service station just ahead. Should you pull in?
No, do not pull into a service station
A burning vehicle must never be taken into a service station.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
What should you do with the engine and hood in an engine fire?
Turn off the engine as soon as you can and avoid opening the hood
Turn the engine off and keep the hood closed if you can.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
How do you get extinguishing foam onto an engine fire without opening the hood?
Shoot it through the louvers, the radiator or from the underside
Foam can reach the fire through louvers, the radiator or from underneath.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
You have a cargo fire in a van or box trailer. What should you do with the doors?
Keep them shut, especially if the cargo contains HazMat
Keep the doors closed so the fire does not get more air.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
Why is opening the van doors dangerous during a cargo fire?
It supplies the fire with oxygen and can make it burn very fast
Fresh air feeds the fire.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
How far from the fire should you stand when using an extinguisher?
As far away as possible
Stay as far from the fire as you can.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
Where should you aim the extinguisher?
At the source or base of the fire
Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
What is a B:C type fire extinguisher designed to work on?
Electrical fires and burning liquids
The B:C type is for electrical fires and burning liquids.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
What does an A:B:C type extinguisher handle that a B:C type is not designed for?
Burning wood, paper and cloth
The A:B:C type also works on burning wood, paper and cloth.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
On which fires can water be used?
Wood, paper or cloth fires
Water is suitable for wood, paper or cloth, but not for electrical or gasoline fires.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
Why should you not use water on an electrical fire?
It can cause shock
Water conducts electricity and can give you a shock.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
Why should you not use water on a gasoline fire?
It will spread the flames
Water spreads burning gasoline.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
What does a burning tire need?
To be cooled, which may take lots of water
A burning tire must be cooled, and lots of water may be required.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
You are not sure what to use on a fire, and it may involve HazMat. What should you do?
Wait for firefighters
If you are unsure, especially with a HazMat fire, wait for firefighters.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
Where should you position yourself relative to the wind when using an extinguisher?
Upwind, so the wind carries the extinguisher to the fire
Standing upwind lets the wind carry the extinguishing agent to the fire.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
The smoke and flames are gone. Should you stop using the extinguisher?
No, continue until whatever was burning has cooled
A lack of smoke or flame does not mean the fire cannot restart.
Section 2 · 2.21.3 – Fire Fighting ↗ -
Which class of fire involves gasoline, oil, grease and other greasy liquids?
Class B
Class B fires are burning liquids such as gasoline, oil and grease.
Section 2 · CLASS/TYPE OF FIRES ↗ -
Which class of fire involves electrical equipment?
Class C
Class C fires are electrical equipment fires and are fought with nonconducting agents.
Section 2 · CLASS/TYPE OF FIRES ↗ -
Which class of fire involves combustible metals?
Class D
Class D fires are fires in combustible metals.
Section 2 · CLASS/TYPE OF FIRES ↗ -
How are fires in combustible metals put out?
With specialized extinguishing powders
Combustible metal fires need specialized extinguishing powders.
Section 2 · CLASS/TYPE OF FIRES ↗ -
What kind of agent is used on electrical equipment fires?
A nonconducting agent such as carbon dioxide or dry chemicals
Electrical fires need agents that do not conduct electricity. Water must not be used.
Section 2 · CLASS/TYPE OF FIRES ↗
Questions and answers by topic
- Licenses, endorsements and tests105
- Disqualifications and state rules110
- Vehicle inspection80
- Basic control and shifting gears47
- Seeing and communicating46
- Controlling your speed62
- Managing space40
- Seeing hazards49
- Distracted and Aggressive Driving71
- Night, Fog, Winter and Hot Weather124
- Railroad Crossings and Mountain Driving65
- Emergencies, ABS and Skids102
- Alcohol, Drugs and Illness41
- Hazardous Materials Rules for All Drivers42
- Transporting Cargo Safely79
- Bus Inspection, Loading and Hazardous Materials74
- Driving a Bus: Stops, Crossings and Prohibited Practices56
- Air Brake Parts: Compressor, Tanks and Foundation Brakes52
- Warnings, Spring Brakes, ABS and Dual Systems59
- Inspecting Air Brake Systems61
- Using Air Brakes51
- Driving Combination Vehicles Safely50
- Combination Vehicle Air Brakes and ABS59
- Coupling and Uncoupling63
- Inspecting a Combination Vehicle24
- Pulling Double and Triple Trailers16
- Coupling, Inspecting and Brake Checks for Doubles34
- Tank Vehicles62
- HazMat basics and who does what48
- Hazard classes, labels and lists64
- Shipping papers and package markings49
- Placards and placard tables40
- Loading and unloading HazMat58
- Bulk packaging and tanks30
- HazMat driving and parking rules72
- HazMat emergencies and reporting60
- Danger zones and mirrors34
- Loading and unloading students47
- Emergency exit and evacuation34
- Railroad-highway crossings40
- Student management, ABS and special situations47