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Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV

Emergencies, ABS and Skids

Practice this topic102 questions

Questions and answers

  1. What is a traffic emergency?

    When 2 vehicles are about to collide

    Traffic emergencies involve vehicles about to collide. Vehicle emergencies involve a part failing.

    Section 2 · 2.17 – Driving Emergencies ↗
  2. What is a vehicle emergency?

    When tires, brakes or other critical parts fail

    A vehicle emergency is the failure of a critical part such as a tire or the brakes.

    Section 2 · 2.17 – Driving Emergencies ↗
  3. Is stopping always the safest thing to do in an emergency?

    No, sometimes steering away is safer

    When there is not enough room to stop, you may have to steer away from what is ahead.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  4. Which is usually quicker, turning to miss an obstacle or stopping?

    Turning to miss it

    You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  5. Which vehicles may flip over when turned quickly to avoid an obstacle?

    Top-heavy vehicles and tractors with multiple trailers

    Quick turns are riskier for top-heavy vehicles and tractors pulling multiple trailers.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  6. What is the best way to be sure both hands are on the wheel when an emergency happens?

    Keep them there all the time

    A quick turn needs a firm grip with both hands, so keep them on the wheel at all times.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  7. Should you brake while making a quick turn to avoid an obstacle?

    No, it is very easy to lock the wheels and skid

    Braking while turning can lock the wheels and send you into a skid.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  8. How far should you turn the wheel when steering around an obstacle?

    No more than needed to clear it

    The sharper the turn, the greater the chance of a skid or rollover.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  9. What does countersteering mean?

    Turning the wheel back in the other direction

    After passing the obstacle, you turn the wheel back the other way.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  10. How should you think of emergency steering and countersteering?

    As two parts of one driving action

    Unless you are prepared to countersteer, you will not do it quickly enough.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  11. An oncoming driver has drifted into your lane. Which way is it best to move?

    To your right

    A move to the right is best.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  12. Why is moving right best when an oncoming driver drifts into your lane?

    That driver’s natural response will be to return to their own lane

    If the other driver realises the mistake, they will steer back to their own lane, which is on your left.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  13. The shoulder is clear and something blocks your lane. Why may going right be best?

    No one is likely to be on the shoulder, but someone may be passing on your left

    The shoulder is likely empty, while the left lane may hold a passing vehicle.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  14. You are blocked on both sides and must steer around an obstacle. Which way may be best?

    To the right

    Moving right at least will not force anyone into an opposing lane and a possible head-on accident.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  15. How will you know which lane is empty and safe to steer into in an emergency?

    From having used your mirrors

    Regular mirror checks tell you where the space is before you need it.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  16. Can most shoulders support a large vehicle that has to leave the road?

    Yes, most are strong enough

    Most shoulders can carry a large vehicle, so they offer an escape route.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  17. You have driven onto the shoulder in an emergency. When may you start using the brakes, if possible?

    When your speed has dropped to about 20 mph

    Stay off the brakes until about 20 mph, then brake very gently.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  18. Why should you brake very gently after leaving the road?

    To avoid skidding on a loose surface

    A shoulder is often loose, and hard braking there can cause a skid.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  19. If you have to leave the road, where should you try to keep your wheels?

    One set on the pavement, if possible

    Keeping one set of wheels on the pavement helps you keep control.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  20. You are on a clear shoulder after an emergency. What should you do next?

    Stay on it until you stop, then signal and check mirrors before pulling back

    If the shoulder is clear, come to a stop on it before returning to the road.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  21. You are forced to return to the road before you can stop. How should you steer back?

    Hold the wheel tightly and turn sharply enough to get right back on

    A firm, definite turn gets you back on the pavement safely.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  22. Why should you not edge gradually back onto the road?

    Your tires might grab unexpectedly and you could lose control

    Tires rubbing along the pavement edge can grab suddenly.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  23. When returning to the road from the shoulder, when do you countersteer?

    Immediately, when both front tires are on the paved surface

    The turn back and the countersteer are made as a single move.

    Section 2 · 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid an Accident ↗
  24. When you brake in an emergency, what should the way you brake allow?

    Keeping the vehicle in a straight line with the ability to turn if needed

    Brake so the vehicle stays straight and you can still steer.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  25. What is controlled braking?

    Applying the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels

    In controlled braking you brake hard but stop short of locking the wheels.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  26. During controlled braking, how large should your steering movements be?

    Very small

    Keep steering movements very small. For a larger adjustment, release the brakes first.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  27. During controlled braking the wheels lock. What should you do?

    Release the brakes, then reapply as soon as you can

    If the wheels lock or you need a larger steering adjustment, release the brakes and reapply as soon as possible.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  28. In stab braking, when do you release the brakes?

    When the wheels lock up

    Apply the brakes all the way, then release when the wheels lock.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  29. In stab braking, when do you apply the brakes fully again?

    As soon as the wheels start rolling

    Reapply fully as soon as the wheels roll again.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  30. In stab braking, how long can it take for the wheels to start rolling after you release the brakes?

    Up to 1 second

    It can take up to 1 second for the wheels to start rolling.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  31. What happens if you reapply the brakes in stab braking before the wheels start rolling?

    The vehicle will not straighten out

    The wheels need to roll again before the next application, or the vehicle stays out of line.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  32. In which vehicles can stab braking be done?

    Only in vehicles without anti-lock brake systems

    Stab braking is only for vehicles without ABS.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  33. What happens if you push the brake pedal down as hard as you can in an emergency?

    The wheels stay locked and the vehicle skids

    Jamming on the brakes keeps the wheels locked, and with skidding wheels you cannot control the vehicle.

    Section 2 · 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely ↗
  34. For most hydraulic brake failures, what are the two causes?

    Loss of hydraulic pressure and brake fade on long hills

    Hydraulic brakes kept in good condition rarely fail. When they do, it is usually lost pressure or fade.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  35. How does the brake pedal feel when the hydraulic system will not build up pressure?

    Spongy, or it goes to the floor

    A spongy pedal or one that sinks to the floor signals lost hydraulic pressure.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  36. Your hydraulic brakes lose pressure. Why try pumping the brake pedal?

    It may generate enough hydraulic pressure to stop the vehicle

    Pumping sometimes builds enough pressure to stop.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  37. Your hydraulic brakes fail. How does downshifting help?

    A lower gear helps slow the vehicle

    Putting the vehicle into a lower gear uses the engine to slow it.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  38. Why can the parking brake be used to slow the vehicle when the hydraulic brakes fail?

    It is separate from the hydraulic brake system

    The parking or emergency brake does not depend on hydraulic pressure.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  39. When using the parking brake to slow down after hydraulic brake failure, what should you do at the same time?

    Press the release button or pull the release lever

    Holding the release lets you adjust the brake pressure and keeps the wheels from locking.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  40. While slowing after a brake failure, which of these is a good way to slow and stop the vehicle?

    Turning uphill

    Look for an escape route such as an open field, side street or escape ramp. Turning uphill slows the vehicle.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  41. You have stopped on an uphill escape route after a brake failure. How do you keep the vehicle from rolling backward?

    Put it in low gear, apply the parking brake and, if needed, roll back into an obstacle

    Low gear and the parking brake hold the vehicle. If necessary, let it roll back against something that will stop it.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  42. What will almost always prevent brake failure on long downgrades?

    Going slow enough and braking properly

    Proper speed and braking technique almost always prevent brake failure on long grades.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  43. Your brakes have failed on a downgrade. What is your best hope?

    An escape ramp

    An escape ramp is the best hope, and signs will tell you about it.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  44. Where are escape ramps usually located?

    A few miles from the top of the downgrade

    Ramps are usually a few miles down from the top.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  45. How do some escape ramps bring a vehicle to a stop?

    With soft gravel that resists the motion of the vehicle

    Some ramps use soft gravel. Others turn uphill and use gravel to hold the vehicle in place.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  46. Your brakes fail on a downgrade and there is no escape ramp. What should you do?

    Take the least hazardous escape route, such as an open field or a side road that turns uphill

    Use an open field or a side road that flattens out or turns uphill.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  47. When should you make your move to an escape route after losing your brakes on a downgrade?

    As soon as you know the brakes do not work

    The longer you wait, the faster the vehicle goes and the harder it is to stop.

    Section 2 · 2.17.3 – Brake Failure ↗
  48. You hear the loud bang of a tire blowing. What is the safest assumption?

    That it is one of your tires

    Your vehicle may take a few seconds to react, so assume the tire is yours.

    Section 2 · 2.17.4 – Tire Failure ↗
  49. What may be the only sign that a rear tire has gone flat?

    The vehicle thumps or vibrates heavily

    With a rear tire, heavy thumping or vibration may be the only sign.

    Section 2 · 2.17.4 – Tire Failure ↗
  50. The steering suddenly feels heavy. What has probably happened?

    One of the front tires has failed

    Heavy steering is probably a sign of a front tire failure.

    Section 2 · 2.17.4 – Tire Failure ↗
  51. Failure of a rear tire can make a vehicle fishtail. What usually prevents this?

    Dual rear tires

    A failed rear tire can make the vehicle slide back and forth, but dual rear tires usually prevent it.

    Section 2 · 2.17.4 – Tire Failure ↗
  52. Why must you hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands at all times?

    A front tire failure can twist the wheel out of your hands

    A firm two-handed grip is the only way to keep the wheel when a front tire fails.

    Section 2 · 2.17.4 – Tire Failure ↗
  53. A tire fails and you are not about to hit anything. What should you do with the brakes?

    Stay off them until the vehicle has slowed down

    Braking when a tire has failed could cause loss of control.

    Section 2 · 2.17.4 – Tire Failure ↗
  54. After a tire failure, once the vehicle has slowed down, what do you do?

    Brake very gently, pull off the road and stop

    When the vehicle has slowed, brake gently and get off the road.

    Section 2 · 2.17.4 – Tire Failure ↗
  55. After stopping for a suspected tire failure, the vehicle seems to handle normally. Should you still check the tires?

    Yes, get out and check all of them

    If one of a pair of dual tires goes, looking at it may be the only way to know.

    Section 2 · 2.17.4 – Tire Failure ↗
  56. What is ABS?

    A computerized system that keeps the wheels from locking during hard braking

    ABS is an addition to your normal brakes that prevents wheel lockup in hard braking.

    Section 2 · 2.18 – Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) ↗
  57. When does ABS activate?

    Only when wheels are about to lock up

    ABS comes into play only when a wheel is about to lock.

    Section 2 · 2.18 – Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) ↗
  58. Does ABS shorten your stopping distance?

    Not necessarily, but it helps you keep control during hard braking

    ABS helps with control. It may or may not let you stop sooner.

    Section 2 · 2.18 – Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) ↗
  59. Does ABS increase or decrease your normal braking capability?

    Neither

    ABS is an addition to the normal brakes and leaves their capability unchanged.

    Section 2 · 2.18 – Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) ↗
  60. How does ABS avoid wheel lockup?

    Sensors detect possible lockup and an electronic control unit decreases brake pressure

    Sensors watch the wheels, and the ECU lowers brake pressure when a wheel is about to lock.

    Section 2 · 2.18.1 – How Anti-lock Braking Systems Work ↗
  61. Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after what date must have ABS?

    March 1, 1997

    Air-braked truck tractors built on or after March 1, 1997 must have ABS.

    Section 2 · 2.18.2 – Vehicles Required to Have ABS ↗
  62. Other air brake vehicles, such as trucks, buses, trailers and converter dollies, must have ABS if built on or after what date?

    March 1, 1998

    Air-braked trucks, buses, trailers and converter dollies built on or after March 1, 1998 must have ABS.

    Section 2 · 2.18.2 – Vehicles Required to Have ABS ↗
  63. Hydraulically-braked trucks and buses of 10,000 pounds GVWR or more must have ABS if built on or after what date?

    March 1, 1999

    For hydraulically-braked trucks and buses the date is March 1, 1999.

    Section 2 · 2.18.2 – Vehicles Required to Have ABS ↗
  64. The ABS requirement for hydraulically-braked trucks and buses applies from what GVWR?

    10,000 pounds or more

    It applies to hydraulically-braked trucks and buses with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more.

    Section 2 · 2.18.2 – Vehicles Required to Have ABS ↗
  65. Can a CMV built before the required dates have ABS?

    Yes, many have been voluntarily equipped with it

    Many older CMVs were fitted with ABS voluntarily.

    Section 2 · 2.18.2 – Vehicles Required to Have ABS ↗
  66. Where is the ABS malfunction lamp on tractors, trucks and buses, and what colour is it?

    Yellow, on the instrument panel

    Tractors, trucks and buses have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the instrument panel.

    Section 2 · 2.18.3 – How to Know if Your Vehicle Is Equipped With ABS ↗
  67. Where is the yellow ABS malfunction lamp on a trailer?

    On the left side, at the front or rear corner

    Trailers carry the lamp on the left side, on either the front or rear corner.

    Section 2 · 2.18.3 – How to Know if Your Vehicle Is Equipped With ABS ↗
  68. Which dollies are required to have a yellow ABS lamp on the left side?

    Those manufactured on or after March 1, 1998

    Dollies built on or after March 1, 1998 must have the lamp.

    Section 2 · 2.18.3 – How to Know if Your Vehicle Is Equipped With ABS ↗
  69. On newer vehicles, what does the ABS malfunction lamp do at start-up?

    Comes on for a bulb check, then goes out quickly

    The brief light at start-up is a system check.

    Section 2 · 2.18.3 – How to Know if Your Vehicle Is Equipped With ABS ↗
  70. On older ABS systems, until when could the malfunction lamp stay on?

    Until you are driving over 5 mph

    On older systems the lamp could stay on until you pass 5 mph.

    Section 2 · 2.18.3 – How to Know if Your Vehicle Is Equipped With ABS ↗
  71. The ABS lamp stays on after the bulb check, or comes on once you are under way. What does this mean?

    You may have lost ABS control

    A lamp that stays on or comes on while driving warns that ABS may not be working on one or more wheels.

    Section 2 · 2.18.3 – How to Know if Your Vehicle Is Equipped With ABS ↗
  72. How can you tell whether an older towed unit, built before ABS was required, has ABS?

    Look under it for the ECU and wheel speed sensor wires at the back of the brakes

    The ECU and sensor wires coming from the back of the brakes show that ABS is fitted.

    Section 2 · 2.18.3 – How to Know if Your Vehicle Is Equipped With ABS ↗
  73. With ABS, what should you be able to do while braking hard?

    Steer around an obstacle

    ABS lets you keep steering control and avoid skids caused by over braking.

    Section 2 · 2.18.4 – How ABS Helps You ↗
  74. Does having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer or only one axle help?

    Yes, it still gives you more control during braking

    Partial ABS still improves control. Brake normally.

    Section 2 · 2.18.5 – ABS on the Tractor Only or Only on the Trailer ↗
  75. Only your tractor has ABS. What should you watch while braking?

    The trailer, and ease off the brakes if it begins to swing out

    You should keep steering control, but the trailer can still swing. Let up on the brakes if you can safely do so.

    Section 2 · 2.18.5 – ABS on the Tractor Only or Only on the Trailer ↗
  76. Only your trailer has ABS. What should you do if you lose steering control or start a tractor jackknife?

    Let up on the brakes, if safe, until you regain control

    The trailer is less likely to swing out, but the tractor can still lock. Ease off the brakes to regain control.

    Section 2 · 2.18.5 – ABS on the Tractor Only or Only on the Trailer ↗
  77. How should you brake in a vehicle with ABS?

    As you always have, using only the force needed to stop safely

    Brake the same way whether or not the vehicle has ABS.

    Section 2 · 2.18.6 – Braking With ABS ↗
  78. What is the one exception to braking normally with ABS?

    In an emergency stop with working ABS on all axles, you can fully apply the brakes

    A straight truck or combination with working ABS on every axle can be braked fully in an emergency stop.

    Section 2 · 2.18.6 – Braking With ABS ↗
  79. Your ABS malfunctions during a trip. What should you do?

    Drive normally and get the system serviced soon

    Without ABS you still have regular brakes.

    Section 2 · 2.18.7 – Braking if ABS Is Not Working ↗
  80. Which skids will ABS not prevent?

    Skids from spinning the drive wheels or going too fast in a turn

    ABS should prevent brake-induced skids and jackknifes, but not power or turning skids.

    Section 2 · 2.18.8 – Safety Reminders ↗
  81. Does ABS allow you to drive faster or follow more closely?

    No

    ABS does not let you drive faster, follow more closely or drive less carefully.

    Section 2 · 2.18.8 – Safety Reminders ↗
  82. How does the handbook describe ABS in relation to your normal brakes?

    An add-on, not a replacement

    ABS does not increase or decrease ultimate stopping power.

    Section 2 · 2.18.8 – Safety Reminders ↗
  83. Will ABS make up for brakes that are in poor condition?

    No, it will not compensate for bad brakes or poor maintenance

    ABS depends on the normal brakes being in good order.

    Section 2 · 2.18.8 – Safety Reminders ↗
  84. According to the handbook, what is still the best vehicle safety feature?

    A safe driver

    Drive so that you never need your ABS.

    Section 2 · 2.18.8 – Safety Reminders ↗
  85. When does a skid happen?

    Whenever the tires lose their grip on the road

    A skid is a loss of tire grip, caused by over-braking, over-steering, over-acceleration or driving too fast.

    Section 2 · 2.19 – Skid Control and Recovery ↗
  86. What is over-steering?

    Turning the wheels more sharply than the vehicle can turn

    Over-steering asks the vehicle to turn more sharply than it can.

    Section 2 · 2.19 – Skid Control and Recovery ↗
  87. What is over-acceleration?

    Supplying too much power to the drive wheels so they spin

    Too much power makes the drive wheels spin and lose grip.

    Section 2 · 2.19 – Skid Control and Recovery ↗
  88. What do most serious skids result from?

    Driving too fast for road conditions

    Drivers who adjust to conditions do not have to over-brake or over-steer.

    Section 2 · 2.19 – Skid Control and Recovery ↗
  89. Besides braking too hard, what else is named under over-braking as a cause of skids?

    Using the speed retarder when the road is slippery

    A speed retarder on a slippery road can cause a skid.

    Section 2 · 2.19 – Skid Control and Recovery ↗
  90. What is by far the most common skid?

    One in which the rear wheels lose traction through excessive braking or acceleration

    Rear-wheel, or drive-wheel, skids are the most common.

    Section 2 · 2.19.1 – Drive-Wheel Skids ↗
  91. How can you easily stop a skid caused by acceleration on ice or snow?

    Take your foot off the accelerator

    Acceleration skids usually stop when you release the accelerator.

    Section 2 · 2.19.1 – Drive-Wheel Skids ↗
  92. In an acceleration skid on a very slippery road, why push the clutch in?

    Otherwise the engine can keep the wheels from rolling freely and regaining traction

    With the clutch in, the wheels are free to roll and grip again.

    Section 2 · 2.19.1 – Drive-Wheel Skids ↗
  93. How does the traction of locked wheels compare with rolling wheels?

    Locked wheels have less traction

    Because locked wheels grip less, locked rear wheels usually slide sideways.

    Section 2 · 2.19.1 – Drive-Wheel Skids ↗
  94. What happens to a bus or straight truck in a rear wheel braking skid?

    It slides sideways in a “spin out”

    The rear wheels try to catch up with the front and the vehicle spins out.

    Section 2 · 2.19.1 – Drive-Wheel Skids ↗
  95. What can a drive-wheel skid cause in a vehicle towing a trailer?

    The trailer can push the towing vehicle sideways into a sudden jackknife

    The trailer pushes the towing vehicle sideways.

    Section 2 · 2.19.1 – Drive-Wheel Skids ↗
  96. What is the first step in correcting a drive-wheel braking skid?

    Stop braking

    Releasing the brakes lets the rear wheels roll again and keeps them from sliding.

    Section 2 · 2.19.2 – Correcting a Drive-Wheel Braking Skid ↗
  97. Why must you countersteer quickly as the vehicle turns back on course after a skid?

    It tends to keep turning, and you may skid in the opposite direction

    A vehicle coming back on course keeps turning unless you steer the other way.

    Section 2 · 2.19.2 – Correcting a Drive-Wheel Braking Skid ↗
  98. Where is the best place to practise skid recovery?

    On a large driving range or “skid pad”

    Skid recovery takes a lot of practice, and a driving range or skid pad is the place for it.

    Section 2 · 2.19.2 – Correcting a Drive-Wheel Braking Skid ↗
  99. What causes most front-wheel skids?

    Driving too fast for conditions

    Speed that is too high for the conditions is the main cause.

    Section 2 · 2.19.3 – Front-Wheel Skids ↗
  100. Besides speed, which of these can cause a front-wheel skid?

    Lack of tread on the front tires, or too little weight on the front axle

    Worn front tires and cargo loaded so the front axle is too light are other causes.

    Section 2 · 2.19.3 – Front-Wheel Skids ↗
  101. What does the front end do in a front-wheel skid?

    It goes in a straight line no matter how much you turn the wheel

    On a very slippery surface you may not be able to steer around a curve or turn.

    Section 2 · 2.19.3 – Front-Wheel Skids ↗
  102. What is the only way to stop a front-wheel skid?

    Let the vehicle slow down

    Stop turning or braking so hard and slow down as quickly as possible without skidding.

    Section 2 · 2.19.3 – Front-Wheel Skids ↗

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