Accidents, Fires, Compliance & Cargo FAQ - Common Questions Answered

Quick answers to commonly tested questions from Sections 2.20-2.23 and Section 3 covering accident procedures, fire fighting, alcohol/drug rules, hazmat basics, and cargo securement.

Accident Procedure Questions

Q: What are the three basic steps at an accident scene?

A: (1) Protect the area, (2) Notify authorities, (3) Care for the injured.

Q: What should you do first to protect the accident area?

A: Move your vehicle to the side of the road if possible, turn on four-way flashers, and set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic.

Q: Where should you park if stopping to help at an accident?

A: Away from the accident scene. The area immediately around the accident is needed for emergency vehicles.

Q: When should you move a severely injured person?

A: Only if there is danger of fire or passing traffic. Otherwise, don't move them—you could cause further injury.

Q: How do you stop heavy bleeding?

A: Apply direct pressure to the wound. Also keep the injured person warm.

Fire Questions

Q: What type of fire extinguisher is required for commercial vehicles?

A: Minimum B:C type (effective on electrical fires and burning liquids). A:B:C type is better as it also works on wood, paper, and cloth.

Q: What fires can a B:C extinguisher put out?

A: B = burning liquids (gasoline, oil, grease). C = electrical fires. It is NOT effective on Class A fires (wood, paper, cloth).

Q: Should you use water on an electrical fire?

A: No. Water conducts electricity and can cause shock. Use B:C or A:B:C dry chemical extinguisher.

Q: Should you use water on a gasoline fire?

A: No. Water spreads gasoline flames. Use B:C or A:B:C extinguisher.

Q: What about a tire fire?

A: Yes, use water. Burning tires must be cooled, and lots of water is usually required.

Q: Where should you aim a fire extinguisher?

A: At the base of the fire, not up in the flames.

Q: How should you position yourself when using an extinguisher?

A: Upwind, so the wind carries the extinguisher spray toward the fire.

Q: Should you open the hood during an engine fire?

A: No. Opening the hood provides oxygen that feeds the fire. Shoot foam through louvers, the radiator, or from underneath.

Q: What should you do for a cargo fire in a van trailer?

A: Keep the doors shut. Opening them supplies oxygen and can cause the fire to burn very fast.

Q: Where should you pull off during a fire?

A: An open area away from buildings, trees, brush, and other vehicles. Never pull into a service station.

Alcohol and Drug Questions

Q: What is the BAC limit for CDL drivers?

A: 0.04%—half the limit for regular drivers (0.08%).

Q: Do different types of alcohol have different effects?

A: No. These all contain the same amount of alcohol: 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor.

Q: What can help you sober up faster?

A: Nothing but time. Coffee, cold showers, fresh air, and exercise do NOT help. The liver processes only about 1/3 oz of alcohol per hour.

Q: What part of the brain does alcohol affect first?

A: Judgment and self-control. This is why impaired people don't realize they're impaired.

Q: Can you take prescription drugs while driving?

A: Only if the doctor says it won't affect safe driving ability.

Q: Can over-the-counter drugs affect driving?

A: Yes. Cold medicines and antihistamines can cause drowsiness and affect driving ability.

Q: Should you use drugs to stay awake?

A: No. The only cure for fatigue is rest. Drugs that hide fatigue are dangerous.

Hazmat Questions

Q: Do you need a hazmat endorsement for all hazardous cargo?

A: Only for placarded vehicles. If the cargo doesn't require placards, you don't need the endorsement.

Q: What are placards?

A: Diamond-shaped warning signs placed on vehicles to identify hazardous cargo. At least 4 identical placards are required (front, rear, both sides).

Q: Where must hazmat shipping papers be kept?

A: In the driver's door pouch, OR in clear view within reach while driving, OR on the driver's seat when out of the vehicle.

Q: What happens if you drive a placarded vehicle without a hazmat endorsement?

A: It's a crime. You'll be cited, can't drive the truck, and risk lives if there's an accident.

Q: Why are shipping paper locations so important?

A: If you're injured and can't communicate, emergency responders need to quickly find what hazardous materials you're carrying.

Cargo Inspection Questions

Q: What four things are drivers responsible for regarding cargo?

A: (1) Inspecting cargo, (2) Recognizing overloads and poor balance, (3) Knowing cargo is properly secured, (4) Ensuring cargo doesn't block your view or emergency equipment.

Q: When must you first inspect cargo after starting a trip?

A: Within the first 50 miles. Make any needed adjustments.

Q: How often must you re-check cargo during a trip?

A: Every 3 hours or 150 miles, and after every break.

Q: What should you check during cargo inspections?

A: Cargo hasn't shifted, tie-downs are tight, covers are secure, and load is still balanced.

Weight and Balance Questions

Q: What happens if you're overloaded?

A: Hard steering, longer stopping distance, brake failure from overwork, slow on upgrades, too fast on downgrades.

Q: What is center of gravity?

A: The point where weight is concentrated. A high center of gravity (cargo piled high or heavy on top) increases rollover risk.

Q: How should cargo be loaded to prevent rollover?

A: Put heavy cargo on the bottom, light cargo on top. Keep weight as low as possible.

Q: What happens if too much weight is on the steering axle?

A: Hard steering and possible damage to the steering axle and tires.

Q: What happens if too little weight is on the steering axle?

A: Steering becomes too light and unsafe. Vehicle may be hard to control.

Q: What happens if too little weight is on drive axles?

A: Poor traction—drive wheels may spin easily, especially in bad weather.

Cargo Securement Questions

Q: What is blocking?

A: Material placed against cargo in front, back, and/or sides to keep it from sliding. It's shaped to fit snugly and secured to the deck.

Q: What is bracing?

A: Material that goes from the cargo to the floor or walls of the cargo compartment to prevent movement.

Q: What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any cargo?

A: 2 tie-downs, regardless of cargo size.

Q: How many tie-downs are required based on cargo length?

A: At least 1 tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo, with a minimum of 2 tie-downs for any load.

Q: What is the working load limit requirement?

A: The total working load limit of tie-downs must be at least half (½) the weight of the cargo.

Q: What is a header board?

A: Also called a "headache rack"—a front-end structure that protects the driver from cargo in a crash or emergency stop. It should block forward movement of cargo.

Q: Why cover cargo on an open bed?

A: Two reasons: (1) Protect people from spilled cargo, (2) Protect cargo from weather.

Q: Can you inspect a sealed load?

A: You can't inspect the contents, but you must still check that you don't exceed weight limits.

Special Cargo Questions

Q: Why are dry bulk tanks dangerous?

A: They have a high center of gravity and the load can shift. Go slow on curves and turns.

Q: Why is hanging meat unstable?

A: It swings and shifts, creating a high center of gravity. Use extra caution on ramps and curves.

Q: How do you handle livestock?

A: Use false bulkheads to keep animals bunched with partial loads. Go slow on curves—they lean and shift center of gravity.

Q: What do oversized loads require?

A: Special permits, limited driving times, and possibly special equipment like "wide load" signs, flags, police escorts, or pilot vehicles.

Key Numbers Summary

Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our Cargo and Compliance questions.