Emergencies and Compliance - Complete Guide

Knowing how to handle emergencies and understanding compliance rules can save lives. Sections 2.17-2.23 of the CDL manual cover emergency steering and braking, ABS operation, skid recovery, accident procedures, fire extinguishers, alcohol/drug rules, and hazmat basics—all frequently tested on the CDL exam.

Emergency Steering

Key Principle

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

Exception: Top-heavy vehicles and tractors with multiple trailers may flip over.

How to Steer in Emergencies

Where to Steer

Leaving the Road

If you must drive off the road:

1. Avoid braking until speed drops to about 20 mph
2. Keep one set of wheels on pavement if possible
3. Stay on shoulder until stopped
4. Signal and check mirrors before returning

Returning to Road

• Turn sharply to get back on road safely
• Don't edge back gradually (tires may grab unexpectedly)
• Counter-steer immediately when front tires are on pavement

Emergency Braking Methods

Controlled Braking

• Apply brakes as hard as possible without locking wheels
• Keep steering movements very small
• If wheels lock or need larger steering adjustment, release and reapply

Stab Braking

• Apply brakes fully, release when wheels lock
• Wait until wheels start rolling (up to 1 second)
• Reapply brakes fully
• Repeat as needed

Warning: Don't jam brakes—locked wheels cause skids and loss of control.

Brake Failure

Causes

What to Do

1. Downshift to lower gear
2. Pump brakes (may build pressure)
3. Use parking brake (hold release so you can adjust pressure)
4. Find escape route (open field, side road, escape ramp, uphill)

On Downgrades

• Use escape ramp if available—they save lives
• Look for uphill road or soft surface
• Act quickly—the longer you wait, the faster you'll go

Tire Failure

Signs of Tire Failure

Response

1. Hold steering wheel firmly (front blowout can twist wheel from hands)
2. Stay off the brake until vehicle slows
3. Brake gently, pull off road, stop
4. Check all tires (dual tire failure may not be obvious)

Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)

What ABS Does

• Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking
• Helps maintain steering control
• Does NOT necessarily shorten stopping distance

What ABS Does NOT Do

ABS Indicator Light

• Yellow malfunction lamp on dash (tractors, trucks, buses)
• Yellow lamp on left side of trailers
• Light comes on at startup, then goes out
• If light stays on: ABS not working (you still have regular brakes)

How to Brake with ABS

Brake normally. ABS only activates when wheels are about to lock.

• If ABS on all axles: can fully apply brakes in emergency
• If ABS only on tractor: watch trailer, ease off if it swings
• If ABS only on trailer: ease off if you lose steering or tractor jackknifes

Skid Control and Recovery

Four Causes of Skids

Drive-Wheel (Rear) Skids

Most common type. Rear wheels lock and slide sideways.

Recovery:

1. Stop braking (let rear wheels roll)
2. Counter-steer (turn into the skid direction)
3. Be ready to counter-steer again as vehicle straightens

In trailer combinations, drive-wheel skid can cause jackknife.

Front-Wheel Skids

Front wheels lose traction—vehicle goes straight regardless of steering.

Recovery:

1. Let vehicle slow down (only way to regain traction)
2. Stop turning and braking so hard
3. Slow down as quickly as possible without skidding

Accident Procedures

Three Basic Steps

1. Protect the area
2. Notify authorities
3. Care for the injured

Protect the Area

• Move vehicle to side of road if possible
• Turn on four-way flashers
• Set out reflective triangles

Care for the Injured

• Don't move severely injured unless fire/traffic danger
• Stop heavy bleeding with direct pressure
• Keep injured person warm
• Let qualified persons help if present

Fires

Fire Extinguisher Types

B:C is the minimum required for commercial vehicles.

What NOT to Use

Fire Fighting Procedure

1. Pull off road to open area (not service station!)
2. Notify emergency services
3. Keep fire from spreading
4. Engine fire: Turn off engine, don't open hood, shoot foam through openings
5. Cargo fire (van): Keep doors shut (oxygen feeds fire)
6. Aim at base of fire, not flames
7. Position yourself upwind

Alcohol and Drug Rules

BAC Limits

Equal Amounts of Alcohol

These all contain the same amount of alcohol:

• 12 oz beer (5%)
• 5 oz wine (12%)
• 1.5 oz shot (80 proof)

What Alcohol Affects

• Judgment and self-control (first affected)
• Muscle coordination
• Reaction time
• Vision (depth perception, night vision)

Sobering Up

Only TIME sobers you up. Liver processes about 1/3 oz alcohol per hour.

Drug Rules

• Illegal drugs prohibited
• Legal drugs: only if doctor says won't affect driving
• Pay attention to warning labels
• Don't use drugs to hide fatigue—only rest cures fatigue

Hazmat Basics (All Drivers)

What You Must Know

• How to recognize hazardous cargo
• Whether you can haul it without hazmat endorsement

Placards

• Diamond-shaped warning signs on vehicle
• At least 4 identical placards (front, rear, both sides)
• Must be at least 10 inches square (250mm)
• Required if cargo meets certain thresholds

Shipping Papers

Must be kept:

• In pouch on driver's door, OR
• In clear view within reach while driving, OR
• On driver's seat when out of vehicle

Key Rule

You need a hazmat endorsement to drive a placarded vehicle. Driving without it is a crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you steer to avoid a crash faster than you can stop?

A: Usually yes. You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop—unless you're in a top-heavy vehicle or pulling multiple trailers.

Q: What braking method applies full brakes, releases when locked, then reapplies?

A: Stab braking. Wait up to 1 second for wheels to start rolling before reapplying.

Q: Does ABS shorten stopping distance?

A: Not necessarily. ABS helps you maintain control and steer during hard braking, but may not reduce stopping distance.

Q: What does a yellow ABS light that stays on mean?

A: ABS is not working on one or more wheels. You still have regular brakes—drive normally but get system serviced.

Q: How do you recover from a rear-wheel skid?

A: Stop braking (let wheels roll) and counter-steer (turn into the skid). Be ready to counter-steer again.

Q: How do you recover from a front-wheel skid?

A: Let the vehicle slow down—it's the only way to regain traction. Stop turning and braking so hard.

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

A: Minimum B:C type (for electrical fires and burning liquids). A:B:C type also works on wood, paper, and cloth.

Q: What is the CDL alcohol limit?

A: 0.04% BAC—half the limit for regular drivers.

Q: How long does it take to sober up?

A: Only time works. The liver processes about 1/3 oz of alcohol per hour. Coffee, cold showers, and fresh air don't help.

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.

Next Steps

Memorize key facts:

• B:C fire extinguisher for electrical/liquid fires
• 0.04% BAC limit for CDL
• ABS light stays on = ABS malfunction
• Rear skid: stop braking, counter-steer

Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our Emergency Procedures questions.