How to Handle Accidents, Fires, and Secure Cargo - Step-by-Step Tutorial

Proper procedures for accidents, fires, and cargo securement protect you, your cargo, and the public. This tutorial covers the step-by-step processes for each situation—all commonly tested on the CDL exam.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time Required: 20 minutes to understand concepts
Prerequisites: Basic commercial vehicle operation knowledge

Part 1: Accident Procedures

Step 1: Protect the Area

Goal: Prevent another accident at the same location.

1. Move your vehicle to the side of the road (if involved and able)
2. Turn on four-way flashers
3. Set out reflective triangles to warn traffic
4. If stopping to help, park away from the scene

Why park away? Emergency vehicles need space near the accident.

Step 2: Notify Authorities

1. Use cell phone or CB before exiting vehicle if possible
2. If no phone, protect scene first, then call or send someone
3. Provide exact location (mile marker, cross streets, landmarks)
4. Describe the situation (injuries, vehicles involved, hazards)

Step 3: Care for the Injured

If qualified help is present: Stay out of the way unless asked to assist.

Part 2: Fire Fighting Procedures

Step 1: Get Off the Road Safely

1. Pull into an open area
2. Stay away from buildings, trees, brush, other vehicles
3. Do NOT pull into a service station

Step 2: Notify Emergency Services

Call 911 with:

• Your location
• Type of fire
• Type of cargo (especially if hazmat)

Step 3: Prevent Fire from Spreading

For Engine Fires:

1. Turn off the engine immediately
2. Do NOT open the hood (oxygen feeds fire)
3. Shoot foam through louvers, radiator, or from underneath

For Cargo Fires (Van/Box Trailer):

1. Keep doors shut
2. Opening doors provides oxygen = rapid burning
3. Especially critical with hazardous materials

Step 4: Use Fire Extinguisher Correctly

Know Your Fire Extinguisher Type

Never use water on: Electrical fires (shock) or gasoline fires (spreads flames).

Part 3: Cargo Inspection Schedule

When to Inspect

What to Check

• Cargo hasn't shifted
• Tie-downs are still tight
• Covers are secure (not flapping)
• No damage to securing devices
• Load hasn't become unbalanced

Part 4: Proper Weight Distribution

Step 1: Avoid Overloading

Check that you don't exceed:

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
• Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
• Individual axle weight limits
• Tire load ratings

Step 2: Keep Center of Gravity Low

Step 3: Balance Weight Properly

Part 5: Securing Cargo Properly

Step 1: Use Blocking and Bracing

Blocking:

• Placed in front, back, and/or sides of cargo
• Shaped to fit snugly against cargo
• Secured to cargo deck
• Prevents sliding

Bracing:

• Goes from cargo to floor or walls
• Prevents cargo movement
• Supports cargo from above

Step 2: Apply Proper Tie-Downs

Minimum Requirements:

Rule: 1 tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo, minimum of 2.

Step 3: Verify Working Load Limit

Total working load limit of tie-down system must be at least ½ the cargo weight.

Example: 4,000 lb cargo requires tie-downs rated for at least 2,000 lb total.

Step 4: Check Header Board

The front-end header board ("headache rack") should:

• Be in good condition
• Block forward movement of cargo
• Protect driver in crash or emergency stop

Step 5: Cover Cargo When Required

Cover cargo to:

• Protect people from spilled cargo
• Protect cargo from weather

Check covers in mirrors while driving—flapping covers can tear loose.

Part 6: Special Cargo Handling

Dry Bulk Tanks

• High center of gravity
• Load can shift
• Go slow on curves and sharp turns

Hanging Meat

• Very unstable load
• High center of gravity
• Extra caution on ramps and curves

Livestock

• Animals move around and lean
• Use false bulkheads for partial loads
• Slow on curves—leaning shifts center of gravity

Sealed Loads

• Cannot inspect contents
• Must still check weight limits
• Verify you're not overloaded

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Opening hood during engine fire Opening provides oxygen that feeds the fire. Shoot foam through openings instead.

Mistake 2: Opening van doors during cargo fire Oxygen will cause rapid burning. Keep doors shut.

Mistake 3: Using water on electrical or gasoline fires Water causes shock with electrical fires and spreads gasoline flames.

Mistake 4: Thinking coffee sobers you up Only time works. Liver processes about 1/3 oz alcohol per hour.

Mistake 5: Only using one tie-down on small cargo Minimum is always 2 tie-downs, regardless of cargo size.

Mistake 6: Putting heavy cargo on top Creates high center of gravity and rollover risk. Heavy cargo goes on bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: Away from the accident scene—emergency vehicles need that space.

Q: Should I use water on a tire fire?

A: Yes, tire fires need lots of water to cool down. But never use water on electrical or gasoline fires.

Q: How often must I check cargo during a trip?

A: Within first 50 miles, then every 3 hours or 150 miles, and after every break.

Q: What's the minimum number of tie-downs?

A: 2, regardless of cargo size. Add 1 more for each additional 10 feet of cargo.

Q: How do I know if cargo weight is balanced?

A: Check that steering isn't too heavy or too light. Vehicle should handle normally, not pull to one side.

Q: What's the BAC limit for CDL drivers?

A: 0.04%, half the regular limit.

Quick Reference

Accident Steps

1. Protect the area (flashers, triangles)
2. Notify authorities (911)
3. Care for injured (don't move unless danger)

Fire Extinguisher Use

• Stay far away
• Position upwind
• Aim at base
• Continue until cooled

Cargo Checks

• First 50 miles
• Every 3 hours OR 150 miles
• After every break

Tie-Down Rule

• Minimum 2 tie-downs
• 1 per 10 feet of cargo

Next Steps

1. Memorize the cargo inspection schedule (50 mi, 150 mi/3 hrs)
2. Know the tie-down requirements (minimum 2, 1 per 10 feet)
3. Remember fire extinguisher types (B:C minimum)
4. Understand weight distribution (heavy on bottom)

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