CDL General Knowledge III

Emergency plans are made when a hazard is identified in order to protect oneself and others. These plans outline the necessary actions to be taken in case of an emergency, such as evacuating the area, seeking shelter, or contacting emergency services. By having a plan in place, individuals can respond quickly and effectively to minimize the risks and potential harm caused by the hazard. This proactive approach ensures the safety and well-being of everyone involved and helps prevent further damage or injuries.

A hazard refers to any road condition or other road user that poses a potential danger. It can include things like potholes, slippery surfaces, pedestrians, or other vehicles that may cause accidents or harm to drivers. A flashing amber light and a small animal may also be considered hazards depending on the context, but the broad definition of a hazard encompasses any possible danger on the road.

Wet brakes can cause the brakes to become weak or grab. When brakes are wet, the water can interfere with the friction between the brake pads and the rotors, resulting in reduced braking power. This can cause the brakes to feel weak and less effective in stopping the vehicle. On the other hand, wet brakes can also cause the brakes to grab, meaning that they may suddenly engage and cause the vehicle to jerk or skid. Both of these effects can be dangerous and affect the overall performance and safety of the braking system.

The selection of a "safe" speed when going down a long steep downgrade is determined by several factors. These factors include the total weight of the vehicle, the length of the grade, the steepness of the slope, the road conditions, and the weather. The weight of the vehicle affects its ability to slow down and stop, while the length and steepness of the grade determine how quickly the vehicle will gain speed. Road conditions, such as the presence of curves, can impact the vehicle's stability and maneuverability. Additionally, weather conditions, such as rain or snow, can affect the road surface and further impact the vehicle's ability to maintain control.

At an accident scene, there are several things that can be done to prevent another accident. Firstly, getting the vehicle to the side of the road helps to clear the way for other vehicles and reduces the risk of further collisions. If stopping to help, parking away from the accident scene ensures that the area remains clear for emergency responders and prevents additional congestion. Finally, putting on flashers and setting out reflector triangles increases visibility and alerts other drivers to the presence of the accident, reducing the chances of another accident occurring. Therefore, all of the given options are correct.

To avoid wet brake problems, it is important to slow down and shift to a lower gear. This helps in reducing the speed and provides better control over the vehicle. Additionally, gently putting on the brakes allows for a gradual and controlled stop, preventing the brakes from locking up or skidding on wet surfaces. Driving in a regular manner may not be sufficient in wet conditions as it does not specifically address the need to slow down, shift gears, and apply the brakes gently.

Putting the brake on hard when a tire blows out is not the correct response. When a tire blows out, it can cause the vehicle to swerve or lose control. Slamming on the brakes suddenly can exacerbate this loss of control and potentially lead to an accident. The correct response is to gradually release the accelerator and steer in the direction of the blown-out tire while maintaining control of the vehicle.

Under inflated tires can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to a tire fire. When tires are not properly inflated, the increased friction between the tire and the road generates heat, which can ignite the tire. Duals that touch, or tires that are in direct contact with each other, can also cause tire fires. When dual tires rub against each other, the friction can generate enough heat to ignite the tires.

Going right instead of left around an obstacle offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to avoid a head-on collision, as you are moving away from the oncoming traffic. Secondly, taking the shoulder on the right side may be the best option as it provides additional space to maneuver around the obstacle. Lastly, going right also considers the possibility of someone passing to the left, ensuring that you do not obstruct their path. Therefore, all of the given options are advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle.

Letting air out of hot tires will actually decrease the pressure, not bring it back to normal. When tires heat up, the air inside them expands, causing an increase in pressure. Releasing air from hot tires would only further decrease the pressure, potentially leading to underinflation. It is recommended to check and adjust tire pressure when they are cold, as this will provide a more accurate reading.

An "escape ramp" is a ramp that is located a few miles from the top of a downgrade to help drivers stop their vehicles in case of brake failure or other emergencies. These ramps provide a safe area for vehicles to slow down and come to a stop, preventing accidents or collisions that may occur if the vehicle is unable to stop on the downhill slope.

Before starting down a hill, it is important to be in the proper gear because gravity can cause the speed of the vehicle to increase. Being in the proper gear allows the driver to have better control over the vehicle's speed and prevents it from gaining too much momentum. Shifting gears while going downhill can be dangerous and can lead to loss of control. Therefore, it is necessary to be in the right gear beforehand to ensure a safe and smooth descent.

Stopping may not always be the safest thing to do in an emergency because there might be situations where it is more dangerous to stop abruptly. For example, if a vehicle is approaching from behind at a high speed, suddenly stopping could lead to a rear-end collision. In such cases, it might be safer to take evasive actions such as swerving or accelerating to avoid the imminent danger. Therefore, stopping is not always the safest option in an emergency.

Removing the radiator cap while the engine is running or even when it's not overheated can be extremely dangerous. The radiator cap is designed to hold the pressure generated by the cooling system, and removing it can cause hot coolant and steam to spray out forcefully, leading to severe burns. It is always recommended to wait until the engine has cooled down completely before attempting to remove the radiator cap. Therefore, the given statement is false.

The proper braking technique when going down a long steep downgrade is to apply the brake just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown. Once the speed has been reduced to around 5 mph below the "safe" speed, the brake should be released. When the speed increases back to the "safe" speed, the process of applying the brake and releasing it should be repeated. This ensures that the vehicle maintains a safe and controlled speed while descending the steep downgrade.