Emergencies and Compliance Cheat Sheet - Quick Reference Guide
Quick reference for exam-critical information from Sections 2.17-2.23: emergency procedures, ABS, skid recovery, fires, alcohol/drugs, and hazmat basics.
Emergency Steering
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Keep both hands on wheel | Brake while turning |
| Turn only as much as needed | Over-steer |
| Counter-steer immediately | Edge back onto road gradually |
| Steer RIGHT if blocked | Panic |
Key: You can turn faster than you can stop.
Emergency Braking Methods
| Method | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Controlled | Brake hard without locking, small steering moves |
| Stab | Full brake → release when locked → wait for roll → repeat |
Stab braking: Wait up to 1 second for wheels to roll before reapplying.
Brake Failure Response
In order:
- Downshift (engine braking)
- Pump brakes (may build pressure)
- Use parking brake (hold release to adjust)
- Find escape route (ramp, uphill, field)
Tire Failure Response
| Sign | Likely Tire |
|---|---|
| Loud bang | Any (blowout) |
| Heavy vibration | Rear |
| Heavy steering | Front |
| Fishtailing | Rear |
Response:
- Hold wheel firmly
- Stay off brake until slow
- Brake gently, pull off
- Check ALL tires
ABS Quick Facts
| ABS Does | ABS Does NOT |
|---|---|
| Prevent wheel lockup | Shorten stopping distance |
| Help maintain steering | Let you drive faster |
| Activate during hard braking | Prevent power skids |
| Prevent turning skids |
ABS Light
- Yellow lamp on dash
- Should turn ON at startup, then OFF
- Stays on = ABS malfunction (regular brakes still work)
How to Brake with ABS
Brake normally. ABS activates automatically.
Skid Causes
| Cause | Result |
|---|---|
| Over-braking | Locked wheels |
| Over-steering | Turn too sharp |
| Over-acceleration | Spinning wheels |
| Driving too fast | Most common |
Skid Recovery (MEMORIZE)
| Skid Type | Recovery |
|---|---|
| Rear-wheel | STOP braking + counter-steer |
| Front-wheel | Let vehicle SLOW DOWN |
Rear-Wheel Skid
- Stop braking (let wheels roll)
- Counter-steer (turn INTO skid direction)
- Counter-steer again as needed
Front-Wheel Skid
- Let vehicle slow down
- Stop turning/braking so hard
- Wait for traction to return
Fire Extinguisher Types
| Type | Use On |
|---|---|
| B:C | Electrical + Burning liquids |
| A:B:C | Wood/paper/cloth + Electrical + Liquids |
| Water | Wood/paper/cloth ONLY |
B:C = Minimum for Commercial Vehicles
Don't Use Water On:
- Electrical fires (shock)
- Gasoline fires (spreads)
Fire Fighting
- Aim at BASE of fire
- Position UPWIND
- Engine fire: turn off engine, don't open hood
Alcohol Rules
BAC Limits
| Driver Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| CDL | 0.04% |
| Regular | 0.08% |
Equal Alcohol Content
| Drink | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beer (5%) | 12 oz |
| Wine (12%) | 5 oz |
| Liquor (80 proof) | 1.5 oz |
Sobering Up
Only TIME works.
| Does NOT Help |
|---|
| Coffee |
| Cold shower |
| Fresh air |
| Exercise |
Liver processes ~1/3 oz alcohol per hour.
Drug Rules
| Type | Rule |
|---|---|
| Illegal drugs | Prohibited |
| Prescription | OK if doctor says safe to drive |
| OTC (cold medicine) | Check warnings—may cause drowsiness |
| Fatigue drugs | Don't use—only REST cures fatigue |
Hazmat Basics
Placards
- Diamond-shaped warning signs
- 4 required (front, rear, both sides)
- At least 10 inches square
Shipping Papers Location
- Driver's door pouch, OR
- Clear view within reach, OR
- Driver's seat when out
Endorsement Rule
Placarded vehicle = Hazmat endorsement required
Driving without endorsement is a crime.
Accident Procedures
- Protect the area (flashers, triangles)
- Notify authorities (call 911)
- Care for injured (don't move unless danger)
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| CDL BAC limit | 0.04% |
| Regular BAC limit | 0.08% |
| Fire extinguisher type | B:C minimum |
| Placards required | 4 |
| Stab brake wheel roll | Up to 1 second |
| Off-road: slow to before braking | 20 mph |
Quick Quiz
Q: Steer or brake faster in emergency?
A: Steer (usually)
Q: How to recover from rear-wheel skid?
A: Stop braking + counter-steer
Q: How to recover from front-wheel skid?
A: Let vehicle slow down
Q: Does ABS shorten stopping distance?
A: Not necessarily
Q: What if ABS light stays on?
A: ABS not working, regular brakes still work
Q: CDL BAC limit?
A: 0.04%
Q: Fire extinguisher type for electrical/liquid fires?
A: B:C
Q: What sobers you up?
A: Only TIME
Q: Need hazmat endorsement for all hazmat?
A: Only for PLACARDED vehicles
Q: First action in brake failure?
A: Downshift
Memory Tricks
Skid Recovery: "REAR = Release brakes, steer into" "FRONT = Just slow down"
Fire Extinguisher: "B:C = Burning liquids + Circuits (electrical)"
BAC Limit: "CDL = 0.04 (half of normal 0.08)"
Brake Failure: "Down-Pump-Park-Escape" (Downshift, Pump, Parking brake, Escape route)
Next Steps
- Memorize skid recovery: rear = stop + counter-steer, front = slow down
- Know ABS doesn't shorten stopping distance
- Remember B:C fire extinguisher
- CDL BAC = 0.04%
Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our Emergency Procedures questions.