DTT HGV Emergency Procedures — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If your truck's brakes fail while driving downhill, what is the correct emergency procedure?
- Pump the brake pedal, downshift through the gears to use engine braking, use the exhaust brake if fitted, and look for a safe runoff area (Correct answer)
- Turn off the engine immediately
- Steer into oncoming traffic to avoid going off the road
- Apply the handbrake fully at high speed
Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal, downshift through the gears to use engine braking, use the exhaust brake if fitted, and look for a safe runoff area
In a brake failure, pump the brake pedal rapidly to try to build pressure. Downshift through the gears to maximise engine braking. Engage the exhaust brake/retarder if available. Look for an uphill escape route, runoff area, or soft verge. Use the parking brake progressively as a last resort.
Question 2: What should a truck driver do first when arriving at the scene of a road traffic collision?
- Ensure personal safety, switch on hazard lights, secure the scene with a warning triangle, and call emergency services (Correct answer)
- Move injured people immediately
- Drive past to avoid getting involved
- Take photographs for social media
Correct answer: Ensure personal safety, switch on hazard lights, secure the scene with a warning triangle, and call emergency services
Safety is the first priority. Park safely with hazard lights on, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the scene (100 metres on a motorway), assess the situation, call 999/112, and provide first aid if trained. Never move injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
Question 3: At what distance should a warning triangle be placed behind a broken-down truck on a single carriageway?
- At least 45 metres behind the vehicle on the same side of the road (Correct answer)
- Directly behind the rear bumper
- At least 200 metres behind
- Warning triangles are not required for trucks
Correct answer: At least 45 metres behind the vehicle on the same side of the road
On a single carriageway, the warning triangle should be placed at least 45 metres behind the vehicle on the same side of the road. On a motorway, it should be at least 100 metres behind. The triangle warns approaching traffic to slow down.
Question 4: If your truck catches fire while driving, what should you do?
- Pull over safely, turn off the engine, evacuate the cab, use a fire extinguisher on a small fire if safe to do so, and call the fire brigade (Correct answer)
- Continue driving to the nearest fire station
- Stay in the cab and wait for help
- Open the bonnet to let the fire burn out
Correct answer: Pull over safely, turn off the engine, evacuate the cab, use a fire extinguisher on a small fire if safe to do so, and call the fire brigade
Stop the vehicle safely, turn off the engine to cut fuel supply, evacuate immediately, and move away from the vehicle. Only attempt to fight a small fire if you have the correct extinguisher and it is safe to do so. Call 999/112 for the fire brigade.
Question 5: What type of fire extinguisher should be carried in a commercial vehicle?
- A dry powder extinguisher suitable for Class A, B, and C fires (solid materials, liquids, and gases) (Correct answer)
- A water extinguisher only
- No extinguisher is required
- A CO2 extinguisher only
Correct answer: A dry powder extinguisher suitable for Class A, B, and C fires (solid materials, liquids, and gases)
Commercial vehicles should carry a dry powder (ABC) extinguisher as it covers the main fire types encountered: solid materials (Class A), flammable liquids like diesel (Class B), and flammable gases (Class C). The minimum size is typically 2 kg.
Question 6: If a tyre blows out on a truck at speed, what is the correct procedure?
- Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator gradually, avoid braking suddenly, and steer to a safe stopping area (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately
- Accelerate to maintain control
- Turn the steering wheel sharply towards the blown tyre
Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator gradually, avoid braking suddenly, and steer to a safe stopping area
A blowout on a truck can cause violent pulling. Grip the wheel firmly to maintain direction, gently release the accelerator, and do NOT brake harshly as this can cause loss of control. Guide the vehicle to the hard shoulder or safe area using gentle steering inputs.
DTT HGV Emergency Procedures
If your truck's brakes fail while driving downhill, what is the correct emergency procedure?