CDL Combination Vehicles TestDriving Combination Vehicles SafelyHard
You are driving a combination vehicle and experience a sudden tire blowout on one of your trailer tires. What is the immediate and safest action to take?
- AAccelerate to maintain control and find a safe stopping area.
- BSteer sharply towards the shoulder to get off the road.
- CImmediately apply the trailer hand brake to stop quickly.
- DHold the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brakes, and ease off the accelerator.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Hold the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brakes, and ease off the accelerator.
A sudden tire blowout, especially on a trailer, can cause the vehicle to pull or swerve. Holding the steering wheel firmly helps maintain control, easing off the accelerator allows for gradual deceleration, and avoiding sudden braking prevents further loss of control or a jackknife.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Accelerating with a blown tire will destabilize the vehicle further and make it harder to control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- B. Sharp steering can lead to loss of control, especially with a damaged tire, and could cause rollovers or collisions.
- C. Applying the trailer hand brake can cause the trailer wheels to lock and induce a violent jackknife, which is extremely dangerous.
Tire Blowout Response
Immediate actions to safely manage a tire blowout in a combination vehicle to maintain control and stop safely.
- Hold steering wheel firmly.
- Stay off the brakes initially.
- Ease off the accelerator gradually.
- Steer straight ahead (counter-steer gently if needed).
- Move to a safe location once speed is controlled.
Memory trick: Firm grip, no brake slip, let speed drip.