No matter how experienced you are, emergencies can happen on the road. Knowing how to react quickly and correctly can save lives, including your own! For commercial drivers, what might be a minor inconvenience in a car can quickly become a major disaster in a heavy truck. Being prepared is half the battle.

Brake Failure

This is probably every truck driver's worst nightmare! If your brakes suddenly stop working, don't panic.

• Pump the Brakes: For hydraulic brakes, rapidly pump the pedal. This might build up enough pressure to get them working. For air brakes, this won't help; your air pressure is likely already gone.
• Downshift: Immediately shift to a lower gear. This uses the engine's braking power to slow the vehicle.
• Use the Parking Brake: If all else fails, use the parking/emergency brake (the spring brakes in an air brake system). Apply it gradually to avoid locking up the wheels and causing a skid.
• Look for an Escape Ramp: These are special ramps on steep downgrades designed to stop runaway vehicles. They're usually uphill or filled with gravel.
• Steer Safely: If you have to choose between hitting something soft (like a bush) or something hard (like a wall), choose soft.

Tire Blowout

A tire blowout on a CMV can be violent and lead to loss of control, especially on steering tires.

• Hold Steering Wheel Firmly: It will try to pull to one side. Grip it tight!
• Stay Off the Brake: Do not brake hard. This can make you lose control.
• Maintain Speed Initially: Let the vehicle slow down on its own.
• Pull Over Safely: Ease off the accelerator and gently steer to a safe location. Once you're off the road, then you can apply the brakes.

Engine Fire

Fires in CMVs can spread quickly.

• Pull Over Immediately: Get off the road as quickly and safely as possible.
• Turn Off Engine: This stops the fuel flow.
• Evacuate: Get yourself and any passengers to a safe distance (at least 100 feet) from the vehicle.
• Use Fire Extinguisher (if safe): Only if the fire is small and contained, and you can safely reach it. Never open the hood if the fire is under it – that will add oxygen and make it worse! Aim at the base of the fire.
• Call 911: Always call emergency services.

What to Do After an Accident

Even a minor fender-bender needs specific steps:

• Protect the Area: Turn on your four-way flashers. Set out your warning triangles or flares within 10 minutes (10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet from the vehicle, or 500 feet on a hill/curve).
• Notify Authorities: Call the police and/or state patrol.
• Provide Aid: If anyone is injured, help them if you can do so safely, without moving them unless absolutely necessary.
• Exchange Information: Get names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all involved parties.
• Document: Take photos of the scene, damage, and road conditions. Don't admit fault.
• Company Policy: Follow your company's accident reporting procedures.