Statistics complied by the NFPA historically show that ____ of all firefighter injuries and deaths in the U.S. are caused by vehicle collisions while responding to or returning from emergency calls.

A. 10 to 15 percent.

B. 15 to 20 percent.

C. 20 to 25 percent.

D. 20 to 30 percent.

C. 20 to 25 percent. (59)

Which of the following seldom causes serious injury or death, but accounts for a significant pertion of overall damage costs?

A. Excessive speed by the public.

B. Reckless driving by the public.

C. Improper backing of the apparatus.

D. Poor apparatus design or maintenance.

C. Improper backing of the apparatus. (61)

Excessive speed by the fire apparatus DO can result is which of the following?

A. Unpredictable behavior of public.

B. Vehicle system failure, especially braking system.

C. Inability to recognize a dangerous situation.
D. Inability of DO to stop in time to avoid a collision with another vehicle.

D. Inability of DO to stop in time to avoid a collision with another vehicle. (61)

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to collisions that involve DO error as the cause?

A. Insecurity in one's driving ability.

B. Misunderstanding of apparatus capabilities.

C. Inability to recognize a dangerous situation.

D. Lack of knowledge about how to operate the controls of an apparatus in an emergency.

A. Insecurity in one's driving ability. (62)

Which of the follwing statements about driving regulations is TRUE?

A. Fure apparatus DOs are exempt from rules and regulations governing other vehicle operators.

B. Emergency vehicles are exempt from laws rquiring vehicles to stop for school busses that are flashing signal lights.

C. In some jurisdictions, statutes may exempt emergency vehicles from diving regulations whem returning to quarters from an alarm.

D. If a DO does not obey driving regulations and is involved in a collision, both the DO and the fire department may be held responsible.

D. If a DO does not obey driving regulations and is involved in a collision, both the DO and the fire department may be held responsible. (64)

Which of the following statements about driving regulations id FALSE?

A. All traffic signals and rules must be obeyed during nonemergency driving.

B. Driving regulations pertain to dry, clear roads during nighttime conditions.

C. DOs should adjust speeds to compensate for conditions such as wet roads and fog.

D. When exempted from statutes, DOs must exercise care for the safety of others and maintain complete control of the vehicle.

B. Driving regulations pertain to dry, clear roads during nighttime conditions. (63)

What is the first step in starting a vehicle?

A. Start the engine.

B. Disconect all ground shore lines.

C. Turn on the vehicle battery or batteries.

D. Allow air to build up in the brake system.

B. Disconect all ground shore lines. (65)

When starting a vehicle, if the oil pressure guage does not indicate any reasonable amount of oil pressure within ___ of starting the apparatus, stop the engine immediately.

A. 1 to 2 seconds.

B. 2 to 5 seconds.

C. 5 to 10 seconds.

D. 1 to 3 minutes.

C. 5 to 10 seconds. (67)

When diving a manual transmission apparatus, depress the ___ with your left foot, depress the service brake pedel with your right foot and release the parking brake.

A. Clutch pedal.

B. Gear shift.

C. Accelerator.

D. Parking brake.

A. Clutch pedal. (68)

When driving a manual transmission apparatus, keep the apparatus in low gear until the ___ is reached for shifting to a higher gear.

A. Proper speed.

B. Proper pressure.

C. Proper temperature.

D. Proper amount of time.

A. Proper speed. (69)

When climbing a hill in a manual transmission apparatus, shift the transmission to:

A. Overdrive.

B. A lower gear.

C. A higher gear.

D. Four-wheel drive.

B. A lower gear. (69)

Once an automatic transmission apparatus is ready to move, depress the ___ and move it to the appropriate gear selection.

A. Gear shift.

B. Clutch pedal.

C. Start button lever.

D. Interlock on the shifter.

D. Interlock on the shifter. (69)

On automatic transmission apparatus, be aware that the ___ influences automatic shifting.

A. Length of the clutch shifter.

B. Pressure placed upon the accelerator.

C. Pressure placed upon the clutch pedal.

D. Pressure placed upon the brake pedal.

B. Pressure placed upon the accelerator. (70)

When cruising in an apparatus, do not try to reach rated speed in the:

A. Low gears.

B. High gears.

C. Drive gears.

D. Override gears.

A. Low gears. (70)

When ddriving an apparatus, stay in the highest gear that allows the apparatus to ___ and still have some power in reserve for acceleration.

A. Lug.

B. Idle in nuetral.

C. keep up with traffic.

D. Reach 400 to 500 rpm.

C. keep up with traffic. (70)

What should be avoided in order to reduce lugging?

A. Overthrottling.

B. Downshifting.

C. Clutch burnout.

D. Riding the clutch.

A. Overthrottling. (71)

Avoid overspeeding as a result of improper downshifting or hill decent. Choose a gear that allows the engine to operate at ___ lower than maximum recommended rpm.

A. 100 to 200 rpm.

B. 200 to 300 rpm.

C. 300 to 400 rpm.

D. 400 to 500 rpm.

B. 200 to 300 rpm. (71)

Which fo the following in NOT a consideration when stopping the apparatus?

A. Weight of apparatus.

B. Length of apparatus.

C. Condition of brakes.

D. Condition or road surface.

B. Length of apparatus. (71)

Which of the following provide most of the necessary slowing action whem stopping an apparatus?

A. Engine brakes.

B. Parking brakes.

C. Catalytic converters.

D. Braking retarders.

A. Engine brakes. (71)

When the engine must be left to idle for an extended period of time, at what should the idle be set?

A. 300 to 400 rpm.

B. 500 to 650 rpm.

C. 700 to 900 rpm.

D. 900 to 1100 rpm.

D. 900 to 1100 rpm. (72)

If diesel engines are to be idling, they should be set at:

A. Slow idle.

B. Low idle.

C. High idle.

D. Regular idle.

C. High idle. (72)

Except when in an atmosphere containing flammable gases or vapors, never shut down immediately after full-load operation; istead, allow the engine temperature to stabilize by idling it ___ minutes before shutdown.

A. 1 to 2.

B. 3 to 5.

C. 5 to 8.

D. 5 to 10.

B. 3 to 5. (72)

The first element in learning to drive safely is to:

A. Demand the right-of-way.

B. Always wear your safety belt.

C. Develop a safety-conscious attitude.

D. Concider the fire department's public image.

C. Develop a safety-conscious attitude. (73)

Which of the following is NOT an exception to the NFPA 1500 seated and belted requirement?

A. When loading hose back onto a fire apparatus.

B. When riding in enclosed cages on the front of a brush truck.

C. When providing patient care in the back of an ambulance.

D. When performing training for personnel learning to drive a tiller.

B. When riding in enclosed cages on the front of a brush truck. (73)

Which of the following statements about loading large diameter hose is TRUE?

A. The area is which the hose loading is performed must be closed to other vehiclular traffic.

B. The area in which the hose loading is performed must be cleared and swept pf any debris.

C. The apparatus must be driven in a backward direction at a speed no greater the 5 mph.

C. At least one member must be standing in the hose bed in order to have complete visual contact with the hose loading operation.

A. The area is which the hose loading is performed must be closed to other vehiclular traffic. (74)

Which of the following statements abour backing a fire apparatus is TRUE?

A. Whenever possible, the DO should avoid backing the apparatus.

B. It is often faster to back the apparatus than to drive around the block and start again.

C. It is safer and easier to back the apparatus than to drive around the block and start again.

D. When backing is necessary, there should be at least two firefighters assigned to communicate with the DO.

A. Whenever possible, the DO should avoid backing the apparatus. (76)

Some SOPs require the DO to ___ before backing a vehicle that is not equiped with an alarm system to warn others that the apparatus us backing.

A. Sound the siren.

B. Sound the horn twice.

C. Turn on emergency lights.

Sound the siren and turn on emergency lights.

B. Sound the horn twice. (76)

What should be done when approaching a visually obstructed intersection?

A. Look right and left, and proceed as usual.

B. Bring the apparatus to a complete stop before proceeding slowly.

C. Proceed as usual if faced with a green signal light.

D. Slow tha apparatus to a speed that allows a stop if necessary.

B. Bring the apparatus to a complete stop before proceeding slowly. (77)

If departmental SOPs allow, what should be done at a red signal light?

A. Slow the apparatus to a speed that allows a stop if necessary.

B. Bring the apparatus to a complete stop and wait for the light to turn green.

C. Ensure that all lanes of traffic are yeilding to the apparatus and proceed as usual.

D. Come to a complete stop and assure that all lanes of traffic are yeilding to the apparatus before proceeding.

D. Come to a complete stop and assure that all lanes of traffic are yeilding to the apparatus before proceeding. (77)

Which of the following is visual lead time?

A. The sum of the DOs reaction distance and the vehicle's braking distance.

B. The distance the vehicle travels from the time the brakes are applied until the apparatus comes to a complete stop.

C. The scanning by DOs far enough ahead of the apparatus to ensure that evasive action can be taken if necessary.

D. The distance a vehicle travels while a driver is transferring the foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal after perceiving the need for stopping.

C. The scanning by DOs far enough ahead of the apparatus to ensure that evasive action can be taken if necessary. (79)

Which of the following is reaction distance?

A. The sum of the DOs reaction distance and the vehicle's braking distance.

B. The distance the vehicle travels from the time the brakes are appied until the apparatus comes to a complete stop.

C. The scanning of DOs far enough ahead of the apparatus to ensure that evasive action can be taken if necessary.

D. The distance a vehicle travels while a driver is transferring the foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal after perceiving the need for stopping.

D. The distance a vehicle travels while a driver is transferring the foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal after perceiving the need for stopping. (79)

Which of the following statements anout stopping the apparatus is FALSE?

A. At an equal speed, apparatus of differing weights will stop at equal distances.

B. The ability of the appatatus to stop is negatively affected by steep, wet, snowy or icy roads.

C. A vehicle with properly maintained brakes will stop faster than one with brakes in disrepair.

D. It will take a greater distance to stop a vehicle that is going 50 mph than the same vehicle when it is traveling 30 mph.

A. At an equal speed, apparatus of differing weights will stop at equal distances. (79-81)

Whenever a vehicle undergoes a change in speed or direction, weight transfer takes place relative to:

A. The severity of change.

B. The velocity of change.

C. The rate and degree of change.

D. The speed at shich the apparatus is traveling.

C. The rate and degree of change. (81)

Which of the follwing braking systems incorporate "dry road/slippery road" switches?

A. Antilock braking system.

B. Front brake-limiting valve type.

C. Electromagnetic braking system.

D. Antilock braking system with automatic traction control.

B. Front brake-limiting valve type. (82-83)

Which of the following braking systems have a snow-and-mud switch?

A. Antilock braking system.

B. Front brake-limiting valve type.

C. Electromagnetic braking system.

D. Antilock braking system with automatic traction controll.

D. Antilock braking system with automatic traction controll. (83)

Whenever possible, avoid passing vehicles that do not:

A. slow down when the apparatus approaches.

B. Acknowledge eye contact, sirens and warning lights.

C. Pull over or yeild the right-of-way to the fire apparatus.

D. Blink their lights or acknowledge the apparatus with a hand signal.

C. Pull over or yeild the right-of-way to the fire apparatus. (83)

Avoid passing vehicles:

A. At night.

B. On the left.

C. On the right.

D. During rush hour.

C. On the right. (83)

When driving in adverse weather, decrease speed graually, slow down when approaching curves, keep off low or soft shoulders and avoid:

A. Braking.

B. Upshifting.

C. Downshifting.

D. Sudden turns.

D. Sudden turns. (84)

When driving in adverse weather, recognize areas that become slippery first, wuch as bridge surfaces, ___ slopes of hills, shaded spots and areas where snow is blowing across the roadway.

A. Eastern.

B. Western.

C. Northern.

D. Southern.

C. Northern. (84)

When driving in adverse weather, ___ the brakes while in an area free of traffic to find out how slippery the road is and to determine your approximate stopping distance.

A. Set.

B. Test.

C. Pump.

D. Release.

B. Test. (84)

Remember that it takes ___ times more distance for a vehicle to come to a complete stop on snow and ice than it does on dry concrete.

A. 2 to 3.

B. 3 to 15.

C. 4 to 20.

D. 5 to 25.

B. 3 to 15. (85)

Which of the following statements reguarding warning devices is FALSE?

A. Turn headlights on while responding, even during daylight hours.

B. Do not leave spotlights shining on vehicles, because this blinds the driver.

C. Use sirens for all responces and not just emergency response situations.

D. Use discretion in the use of sirens when responding to sensitive aituations, such as psychiatric emergencies.

C. Use sirens for all responces and not just emergency response situations. (85-86)

When more than one emergency vehicle is responding along the same route, travel at least ___ apart.

A. 50 to 100 feet.

B. 200 to 300 feet.

C. 300 to 500 feet.

D. 600 to 1000 feet.

C. 300 to 500 feet. (86)

Turn off some of the apparatus' warning lights once it is parked so as not to:

A. Overheat the emergency area.

B. Redefine the emergency area for members of the emergency team.

C. Overpower the effectivemess of the reflective trim on the firefighter's clothing.

D. Interfere with pump pressures and generating equipment in the emergency area.

C. Overpower the effectivemess of the reflective trim on the firefighter's clothing. (87)

Which of the following traffic control devices stops the flow of traffic so that the apparatus can exit safely?

A. Light-activated system.

B. Siren-activated system.

C. Multiple traffic signal control.

D. Traffic signal in front of the fire station.

D. Traffic signal in front of the fire station. (87)

Which of the following traffic control devices provides green lights for the direction that the apparatus is traveling and red signals in all other directions?

A. Light-activated system.

B. Siren-activated system.

C. Multiple traffic signal control.

D. Traffic signal in front of the fire station.

A. Light-activated system. (87-88)

Written tests for DOs may include questions pertaining to which of the following areas?

A. Writing abilities.

B. Reading comprehension.

C. Organizing abilities.

D. Hydraulic calculations.

D. Hydraulic calculations. (89)

Which of the following is NOT a type of driving excersise required by NFPA 1002?

A. Alley dock.

B. Parallel parking.

C. Serpentine course.

D. Diminishing-clearance.

B. Parallel parking. (89-92)

Which driving excercise simulates maneuvering around parked and stopped vehicles and tight corners?

A. Alley dock.

B. Serpentine course.

C. Diminishing-clearance.

D. Confined space turnaround.

B. Serpentine course. (91)

Which driving exercise measures a DOs ability to steer the apparatus in a straight line, to judge distances from wheel to object and to stop at a finish line?

A. Alley dock.

B. Parallel parking.

C. Diminishing-clearance.

D. Confined space turnaround.

C. Diminishing-clearance. (91)

T/F: Data show that fire apparatus collisions at intersections are the most frequent and the most severe.

True: (59)

T/F: It may take longer to stop an apparatus equipped with hydraulic brakes than an apparatus equipped with air brakes.

False: It may take longer to stop an apparatus equipped with air brakes than an apparatus equipped with hydraulic brakes. (62)

T/F: Homebuilt water tenders have had a high incidence of serious collisions.

True: (59)

A fire apparatus should not be moved until all occupants are within the cab, in a seated position and wearing seat belts.

True: (64)

T/F: On apparatus equipped with a manual shift transmission, teh DO should start the engine with the drive transmission in Park.

False: On an apparatus equipped with a manual shifr transmission, the DO should start the engine witht he drive transmission in Nuetral. (66)

T/F: Excessive of abrupt brake application can cause a skid, injury to firefighters and mechanical failure.

True: (71)

T/F: DOs may demand the right-of-way, because they legally have it.

False: DOs cannot demand the right-of-way, although they may legally have it.

T/F: At least one member, other than the DO and the ones actually loading the hose, must be assigned as a safety observer when loading large diameter supply hose.

True: (74)

T/F: NFPA 1500 permits riding on the outside of a moving fire apparatus only if it is part of the departmental SOPs.

False: NFPA 1500 prohibits riding on the outside of a moving fire apparatus for any reason.

T/F: A significant portion of fire aparatus collisions occure while the apparatus is being driven in reverse.

True: (76)

T/F: When backing a fire apparatus, at least one firefighter - and preferably two - should ne nehind the apparatus to act as spotters.

True: (76)

T/F: Before driving into oncoming taffic, the DO must be certain that oncoming traffic is able to see the approaching apparatus.

True: (77)

T/F: Some departments train their DOs to practise looking 12 seconds ahead when driving on city streets and 15 seconds ahead when driving on highways.

False: Some departments train their DOs to practice looking 12 seconds ahead when driving on city streets and 20 seconds ahead when driving on highways. (79)

T/F: In vehicles equipped with air brakes, there is an approximate delay of 0.4 seconds in the time from which the DO pushes down on the brake pedal until sufficient air pressure is sent to the brakes to operate.

True: (82)

T/F: Always travel in the outermost lane on lultilane roads.

False: Always travel in the innermost lane on multilane roads. (83)

T/F: Studies have shown that numerous visual warning devices are more effective once the apparatus is stopped on the scene during night-time operations.

False: Studies have shown that numerous visual warning devices may actually pose hazards for the firefighters once the apparatus is stopped on the scene during night-time operations. (87)

T/F: Traffic control devices are not substitutes for using proper defensive driving techniques.

True: (89)

T/F: The confined space turnaround driving exercise tests the DOs ability to turn the vehicle 180 degress within a confined space.

True: (91)

T/F: DOs should not exceed 10 mph when leaving the station.

True: (93)

T/F: DOs should remember that icy, wet, downgrades of snow-packed roads increase braking distance by as much as ten times.

False: DOs should remember that icy, wet downgrades or snow-packed roads increase braking distance by as much as fifteen times.

List the five most common causes of fire apparatus collisions.

1. Failure to obey posted requlations or directions.

2. Failure to yeild to emergency vehicles.

3. Excessive speed.

4. Unpredictable behavior created by a panic reaction to an approaching emergency vehicle.

5. Inattentiveness.

List the factors to remember in anticipating other drivers' actions.

1. Aim high in steering.

2. Get the big picture.

3. Keep your eyes moving.

4. Leave yourself and "out".

5. Make sure others can see and hear you.

List the most common causes of skids.

1. Driving too fast for road conditions.

2. Failing to properly appreciate weight shifts of heavy loads.

3. Failing to anticipate obstacles.

4. Improper use of auxiliary braking devices.

5. Improper maintenance of tire air pressure and adequate tread depth.