CDL Hazardous Materials Practice Test

If you encounter a leaking tire while hauling hazardous materials, what should you do?

1. Continue driving to your destination

2. Stop at the nearest safe place and fix it

3. Call for roadside assistance

4. Inspect the load for damage

The correct answer is: Stop at the nearest safe place and fix it

When encountering a leaking tire while hauling hazardous materials, stopping at the nearest safe place to fix it is the most appropriate action. This is crucial for several reasons. First, continuing to drive with a leaking tire poses significant safety risks not only to the driver but also to others on the road. Tire failure could lead to loss of control of the vehicle, which is particularly dangerous when transporting hazardous materials that could cause environmental harm or endanger lives. Secondly, addressing the issue as soon as possible minimizes the risk of further complications. A leaking tire can lead to a blowout or additional damage to the vehicle, which could compromise the secure transport of hazardous materials. While calling for roadside assistance is a helpful option, the immediate priority is to ensure the situation is controlled and the vehicle is in a safe state. Inspecting the load for damage is also a critical task, but it is secondary to securing the vehicle’s operational readiness by resolving the tire issue first. Stopping at a safe location allows for a thorough assessment of both the tire and the load, thus ensuring that both the vehicle and the hazardous materials are handled safely and effectively.