The Trucking Safety Quiz

By: Heather Cahill
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
The Trucking Safety Quiz
Image: Getty Images via Spaces Images

About This Quiz

Cruising down the highway with the tunes turned up sounds great, but it is quite a responsibility! It's very important to always be ready and take the proper precautions while operating a rig. You have to remember not only your safety but also that of others on the road. But that doesn't mean you can't have any fun while driving the open road! How much do you know about staying safe while trucking?

Do you know where all of the blind spots are on a truck? What about the places where you should take extra caution? Do you know how to secure all of your cargo to make it safe? It's very important to know all of the rules of the road to make sure that you are well prepared for any situation. It also helps to know the way that your truck works and to be comfortable with driving it.

Do you know the elements of your truck that should be replaced regularly? Do you know what tools you might want to take on the road with you? Can you name some things that you should be on the lookout for? It's helpful and important to know.

So if you think you're prepared to hit the road as a trucker, then you'll have to prove it! Take the quiz to see if you know all of the basics of truck safety.

As a driver, it is true or false that you will have a safety rating?
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is true. Inspections and ratings are important for truck drivers. You will get inspected every now and then to ensure that you and your rig are traveling safely.

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Should you disregard all safety to make it to a job on time?
Yes, the job is the most important thing.
If absolutely necessary
Only if you believe in yourself
Never, under any circumstances
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Safety is the most important factor when operating a rig. It is important to put safety first for the cargo, others on the road and also for yourself. Accidents can happen to anyone.

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What should you ensure is secure before leaving on a trip?
Cargo
Your GPS
Your finances
Nothing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cargo is very important for a few reasons. It is the product that you must deliver and needs to be secure so that it doesn't get damaged. It is also important to secure it so that it doesn't hurt someone else on the road if it falls off.

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Should you always follow the speed limit?
Depending on the situation
Yes
No
Never
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Following the speed limit is always very important when operating a vehicle. But as a truck driver, going below the speed limit at times is not a bad idea. For example, going lower than the speed limit around corners is a smart things to do. Speeding, however, is not encouraged!

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What should you not use when it is icy?
Winter tires
A trailer
Jake Brake
Windshield washer fluid
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Jake Brake is used mostly in fair conditions and there are many requirements to be sure of before using it. You must be mindful of when you use the brake​ because it's not like regular brakes!

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What is one way to keep yourself stress-free while being safe?
Take all corners at 60 mph
Only travel on busy roads
Try to avoid high-traffic areas
Always have another driver behind you
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A safe and stress-free way to travel is by avoiding high-traffic areas. The fewer people there are around, the easier the drive will be. It will also be safer as fewer people will be around you and your rig.

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What is one way to avoid stress when reaching your destination?
Look for someone to talk to
Find the delivery area
Have a look to find a parking place beforehand
Bring a friend with you
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's not a bad idea to go and find a parking place before making the trip to your destination. If you're too far to make a trip over, Google Maps can give you a good overview of the area. The internet is your friend in situations like this!

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What should you never do while operating a rig?
Tailgate
Go under the speed limit
Take a corner
Park
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tailgating can be very dangerous when you're driving a truck. Since a truck is so much bigger than other vehicles, it can do a lot of damage. It's always important to leave enough room to stop in time.

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What situation might a truck driver find difficult?
Four-way stops
Traffic lights
Lane changes
Driving on the highway
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lane changes can be quite difficult for a truck driver. When changing lanes, it's usually best to do a check, put your signal light on, then proceed very slow with caution into the lane in which you need to be. Make sure you have plenty of time and space!

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Where is one of your blind spots when operating a truck?
Behind the truck
In front of the truck
Out the side windows
There are no blindspots
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Directly behind the truck is one of the blindspots to look out for when operating it. These spots can be a huge danger not only to yourself, but others on the road. Don't forget to do your best to overcome these limited visibility areas!

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If you feel that you're in a dangerous situation, what should you do first?
Slow down
Turn very sharp
Speed up
Use a signal light
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Slowing down in dangerous situations is very important. Often, braking hard can be even more dangerous, so slowly pushing the brake is recommended. Once you've slowed down a bit, focus on steering.

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What is a good way to keep yourself alert while driving?
By listening to music
By setting goals
By talking to yourself
By taking breaks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Everyone needs a break at times, especially truck drivers! It can be very tiring putting all your focus onto the road so it is beneficial for drivers, as well as others on the road, to take well-deserved​ breaks. It benefits everyone's safety!

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What is very important to check before getting on the road?
Your phone
Your logbook
Head, tail, and trailer lights
The mirrors
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The lights on your truck are very important to check as they are needed not only for you, but for other drivers as well. They can help you see, and help others to see you, as well as indicate when you are braking.

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What is important to have just in case?
A bed
A cellphone
Insurance
Nothing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Insurance is important to have on any vehicle, but it's something that truck drivers must think about as well. Things like accident insurance are important when your job is being on the road for long periods of time!

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What incident can take place while driving a rig that can be hard to get out of?
Taking the wrong exit on a roundabout
Making a stop at a stop sign
Jack-knifing the truck
Merging on the highway
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If a truck jack-knifes, it can be dangerous for everyone around it. It happens when a truck goes into a spin and the trailer slides in toward it. These situations can be fatal, so it's important to take as many precautions as possible.

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What is important to have on hand just in case?
A seat cushion
A hat
A washcloth
Sunglasses
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sunglasses are important not only for the protection of your eyes but also so that you can drive without interference from the sun. Some other handy things to have are jumper cables and extra straps.

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What is important to have in order for your truck to perform its best?
Heating
A trailer
Proper tires
A large amount of cargo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tires are very important when it comes to trucking. Making sure that your tires are in good condition and are proper for the weather will make your trip smoother and safer.

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What can affect your safety as well as that of others while operating a truck?
Signs
A small load of cargo
Weather
Nothing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The weather is a huge factor to consider while driving. It's important to know what to expect so that you can be prepared for it in advance. If the weather is too bad to drive, then you can be prepared to stop and rest while the storm rolls out.

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What should you do if you can't find a location?
Pull over where it is safe and make a phone call
Ask a cop
Deliver anywhere on the street
Look for signs
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pulling over and phoning the office or the location you're going to is a good option. You never know when a location may be hidden or a little more complicated to get into!

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What might be handy to have while on the road?
A snow brush
A friend
A pair of gloves
A pager
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You never know when the weather will take a turn for the worse. A snow brush can help you out in times of need, such as when your truck is parked for the night or even for a couple of hours.

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Is it true or false that it is important to pay attention to road signs?
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is true. Road signs are important for any driver, but they have very important information for truck drivers, including the nearest truck stop or if there is a toll booth ahead.

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What can help keep traction when driving?
Driving on gravel
Wet roads
Driving down the middle of the road
A heavy load
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A heavy load on the back of a truck can help to weigh it down when traveling on the road. Of course, you also have to make sure that you're not overloading your truck since that could be bad news as well.

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When backing up, what should you do?
Assume it is clear.
Look out your window.
Don't back up.
Get out and look behind the truck.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Backing up a rig can be difficult, and one of your blind spots is directly behind you. Do this to be safe and ensure that everyone around you is safe and out of the way as well.

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What should you replace regularly?
Wipers
Mirrors
Floor covers
Your radio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It is important to replace the windshield wipers regularly as they can impact your vision while driving. If they're cut or not even, they may not clear out your line of sight effectively.

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What must you do to make sure you are being safe on the road?
Do a written test every month
Get tested on your skills each week
Schedule as many deliveries as possible
Keep yourself healthy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's very important that as a truck driver, you keep yourself healthy. By doing this, you'll be able to get your job done well and effectively.

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As with any vehicle, what must you not forget to do?
Put on your seatbelt
Wash it
Park it in a garage
Make sure the radio is working
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the first rules in driving is to fasten your seatbelt! You need to be secure and safe in your rig. You'll be glad you used it if anything ever happens.

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When should you always be on high-alert?
At night
When there are cops around
When driving on a straight stretch
Never
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When trucking, you should always be on high-alert. But this is extra important when driving at night. Taking into account that there is lower visibility and being ready for anything is a great way to stay prepared for any surprise situation.

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What must you make sure is secure before hitting the road?
The doors
Your mirrors
The windshield wipers
Cargo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It is very important to make sure that your cargo is secure before leaving. It can be dangerous if, for example, the cargo comes loose on the road and starts flying off.

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If you need to go around an approaching object quickly, what should you do?
Brake slowly, and slow down as much as possible.
Swerve right away.
Speed up and get by as quick as possible.
Honk the horn.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When approaching something, it's important to slow down as much as possible and maneuver your way around the object. Be mindful of the other lane, as it's important to avoid causing an accident at all costs.

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What is an important thing to do before operating your truck?
Make sure that you have the key handy.
Clean it.
Perform an all-around check.
Adjust the seats.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Doing a check of everything on your truck is important before starting out on a trip. This way, you can be sure that everything is operating as it should be and you can make a safe trip to your destination.

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What parts of the truck should you make sure are still in good shape a few times a year?
Tires and brakes
Wipers and seats
Windshield and wiper fluid
Door hinges and mirrors
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As with any vehicle, tires and brakes are critical to the performance of your rig. Check them every time you are going on a trip, but also do a more thorough check every now and then.

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What is one place that you must be especially careful of when traveling on?
Mountains
Highways
Backroads
Nowhere
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The mountains can be a very dangerous place for a truck driver. The roads along a mountain can be narrow and difficult to travel on, and often have large cliffs or drop-offs of which you must be careful.

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What should you always be looking out for when trucking?
Animals
Dangerous situations
Others
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When driving in general, you should always be on the lookout for anything. Accidents can happen so fast that it may be hard to react in time, but if you're on the lookout, then you'll be that much more ready.

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Your comfort is important when trucking. How can you make yourself more comfortable?
Get a seat cushion
Stretch your legs
Install a bed in the back
Get a neck pillow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Getting a seat cushion can help you feel more comfortable during your long days on the road. You'll spend a lot of time in the truck, so it's best to be comfortable. The better you feel, the happier you'll be in the driver's seat!

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What can make it easier to get to your destination?
Fog lights
Taking only the backroads
Speeding
A GPS
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A GPS can only make life easier for a truck driver. Sometimes, you may be unsure of where you're going, so why not use a little help along the way?

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Getty Images via Spaces Images