Ambulance and Roadway Safety Practice Questions

33 multiple-choice questions on Ambulance and roadway safety for paramedic and EMT students, from Chapter 2 (Workforce Safety and Wellness). Read each question, pick your answer, then tap Show answer to check it and read the explanation.

33 practice questions

1. Ambulance crashes most often occur:

   1. A. On straight highway stretches
   2. B. At intersections
   3. C. While backing at the station
   4. D. On rural roads at low speed
   Show answer

   Answer: B. At intersections

   Slowing to a stop and clearing each lane at intersections prevents most of them. Risk is highest when using lights and sirens.

2. Driving with due regard means:

   1. A. Posted speed limits no longer apply
   2. B. Other drivers bear all fault
   3. C. You remain responsible for safety
   4. D. You always have the right of way
   Show answer

   Answer: C. You remain responsible for safety

   Emergency privileges are conditional, not absolute. That responsibility extends to everyone on the road.

3. Everyone riding in the ambulance should:

   1. A. Belt in only on the highway
   2. B. Be belted whenever possible
   3. C. Belt in only in the front cab
   4. D. Stand when working on the patient
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Be belted whenever possible

   Plan care so you can stay seated for as much of the transport as possible. This includes the patient compartment.

4. Loose equipment in the patient compartment is dangerous because it:

   1. A. Looks unprofessional to patients
   2. B. Breaks and becomes costly to replace
   3. C. Can tip the ambulance in sharp turns
   4. D. Becomes a projectile in a crash
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Becomes a projectile in a crash

   Secure monitors, oxygen bottles, and bags in their brackets. Replacement cost is not a safety issue, and loose bags are far too light to tip an ambulance; the danger is equipment flying in a sudden stop.

5. When backing an ambulance, the driver should:

   1. A. Use a spotter when possible
   2. B. Back slowly using mirrors only
   3. C. Back quickly to clear traffic
   4. D. Rely on the backup camera
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Use a spotter when possible

   Backing crashes are among the most common and most preventable. Walk the path if alone.

6. Using lights and sirens on every call is discouraged because it:

   1. A. Is illegal in most states
   2. B. Disturbs nearby residents
   3. C. Delays arrival at most scenes
   4. D. Adds risk, saves little time
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Adds risk, saves little time

   Studies consistently show only a few minutes saved. Lights and sirens do save a little time; the problem is that the gain is small compared with the crash risk.

7. Following another emergency vehicle closely is hazardous because:

   1. A. Drivers expect a second vehicle
   2. B. Yielding drivers may pull out
   3. C. It slows the lead vehicle down
   4. D. Cars yield sooner to two vehicles
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Yielding drivers may pull out

   Leave several hundred feet and stagger lanes when possible. Drivers who yielded for the first vehicle often pull back out. Drivers usually do not expect a second vehicle, which is the danger, and following closely neither slows the lead unit nor makes cars yield sooner.

8. You are stabilizing the head of a driver whose frontal airbag did not deploy after a crash. Where is the safest place to position yourself?

   1. A. Between the driver and the steering wheel
   2. B. Kneeling on the front passenger seat facing the dash
   3. C. Leaning in over the steering wheel from the front
   4. D. Beside the driver, outside the airbag's deployment path
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Beside the driver, outside the airbag's deployment path

   An undeployed airbag can still go off during extrication. Stay out of its path, so not between the patient and the wheel or dash, and keep your head and body to the side. Being between the driver and the wheel, facing the dash, or leaning over the wheel puts you right where the airbag deploys.

9. Parking at a scene, the driver should consider:

   1. A. Facing traffic for visibility
   2. B. Shortest walk to the patient only
   3. C. Parking as close as possible
   4. D. Exit path and traffic protection
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Exit path and traffic protection

   Plan how you will leave before you decide where to stop. Avoid blocking fire apparatus.

10. The most important factor in safe emergency driving is:

    1. A. Siren volume and tone
    2. B. Vehicle size and engine power
    3. C. Tire type and tread
    4. D. Driver attitude and attention
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Driver attitude and attention

    No call justifies arriving as a second incident. Willingness to slow down is key.

11. Running with lights and siren, an ambulance enters an intersection against a red light at 35 mph without slowing and is struck by a car that never heard the siren. How is the ambulance driver's liability likely to be viewed?

    1. A. He may be liable for failing to drive with due regard
    2. B. He is protected, since he had lights and siren on
    3. C. The other driver is fully at fault for not yielding
    4. D. Only the agency, not the driver, can be held responsible
    Show answer

    Answer: A. He may be liable for failing to drive with due regard

    Emergency-vehicle privileges in state law depend on driving with due regard for the safety of others. Running a red light at speed without slowing or clearing traffic lanes is the classic failure of due regard. Lights and siren do not shift all fault to other drivers, and drivers can be held personally responsible.

12. Approaching a red light with lights and sirens, the operator should:

    1. A. Sound the siren and proceed
    2. B. Stop and clear each lane
    3. C. Speed up to cross quickly
    4. D. Proceed once traffic yields
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Stop and clear each lane

    Intersections are the highest-risk location. A near stop is the minimum.

13. Sirens affect drivers by:

    1. A. Always alert drivers early
    2. B. Are often heard late
    3. C. Reduce crashes at intersections
    4. D. Guarantee that drivers yield
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Are often heard late

    Never assume a driver hears you. Soundproofing, music, and distraction delay recognition.

14. The wail and yelp siren tones should be:

    1. A. Used only at night
    2. B. One steady setting throughout
    3. C. Varied to draw attention
    4. D. Avoided except at intersections
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Varied to draw attention

    A steady tone blends into background noise.

15. Speed during emergency response should be:

    1. A. As fast as traffic allows
    2. B. Controlled for safe stopping
    3. C. Set by dispatch priority
    4. D. Set by the patient's condition
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Controlled for safe stopping

    Ambulances are top-heavy and slow to stop. Stopping distance and handling limits are unchanged by the emergency. Even for a critical patient, speed must allow a safe stop.

16. A loaded ambulance handles differently because:

    1. A. It corners more tightly at speed
    2. B. Its center of gravity rises
    3. C. It is lighter and quicker to stop
    4. D. It accelerates faster from a stop
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Its center of gravity rises

    Rollovers occur at surprisingly low speeds. Added weight also lengthens braking distance.

17. You must back the ambulance into a tight hospital bay. Your partner is inside with the patient, and no one else is available. What is the safest approach?

    1. A. Back slowly using the backup camera only
    2. B. Back quickly to limit time in the drive lane
    3. C. Stop, get out, walk the path, then back slowly
    4. D. Back up using your side mirrors only
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Stop, get out, walk the path, then back slowly

    When no spotter is available, getting out and walking the path shows you the obstacles that cameras and mirrors miss. Backing crashes are among the most common, and most preventable, ambulance crashes. Cameras and mirrors have blind spots. Backing quickly removes the time you need to react.

18. You are transporting a stable patient who needs vitals every 5 minutes. How should you plan your care in the back of the ambulance?

    1. A. Stay belted in the seat and take vitals from there
    2. B. Stand at the head of the cot for the whole transport
    3. C. Stay unbelted so you can move freely
    4. D. Kneel on the floor beside the cot
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Stay belted in the seat and take vitals from there

    Unrestrained providers in the patient compartment are the most likely to be seriously hurt in a crash. Plan care so you can stay belted, and unbelt only briefly when a task truly requires it. Standing, kneeling, or riding unbelted for convenience is the main risk factor.

19. During transport you finish using the cardiac monitor and set it on the bench seat next to you. Why is this a hazard?

    1. A. It can slide and crack its screen
    2. B. It blocks the seat for a second rider
    3. C. In a sudden stop it becomes a projectile
    4. D. It is harder to reach if the patient arrests
    Show answer

    Answer: C. In a sudden stop it becomes a projectile

    In a crash or hard stop, an unsecured 15- to 20-pound monitor keeps moving at the vehicle's speed and can seriously injure the crew or patient. Return equipment to its bracket or secured storage. Equipment damage, seating space, and reach are not the safety issue.

20. A patient on the cot must be secured with:

    1. A. No straps on short trips
    2. B. The main torso strap only
    3. C. All straps, including shoulders
    4. D. One strap in emergencies
    Show answer

    Answer: C. All straps, including shoulders

    Lateral forces eject unsecured patients.

21. A child being transported should ideally be:

    1. A. Belted to the cot with adult straps
    2. B. In a proper child restraint
    3. C. Held in a parent's lap
    4. D. Belted together with an adult
    Show answer

    Answer: B. In a proper child restraint

    Holding a child in a crash is not protective. Follow agency policy. Adult straps do not hold a small child securely.

22. Wearing headphones or using a phone while driving an ambulance is:

    1. A. Acceptable for navigation
    2. B. Needed for dispatch contact
    3. C. Safe at low speeds
    4. D. A dangerous distraction
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A dangerous distraction

    Mount devices and use the partner for communication. It is typically prohibited.

23. You are responding behind an engine, both with lights and siren. Cars pull to the right as the engine passes. What is the biggest hazard for your ambulance?

    1. A. Losing sight of the engine when it turns at intersections
    2. B. The engine's siren drowning out your own siren
    3. C. Pedestrians stepping off the curb
    4. D. Drivers pulling back out, not expecting a second vehicle
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Drivers pulling back out, not expecting a second vehicle

    Drivers who yield to the first emergency vehicle often pull back into traffic, not expecting a second. Keep several hundred feet of space, use a different siren tone, and be ready for cars to reenter the lane. Keeping the engine in sight does not matter for your own route, and pedestrians are a smaller risk here than cars pulling back out. Siren masking is real but is managed by spacing and tone, and the reentering drivers are the bigger threat.

24. Wet, icy, or gravel roads require:

    1. A. Slower speed and more spacing
    2. B. Steady speed with harder braking
    3. C. Lights and sirens to clear lanes
    4. D. Normal speed with snow tires
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Slower speed and more spacing

    Traction limits are unforgiving.

25. The most effective single measure to protect providers in a crash is:

    1. A. A larger vehicle
    2. B. A fastened seat belt
    3. C. Side curtain airbags
    4. D. Lights and sirens
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A fastened seat belt

    It applies in the patient compartment too.

26. Ambulance vehicle inspections should include:

    1. A. Brakes, tires, lights, fluids
    2. B. Radio and phone function
    3. C. Mileage logged for the last shift
    4. D. Fuel level and cleanliness
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Brakes, tires, lights, fluids

    Document and report defects. Warning devices are included. Mileage logs are records, not safety checks.

27. Fatigued driving in EMS is a concern because it:

    1. A. Is uncommon in EMS
    2. B. Affects only long transports
    3. C. Impairs reaction and judgment
    4. D. Affects only night crews
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Impairs reaction and judgment

    Fatigue-related crashes are well documented. Severe sleep loss impairs drivers comparably to alcohol.

28. Highway scene safety improves when EMS:

    1. A. Turns the wheels toward the crew
    2. B. Turns off all warning lights
    3. C. Parks on the shoulder past the scene
    4. D. Uses blocking and reflective gear
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Uses blocking and reflective gear

    Excessive lighting can also blind drivers. Limit time exposed to traffic. If the unit is struck, wheels turned toward the crew drive it into them.

29. Reducing emergency lighting at night on a highway scene may:

    1. A. Reduces driver glare
    2. B. Has no real effect
    3. C. Always increases risk
    4. D. Violates traffic law
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Reduces driver glare

    Balance visibility with glare. Bright lights can blind drivers or draw them toward the scene.

30. Transporting nonemergency whenever clinically acceptable:

    1. A. Reduces crash risk for all
    2. B. Is rarely permitted
    3. C. Delays definitive care
    4. D. Increases agency liability
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Reduces crash risk for all

    Time savings from emergency transport are usually small.

31. If an ambulance crash occurs, the crew should first:

    1. A. Call only the supervisor
    2. B. Move the vehicle off the roadway
    3. C. Check injuries and get help
    4. D. Complete the documentation
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Check injuries and get help

    There are now multiple patients, including the crew. Protect the scene.

32. Drivers of emergency vehicles should be trained in:

    1. A. A commercial driver's license course
    2. B. Defensive driving for passenger cars
    3. C. An EVOC driving course
    4. D. Dispatch and radio procedures
    Show answer

    Answer: C. An EVOC driving course

    Many agencies require it before driving. An emergency vehicle operator course is the standard, with periodic refreshers. A CDL course and civilian defensive driving do not teach emergency vehicle operation.

33. Parking at a residential scene should allow:

    1. A. Blocking the driveway for access
    2. B. The shortest walk to the door
    3. C. Parking on the lawn for access
    4. D. A clear exit and room to load
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A clear exit and room to load

    Being blocked in delays transport.