MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

How should you approach the scene of a flipped-over gas tanker?

1. Cordon off the tanker and re-establish flow of traffic

2. Direct traffic around the scene

3. Close down the road at both ends until help arrives

The correct answer is: Close down the road at both ends until help arrives

When approaching the scene of a flipped-over gas tanker, the most prudent action is to close down the road at both ends until help arrives. This option is essential for several reasons related to safety and emergency management. First and foremost, a flipped gas tanker poses significant hazards, including the risk of fire, explosion, and leaking hazardous materials. By closing down the road, you limit access to the scene for both vehicles and pedestrians, reducing the likelihood of additional accidents and ensuring that the area remains clear for emergency services to operate effectively. Moreover, this action provides a buffer zone, allowing first responders to assess the situation without interference from traffic. Emergency services typically need ample space to work, especially in scenarios involving hazardous materials, where the risk levels can change rapidly. In contrast, directing traffic around the scene or cordoning off the tanker may not provide sufficient safety. While those options manage traffic to some degree, they do not adequately address the potential dangers posed by the tanker’s contents or the possibility of the situation escalating. Closing the road entirely ensures that no unintended interactions with emergency responders or the hazardous situation can occur, maintaining the safety of both the public and the emergency personnel.