Key points
The chance of a crash doubles when a teen driver has another teen in the vehicle.
Source: Handbook p. 46
“The chance of a crash doubles if a teen driver has another teen in the vehicle.”
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 46With ABS in an emergency, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal.
Source: Handbook p. 46
“The proper way to use ABS in an emergency is to apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal.”
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 46If someone is injured or killed in your crash, call 911, stay on the scene and do not move the vehicles.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“If you were in a crash and someone is injured or killed: Call 911 Stay on the scene and do not move the vehicles”
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 47Report a crash to police for any injury or death, or $1,000 or more in property damage.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“You need to report a crash to police if: There is an injury or someone is killed Property damage of $1,000 or more”
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 47You must also report a crash to police for government property damage of $200 or more, such as signs or guard rails.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“You need to report a crash to police if: There is an injury or someone is killed Property damage of $1,000 or more Government property damage of $200 or more (ex: signs, guard rails)”
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 47If your brakes fail, pump the pedal, then use the parking brake, releasing it if you skid.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“Brakes Stop Working: Pump the brake pedal several times Pull the parking brake. If you start to skid, take off the parking brake”
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 48After a tire blowout, hold the wheel straight and slow down little by little.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“Tire Blowout: Hold the steering wheel to keep your vehicle going straight Lift your foot off the gas pedal and slow down little by little”
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 48If the gas pedal sticks, keep your eyes on the road and switch to neutral.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“Gas Pedal Sticks: Keep your eyes on the road Switch the car to neutral”
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 48
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 911 | call if anyone is hurt | Handbook p. 47 |
| $1,000 | property damage that must be reported to police | Handbook p. 47 |
| $200 | government property damage that must be reported | Handbook p. 47 |
3 questions from the Wisconsin practice test
1. How should ABS brakes be used during an emergency stop in Wisconsin's handbook?
- Pump the pedal rapidly until the wheels lock
- Apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal
- Shift to neutral before touching the brake
- Turn off the ignition while braking
Show answer
Apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. With ABS, Wisconsin instructs the driver to press the brake pedal firmly and continuously during an emergency stop. Gently pumping the brakes is the handbook's advice for a car without ABS, not for one that has it. Shifting to neutral or turning off the engine is not the braking method described for avoiding a crash. The cue is knowing your vehicle has ABS: keep steady pressure, steer as needed, and continue until the vehicle stops or the danger has passed.
2. When must a Wisconsin crash be reported to police?
- When both drivers agree to call the police
- When someone is injured or killed, among other listed conditions
- When the crash occurs on a highway or after dark
- Only when an insurance company requests a report
Show answer
When someone is injured or killed, among other listed conditions. Wisconsin lists several police-report triggers, including an injury or death. Reporting is also required for property damage of at least $1,000, government property damage of at least $200, an immovable vehicle, or a driver who appears impaired by alcohol or drugs. Waiting for both drivers to agree, a highway location, or an insurer does not replace those conditions. At a serious crash, call 911, remain on scene, and follow directions. The amount and type of damage matter, not just whether a vehicle looks badly damaged.
3. If the gas pedal sticks, which step does the Wisconsin handbook tell you to take with the car?
- Turn the ignition off while steering at speed
- Switch the car to neutral
- Pump the accelerator until it releases
- Shift into reverse to slow the car
Show answer
Switch the car to neutral. A stuck accelerator calls for switching the vehicle to neutral, then pulling off safely when possible and turning off the engine. The ignition choice skips the handbook's control step, while reverse gear can create a dangerous loss of control. Keep your eyes on the road and manage the vehicle toward a safe stopping place. Neutral removes engine drive while preserving your ability to steer and brake.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with emergencies questions from the free Wisconsin practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Section 8: Handling Emergencies. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.