Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

Which of the following describes the action a driver must take if experiencing a low air pressure warning?

1. Immediately pull over and stop the vehicle

2. Check the pressure gauge immediately

3. Increase speed to maintain control

4. Ignore until the next rest stop

The correct answer is: Immediately pull over and stop the vehicle

When a driver experiences a low air pressure warning, the most prudent action is to immediately pull over and stop the vehicle. Low air pressure can significantly affect the braking system of a commercial vehicle, which relies on air pressure to function properly. If air pressure is too low, it can lead to brake failure, making it highly unsafe to continue driving. By stopping immediately, the driver has the opportunity to assess the situation, check for any obvious issues such as leaks or system failures, and address the problem before it escalates into a more dangerous situation. Choosing to check the pressure gauge immediately might seem like a logical first step, but the primary concern in this scenario is safety and preventing potential brake failures. Increasing speed or ignoring the warning until the next rest stop poses serious risks, as these actions could lead to loss of control or inadequate response in case of an emergency. Thus, stopping the vehicle serves to safeguard not only the driver but also other road users from possible accidents caused by malfunctioning brakes.