If you find an overheated tire during an en-route inspection while hauling hazardous materials, what action should you take?

Answer: B — Remove the tire and place it a safe distance from the vehicle

Removing the overheated tire and placing it a safe distance from the vehicle is the appropriate action because safety is paramount when dealing with hazardous materials. An overheated tire poses a significant risk, as it can potentially lead to tire failure or even a fire, especially when transporting dangerous substances. By removing the tire, you eliminate the immediate risk it poses to both the vehicle and the surrounding area. Placing the tire a safe distance away helps to prevent any possible ignition of materials in case the tire were to burst or catch fire. This action also ensures that you are complying with safety regulations and best practices for transporting hazardous materials, which require immediate attention to any potential hazards during transportation. Addressing an overheated tire effectively prevents more severe consequences and maintains the overall safety of both the vehicle and surrounding environments. In contrast, actions like driving faster, spraying with water, or ignoring the issue would further jeopardize safety and could lead to catastrophic results.