Commercial Vehicle Operation: Safety & Regulations
Key Safety Points for Commercial Vehicle Drivers
- Truck escape ramps help avoid vehicle damage.
- Driving in heavy traffic at 35 mph when the speed limit is 55 mph is unsafe.
- Brakes absorb more heat to stop heavier or faster-moving vehicles.
- Water can be used on tire fires.
- A first offense of driving a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs results in a CDL loss of at least one year.
- During a pre-trip inspection, brake shoes should not have oil, grease, or brake fluid on them.
- A slow-moving vehicle sign indicates a vehicle traveling at a reduced speed.
- You must stop at a railroad grade crossing when the cargo makes a stop mandatory under state or federal regulations.
- When a coolant container is part of a pressurized system, you can check the coolant level of a hot engine.
- Counter-steering is turning the steering wheel back in the other direction after steering to avoid a traffic emergency.
- Vehicles speed naturally increases on downgrades due to gravity.
- Avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water by gently applying the brakes while driving through water.
- Warning devices for parking vehicles should be in your vehicle as emergency equipment.
- Implied consent means you have given your consent to be tested for alcohol in your blood.
- Valve clearance is not part of the engine compartment pre-trip inspection.
- When parked at the side of the road at night, turn on your 4-way emergency flashers to warn others.
- Stab braking should be used on vehicles without anti-lock brake systems.
- The proper way to hold a steering wheel is with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel.
- Placards must be placed on all four sides of the vehicle.
- The distance you should look ahead while driving is about 1/4 mile.
- Off-tracking is the term for a commercial vehicle’s habit of swinging wide on turns.
- You must sign the written vehicle inspection report if the previous driver noted any defects.
- In cold weather, your tire tread should provide enough traction to steer and push the vehicle through snow.
- At 55 mph on dry pavement, you need about the length of a football field to stop.
- The hydraulic brake should be tested while the vehicle is stopped.
- Checking the battery fluid level will not help prevent a fire.
- Vehicle fish-tail is not a characteristic of a front tire failure.
- When you double your speed, your vehicle has about four times the destructive power.
- When starting your vehicle in motion from a stop, take your foot off the accelerator.
- If your brakes get wet, trailers can jackknife when you apply the brakes.
- Park your vehicle so you can pull forward when you leave.
- Signal early and change lanes slowly and smoothly when changing lanes.
- If you do not have a CB radio, protect the area first at an accident.
- Wheels fishtailing may be a sign of tire failure.
- The best drivers are defensive, watching and preparing for hazards.
- Strong winds affect driving the most when exiting tunnels.
- Cracking of engine belts in hot weather is a safety threat.
- Alcohol first affects judgment and self-control.