Cdl Driver Safety

Front 1

During a Trip. For safety you should

Back 1

:Watch gauges for signs of trouble.Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel).Check critical items when you stop:Tires, wheels and rims.Brakes.Lights and reflectors.Brake and electrical connections to trailer.Trailer coupling devices.Cargo securement devices.

Front 2

After-trip Inspection and Report. You should do

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an after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day, or tour of duty on each vehicle you operated. It may include filling out a vehicle condition report listing any problems you find. The inspection report helps a motor carrier know when the vehicle needs repair

Front 3

What to Look For Tire Problems

Back 3

1. 1. Too much or too little air pressure. 2. Bad wear. You need at least 4/32-inch tread depth in every major groove on front tires. 3. You need 2/32 inch on other tires. No fabric should show through the tread or sidewall.

Front 4

Other problems with tires

Back 4

1. Cuts or other damage.2. Tread separation.3. Dual tires that come in contact with each other or parts of the vehicle.

4. Mismatched sizes.5. Radial and bias-ply tires used together.6. Cut or cracked valve stems.7. Re-grooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on the front wheels of a bus are prohibited.

Front 5

Wheel and rim problem. What is dangerous?

Back 5

Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs means danger.Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are dangerous.

Front 6

Wheel and rim problems. Rust

Back 6

Wheel and Rim ProblemsDamaged rims.Rust around wheel nuts may mean the nuts are loose--check tightness. After a tire has been changed, stop a short while later and re-check tightness of nuts

Front 7

Wheels or rim problem. What is not safe?

Back 7

Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are not safe.

Front 8

Bad Brake Drums or Shoes

Back 8

Bad Brake Drums or ShoesCracked drums.Shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them.Shoes worn dangerously thin, missing, or broken.

Front 9

Steering System Defects

Back 9

1. Steering System Defects 2. Missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, or other parts. 3. Bent, loose, or broken parts, such as steering column, steering gear box, or tie rods. 4. If power steering equipped, check hoses, pumps, and fluid level; check for leaks. 5. Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (approximately 2 inches movement at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it hard to steer.

Front 10

Steering System defects.

leaves, shock absorbers, axle positioning parts, Air suspension systems

Back 10

Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part. (suspension system parts).

Leaking shock absorbers.

(brown residue is normal leakage. Black means replace shock absorbers.)

Torque rod or arm, u-bolts, spring hangers, or other axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged, or missing.

Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or leaking. (it injects air/releases air depending on the weight of the car.)

Front 11

Exhaust System Defects.

Back 11

Exhaust System Defects. A broken exhaust system can let poison fumes into the cab or sleeper berth. Look for:

Exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of vehicle.

Exhaust system parts that are leaking.

Front 12

Exhaust System Defects.

Loose, etc

Back 12

Loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers,

tailpipes, or vertical stacks.

Loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts.

Front 13

Exhaust System Defects. Exhaust system parts

Back 13

Exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of vehicle.

Exhaust system parts that are leakin

Front 14

Suspension System Defects.

What does the suspension system do?

Back 14

Suspension System Defects. The suspensionsystem holds up the vehicle and its load. It keepsthe axles in place.

Front 15

Suspension System Defects.

What are some defects in it?

Back 15

Therefore, broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous.

Look for: Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position. See Figure 2.2.

Cracked or broken spring hangers.•

Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If one-fourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle “out of service”, but any defect could be dangerous. See Figure 2.3

Front 16

Emergency Equipment.

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Emergency Equipment. Vehicles must be equipped with emergency equipment. Look for:• Fire extinguisher(s).

• Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers).

• Warning devices for parked vehicles: three reflective triangles or at least 6 fusees or 3 liquid burning flares)

Front 17

Cargo (Trucks).

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Cargo (Trucks). You must make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured before each trip.

If the cargo contains hazardous materials, you must inspect for proper papers and placarding.

Front 18

Vehicle Inspection Guide:

Step 1: Vehicle Overview Review

Back 18

Step 1: Vehicle OverviewReview Last.

Vehicle Inspection Report. Drivers may have to make a vehicle inspection report in writing each day.

The motor carrier must repair any items in the report that affect safety and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary.

You must sign the report only if defects were noted and certified to be repaired or not needed to be repaired

Front 19

Vehicle Inspection Guide:

Step 2: Check Engine Compartment Check

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Step 2: Check Engine CompartmentCheck That the Parking Brakes Are On and/or Wheels Chocked.You may have to raise the hood, tilt the cab (secure loose things so they don’t fall and break something), or open the engine compartment door.

Check the following:

• Engine oil level.

• Coolant level in radiator; condition of hoses.

• Power steering fluid level; hose condition (if so equipped).

• Windshield washer fluid level.

• Battery fluid level, connections and tie downs (battery may be located elsewhere)

• Automat

[4/tic transmission fluid level (may require engine to be running).

• Check belts for tightness and excessive wear (alternator, water pump, air compressor) -- learn how much “give” the belts should have when adjusted right, and check each one.

Check for Leaks in the engine compartment (fuel, coolant, oil, power steering fluid, hydraulic fluid, battery fluid).Cracked, worn electrical wiring insulation. Lower and secure hood, cab, or engine compartment door.

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Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab

1. Indicator for Anti-lock braking system for tractor?

2. Indicator for Anti-lock braking system for trailer?

Back 20

Get In and Start EngineMake sure parking brake is on.Put gearshift in neutral (or "park" if automatic).Start engine; listen for unusual noises.

If equipped, check the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator lights. Light on dash should come on and then turn off. If it stays on the ABS is not working properly. For trailers only, if the yellow light on the left rear of the trailer stays on, the ABS is not working properly

Front 21

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab

Look at the Gauges Oil pressure.

Back 21

Should come up to normal within seconds after engine is started. See Figure 2.5Air pressure. Pressure should build from 50 to 90 psi within 3 minutes.

Build air pressure to governor cut-out (usually around 120 – 140 psi. Know your vehicle’s requirements.

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Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Look at the Gauges Oil pressure.

Ammeter and/or voltmeter

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Ammeter and/or voltmeter. Should be in normal range(s).

Front 23

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Look at the Gauges Oil pressure.

Engine oil temperature.

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Engine oil temperature. Should begin gradual rise to normal operating range.

Front 24

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Look at the Gauges Oil pressure.

Coolant temperature.

Back 24

Coolant temperature. Should begin gradual rise to normal operating range.

Front 25

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Look at the Gauges Oil pressure.

Warning lights and buzzers.

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Warning lights and buzzers. Oil, coolant, charging circuit warning, and antilock brake system lights should go out right away.

Front 26

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Look at the Gauges Oil pressure.

Check Condition of Controls.

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Check Condition of Controls. Check all of the following for looseness, sticking, damage, or improper setting:Steering wheel.Clutch.Accelerator ("gas pedal").Brake controls.Foot brake.Trailer brake (if vehicle has one).Parking brake.Retarder controls (if vehicle has them).Transmission controls.

Interaxle differential lock (if vehicle has one).Horn(s).Windshield wiper/washer.Lights.Headlights.Dimmer switch.Turn signal.Four-way flashers.Parking, clearance, identification, marker switch(es)

Front 27

Wheel spacers .

Back 27

Wheel spacers are round discs that are installed between the rotors and wheels. The purpose of installing wheel spacers is to widen the offset of the wheels, which widens the vehicle's track. This has handling benefits even when the tire size does not change.

Front 28

Emergency Equipment. Vehicles must be equipped with emergency equipment.

Back 28

Emergency Equipment. Vehicles must be equipped with emergency equipment.

Look for:• Fire extinguisher(s). • Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers).• Warning devices for parked vehicles: three reflective triangles or at least 6 fusees or 3 liquid burning flares)

Front 29

Cargo (Trucks).

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Cargo (Trucks). You must make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured before each trip. If the cargo contains hazardous materials, you must inspect for proper papers and placarding

Front 30

Vehicle Inspection GuideStep 1: Vehicle Overview

Back 30

Vehicle Inspection GuideStep 1:

Vehicle Overview. Review Last Vehicle Inspection Report.

Drivers may have to make a vehicle inspection report in writing each day. The motor carrier must repair any items in the report that affect safety and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary. You must sign the report only if defects were noted and certified to be repaired or not needed to be repaired.

Front 31

Step 2: Check Engine Compartment

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Step 2: Check Engine Compartment.

Check That the Parking Brakes Are On and/or Wheels Chocked.

You may have to raise the hood, tilt the cab (secure loose things so they don’t fall and break something), or open the engine compartment door.

Check the following:

• Engine oil level.

• Coolant level in radiator; condition of hoses.

• Power steering fluid level; hose condition (if so equipped).

• Windshield washer fluid level.

• Battery fluid level, connections and tie downs (battery may be located elsewhere)

• Automatic transmission fluid level (may require engine to be running).

• Check belts for tightness and excessive wear (alternator, water pump, air compressor) -- learn how much “give” the belts should have when adjusted right, and check each one

• Leaks in the engine compartment (fuel, coolant, oil, power steering fluid, hydraulic fluid, battery fluid).

• Cracked, worn electrical wiring insulation.

• Lower and secure hood, cab, or engine compartment door.

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Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Get In and Start Engine.

First part.

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Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the CabGet In and Start Engine

• Make sure parking brake is on.

• Put gearshift in neutral (or “park” if automatic).

• Start engine; listen for unusual noises.

• If equipped, check the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator lights. Light on dash should come on and then turn off. If it stays on the ABS is not working properly.

For trailers only, if the yellow light on the left rear of the trailer stays on, the ABS is not working properly

Front 33

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Get In and Start Engine.

Look at the Gauge

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Look at the Gauges

• Oil pressure. Should come up to normal within seconds after engine is started. See Figure 2.5

• Air pressure. Pressure should build from 50 to 90 psi within 3 minutes. Build air pressure to governor cut-out (usually around 120 – 140 psi. Know your vehicle’s requirements.

• Ammeter and/or voltmeter. Should be in normal range(s).

• Coolant temperature. Should begin gradual rise to normal operating range.

• Engine oil temperature. Should begin gradual rise to normal operating range.

• Warning lights and buzzers. Oil, coolant, charging circuit warning, and antilock brake system lights should go out right away.

Front 34

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Get In and Start Engine.

Check Condition of Controls

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Check Condition of Controls. Check all of the following for looseness, sticking, damage, or improper setting:

• Steering wheel.

• Clutch.

• Accelerator (“gas pedal”).

• Brake controls.

• Foot brake.

• Trailer brake (if vehicle has one).

• Parking brake.

• Retarder controls (if vehicle has them).

• Transmission controls.

• Interaxle differential lock (if vehicle has one).

• Horn(s).

• Windshield wiper/washer

• Lights.

• Headlights.

• Dimmer switch.

• Turn signal.

• Four-way flashers.

• Parking, clearance, identification, marker switch(es).

Front 35

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Get In and Start Engine.

Check Mirrors and Windshield.

Back 35

Check Mirrors and Windshield. Inspect mirrors and windshield for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or other obstructions to seeing clearly. Clean and adjust as necessary.

Front 36

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab Get In and Start Engine.

Check Emergency Equipment.

Back 36

Check Emergency Equipment

• Check for safety equipment:

Spare electrical fuses (unless vehicle has circuit breakers).

Three red reflective triangles, 6 fusees or 3 liquid burning flares.

Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.

• Check for optional items such as:

Chains (where winter conditions require).

Tire changing equipment.

List of emergency phone numbers

Accident reporting kit (packet).Check Safety Belt.

Check that the safety belt is securely mounted, adjusts; latches properly and is not ripped or frayed

Front 37

Step 4: Turn Off Engine and Check Lights.

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Step 4: Turn Off Engine and Check LightsMake sure the parking brake is set, turn off the engine, and take the key with you.

Front 38

Step 5: Do Walk-around Inspection .

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Step 5: Do Walk-around Inspection

• Go to front of vehicle and check that low beams are on and both of the four-way flashers are working.

• Push dimmer switch and check that high beams work.

• Turn off headlights and four-way emergency flashers.

• Turn on parking, clearance, side-marker, and identification lights.

• Turn on right turn signal, and start walk around inspection

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Step 5: Do Walk-around Inspection .

General.

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General• Walk around and inspect.• Clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you go along

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Front Left Side.

Back 40

Left Front Side• Driver’s door glass should be clean.• Door latches or locks should work properly.• Left front wheel. Condition of wheel and rim--missing, bent, broken studs, clamps, lugs, or any signs of misalignment. Condition of tires--properly inflated, valve stem and cap OK, no serious cuts, bulges, or tread wear. Use wrench to test rust-streaked lug nuts, indicating looseness. Hub oil level OK, no leaks.• Left front suspension. Condition of spring, spring hangers, shackles, u-bolts. Shock absorber condition.• Left front brake. Condition of brake drum or disc. Condition of hoses

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Step 5: Do Walk-around InspectionGo to front of vehicle and check that low beams

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Step 5: Do Walk-around InspectionGo to front of vehicle and check that low beams are on and both of the four-way flashers are working.Push dimmer switch and check that high beams work.Turn off headlights and four-way emergency flashers.Turn on parking, clearance, side-marker, and identification lights.Turn on right turn signal, and start walk-around inspection.GeneralWalk around and inspect.Clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you go along.Left Front Side

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Step 5 front

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FrontCondition of front axle.Condition of steering system.No loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts.Must grab steering mechanism to test for looseness.Condition of windshield.Check for damage and clean if dirty.Check windshield wiper arms for proper spring tension.Check wiper blades for damage, "stiff" rubber, and securement.Lights and reflectors.Parking, clearance, and identification lights clean, operating, and proper color (amber at front).Reflectors clean and proper color (amber at front).Right front turn signal light clean, operating, and proper color (amber or white on signals facing forward).

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Step 5. Right Side

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Right SideRight front: check all items as done on left front.Primary and secondary safety cab locks engaged (if cab-over-engine design).Right fuel tank(s).Securely mounted, not damaged, or leaking.Fuel crossover line secure.Tank(s) contain enough fuel.Cap(s) on and secure.Condition of visible parts.Rear of engine--not leaking.Transmission--not leaking.Exhaust system--secure, not leaking, not touching wires, fuel, or air-lines.Frame and cross members--no bends or cracks. Air-lines and electrical wiring--secured against snagging, rubbing, wearing.Spare tire carrier or rack not damaged (if so equipped).Spare tire and/or wheel securely mounted in rack.Spare tire and wheel adequate (proper size, properly inflated).Cargo securement (trucks).Cargo properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, etc.Header board adequate, secure (if required).

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Step 5.

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Left SideCheck all items as done on right side, plus:Battery(ies) (if not mounted in engine compartment).Battery box(es) securely mounted to vehicle.Box has secure cover.Battery(ies) secured against movement.Battery(ies) not broken or leaking.Fluid in battery(ies) at proper level (except maintenance-free type).Cell caps present and securely tightened (except maintenance-free type).Vents in cell caps free of foreign material (except maintenance-free type).

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Step 6: Check Signal LightsGet In and Turn Off Lights

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Turn off all lights.Turn on stop lights (apply trailer hand brake or have a helper put on the brake pedal).Turn on left turn signal lights.Get Out and Check LightsLeft front turn signal light clean, operating and proper color (amber or white on signals facing the front).

Get In VehicleTurn off lights not needed for driving.Check for all required papers, trip manifests, permits, etc.Secure all loose articles in cab (they might interfere with operation of the controls or hit you in a crash).Start the engine

Front 46

Step 7: Start the Engine and Check Test for?

What three test are done in step 7?

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1. Test Hydraulic Leaks.

2. Test parking brakes

3. Test service brake stopping action.

Front 47

Step 7: Start the Engine and Check Test for

Brake System Test Parking Brake(s)

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• Fasten safety belt• Set parking brake (power unit only).• Release trailer parking brake (if applicable).• Place vehicle into a low gear.• Gently pull forward against parking brake to make sure the parking brake holds.• Repeat the same steps for the trailer with trailer parking brake set and power unit parking brakes released (if applicable).• If it doesn’t hold vehicle, it is faulty; get it fixed.

Front 48

Step 7: Start the Engine and Check Test for

Test Service Brake Stopping Action •

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Go about five miles per hour. • Push brake pedal firmly • “Pulling” to one side or the other can mean brake trouble. • Any unusual brake pedal “feel” or delayed stopping action can mean trouble. • If you find anything unsafe during the Vehicle inspection, get it fixed. Federal and state laws forbid operating an unsafe vehicle.

Front 49

Step 7: Start the Engine and Check Test for Hydraulic Leaks

Back 49

If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or other problem. Get it fixed before driving. If the vehicle has air brakes, do the checks described in Sections 5 and 6 of this manual

Front 50

When do drivers perform Safety Inspections?

Back 50

Safety Inspection. Drivers of trucks and truck tractors when transporting cargo must inspect the securement of the cargo within the first 50 miles of a trip and every 150 miles or every three hours (whichever comes first) after

Front 51

What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

Back 51

It is critical that you inspect the bearings and seals frequently for evidence of leaks. During the inspection, you check if the bearing seals

1. are punctured,

2. have become loose,

3. have suffered other damage due to the contaminants seeping in.

Front 52

Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the Vehicle inspection?

Back 52

You will need it to inspect the trailer. So you don't lose it. So no one moves the vehicle while you are inspecting underneath it.

Front 53

.3.1 – Manual Transmissions:

Knowing When to Shift Up. There are two ways of knowing when to shift.

1.Use Engine Speed (rpm).

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Study the driver’s manual for your vehicle and learn the operating rpm range. Watch your tachometer, and shift up when your engine reaches the top of the range. (Some newer vehicles use “progressive” shifting: the rpm at which you shift becomes higher as you move up in the gears. Find out what’s right for the vehicle you will operate.)

Front 54

.3.1 – Manual Transmissions: Knowing When to Shift Up. There are two ways of knowing when to shift.

Use Road Speed (mph).

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Use Road Speed (mph). Learn what speeds each gear is good for. Then, by using the speedometer, you’ll know when to shift up.With either method, you may learn to use engine sounds to know when to shift

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Basic Procedures for Shifting Down:

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• Release accelerator, push in clutch, and shift to neutral at the same time.• Release clutch.• Press accelerator, increase engine and gear speed to the rpm required in the lower gear.• Push in clutch and shift to lower gear at the same time.• Release clutch and press accelerator at the same time.• Downshifting, like upshifting, requires knowing when to shift. Use either the tachometer or the speedometer and downshift at the right rpm or road speed.

Front 56

Special conditions where you should downshift are: Before Starting Down a Hill.

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Slow down and shift down to a speed that you can control without using the brakes hard. Otherwise the brakes can overheat and lose their braking power.Downshift before starting down the hill. Make sure you are in a low enough gear, usually lower than the gear required to climb the same hill.

Front 57

Special conditions where you should downshift are:

Before Entering a Curve.

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Before Entering a Curve.

Slow down to a safe speed, and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning. It also allows you to speed up as soon as you are out of the curve.

Front 58

Why should you back toward the driver’s side?

Back 58

It is important to use a helper when you are backing because you will be dealing with blind spots that you cannot see. Before you start, the two of you should agree on a set of hand signals for "Go" and (most importantly) "Stop." Take more free practice tests for other CDL topics with our cdl practice tests now!

Front 59

If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?

Back 59

Put on the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling back. Release the parking brake only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back.

Front 60

1. Why should you back toward the driver's side?

Back 60

Back to the driver's side so you can see better. Backing toward the right side is very dangerous because you can't see as well. If you back and turn toward the driver's side, you can watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window. Use driverside backing--even if it means going around the block to put your vehicle in this position. The added safety is worth it.

Front 61

What’s the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?

Back 61

You can select a low range to get greater engine braking when going down grades. The lower ranges prevent the transmission from shifting up beyond the selected gear (unless the governor rpm is exceeded). It is very important to use this braking effect when going down grades.

Front 62

What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?

Back 62

1. Use Engine Speed (rpm). Study the driver's manual for your vehicle and learn the operating rpm range. Watch your tachometer, and shift up when your engine reaches the top of the range. (Some newer vehicles use "progressive" shifting: the rpm at which you shift becomes higher as you move up in the gears. Find out what's right for the vehicle you will operate.)

2. Use Road Speed (mph). Learn what speeds each gear is good for. Then, by using the speedometer, you'll know when to shift up. With either method, you may learn to use engine sounds to know when to shift.

Front 63

Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery. True or False?

Back 63

False. You should turn the retarder off whenever the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. It causes skidding when there is poor traction.

Front 64

Importance of Looking Far Enough Ahead.

Back 64

Because stopping or changing lanes can take a lot of distance, knowing what the traffic is doing on all sides of you is very important. You need to look well ahead to make sure you have room to make these moves safely.

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How far ahead to look?

Back 65

How Far Ahead to Look. Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. At lower speeds, that’s about one block. At highway speeds it’s about a quarter of a mile. If you’re not looking that far ahead, you may have to stop too quickly or make quick lane changes. Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead doesn’t mean not paying attention to things that are closer. Good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far.

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Look for Traffic

Back 66

Look for Traffic. Look for vehicles coming onto the highway, into your lane, or turning. Watch for brake lights from slowing vehicles.

By seeing these things far enough ahead, you can change your speed, or change lanes if necessary to avoid a problem.

If a traffic light has been green for a long time it will probably change before you get there. Start slowing down and be ready to stop.

Front 67

Mirror Adjustment.

Back 67

Mirror Adjustment. Mirror adjustment should be checked prior to the start of any trip and can only be checked accurately when the trailer(s) are straight.

You should check and adjust each mirror to show some part of the vehicle. This will give you a reference point for judging the position of the other images

Front 68

Regular Checks

Back 68

Regular Checks. You need to make regular checks of your mirrors to be aware of traffic and to check your vehicle.

Front 69

Traffic

Back 69

Traffic. Check your mirrors for vehicles on either side and in back of you. In an emergency, you may need to know whether you can make a quick lane change. Use your mirrors to spot overtaking vehicles.

There are “blind spots” that your mirrors cannot show you. Check your mirrors regularly to know where other vehicles are around you, and to see if they move into your blind spots.

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Check your vehicle

Back 70

Check Your Vehicle. Use the mirrors to keep an eye on your tires. It’s one way to spot a tire fire. If you’re carrying open cargo, you can use the mirrors to check it. Look for loose straps, ropes, or chains. Watch for a flapping or ballooning tarp

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Special Situations.

Back 71

Special Situations. Special situations require more than regular mirror checks. These are lane changes, turns, merges, and tight maneuvers.

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Lane Changes

Back 72

Lane Changes. You need to check your mirrors to make sure no one is alongside you or about to pass you.

Check your mirrors:•

Before you change lanes to make sure there is enough room.

• After you have signaled, to check that no one has moved into your blind spot.

• Right after you start the lane change, to double-check that your path is clear.

• After you complete the lane change.

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Turns.

Back 73

Turns. In turns, check your mirrors to make sure the rear of your vehicle will not hit anything.

Front 74

Mergers

Back 74

Merges. When merging, use your mirrors to make sure the gap in traffic is large enough for you to enter safely.

Front 75

Tight Maneuvers.

Back 75

Tight Maneuvers. Any time you are driving in close quarters, check your mirrors often. Make sure you have enough clearance

Front 76

How to Use Mirrors.

Back 76

How to Use Mirrors. Use mirrors correctly by checking them quickly and understanding what you see.When you use your mirrors while driving on the road, check quickly.

Look back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead. Don’t focus on the mirrors for too long. Otherwise, you will travel quite a distance without knowing what’s happening ahead.

Many large vehicles have curved (convex, “fisheye,” “spot,” “bug-eye”) mirrors that show a wider area than flat mirrors. This is often helpful. But everything appears smaller in a convex mirror than it would if you were looking at it directly.

Things also seem farther away than they really are. It’s important to realize this and to allow for it. Figure 2.7 shows the field of vision using a convex mirror

Front 77

How to Use Mirrors.

Back 77

How to Use Mirrors. Use mirrors correctly by checking them quickly and understanding what you see.When you use your mirrors while driving on the road, check quickly.

Look back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead. Don’t focus on the mirrors for too long. Otherwise, you will travel quite a distance without knowing what’s happening ahead.Many large vehicles have curved (convex, “fisheye,” “spot,” “bug-eye”) mirrors that show a wider area than flat mirrors. This is often helpful. But everything appears smaller in a convex mirror than it would if you were looking at it directly. Things also seem farther away than they really are. It’s important to realize this and to allow for it. Figure 2.7 shows the field of vision using a convex mirror

Front 78

Turns.

Back 78

Turns. There are three good rules for using turn signals:

• Signal early. Signal well before you turn. It is the best way to keep others from trying to pass you.

• Signal continuously. You need both hands on the wheel to turn safely. Don’t cancel the signal until you have completed the turn.

• Cancel your signal. Don’t forget to turn off your turn signal after you’ve turned (if you don’t have self-canceling signals

Front 79

Lane Changes.

Back 79

Lane Changes. Put your turn signal on before changing lanes. Change lanes slowly and smoothly. That way a driver you didn’t see may have a chance to honk his/her horn, or avoid your vehicle

Front 80

Slowing Down.

Back 80

Slowing Down. Warn drivers behind you when you see you’ll need to slow down. A few light taps on the brake pedal -- enough to flash the brake lights -- should warn following drivers. Use the four-way emergency flashers for times when you are driving very slowly or are stopped. Warn other drivers in any of the following situations:

Front 81

Trouble Ahead

Back 81

Trouble Ahead. The size of your vehicle may make it hard for drivers behind you to see hazards ahead. If you see a hazard that will require slowing down, warn the drivers behind by flashing your brake lights

Front 82

Tight Turns.

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Tight Turns. Most car drivers don’t know how slowly you have to go to make a tight turn in a large vehicle. Give drivers behind you warning by braking early and slowing gradually.

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Stopping on the Road

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Stopping on the Road. Truck and bus drivers sometimes stop in the roadway to unload cargo or passengers, or to stop at a railroad crossing. Warn following drivers by flashing your brake lights. Don’t stop suddenly.

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Driving Slowly:

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Driving Slowly. Drivers often do not realize how fast they are catching up to a slow vehicle until they are very close. If you must drive slowly, alert following drivers by turning on your emergency flashers if it is legal. (Laws regarding the use of flashers differ from one state to another. Check the laws of the states where you will drive.)

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Don't Direct Traffic

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Don’t Direct Traffic. Some drivers try to help out others by signaling when it is safe to pass. You should not do this. You could cause an accident. You could be blamed and it could cost you many thousands of dollars.

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When passing

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When Passing. Whenever you are about to pass a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, assume they don’t see you. They could suddenly move in front of you. When it is legal, tap the horn lightly or, at night, flash your lights from low to high beam and back. And, drive carefully enough to avoid a crash even if they don’t see or hear you.

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When It’s Hard to See?

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At dawn, dusk, in rain, or snow, you need to make yourself easier to see. If you are having trouble seeing other vehicles, other drivers will have trouble seeing you. Turn on your lights. Use the headlights, not just the identification or clearance lights. Use the low beams; high beams can bother people in the daytime as well as at night

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When Parked at the Side of the Road

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When Parked at the Side of the Road. When you pull off the road and stop, be sure to turn on the four-way emergency flashers. This is important at night. Don’t trust the taillights to give warning.

Drivers have crashed into the rear of a parked vehicle because they thought it was moving normally.If you must stop on a road or the shoulder of any road, you must put out your emergency warning devices within ten minutes.

Place your warning devices at the following locations:If you must stop on or by a one-way or divided highway, place warning devices 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic.

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Use Your horn When Needed

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Use Your Horn When Needed. Your horn can let others know you’re there. It can help to avoid a crash. Use your horn when needed. However, it can startle others and could be dangerous when used unnecessarily.

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Controlling Speed Driving too fast is a major cause of fatal crashes.

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You must adjust your speed depending on driving conditions. These include traction, curves, visibility, traffic and hills.

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Controlling Speed Driving too fast is a major cause of fatal crashes.

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Controlling SpeedDriving too fast is a major cause of fatal crashes. You must adjust your speed depending on driving conditions. These include traction, curves, visibility, traffic and hills.

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What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?

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Safety is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle, safety for yourself and other road users.

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a

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a