dol.wa.gov
CommercialDriver Guide
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
CommercialDriver Guide
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This Commercial Driver License (CDL) Guide is a summary of the laws and rules that apply to all drivers of commercial motor vehicles in Washington State. It is not a book of laws, and should not be used as a basis for any legal claims or actions. Regulations put into effect by federal or state agencies may go beyond state laws but cannot conflict with them.
We welcome your comments and suggestions.
Send these to: Communications and Education Department of Licensing 1125 Washington Street SE Olympia WA 98501
For your convenience, additional contact information is given below.
Department of Licensing (DOL)Website: www.dol.wa.gov• For information about driving records, reinstatements, and
eligibility:Telephone: (360) 902-3900
• For vehicle questions:Prorate (IRP) (360) 664-1858IFTA (360) 664-1868
Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA)Telephone: (360) 753-9875Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov• Hours of service• Equipment• Interstate medical waivers• Federal rules and regulations
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)Telephone: 1-(877) 429-7746Website: www.hazprints.tsa.dhs.gov• Hazmat endorsement eligibility• Threat assessments• Background checks• Fingerprints
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Washington State Patrol (WSP)Telephone: (360) 596-3800Website: www.wsp.wa.gov• Equipment requirements• Enforcement practices• Road conditions• Chain requirements• Weight enforcement
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC)Telephone: (360) 664-1222Website: www.wutc.wa.gov• Authority to carry freight for hire• Intrastate inspections
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)Telephone: (360) 704-6340Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/commercialvehicle• Interpretation of statutes or rules• Restricted roads or bridges• Oversize/Overweight permits• Construction projects
Hazardous Material National Response Center (NRC)Telephone: 1-(800) 424-8802To report a hazardous material emergency
Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC)Telephone: 1-(800) 424-9300
For technical information about physical properties of hazardous materials
We are committed to providing equal access to our services. If you need accommodation, please call (360) 902-3900 or TTY (360) 664-0116.
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Table ContentsIntroduction1.1 Who Needs a CDL? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21.2 Getting Your CDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-61.3 Medical Certification and Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-111.4 Driver Disqualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-141.5 Nationwide CDL Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-181.6 Washington State Laws and Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Driving Safely2.1 Vehicle Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22.2 Basic Control of Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-162.3 Shifting Gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-182.4 Seeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-202.5 Communicating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-242.6 Controlling Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-272.7 Managing Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-332.8 Seeing Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-382.9 Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-442.10 Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-452.11 Driving at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-472.12 Driving in Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-502.13 Driving in Winter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-512.14 Driving in Very Hot Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-542.15 Railroad-highway Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-562.16 Mountain Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-602.17 Driving Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-622.18 Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-672.19 Skid Control and Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-692.20 Accident Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-722.21 Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-732.22 Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-762.23 Staying Alert and Fit to Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-802.24 Hazardous Materials Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82
Transporting Cargo Safely3.1 Inspecting Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23.2 Weight and Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23.3 Securing Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43.4 Cargo Needing Special Attention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Transporting Passengers Safely4.1 Vehicle Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24.2 Loading and Trip Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34.3 On the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
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4.4 After-trip Vehicle Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-74.5 Prohibited Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-74.6 Use of Brake-door Interlocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Air Brakes5.1 The Parts of an Air Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25.2 Dual Air Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-105.3 Inspecting Air Brake Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-115.4 Using Air Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Combination Vehicles6.1 Driving Combination Vehicles Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26.2 Combination Vehicle Air Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-86.3 Antilock Brake Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-126.4 Coupling and Uncoupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-146.5 Inspecting a Combination Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20
Doubles and Triples7.1 Pulling Double/Triple Trailers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27.2 Coupling and Uncoupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37.3 Inspecting Doubles and Triples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-67.4 Doubles/Triples Air Brake Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Tank Vehicles8.1 Inspecting Tank Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-28.2 Driving Tank Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-38.3 Safe Driving Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Hazardous Materials9.1 The Intent of the Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39.2 Hazardous Materials Transportation: Who Does What . . . 9-49.3 Communication Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59.4 Loading and Unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-209.5 Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading and Unloading . . . . . . 9-269.6 Hazardous Materials–Driving and Parking Rules . . . . . . 9-289.7 Hazardous Materials–Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-329.8 Hazardous Materials Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-399.9 Hazardous Materials Endorsement Requirements . . . . . 9-44
School Buses10.1 Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-210.2 Loading and Unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-610.3 Emergency Exit and Evacuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1210.4 Railroad-highway Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1410.5 Student Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1910.6 Antilock Braking Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2010.7 Special Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
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Pre-Trip Inspection11.1 Overview of the CDL Skills Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-111.2 General Test Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-311.3 Overview of the Pre-Trip Inspection Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-411.4 What the Tester Will Look For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-411.5 Equipment Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-511.6 Passing Pre-Trip Inspection Test Scores . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-611.7 Scoring Criteria for the Pre-Trip Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
Basic Controls12.1 The Basic Controls Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-112.2 Scoring The Basic Controls Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-212.3 What The Tester Will Look For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
The Road Test13.1 The Road Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-213.2 What The Tester Will Look For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
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1-1
Introduction
This section covers:• Who needs a Commercial Driver License (CDL)• Getting your CDL• Medical certification and waivers • Driver disqualifications• Nationwide CDL rules• Washington State laws and rules
TheCommercialMotorVehicleSafetyActof1986requiresallstatestomeetthesameminimumstandardsfortestingandlicensingcommercialdrivers.YourCommercialDriverLicense(CDL)isproofthatyouhavetheprofessionalskillsneededtosafelyoperatecommercialvehicles.AllcommercialdriversthroughouttheUnitedStatesarerequiredtohaveaCDL.Thismanualwillhelpyoutounderstandandmeetthedriver
licensingrequirementsandstandards.
All drivers need to study:• Section 1, Introduction and State Laws• Section 2, Driving Safely• Section 3, Transporting Cargo Safely
YourGeneralKnowledgetestwillhavequestionsfromeachofthesesections.
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1.1 – Who Needs a CDL?YoumusthaveaCDLtodriveanyofthefollowingvehicles:• Anysinglevehiclewithagrossvehicleweightrating(GVWR)of26,001poundsormore.
• Acombinationvehiclewithagrosscombinationweightrating(GCWR)of26,001ormorepoundsifthetrailer(s)hasaGVWRof10,001ormorepounds.
- IntheabsenceofaGCWRvaluespecifiedbythemanufacturer,theGCWRwillbedeterminedbyaddingtheGVWRofthepowerunitandthetotal weightofthetowedunit.
• Allvehiclesdesignedtotransport16ormorepersonsincludingthedriver–thisalsoincludesprivateandchurchbuses.
• Allschoolbusesregardlessofsize.• Anysizevehiclewhichrequireshazardousmaterialplacardsoriscarryingmateriallistedasaselectagentortoxinin49CFR100-185.
Thesevehiclesaredividedintothreeclasses–A,B,andC.UseFigure1.1toseeifyouneedaCDL,andwhatclassofCDLyouneed.Ahigher-classCDLallowsyoutodrivevehiclesinanyofthelowerclassesifyouhavethecorrectendorsements.
YoumayneedendorsementsaddedtoyourCDLifyouwill:• Drivepassenger-carryingvehicles,suchasbuses,includingallschoolbuses.
• Pulldoubleortripletrailers.• Drivetankvehicles.• Driveanysizevehiclethatisusedinthetransportationofanymaterialthatrequireshazardousmaterialplacardingoranyquantityofamateriallistedasaselectagentortoxinin42CFR93.
TherearesevenendorsementsandonerestrictionrelatedtoCDLknowledgetesting.Studyfigure1.2toseeiftheyapplytoyou.OccasionaldriversalsoneedaCDLandanyrequired
endorsements.Forexample:mechanicsortrucksalespeoplewhotest-drivethevehiclesdescribedaboveonapublicroadway.YoumustpasstheknowledgeandskillteststogetaCDL.This
guidewillhelpyoutopassthesetests,butitisnotasubstituteforatrainingclassorprogram.Formaltrainingisthemostreliablewaytolearnthespecialskillsrequiredtosafelyandprofessionallydrivealargecommercialvehicle.
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Do you need a Commercial Driver License? TherearethreetypesofCommercialDriverLicenses(CDL):ClassA,ClassB,andClassC.ToseeifyouneedaCDL,answerthequestionsandfollowthelines.
START
Doyoudriveacombinationvehicle?
Yes
Isthemfg’sweightratingofthetowedvehicle(s)10,001poundsormore?
Yes
Isthemfg’sgrosscombinationweightratingforthevehicle(s)26,001poundsormore?
Yes
STOP.YouneedaClassALicense.
No
No
No
Isthemfg’sweightratingofyoursinglevehicle26,001poundsormore?
Yes
STOP.YouneedaClassBLicense.
No
Isyourvehicle26,000poundorlessdesignedtocarry16ormorepersonsincludingthedriver?
Yes
STOPYouneedaClassCLicense.
No
Isyourvehicleaschoolbus?
Yes
STOPYouneedaClassBorClassCLicense(Fig. 1.2)
Doesyourvehicle26,000poundsorlesscarryplacardedhazardousmaterials?
Yes
STOPYouneedaClassCLicense.
No
STOPYoudonotneedaCDL.
Figure 1.1
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CDL Endorsements/Restrictions
Endorsement/Restriction
Description
P1 ClassBpassengervehicle.Requiredfordriversofvehicles26,001lbs.ormoredesignedtocarry16ormorepassengersincludingthedriver.
P2 ClassCpassengervehicle.Requiredfordriversofvehicles26,000lbs.orless,designedtocarry16ormorepassengersincludingthedriver.
S Schoolbusendorsement.Requiredfordriverswhodriveanysizeofschoolbus.Aschoolbusisavehicleregularlyusedtotransportchildrentoandfromschoolorinconjunctionwithschoolactivities,whichmeetstheschoolbusspecificationsestablishedbytheSuperintendentofPublicInstruction.
T Doubleandtripletrailersendorsement.Requiredfordriverspullingsetsofdoubleortripletrailers*
N Tankvehicleendorsement.Requiredfordriversofvehiclescarryingliquidsorliquidgasinapermanentlymountedcargotankratedat119gallonsormoreoraportabletankratedat1,000gallonsormore.
H Hazardousmaterialsendorsement.Requiredfordriversofanysizevehiclethatisusedinthetransportationofanymaterialthatrequireshazardousmaterialplacardingoranyquantityofamateriallistedasaselectagentortoxinin42CFR93.*
X Combinationoftankvehicleendorsementandhazardousmaterialsendorsement.
K Airbrakesrestriction.DriversofCDLvehicleswithairbrakesmustpasstherequiredtestsforairbrakes.DriverswhodonotpassthesetestsarerestrictedontheCDLtonon-airbrakevehicles.
U CDLIntrastateOnlyRestriction.DriversofCDLvehicleswhoarerestrictedtodrivingonlywithinWashington,eitherbecauseofmedicalself-certification,onanintrastatemedicalwaiver,orthedriverisundertheageof21.
*see the following section for exemptionsFigure 1.2
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ExemptionsThelawexemptsfourgroupsofdriversfromtheCDL:• Farmers transportingfarmequipment,supplies,orproductstoorfromafarminafarmvehicleareexemptedifthevehicleis:- Operatedbyafarmerorafarmemployee.- Notusedintheoperationofacommonorcontractmotorcarrier.- Usedwithin150milesofthefarm(inanair-mileradius).
ProductsincludeChristmastreesorwoodproductstransportedbyvehiclesweighingnomorethanfortythousandpoundslicensedgrossvehicleweight.TheweightrestrictionappliesonlytoChristmastreesandwoodproducts.
• Farmers mayoperatevehiclesthatmeetthedefinitionofafarm-exemptvehiclebetweenthestatesofIdahoandOregoniftheymeetallrequirementsofthefarmexemption.
• Firefighters and law enforcement personnel operatingemergencyequipmentareexemptediftheycarrythecertificationcardprovingtheyhavecompletedtheEmergencyVehicleAccidentPreventionProgram(EVAP).
• Recreation Vehicle (RV) operators areexemptedwhendrivinganRVfornon-commercialpurposes.Thisgroupincludes:- Two-axlerentaltrucks.- Horsetrailers.
• Military commercial drivers areexemptedonlywhentheyareoperatingthepropermilitaryvehiclesunderamilitarylicenseissuedbytheirbranchofservice.
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1.2 – Getting Your CDL
ApplicationTogetaWashingtonCDLoraCommercialDriverInstruction
Permit(CDIP)youmust:• Beatleast18yearsold.• HaveaWashingtonStatedriverlicense.• GiveyourvalidSocialSecuritynumberissuedbytheSocialSecurityAdministration.
• Givethenamesofallthestateswhereyouhavehadadriverlicenseinthelasttenyears.
• Successfullycompletetheinitialapplicationprocess,visionscreening,medicalself-certificationdeclarationandpasstheGeneralKnowledgeTest.
• Paytheproperfees.TheCDIPisvalidforsixmonthsandmayonlyberenewedonetime.
Visitwww.dol.wa.govforinformationonCDLknowledge,skillstesting,andlicenseissuancefees.
TogetaCDLyoumustalsosuccessfullycomplete:• Allrequiredknowledgetests,includingapplicableskillstests.IfyouaregettingyourfirstCDL,oryouhavenotbeencommerciallylicensedforthelastyear,youmustprovideproofofcompletingacommercialdrivertrainingprogram.
TherearethreewaystosatisfyWashingtonState’smandatoryCDLtrainingrequirements:• Completeacertifiedcoursefromacommercialdrivertrainingschool.- SchoolsmustberecognizedandcurriculumsapprovedbyDOL.- Hoursoftrainingmustmeettherequirementsasoutlinedunderstatelaw.
• Completeacourseofcommercialdrivertrainingasrequiredbyyouremployer.- EmployersmustberegisteredwithDOL.- Hoursoftrainingdoesnotapplyforemployer-basedtrainingprograms.
• Completeacertifiedcommercialdrivertrainingcoursefromanybranchofthemilitary.- Driversusingthistypeoftrainingcertificationmusthavepossessedanequivalentmilitarycommerciallicenseforthecommercialclasstheyareapplyingfor.
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- Proofofmilitarytrainingmustbeprovidedwithinoneyearafterdischarge.- ThetrainingcertificatemustbecompletedbytheOfficeofVeteranAffairs.
• Visitwww.dol.wa.govforinformationontrainingandlicensingrequirements.
ItismandatoryforcommercialdriverstodisclosetheirSocialSecuritynumber(SSN)duringtheapplicationprocess(49CFR383.153,RCW46.25.070).YourSSNwillbekeptonfileandusedforidentificationpurposes.Youmustbeatleast21yearsoldtooperatecommercialvehicles
interstate(fromstatetostate).StudySection2ofthisguidetoprepareforyourGeneral
KnowledgeTestbeforeyouapplyforaCDIP.Thispermitisvalidfor6months,andmayonlyberenewedonce.
Whenoperatingacommercialmotorvehicle(CMV)onanypublicroadway,theCDIPholdermustbewithanotherdriverwhohas:• ACDLvalidforthevehiclebeingdriven.• Nolessthan2yearsdrivingexperienceintheclassofCMVbeingoperated.
• Nolessthan5yearsoftotaldrivingexperience.
Thelicensedcommercialdrivermustoccupytheseatbesidethelearningdriverforthepurposeofgivinginstruction.Underfederalregulations,CDIPholderscannotdriveany
sizevehiclethatisusedinthetransportationofanymaterialthatrequireshazardousmaterialplacardingoranyquantityofamateriallistedasaselectagentortoxinin49CFR100-185.Allfeesareinadditiontothoseforyourbasicdriverlicense.
Knowledge testsCDLknowledgetestsareusedtoevaluateyourunderstanding
oflawsandsafetypracticesthatapplytotheoperationofacommercialvehicle.Youmustearnapassingscoreofatleast80percentoneach
knowledgetesttoqualify.Ifyouneedtoretest,youcanusuallydosoonthenextbusinessday.Wesuggestthatyouchecktestingtimesandavailabilitywithyourlocaldriverlicensingoffice.Youmusttakeoneormoreknowledgetestsfor:• Theclassofvehicleyouwanttodrive.• Eachendorsementyouwant.• Removaloftheairbrakerestriction.
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CDLknowledgetestsinclude:• TheGeneralKnowledgeTest–requiredifyouwanttogetaCDL.
• TheAirBrakesTest–requiredifyourvehiclehasairbrakes,includingair-overhydraulicbrakes.
• TheCombinationVehiclesTest–requiredifyouwanttodrivecombinationvehicles.
• TheDoubles/TriplesTest–requiredifyouwanttopulldoubleortripletrailers.
• TheTankerTest–requiredifyouwanttohaulliquidorliquidgasinapermanentlymountedcargotankratedat119gallonsormoreoraportabletankratedat1,000gallonsormore.
• TheHazardousMaterialsTest–requiredifyouwanttodriveanysizevehiclethatisusedinthetransportationofanymaterialthatrequireshazardousmaterialplacardingoranyquantityofamateriallistedasaselectagentortoxinin49CFR100-185.InordertogetthisendorsementyoumustalsopassaTransportationSecurityAdministration(TSA)backgroundcheck.
• ThePassengerTest–requiredifyouwanttodriveanytypeofbus.
• TheSchoolBusTest–requiredifyouwanttodriveaschoolbus.
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Figure1.3showsthesectionsofthismanualyoushouldstudyforeachclassoflicenseandforeachendorsement.
What sections should you study?
Sectionstostudy
Licensetype EndorsementClassA
ClassB
ClassC
HazMat
Double/Triple
TankVehicles
Passenger
SchoolBus
1 X X X X X
2 X X X X X X X
3 X X X X X
4 X X
5* X X X X X X X X
6 X X X
7 X
8 X
9 X X
10 X
11 X X X X X
12 X X X X X
13 X X X X X
*StudySection5ifyouplantooperatevehiclesequippedwithairbrakes.
Figure 1.3
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Skill testsAfteryoupasstherequiredknowledgetest(s),youcantakethe
CDLskilltests.Therearethreerequiredskilltests.Itwilltakeabouttwohourstocompleteallthreeofthesetests.Bothstatetestersandcontractedthirdpartytestersareusedto
meetskillstestdemands.Inmostcases,youdonotgettochoosewhattypeoftesteryoucanuse.• Thelicensingofficewilldeterminewhichtypeoftesterwillbeused.CDLskillstestsmustbescheduledthree(3)daysbeforethetest.Thisappliestotakingyourfirsttestandifnecessary,schedulingforaretest.BelowisanoutlineofthethreepartsoftheCDLskillstests,whichincludes:- ThePre-TripInspectionTest- TheBasicControlsTest- TheRoadTest
ReviewSections11,12,and13beforetakingtheskilltests.ThevehicleyouusefortheskilltestsmustmatchtheclassofCDLyouapplyfor.IfyouapplyforaClassACDL,bringaClassAvehicle;ifyouapplyforapassengeroraschoolbusendorsement,bringabusdesignedtocarry16ormorepersonsincludingthedriverorthepropersizeofschoolbus.Ifyoutestwithathirdpartytester,youmayberandomlyselected
tocompleteaskillretestwiththeDepartmentofLicensingtoensuretestingpracticeswerecorrectlyfollowed.Ifyourefusetoretestoryoucannotpasstheretest,yourCDLwillbecancelleduntilyoupass.Ifyoudon’tpasstheretestonthefirsttry,youmayberequiredtoprovideatestvehicleandpaytestingfeesforadditionalattempts.CDLskillstestsarerequiredifyouare:• AddingaCDLtoyourlicense.• UpgradingyourClassCtoaClassBlicense.• UpgradingyourClassBtoaClassAlicense.• AddingapassengerendorsementtoyourCDL.• AddingaschoolbusendorsementtoyourCDL.• RemovinganairbrakerestrictiontoyourCDL.
Commercialdrivertrainingschools,employersanddriversfoundpracticingonDOL’scertifiedCDLTestRouteswillresultinthecancellationofCDLskillstestappointmentsorhavingtotestinanotherarea.
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Renewals, upgrades, adding endorsements, and removing restrictionsAfteraCDLisissued,toapplyforaCDLrenewal,upgrade,
endorsement,orrestrictionremoval,youneedto:• Provideupdatedinformation.• Successfullycompleteallrequiredknowledgeandskilltests.• Paytheproperfees.
Ifyouareapplyingforahazardousmaterialsendorsement,youmustalso:• Complywithfederalrequirementsby:- Completinganationalhazardousmaterialsendorsementapplication.- Providingproofofcitizenship.- Submittingfingerprintsifyouwanttokeeporaddahazardousmaterialsendorsement.
• Passahazardousmaterialsknowledgetestifyouwanttokeeporaddahazardousmaterialsendorsement.
Surrender of your CDLIfyousurrenderyourCDLoranyendorsement,youmustretake
theknowledgeandskillstestsandpayalltheproperfeestogetyourCDL.IfyousurrenderyourCDLformorethanoneyear,youwillalsoberequiredtoprovideproofofcommercialdrivertraining.
Test your knowledge1. WhatclassofCDLdoyouneed?2. Whatendorsementsdoyouneed?3. Whatitemsdoyouneedtobringtothedriverlicensingoffice?
Youshouldbeabletoanswerthesequestions.Ifnot,rereadSections1.1and1.2.
1.3 – Medical Certification and WaiversAllcommercialdriversmustmeetthemedicalstandards
establishedbyfederalandstatelaws,rules,andregulations.Reference:FMCSRparts391.41-49.
Medical certificates and self-certificationFederalregulationsrequireallCDLholders,includingentry-
leveldriversoperatingonacommercialdriverlearner’spermittoself-certifywhattypeofcommercialcommercetheyexpecttooperate.Thismustbecompletedinpersonatanydriverlicensing
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office.Themedicalself-certificationwillthenbecomepartofyourelectronicdriverecord.ThetableoutlinedinFigure 1.4,mayassistyouindetermining
whattypeofcommercefitsyouroperation.Youmaychangethewayyoucertifyanytimeinpersonatanydriverlicensingoffice.
Type of certifica-tion
Self-certify as this type of driver if you…
Current medical certificate must be…
Non-exceptedinterstatecommer-cialdriver
• Crossstatelineswhileoperatingacommercialvehicle.• TransportcargothatcomesfromoutsideWashingtonorisgoingoutsideWashingtonState.• DelivercargotoWashingtonStateports.
Examples:• Schoolbusdriverswhocarrypassengersacrossstatelines.• Truckdriverswhodelivergoodsacrossstatelines.• Driverswhodelivergoods,includinglogs,toportsinWashington.
• Keptonfilewithus.• Carriedbythedriverwhenoperatingcommercialvehicles.
Exceptedinterstatecommer-cialdriver
• Crossstatelineswithaschoolbustransportingstudentstoandfromschool.• Occasionallytransportpersonalpropertyandnotforhire.• Operateagovernmentvehicleoremergencyresponsevehicle.• Makeemergencydeliveriesofpropaneorhomeheatingoil.
Examples:• Driverscrossingstatelinesforcity,county,orstate-ownedandoperatedtransitorganizations.• Truckdriversemployedbyfederal,state,orlocalgovernmenttohaulordelivermail,supplies,orothergoods.
• Carriedbythedriverwhenoperatingcommercialvehicles.
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Non-exceptedintrastatecommer-cialdriver
• Don’tcrossstatelineswhileoperatingacommercialvehicle.• TransportcargothatalwayscamefromandstayswithinWashingtonState.
Examples:• SchoolbusdriverswhoonlytransportpassengerswithinWashington.• TruckdriverswhoonlytransportanddelivergoodstoandfromWashingtonaddresses.
• Carriedbythedriverwhenoperatingcommercialvehicles.
Exceptedintrastatecommer-cialdriver
DoesnotapplyinWashingtonState.
DoesnotapplyinWashingtonState.
Figure 1.4
Intrastate Medical WaiverIfyoudon’tmeetthefederalmedicalstandardsforinterstate
commerce,youcanapplytotheDepartmentofLicensing(DOL)foranIntrastateMedicalWaiver.Thiswaiveris:• ValidforoperationwithinthestateofWashingtononly.• Validfornomorethanatwo-yearcycle.• IssuedonlytoWashington-licenseddriversorthosewhohaveanactiveapplicationonfile.
Ifyouneedanintrastatewaiver,completeamedicalwaiverapplicationavailableatanydriverlicensingofficeoronlineatdol.wa.govundertheCDLsection.ReturnthecompletedformalongwithacopyofyourcurrentDOTMedicalExaminationReportlongformandwalletcardcompletedbyanauthorizedMedicalExaminerandclearlyshowinganyreasonwhyyouarenotmedicallyqualified.
CDLWaiverProgramDriverRecordsP.O.Box9030OlympiaWA98507-9030
FAX:(360)-570-7893
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Waiversareprocessedwithin7-10workingdaysandmailedtotheaddressofrecord.ThewaivermaybephotocopiedandmustbecarriedwithyourCDLatalltimeswhenyouareoperatingacommercialvehicle.Afterobtaininganintrastatewaiver,youmustgetanewlicenserestrictedtooperationonlywithinWashingtonStateandIntrastateCommerce.Someemployersmaynotacceptanintrastatemedicalwaiver.IfyourmedicalconditionimprovessoyoumeettheFederal
MotorCarrierSafetyAdministration(FMCSA)standards,youneedtosubmitanewDOTMedicalExaminationReportaskingtoberemovedfromtheCDLMedicalWaiverProgram.
Interstate Medical WaiverAnInterstatemedicalwaiverisvalidinallstates.Youmaybe
eligibleforthiswaiverifyou:• Areinsulindependent.• Havemonocularvision.• Aremissingalimb.• Haveimpaireduseofahand,arm,leg,orfoot.
Toapply,andforinformation,contactFMCSAat:(202)-366-4001
Online:www.fmsca.dot.gov–clickonthelinkformedicalprograms.
1.4 – Driver DisqualificationsYoucannotdriveacommercialmotorvehicleifyouare
disqualifiedforanyreason.
Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and commission of a felony.ItisillegaltooperateaCMVifyourbloodalcoholconcentration
(BAC)is.04%ormore.IfyouoperateaCMV,youshallbedeemedtohavegivenyourconsenttoalcoholtesting.
YouwillloseyourCDLforatleast1yearforafirstoffensefor:• DrivingaCMVifyourbloodalcoholconcentrationis.04%orhigher.
• DrivingaCMVundertheinfluenceofalcohol.• Refusingabloodalcoholtest.• DrivingaCMVwhileundertheinfluenceofacontrolledsubstance.
• LeavingthesceneofanaccidentinvolvingaCMV.
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• CommittingafelonyinvolvingtheuseofaCMV.• DrivingaCMVwhentheCDLissuspended.• CausingafatalitythroughnegligentoperationofaCMV.
YouwillloseyourCDLforatleast3yearsiftheoffenseoccurswhileyouareoperatingaCMVthatisplacardedforhazardousmaterials.
YouwillloseyourCDLforlife:• Forasecondoffense.• IfyouuseaCMVtocommitafelonyinvolvingcontrolledsubstances.
Youwillbeputout-of-servicefor24hoursifyouhaveanydetectableamountofalcoholunder.04%.
Serious traffic violationsIfconvictedorifyouarefoundtohavecommitted2serioustraffic
violationswithin3yearswhileoperatingeitheryourpersonalvehicleoracommercialvehicle,youmayloseyourlicensefor60days.Athirdconvictionwithin3yearsresultsina120-daydisqualification.Serioustrafficviolationsinclude:• Excessivespeed–15mphoverpostedlimit.• Recklessdriving.• Negligentdriving.• Textingwhiledriving.• Improperlanechanges.• DrivingaCMVwithoutearningaCDL.• DrivingaCMVwithoutaCDLinyourimmediatepossession.• DrivingaCMVwithouttheproperclassorendorsementforthetypeofvehiclebeingoperated.
• Followingtooclosely.• Violatingastateorlocallawrelatingtomotor-vehicletrafficcontrol,otherthanaparkingviolationarisinginconnectionwithanaccidentorcollisionresultinginthedeathofanyperson.
Violation of out-of-service ordersYouwillloseyourCDLforatleast:• 90daysifyouhavecommittedyourfirstviolationofanout-of-serviceviolationorder.
• 1yearifyouhavecommitted2out-of-serviceviolationordersina10-yearperiod.
• 3yearsifyouhavecommitted3ormoreout-of-serviceviolationordersina10-yearperiod.
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Violatinganout-of-serviceorderwhileyouoperateacommercialvehicleplacardedandcarryinghazardousmaterialsortransportingpassengerswillresultindisqualificationperiodsthatincreaseseverelywitheachoffense,andthedisqualificationperiodforafirst-timeoffensewillbedoubled.AnyviolationsbeyondthefirstmayresultinalossofyourCDLforupto5yearsforeachconviction.
Railroad-highway grade crossing violationsYouwillloseyourCDLforatleast:• 60daysforyourfirstviolation.• 120daysforyoursecondviolationwithinany3yearperiod.• 1yearforyourthirdviolationwithinany3yearperiod.
Thisincludesanyofthefollowingsixviolationsatarailroad-highwaygradecrossing:• Failingtoslowdownandcheckthatthetracksareclearofanapproachingtrain,evenifyouarenotrequiredtostop.
• Failingtostopbeforereachingthecrossingifthetracksarenotclear,evenifyouarenotalwaysrequiredtostop.
• Failingtostopbeforedrivingontothecrossingwhenyouarealwaysrequiredtostop.
• Failingtodrivecompletelyoverthecrossingbecauseyoudidnotstopwhentherewastoolittlespacetofinishthecrossing.
• Failingtoobeycrossingarmsorsignals,atrafficcontroldevice,orthedirectionsofapoliceofficeratacrossing.
• Failingtoclearthecrossingbecauseoftoolittleundercarriageclearance.
ImpoundIfyouoperateanyvehiclewithouthavingtherequiredclassor
endorsement,thevehiclemaybeimpounded.
Hazardous materials endorsement background check and disqualificationsTogetahazardousmaterialsendorsement,youmustsubmit
yourfingerprintsandbesubjecttoabackgroundcheck.Youwillbedeniedoryouwillloseyourhazardousmaterials
endorsementifyou:• ArenotalawfulpermanentresidentoftheUnitedStates.• RenounceyourUnitedStatescitizenship.• Arewantedorunderindictmentforcertainfelonies.• Haveaconvictioninmilitaryorciviliancourtforcertainfelonies.
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• Havebeenjudgedtobeamentaldefectiveorhavebeencommittedtoamentalinstitution.
• AreconsideredtoposeasecuritythreatasdeterminedbytheTransportationSecurityAdministration.
WewillgiveyoualloftheinformationyouneedtocompletetherequiredTSAbackgroundcheckprocedures.
Traffic violations in your personal vehicleTheMotorCarrierSafetyImprovementAct(MCSIA)of
1999requiresaCDLholdertobedisqualifiedfromoperatingacommercialmotorvehicleiftheCDLholderhasbeenconvictedofcertaintypesofmovingviolationsintheirpersonalvehicle.Ifyourprivilegetooperateyourpersonalvehicleisrevoked,
cancelled,orsuspendedduetoviolationsoftrafficcontrollaws(otherthanparkingviolations),youwillalsoloseyourCDLdrivingprivileges.Ifyourprivilegetooperateyourpersonalvehicleisrevoked,
cancelled,orsuspendedduetoalcoholviolations,youwillloseyourCDLforoneyear.IfyouareconvictedofasecondalcoholconvictioninyourpersonalvehicleorCMV,youwillloseyourCDLforlife.
DisqualificationThereisnoOccupational/RestrictedDriverLicenseavailable
fortheoperationofacommercialmotorvehicle.Duetofederalregulations,ifaCDLholderentersintoadeferredprosecutionforanalcoholordrugoffense,thereisnostayofanyadministrativeCDLsuspension,revocation,denial,ordisqualificationbasedonthesameincident,regardless if the incident was committed in a private or a commercial motor vehicle.Entryintoadeferredprosecutionprogrammaystillstaytheadministrativesuspension,revocation,ordenialofthepersonaldriverlicense–unlesstherehasbeenabreathorbloodtestrefusal–buttheCDLmuststillbesurrendered.YoumaybeeligibletogetyourCDLagainwhenthe
disqualificationperiodhasended.IfyouloseyourCDLforoneyearorlonger,youmustfirstpayallrequiredfeesandsuccessfullycompleteboththeCDLknowledgeandskillteststobereinstated.IfyourCDLhasbeendisqualifiedformorethanoneyear,youwillalsoberequiredtoprovideproofofcommercialdrivertraining.Youmayalsobedisqualifiedfromdrivingacommercialmotor
vehicleforoneyearifwereceiveareportfromFMCSAshowingthatyourdrivingbehaviorisathreattopublicsafety.
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Drugs and alcoholThelawrequiresmedicalreviewofficersandbreathalcohol
technicianstoreportpositivedrugandalcoholfindings,refusedtests,andfailuretoappearfortesting.Whenwereceiveareport,theCDLholderisdisqualifiedfromdrivingacommercialmotorvehicle.Youwillbedisqualifiedwhenwereceiveareportfromanyofthefollowingscreenings:• Pre-employment• Random• Reasonablesuspicion• Postaccident• Returntoduty• Follow-up
Thedisqualificationwillremainineffectuntilyouundergoadrug/alcoholassessmentperformedbyasubstanceabuseprofessional(SAP)whomeetsfederalcertificationstandards.Youmustpresentevidenceofsatisfactoryparticipationorsuccessfulcompletionofanytreatmentand/orprogramrecommendedbytheSAP.Youmayrequestahearingtochallengethedisqualification
within20daysfromtheDateofNoticeyoureceivefromus.
1.5 – Nationwide CDL RulesTheserulesaffectcommercialdriversinallstates:• NooneisallowedtodriveacommercialmotorvehiclewithoutaCDL.Acourtmayfineyouupto$5,000orputyouinjailforbreakingthisrule.
• Youcannothavemorethanonelicense.Ifyoubreakthisrule,acourtmayfineyouupto$5,000orputyouinjailandkeepyourhomestatelicenseandreturnanyothers.
• Youmustdeclareyourcommercialdrivingstatusaseitheraninterstateorintrastatedriverbycompletingamedicalself-certificationwithus.Youmustupdateyourstatusifyourmedicalcertificationchangesforanyreason.
• Youmustnotifyyouremployerwithin30daysofconvictionforanytrafficviolations(exceptparking).Thisistruenomatterwhattypeofvehicleyouweredriving.
• Youmustnotifyus,inwriting,ofallout-of-statetrafficconvictionswithin30daysoftheconviction.Foryourconvenience,anOut-of-StateTrafficConvictionReportisavailableatwww.dol.wa.gov.
• Youmustfileproofoffinancialresponsibilitywithusifyourpersonaldrivingprivilegeissuspendedorrevoked.If
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suspendedorrevoked,yourcommercialdrivingprivilegemaybedisqualified.Filingmustincludealetterfromyouremployer’sinsurancecompanyprovingthatyouareinsuredtooperatecommercialvehicles.
• Youmustnotifyyouremployerwithintwobusinessdaysifyourlicenseissuspended,revoked,orcanceled,orifyouaredisqualifiedfromdriving.
• Youmustgiveyouremployerinformationonalldrivingjobsyouhaveheldforthepasttenyears.Youmustdothiswhenyouapplyforacommercialdrivingjob.
• Ifyouhaveahazardousmaterialsendorsementyoumustsurrenderitto–andnotify–thestatethatissuedyourCDL:- Within24hoursofanyconvictionorindictment–oriffoundnotguiltybyreasonofinsanity–inanyjurisdiction,civilianormilitary,foradisqualifyingcrimelistedin49CFR1572.103.- Ifyouhavebeenjudgedtobeamentaldefectiveorcommittedtoamentalinstitutionasspecifiedin49CFR1572.109.- IfyourenounceyourU.S.citizenship.
YouremployermaynotletyoudriveacommercialmotorvehicleifyouhavemorethanonelicenseorifyourCDLissuspendedorrevoked.Acourtmayfineyouremployerupto$5,000orputtheminjailforbreakingthisrule.Allstatesareconnectedtoonecomputerizedsystemtoshare
informationaboutCDLdrivers.Thestateswillcheckaccidentrecordstobesuredriversdon’thavemorethanoneCDL.Youmustbeproperlyrestrainedwithaseatbeltatalltimeswhile
operatingacommercialmotorvehicle.Theseatbeltholdsthedriversecurelybehindthewheelduringacrash,helpingthedrivercontrolthevehicleandreducesthechanceofseriousinjuryordeath.Ifyoudonotwearaseatbelt,youarefourtimesmorelikelytobefatallyinjuredifyouarethrownfromthevehicle.
Test your knowledge1. Canyoudriveacommercialvehicleafterdrinkingonebeerwithlunch?
2. Ifyourdriverlicenseissuspended,whendoyouhavetotellyouremployer?
3. Doyouneedtoinformyouremployerofconvictionsfortrafficviolationsyoureceiveinyourpersonalvehicle?
4. Whattrafficconvictionsareyourequiredtoreporttous?5. CanyouloseyourCDLforoffensescommittedinyourpersonalvehicle?
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Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.AnswersareinSection1.4and1.5.
1.6 – Washington State Laws and RulesAllcommercialdriversarerequiredtoknowthestatelaws
limitingthesizeandweightofvehiclesandloads.Youmuststopatopenweighstationsforweighingandinspection.WashingtonStatePatrol(WSP)Troopers,CommercialVehicleEnforcementOfficers(CVEO),andlocallawenforcementofficersallhavetheauthoritytostopdriversontheroadtoconductinspections.Violationsforbeingoversizedoroverweight,foroperatingdefectiveequipment,orforlackingtheproperlicensesandpermitscanresultincitationsandfines.Ifyouignoreopenweighstationsyoumaybecitedandfined.
LengthMaximumlegallength:• Forschoolbusesandothersinglemotorvehicles,exceptcertainmunicipaltransportbuses,is40feet.
• Forautostagesis46feetandincludesfrontandrearbumpers.
• Forasinglevehicleortrailerinacombination,withorwithoutload,is53feet.
• Fordouble-trailercombinationscan’texceedatotalof61feetforthecombinedlengthofthetrailers.
• Fortruckandtrailercombinationsorlogtruckandstinger-steeredpoletrailers,withorwithoutload,cannotexceedanoveralllengthof75feet.
Theabovelimitationsdon’tapplyto:• Vehiclestransportingpoles,pipes,andmachinery.• Vehiclestransportingstructuralobjectsthatcannotbetakenapart.
• Vehiclesoperatedbyapublicutilitywhenmakingemergencyrepairsofpublicservicesorproperties.
Loadsmaynotextendmorethan15feetbehindthecenterofthelastaxleormorethan3feetbeyondthefrontbumper.Anyloadextendingbeyondthesidesormorethan4feetbeyondtherearofthevehiclemusthavetheextendingportionmarkedwitheither12-inchredflagsorwithredlights.Ifvisibilityispoor,redlampsandreflectorsarerequired.Whenyouhaulobjectssuchaspolesorlogsyoumustplacearedlightatthemostextendedpointoftheload.Thislightmustbeacombinationlightvisiblefromthebackandbothsides.
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WidthNovehicle,withorwithoutitsload,maybemorethan8-1/2feet–
102inches–wide.Rearviewmirrorsmayextendtonomorethan5inchesbeyondtheextremelimitsofthebody.Allotherequipment,includingallsafetyequipmentandpartssuchasdoorhandles,doorhinges,mudflaps,fenderextensions,andturn-signalbracketsmayreachnomorethan3inchesbeyondtheextremelimitsofthebody.
HeightNovehicle,includingitsload,maybemorethan14feethigh.
Thislimitdoesnotapplytoemergencyvehiclesorutilityrepairequipment.Eventhoughyouknowtheheightofyourvehicleorload,always
makesurethereisenoughclearance,especiallywhendrivinginunfamiliarareasorinbadweather.Whenyouareapproachingatunneloranoverpassonanewroute,andthereisnoclearancesignvisible,safelypullofftheroadandchecktheclearanceheight.Ice,snow,orroadrepairsmayreduceaclearancethatisnormallyenoughtopassbeneath.
WeightTheallowablegrossweightofabusortruckdependsontire
size,thenumberofaxles,andthespacingofaxles(oraxlegroups).Novehiclemayoperateonpublichighwayswithagrossweight–includingload–thatismorethan600poundsperinchoftirewidthconcentratedon1tire.Forexample,atiresize10.00–22is10incheswideandmaycarry6,000pounds.Axlescarryingmorethan10,000poundsandequippedwithsingletiresarelimitedto500poundsperinchoftirewidth.Forexemptions,contactWSPCommercialVehicleEnforcement.MaximumweightsforcommercialvehiclesinWashingtonare:• 20,000poundsonanysingleaxle,dependingontiresize.• 34,000poundsontandemaxlesspacedlessthan7feetapart.• 40,000poundsforanysingle-unitvehiclesupportedby3ormoreaxles.
• 80,000poundsforanycombinationofvehicles.
PermitsTheDepartmentofTransportationmayapproveandissue
permitstoallowoversizedandoverweightvehicles–otherthanschoolbuses–tooperateonstatehighways.Contactthepropercountyorcityofficialforoversizeandoverweightpermitsoncountyroadsorcitystreets.
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Togetaspecialpermit,youmustshowthat:• Theonlypracticalmeansoftransportingcertaincargoisbymotorvehicle.
• Thevehicleandloadareproperlylicensed.• Theloadcannotreasonablybetakenapart.
Beforeapermitisissued,theapplicationwillbereviewedtoassessanypossible:• Disruptiontotrafficflows.• Threattopublicsafety.• Damagetothehighwaysystem.
Iftheapplicationisapproved,youwillneedtopayafeebasedonthelengthofthepermitperiodand,foroverweightvehicles,theamountofweightthatisoverthelegalmaximum.Forinformationonspecialpermits,youmayrequestthe
publication:Overweight/OversizeVehiclePermits,fromanyWashingtonStateDepartmentofTransportationOfficeorwriteto:PermitOfficeMaintenanceandOperationsGroupTransportationBuildingOlympiaWA98504
Tire chainsAllvehiclesorcombinationsofvehiclesmustcarryenough
tirechainswhileoperatinginanymountainpassorinany“chain/approvedtractiondevicecontrolarea”designatedbyeithertheWashingtonStateDepartmentofTransportationortheWashingtonStatePatrol.Chainsmustbecarriedonallvehiclesover10,000pounds(GVWR)fromNovember1toApril1ofeachyearoratothertimeswhenchainsarerequiredforsuchvehicles.
Speed limitsUnlessotherwiseposted,themaximumallowablespeedfor
trucksandbusesis:• 60mphoninterstateandWashingtonStatehighways–70mphforauto-stages.
• 50mphoncountyroads.• 25mphoncityandtownstreets.
Postedsignsshowinglowerlimitsmustbeobeyed.
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Right lane ruleWhenyouaredrivingaheavyvehicleorcombination,travelin
therightlaneexceptwhenpreparingtoturnleftorwhenpassinganothervehicle.
Left lane ruleNovehicleorcombinationover10,000poundsmaybedriven
intheleft-handlaneofalimitedaccessroadwayhaving3ormorelanesfortrafficmovinginonedirectionexceptwhenpreparingforaleftturnatanintersection,exit,orontoaprivateroadordrivewaywhenaleftturnislegallyallowed.
Slow vehicle ruleIfyouaredrivingaslow-movingvehicleonatwo-lanehighway
andfiveormorevehiclesbehindyouaredelayedandunabletopass,youmustpullofftheroadwayatthefirstsafeandavailableturnout.Aturnoutmaybeanextendedshoulderwhereyoucankeepyourpresentspeed,orasmallareaofftheroadwaywhereyoucanstopbeforereturningtotheroadway.Don’ttrytopassmorethanonevehicleatatimewhenyouare
drivingonatwo-lanehighway.Whenyouaretravelingwithanothertruckorbusinaconvoy,leaveenoughspacebetweenvehiclesintheconvoyforotherstopullbackintothelanesafely.
Hours of serviceAllcommercialdriversofprivateorcommoncarrierswithinthe
stateofWashingtonandallinterstatecommercialdriversmustobeylawsandregulationsgoverningmaximumdrivingandondutytime.
Hoursofservicerulesforproperty-carryingdriversare:• Youmaydriveamaximumof11hoursafter10consecutivehoursoffduty.
• Youcannotdrivebeyondthe14thhouraftercomingonduty,following10consecutivehoursoffduty.
• Youmustnotdriveafter60hoursondutyin7consecutivedays.
• Youmustnotdriveafter70hoursondutyin8consecutivedays.
• Adrivermayrestarta7or8consecutivedayperiodaftertaking34ormoreconsecutivehoursoffduty.
• Commercialdriversusingthesleeperberthprovisionmusttakeatleast8consecutivehoursinthesleeperberth,plus2consecutivehourseitherinthesleeperberth,offduty,orinanycombinationofboth.
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Hoursofservicerulesforpassenger-carryingdriversare:• Youmustnotdrivemorethan10hoursfollowing8consecutivehoursoffduty.
• Youmustnotdriveforanyperiodafterhavingbeenondutyfor15hoursfollowing8consecutivehoursoffduty.
• Youmustnotdriveafterhavingbeenonduty60hoursinany7consecutivedays.
• Youmustnotdriveafterhavingbeenonduty70hoursinany8consecutivedays.
Itisyourresponsibilitytorecord–induplicate–every24-hourperiodofdutystatusinadriver’slogbook.Keepacopyofeachrecordofdutystatusfortheprevious7consecutivedays.Thisrecordmustbeinyourpossessionandmustbeavailableforinspectionwhileonduty.Logbooksaresubjecttoinspectionbylawenforcementofficials.Ifyouhavequestionsabouthoursofservice,contact:
FederalMotorCarrierSafetyAdministration(360)-753-9875Online:www.fmsca.dot.gov–clickonthelinkforhoursofservice.
WashingtonStatePatrol(360)-753-0350Online:www.wsp.wa.gov
WashingtonUtilitiesandTransportationCommission(360)-664-1222Online:www.wutc.wa.gov
TheWashingtonAdministrativeCodeforprivatecarrierscoverstheexceptionstotheselimitations.
Accident reportingIfyourvehicleisinvolvedinacollision,stopimmediately.If
anyoneishurtandneedsorrequestsaid,helpthem.Exchangeinformationwitheveryoneinvolvedinthecollision.Ifthecollisioncausedinjurytoanyoneorifthedamageamountsto$700ormore,fileastateVehicleCollisionReportwithin4dayswiththemunicipalpolice,thelocalsheriff,ortheWashingtonStatePatrol.
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Test your knowledge1. Whatisthemaximumlengthforasinglevehicle?Whatisthemaximumlengthforacombinationtruckandsingletrailer?
2. Whatisthemaximumvehiclewidthallowedwithoutapermit?3. Whatisthemaximumweightforasingle-unitvehiclesupportedbythreeaxles?Whatisthemaximumweightforacombinationofvehicles?
4. Whatisthemaximumvehicleheightallowedwithoutapermit?5. Whoshouldyoucontactforanoverweight/oversizevehiclepermit?
6. Whenareyourequiredtocarrychains?7. Whatarethemaximumspeedlimitsfortrucks?8. Whatistheslowvehiclerule?9. Whatshouldyoudoiftravelinginconvoywithothervehicles?10. Howmanyhoursmayyoulegallydrive?11. Howmanyhoursmayyoulegallybeonduty?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.AnswersareinSection1.6.
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2-1
Driving Safely
This section covers:• Vehicle inspection• Basic control of your vehicle• Shifting gears• Seeing• Communicating• Space management• Controlling your speed• Seeing hazards• Distracted driving• Aggressive drivers/Road rage• Night driving• Driving in fog• Winter driving• Hot weather driving• Railroad-highway crossings• Mountain driving• Driving emergencies• Antilock braking systems• Skid control and recovery• Accident procedures• Fires• Alcohol, other drugs, and driving• Staying alert and fit to drive• Hazardous materials rules
Thissectioncontainsknowledgeandsafedrivinginformationthatallcommercialdriversshouldknow.YoumustpassatestonthisinformationtogetaCDL.Thissectiondoesnothavespecificinformationonairbrakes,combinationvehicles,doubles,orpassengervehicles.WhenpreparingforthePre-tripInspection
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Test,youmustreviewthematerialinSection11inadditiontotheinformationinthissection.Thissectiondoeshavebasicinformationonhazardousmaterials(HazMat)thatalldriversshouldknow.IfyouneedaHazMatendorsement,youshouldstudySection9.
2.1 – Vehicle Inspection
Why InspectSafetyisthemostimportantreasonyouinspectyourvehicle,
safetyforyourselfandforotherroadusers.Avehicledefectfoundduringaninspectioncouldsaveyou
problemslater.Youcouldhaveabreakdownontheroadthatwillcosttimeanddollars,orevenworse,acrashcausedbythedefect.Federalandstatelawsrequirethatdriversinspecttheirvehicles.
Federalandstateinspectorsalsomayinspectyourvehicles.Iftheyjudgethevehicletobeunsafe,theywillputit“outofservice”untilitisfixed.
Types of Vehicle InspectionPre-trip inspection. Apre-tripinspectionwillhelpyoufind
problemsthatcouldcauseacrashorbreakdown.
During a trip. Forsafetyyoushould:• Watchgaugesforsignsoftrouble.• Useyoursensestocheckforproblems(look,listen,smell,feel).
• Checkcriticalitemswhenyoustop:- Tires,wheelsandrims.- Brakes.- Lightsandreflectors.- Brakeandelectricalconnectionstotrailer.- Trailercouplingdevices.- Cargosecurementdevices.
After-trip inspection and report. Youshoulddoanafter-tripinspectionattheendofthetrip,day,ortourofdutyoneachvehicleyouoperated.Itmayincludefillingoutavehicleconditionreportlistinganyproblemsyoufind.Theinspectionreporthelpsamotorcarrierknowwhenthevehicleneedsrepairs.
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What to Look ForTire problems• Toomuchortoolittleairpressure.• Badwear.Youneedatleast4/32-inchtreaddepthineverymajorgrooveonfronttires.Youneed2/32inchonothertires.Nofabricshouldshowthroughthetreadorsidewall.
• Cutsorotherdamage.• Treadseparation.• Dualtiresthatcomeincontactwitheachotherorpartsofthevehicle.
• Mismatchedsizes.• Radialandbias-plytiresusedtogether.• Cutorcrackedvalvestems.• Regrooved,recapped,orretreadedtiresonthefrontwheelsofabus.Theseareprohibited.
Wheel and rim problems• Damagedrims.• Rustaroundwheelnutsmaymeanthenutsareloose–checktightness.Afteratirehasbeenchanged,stopashortwhilelaterandrechecktightnessofnuts.
• Missingclamps,spacers,studs,orlugsmeansdanger.• Mismatched,bent,orcrackedlockringsaredangerous.• Wheelsorrimsthathavehadweldingrepairsarenotsafe.
Bad brake drums or shoes• Crackeddrums.• Shoesorpadswithoil,grease,orbrakefluidonthem.• Shoesworndangerouslythin,missing,orbroken.
Steering system defects• Missingnuts,bolts,cotterkeys,orotherparts.• Bent,loose,orbrokenparts,suchassteeringcolumn,steeringgearbox,ortierods.
• Ifpowersteeringequipped,checkhoses,pumps,andfluidlevel;checkforleaks.
• Steeringwheelplayofmorethan10degrees(approximately2inchesmovementattherimofa20-inchsteeringwheel)canmakeithardtosteer.
Figure2.1illustratesatypicalsteeringsystem.
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Steeringwheel
Tierod
Hydraulicfluidreservoir
GearboxPitmanarm
Draglink
SteeringknuckleSpindle
Steeringarm
Powersteeringcylinder
Steeringshaft
Figure 2.1 Steering system
Suspension system defects. Thesuspensionsystemholdsupthevehicleanditsload.Itkeepstheaxlesinplace.Therefore,brokensuspensionpartscanbeextremelydangerous.Lookfor:• Springhangersthatallowmovementofaxlefromproperposition.SeeFigure2.2.
• Crackedorbrokenspringhangers.Themountsshouldbecheckedateachpointwheretheyaresecuredtothevehicleframeandaxles.
• Missingorbrokenleavesinanyleafspring.Ifone-fourthormorearemissing,itwillputthevehicle“outofservice”,butanydefectcouldbedangerous.SeeFigure2.3.
• Brokenleavesinamulti-leafspringorleavesthathaveshiftedsotheymighthitatireorotherpart.
• Leakingshockabsorbers.• Torquerodorarm,u-bolts,springhangers,orotheraxlepositioningpartsthatarecracked,damaged,ormissing.
• Airsuspensionsystemsthataredamagedand/orleaking.SeeFigure2.4.
• Anyloose,cracked,broken,ormissingframemembers.
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Hydraulicshockabsorber
Leafspring Vehicleframe
FrontaxlehangerBearingplatesFrame
Torquerod
Axle
MainspringSpringshackle
Auxiliaryspring
Figure 2.2 Key suspension parts
Brokenleaf
Mainspring
Axle
Figure 2.3 Safety defect: Broken leaf in spring
2-6
Heightcontrolvalve
Upperbellowssupport
Shockabsorber
Spacer
Bellows
LowerbellowssupportAxleseat
Axle
U-bolts
Front
Anchorplate
Controlarm
Clampbox
Eyebolt
Bracket
Framereinforcement
Figure 2.4 Air suspension parts
Exhaust system defects. Abrokenexhaustsystemcanletpoisonfumesintothecaborsleeperberth.Lookfor:• Loose,broken,ormissingexhaustpipes,mufflers,tailpipes,orverticalstacks.
• Loose,broken,ormissingmountingbrackets,clamps,bolts,ornuts.
• Exhaustsystempartsrubbingagainstfuelsystemparts,tires,orothermovingpartsofvehicle.
• Exhaustsystempartsthatareleaking.
Emergency equipment. Vehiclesmustbeequippedwithemergencyequipment.Lookfor:• Fireextinguisher(s).• Spareelectricalfuses(unlessequippedwithcircuitbreakers).• Warningdevicesforparkedvehicles(forexample,threereflectivewarningtriangles).
Cargo (Trucks). Youmustmakesurethetruckisnotoverloadedandthecargoisbalancedandsecuredbeforeeachtrip.Ifthecargocontainshazardousmaterials,youmustinspectforproperpapersandplacarding.
CDL Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection TestInordertoobtainaCDLyouwillberequiredtopassapre-
tripvehicleinspectiontest.Youwillbetestedtoseeifyouknowwhetheryourvehicleissafetodrive.Youwillbeaskedtodoapre-tripinspectionofyourvehicleandexplaintothetesterwhatyou
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wouldinspectandwhy.Thefollowingseven-stepinspectionmethodshouldbeuseful.
Seven-step Inspection MethodMethod of inspection. Youshoulddoapre-tripinspectionthe
samewayeachtimesoyouwilllearnallthestepsandbelesslikelytoforgetsomething.
Approaching the vehicle. Noticegeneralcondition.Lookfordamageorvehicleleaningtooneside.Lookunderthevehicleforfreshoil,coolant,grease,orfuelleaks.Checktheareaaroundthevehicleforhazardstovehiclemovement(people,othervehicles,objects,low-hangingwires,limbs,etc.).
Vehicle Inspection GuideStep 1: Vehicle overview
Review last vehicle inspection report. Driversmayhavetomakeavehicleinspectionreportinwritingeachday.Themotorcarriermustrepairanyitemsinthereportthataffectsafetyandcertifyonthereportthatrepairsweremadeorwereunnecessary.Youmustsignthereportonlyifdefectswerenotedandcertifiedtoberepairedornotneededtoberepaired.
Step 2: Check engine compartmentCheck that the parking brakes are on and/or wheels
chocked. Youmayhavetoraisethehood,tiltthecab(secureloosethingssotheydon’tfallandbreaksomething),oropentheenginecompartmentdoor.Checkthefollowing:• Engineoillevel.• Coolantlevelinradiator;conditionofhoses.• Powersteeringfluidlevel;hosecondition(ifsoequipped).• Windshieldwasherfluidlevel.• Batteryfluidlevel,connections,andtiedowns(batterymaybelocatedelsewhere).
• Automatictransmissionfluidlevel(mayrequireenginetoberunning).
• Checkbeltsfortightnessandexcessivewear(alternator,waterpump,aircompressor)–learnhowmuch“give”thebeltsshouldhavewhenadjustedright,andcheckeachone.
• Leaksintheenginecompartment(fuel,coolant,oil,powersteeringfluid,hydraulicfluid,batteryfluid).
• Cracked,wornelectricalwiringinsulation.
Lowerandsecurehood,cab,orenginecompartmentdoor.
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Step 3: Start engine and inspect inside the cabGet in and start engine• Makesureparkingbrakeison.• Putgearshiftinneutral(or“park”ifautomatic).• Startengine;listenforunusualnoises.• Ifequipped,checktheAnti-lockBrakingSystem(ABS)indicatorlights.Lightondashshouldcomeonandthenturnoff.IfitstaysontheABSisnotworkingproperly.Fortrailersonly,iftheyellowlightontheleftrearofthetrailerstayson,theABSisnotworkingproperly.
Look at the gauges• Oilpressure.Shouldcomeuptonormalwithinsecondsafterengineisstarted.SeeFigure2.5.
• Airpressure.Pressureshouldbuildfrom50to90psiwithin3minutes.Buildairpressuretogovernorcut-out(usuallyaround100–125psi.Knowyourvehiclesrequirements.
• Ammeterand/orvoltmeter.Shouldbeinnormalrange(s).• Coolanttemperature.Shouldbegingradualrisetonormaloperatingrange.
• Engineoiltemperature.Shouldbegingradualrisetonormaloperatingrange.
• Warninglightsandbuzzers.Oil,coolant,chargingcircuitwarning,andantilockbrakesystemlightsshouldgooutrightaway.
Check condition of controls. Checkallofthefollowingforlooseness,sticking,damage,orimpropersetting:• Steeringwheel.• Clutch.• Accelerator(“gaspedal”).• Brakecontrols.- Footbrake.- Trailerbrake(ifvehiclehasone).- Parkingbrake.- Retardercontrols(ifvehiclehasthem).
• Transmissioncontrols.• Interaxledifferentiallock(ifvehiclehasone).• Horn(s).
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Oil pressure• Idling 5-20PSI• Operating 35-75PSI• Low,dropping,fluctuating:
Stop immediately!Withoutoiltheenginecanbedestroyedrapidly.
ENGOILPressure
Figure 2.5Oil pressure
• Windshieldwiper/washer.• Lights.- Headlights.- Dimmerswitch.- Turnsignal.- Four-wayflashers.- Parking,clearance,identification,markerswitch(es).
Check mirrors and windshield. Inspectmirrorsandwindshieldforcracks,dirt,illegalstickers,orotherobstructionstoseeingclearly.Cleanandadjustasnecessary.
Check emergency equipment• Checkforsafetyequipment:- Spareelectricalfuses(unlessvehiclehascircuitbreakers).- Threeredreflectivetriangles.- Properlychargedandratedfireextinguisher.
• Checkforoptionalitemssuchas:- Chains(wherewinterconditionsrequire).- Tirechangingequipment.
• Listofemergencyphonenumbers.• Accidentreportingkit(packet).
Check seat belt• Checkthattheseatbeltis:- Securelymounted.- Adjustsandlatchesproperly.- Notrippedorfrayed.
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Step 4: Turn off engine and check lightsMakesuretheparkingbrakeisset,turnofftheengine,andtake
thekeywithyou.Turnonheadlights(lowbeams)andfour-wayemergencyflashers,andgetoutofthevehicle.
Step 5: Do walkaround inspectionChecksofbrake,turnsignalandfour-wayflasherlightsmustbe
doneseparately.• Gotofrontofvehicleandcheckthatlowbeamsareonandbothofthefour-wayflashersareworking.
• Pushdimmerswitchandcheckthathighbeamswork.• Turnoffheadlightsandfour-wayemergencyflashers.• Turnonparking,clearance,side-marker,andidentificationlights.
• Turnonrightturnsignal,andstartwalk-aroundinspection.
General• Walkaroundandinspect.• Cleanalllights,reflectors,andglassasyougoalong.
Left front side• Driver’sdoorglassshouldbeclean.• Doorlatchesorlocksshouldworkproperly.• Leftfrontwheel.- Conditionofwheelandrim–missing,bent,brokenstuds,clamps,lugs,oranysignsofmisalignment.- Conditionoftires–properlyinflated,valvestemandcapOK,noseriouscuts,bulges,ortreadwear.- Usewrenchtotestrust-streakedlugnuts,indicatinglooseness.- HuboillevelOK,noleaks.
• Leftfrontsuspension.- Conditionofspring,springhangers,shackles,u-bolts.- Shockabsorbercondition.
• Leftfrontbrake.- Conditionofbrakedrumordisc.- Conditionofhoses.
Front• Conditionoffrontaxle.• Conditionofsteeringsystem.- Noloose,worn,bent,damagedormissingparts.- Mustgrabsteeringmechanismtotestforlooseness.
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• Conditionofwindshield.- Checkfordamageandcleanifdirty.- Checkwindshieldwiperarmsforproperspringtension.- Checkwiperbladesfordamage,“stiff”rubber,andsecurement.
• Lightsandreflectors.- Parking,clearance,andidentificationlightsclean,operating,andpropercolor(amberatfront).- Reflectorscleanandpropercolor(amberatfront).- Rightfrontturnsignallightclean,operating,andpropercolor(amberorwhiteonsignalsfacingforward).
Right side• Rightfront:checkallitemsasdoneonleftfront.• Primaryandsecondarysafetycablocksengaged(ifcab-over-enginedesign).
• Rightfueltank(s).- Securelymounted,notdamaged,orleaking.- Fuelcrossoverlinesecure.- Tank(s)containenoughfuel.- Cap(s)onandsecure.
• Conditionofvisibleparts.- Rearofengine–notleaking.- Transmission–notleaking.- Exhaustsystem–secure,notleaking,nottouchingwires,fuel,orairlines.- Frameandcrossmembers–nobendsorcracks.- Airlinesandelectricalwiring–securedagainstsnagging,rubbing,wearing.- Sparetirecarrierorracknotdamaged(ifsoequipped).- Sparetireand/orwheelsecurelymountedinrack.- Sparetireandwheeladequate(propersize,properlyinflated).
• Cargosecurement(trucks).- Cargoproperlyblocked,braced,tied,chained,etc.- Headerboardadequate,secure(ifrequired).- Sideboards,stakesstrongenough,freeofdamage,properlysetinplace(ifsoequipped).- Canvasortarp(ifrequired)properlysecuredtopreventtearing,billowing,orblockingofmirrors.- Ifoversize,allrequiredsigns(flags,lamps,andreflectors)safelyandproperlymountedandallrequiredpermitsindriver’spossession.- Curbsidecargocompartmentdoorsingoodcondition,securelyclosed,latched/lockedandrequiredsecuritysealsinplace.
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Right rear• Conditionofwheelsandrims–nomissing,bent,orbrokenspacers,studs,clamps,orlugs.
• Conditionoftires–properlyinflated,valvestemsandcapsOK,noseriouscuts,bulges,treadwear,tiresnotrubbingeachother,andnothingstuckbetweenthem.
• Tiressametype,e.g.,notmixedradialandbiastypes.• Tiresevenlymatched(samesizes).• Wheelbearing/sealsnotleaking.• Suspension.- Conditionofspring(s),springhangers,shackles,andu-bolts.- Axlesecure.- Poweredaxle(s)notleakinglube(gearoil).- Conditionoftorquerodarms,bushings.- Conditionofshockabsorber(s).- Ifretractableaxleequipped,checkconditionofliftmechanism.Ifairpowered,checkforleaks.- Conditionofairridecomponents.
• Brakes.- Brakeadjustment.- Conditionofbrakedrum(s)ordiscs.- Conditionofhoses–lookforanywearduetorubbing.
• Lightsandreflectors.- Side-markerlightsclean,operating,andpropercolor(redatrear,othersamber).- Side-markerreflectorscleanandpropercolor(redatrear,othersamber).
Rear• Lightsandreflectors.- Rearclearanceandidentificationlightsclean,operating,andpropercolor(redatrear).- Reflectorscleanandpropercolor(redatrear).- Taillightsclean,operating,andpropercolor(redatrear).- Rightrearturnsignaloperating,andpropercolor(red,yellow,oramberatrear).
• Licenseplate(s)present,clean,andsecured.• Splashguardspresent,notdamaged,properlyfastened,notdraggingonground,orrubbingtires.
• Cargosecure(trucks).• Cargoproperlyblocked,braced,tied,chained,etc.• Tailboardsupandproperlysecured.• Endgatesfreeofdamage,properlysecuredinstakesockets.
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• Canvasortarp(ifrequired)properlysecuredtopreventtearing,billowing,orblockingofeithertherearviewmirrorsorrearlights.
• Ifover-length,orover-width,makesureallsignsand/oradditionallights/flagsaresafelyandproperlymountedandallrequiredpermitsareindriver’spossession.
• Reardoorssecurelyclosed,latched/locked.
Left side• Checkallitemsasdoneonrightside,plus:- Battery(ies)(ifnotmountedinenginecompartment).- Batterybox(es)securelymountedtovehicle.- Boxhassecurecover.- Battery(ies)securedagainstmovement.- Battery(ies)notbrokenorleaking.- Fluidinbattery(ies)atproperlevel(exceptmaintenance-freetype).- Cellcapspresentandsecurelytightened(exceptmaintenance-freetype).- Ventsincellcapsfreeofforeignmaterial(exceptmaintenance-freetype).
Step 6: Check signal lights
Get in and turn off lights• Turnoffalllights.• Turnonstoplights(applytrailerhandbrakeorhaveahelperputonthebrakepedal).
• Turnonleftturnsignallights.
Get out and check lights• Leftfrontturnsignallightclean,operatingandpropercolor(amberorwhiteonsignalsfacingthefront).
• Leftrearturnsignallightandbothstoplightsclean,operating,andpropercolor(red,yellow,oramber).
Get in vehicle• Turnofflightsnotneededfordriving.• Checkforallrequiredpapers,tripmanifests,permits,etc.• Secureallloosearticlesincab(theymightinterferewithoperationofthecontrolsorhityouinacrash).
• Starttheengine.
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Step 7: Start the engine and checkTest for hydraulic leaks. Ifthevehiclehashydraulicbrakes,
pumpthebrakepedalthreetimes.Thenapplyfirmpressuretothepedalandholdforfiveseconds.Thepedalshouldnotmove.Ifitdoes,theremaybealeakorotherproblem.Getitfixedbeforedriving.Ifthevehiclehasairbrakes,dothechecksdescribedinSections5and6ofthismanual.
Brake systemTest parking brake(s)• Fastenseatbelt.• Setparkingbrake(powerunitonly).• Releasetrailerparkingbrake(ifapplicable).• Placevehicleintoalowgear.• Gentlypullforwardagainstparkingbraketomakesuretheparkingbrakeholds.
• Repeatthesamestepsforthetrailerwithtrailerparkingbrakesetandpowerunitparkingbrakesreleased(ifapplicable).
• Ifitdoesn’tholdvehicle,itisfaulty;getitfixed.
Test service brake stopping action• Goaboutfivemilesperhour.• Pushbrakepedalfirmly.• “Pulling”toonesideortheothercanmeanbraketrouble.• Anyunusualbrakepedal“feel”ordelayedstoppingactioncanmeantrouble.
Ifyoufindanythingunsafeduringthepre-tripinspection,getitfixed.Federalandstatelawsforbidoperatinganunsafevehicle.
Inspection During a TripCheck vehicle operation regularlyYoushouldcheck:• Instruments.• Airpressuregauge(ifyouhaveairbrakes).• Temperaturegauges.• Pressuregauges.• Ammeter/voltmeter.• Mirrors.• Tires.• Cargo,cargocovers.• Lights.
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Ifyousee,hear,smell,orfeelanythingthatmightmeantrouble,checkitout.
Safety inspection. Driversoftrucksandtrucktractorswhentransportingcargomustinspectthesecurementofthecargowithinthefirst50milesofatripandevery150milesoreverythreehours(whichevercomesfirst)after.
After-trip Inspection and ReportYoumayhavetomakeawrittenreporteachdayonthecondition
ofthevehicle(s)youdrove.Reportanythingaffectingsafetyorpossiblyleadingtomechanicalbreakdown.
Test your knowledgeThevehicleinspectionreporttellsthemotorcarrierabout
problemsthatmayneedfixing.Keepacopyofyourreportinthevehicleforoneday.Thatway,thenextdrivercanlearnaboutanyproblemsyouhavefound.
1. Whatisthemostimportantreasonfordoingavehicleinspection?
2. Whatthingsshouldyoucheckduringatrip? 3. Namesomekeysteeringsystemparts. 4. Namesomesuspensionsystemdefects. 5. Whatthreekindsofemergencyequipmentmustyouhave? 6. Whatistheminimumtreaddepthforfronttires?Forothertires? 7. Namesomethingsyoushouldcheckonthefrontofyourvehicleduringthewalkaroundinspection.
8. Whatshouldwheelbearingsealsbecheckedfor? 9. Howmanyredreflectivetrianglesshouldyoucarry?10. Howdoyoutesthydraulicbrakesforleaks?11.Whyputthestarterswitchkeyinyourpocketduringthepre-tripinspection?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsection2.1.
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2.2 – Basic Control of Your VehicleTodriveavehiclesafely,youmustbeabletocontrolitsspeed
anddirection.Safeoperationofacommercialvehiclerequiresskillin:• Accelerating.• Steering.• Stopping.• Backingsafely.
Fastenyourseatbeltanytimeyoumoveyourvehicle.Applytheparkingbrakewhenyouleaveyourvehicle.
AcceleratingDon’trollbackwhenyoustart.Youmayhitsomeonebehindyou.
Ifyouhaveamanualtransmissionvehicle,partlyengagetheclutchbeforeyoutakeyourrightfootoffthebrake.Putontheparkingbrakewhenevernecessarytokeepfromrollingback.Releasetheparkingbrakeonlywhenyouhaveappliedenoughenginepowertokeepfromrollingback.Onatractor-trailerequippedwithatrailerbrakehandvalve,thehandvalvecanbeappliedtokeepfromrollingback.Speedupsmoothlyandgraduallysothevehicledoesnotjerk.
Roughaccelerationcancausemechanicaldamage.Whenpullingatrailer,roughaccelerationcandamagethecoupling.Speedupverygraduallywhentractionispoor,asinrainorsnow.
Ifyouusetoomuchpower,thedrivewheelsmayspin.Youcouldlosecontrol.Ifthedrivewheelsbegintospin,takeyourfootofftheaccelerator.
SteeringHoldthesteeringwheelfirmlywithbothhands.Yourhands
shouldbeonoppositesidesofthewheel.Ifyouhitacurborapothole(chuckhole),thewheelcouldpullawayfromyourhandsunlessyouhaveafirmhold.
StoppingPushthebrakepedaldowngradually.Theamountofbrake
pressureyouneedtostopthevehiclewilldependonthespeedofthevehicleandhowquicklyyouneedtostop.Controlthepressuresothevehiclecomestoasmooth,safestop.Ifyouhaveamanualtransmission,pushtheclutchinwhentheengineisclosetoidle.
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Backing SafelyBecauseyoucannotseeeverythingbehindyourvehicle,backing
isalwaysdangerous.Avoidbackingwheneveryoucan.Whenyoupark,trytoparksoyouwillbeabletopullforwardwhenyouleave.Whenyouhavetoback,hereareafewsimplesafetyrules:• Startintheproperposition.• Lookatyourpath.• Usemirrorsonbothsides.• Turnonfour-wayflashers.• Soundyourhornifthevehicledoesnothaveabackupwarningdevice.
• Backslowly.• Backandturntowardthedriver’ssidewheneverpossible.• Useahelperwheneverpossible.• Theserulesarediscussedinturnbelow.
Start in the proper position. Putthevehicleinthebestpositiontoallowyoutobacksafely.Thispositionwilldependonthetypeofbackingtobedone.
Look at your path. Lookatyourlineoftravelbeforeyoubegin.Getoutandwalkaroundthevehicle.Checkyourclearancetothesidesandoverhead,inandnearthepathyourvehiclewilltake.
Use mirrors on both sides. Checktheoutsidemirrorsonbothsidesfrequently.Getoutofthevehicleandcheckyourpathifyouareunsure.
Turn on four-way flashers.
Sound your horn ifthevehicledoesnothaveabackupwarningdevice.Thiswarnsothertrafficandpedestrians.
Back slowly. Alwaysbackasslowlyaspossible.Usethelowestreversegear.Thatwayyoucanmoreeasilycorrectanysteeringerrors.Youalsocanstopquicklyifnecessary.
Back and turn toward the driver’s side. Backtothedriver’ssidesoyoucanseebetter.Backingtowardtherightsideisverydangerousbecauseyoucan’tseeaswell.Ifyoubackandturntowardthedriver’sside,youcanwatchtherearofyourvehiclebylookingoutthesidewindow.Usedriver-sidebacking–evenifitmeansgoingaroundtheblocktoputyourvehicleinthisposition.Theaddedsafetyisworthit.
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Use a helper. Useahelperwhenyoucan.Thereareblindspotsyoucan’tsee.That’swhyahelperisimportant.Thehelpershouldstandnearthebackofyourvehiclewhereyoucanseethehelper.Beforeyoubeginbacking,workoutasetofhandsignalsthatyoubothunderstand.Agreeonasignalfor“stop.”
2.3 – Shifting GearsCorrectshiftingofgearsisimportant.Ifyoucan’tgetyourvehicle
intotherightgearwhiledriving,youwillhavelesscontrol.
Manual TransmissionsBasic method for shifting up. Mostheavyvehicleswithmanual
transmissionsrequiredoubleclutchingtochangegears.Thisisthebasicmethod:1.Releaseaccelerator,pushinclutchandshifttoneutralatthesametime.
2.Releaseclutch.3. Letengineandgearsslowdowntotherpmrequiredforthenextgear(thistakespractice).
4.Pushinclutchandshifttothehighergearatthesametime.5.Releaseclutchandpressacceleratoratthesametime.
Shiftinggearsusingdoubleclutchingrequirespractice.Ifyouremaintoolonginneutral,youmayhavedifficultyputtingthevehicleintothenextgear.Ifso,don’ttrytoforceit.Returntoneutral,releaseclutch,increaseenginespeedtomatchroadspeed,andtryagain.
Knowing when to shift up. Therearetwowaysofknowingwhentoshift:• Use engine speed (rpm). Studythedriver’smanualforyourvehicleandlearntheoperatingrpmrange.Watchyourtachometer,andshiftupwhenyourenginereachesthetopoftherange.(Somenewervehiclesuse“progressive”shifting:therpmatwhichyoushiftbecomeshigherasyoumoveupinthegears.Findoutwhat’srightforthevehicleyouwilloperate.)
• Use road speed (mph). Learnwhatspeedseachgearisgoodfor.Then,byusingthespeedometer,you’llknowwhentoshiftup.
Witheithermethod,youmaylearntouseenginesoundstoknowwhentoshift.
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Basic procedures for shifting down1.Releaseaccelerator,pushinclutch,andshifttoneutralatthesametime.
2.Releaseclutch.3.Pressaccelerator,increaseengineandgearspeedtotherpmrequiredinthelowergear.
4.Pushinclutchandshifttolowergearatthesametime.5.Releaseclutchandpressacceleratoratthesametime.
Downshifting,likeupshifting,requiresknowingwhentoshift.Useeitherthetachometerorthespeedometeranddownshiftattherightrpmorroadspeed.
Specialconditionswhereyoushoulddownshiftare:• Before starting down a hill. Slowdownandshiftdowntoaspeedthatyoucancontrolwithoutusingthebrakeshard.Otherwisethebrakescanoverheatandlosetheirbrakingpower.Downshiftbeforestartingdownthehill.Makesureyouareinalowenoughgear,usuallylowerthanthegearrequiredtoclimbthesamehill.
• Before entering a curve. Slowdowntoasafespeed,anddownshifttotherightgearbeforeenteringthecurve.Thisletsyouusesomepowerthroughthecurvetohelpthevehiclebemorestablewhileturning.Italsoallowsyoutospeedupassoonasyouareoutofthecurve.
Multi-speed Rear Axles and Auxiliary TransmissionsMulti-speedrearaxlesandauxiliarytransmissionsareused
onmanyvehiclestoprovideextragears.Youusuallycontrolthembyaselectorknoborswitchonthegearshiftleverofthemaintransmission.Therearemanydifferentshiftpatterns.Learntherightwaytoshiftgearsinthevehicleyouwilldrive.
Automatic TransmissionsSomevehicleshaveautomatictransmissions.Youcanselecta
lowrangetogetgreaterenginebrakingwhengoingdowngrades.Thelowerrangespreventthetransmissionfromshiftingupbeyondtheselectedgear(unlessthegovernorrpmisexceeded).Itisveryimportanttousethisbrakingeffectwhengoingdowngrades.
RetardersSomevehicleshave“retarders.”Retardershelpslowavehicle,
reducingtheneedforusingyourbrakes.Theyreducebrakewear
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andgiveyouanotherwaytoslowdown.Therearefourbasictypesofretarders(exhaust,engine,hydraulic,andelectric).Allretarderscanbeturnedonoroffbythedriver.Onsomevehiclestheretardingpowercanbeadjusted.Whenturned“on,”retardersapplytheirbrakingpower(tothedrivewheelsonly)wheneveryouletupontheacceleratorpedalalltheway.Becausethesedevicescanbenoisy,besureyouknowwhere
theiruseispermitted.
Caution. Whenyourdrivewheelshavepoortraction,theretardermaycausethemtoskid.Therefore,youshouldturntheretarderoffwhenevertheroadiswet,icy,orsnowcovered.
Test your knowledge1. Whyshouldyoubacktowardthedriver’sside?2. Ifstoppedonahill,howcanyoustartmovingwithoutrollingback?
3. Whenbacking,whyisitimportanttouseahelper?4. What’sthemostimportanthandsignalthatyouandthehelpershouldagreeon?
5. Whatarethetwospecialconditionswhereyoushoulddownshift?
6. Whenshouldyoudownshiftautomatictransmissions?7. Retarderskeepyoufromskiddingwhentheroadisslippery.TrueorFalse?
8. Whatarethetwowaystoknowwhentoshift?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections2.2and2.3.
2.4 – SeeingTobeasafedriveryouneedtoknowwhat’sgoingonallaround
yourvehicle.Notlookingproperlyisamajorcauseofaccidents.
Seeing AheadAlldriverslookahead;butmanydon’tlookfarenoughahead.
Importance of looking far enough ahead. Becausestoppingorchanginglanescantakealotofdistance,knowingwhatthetrafficisdoingonallsidesofyouisveryimportant.Youneedtolookwellaheadtomakesureyouhaveroomtomakethesemovessafely.
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Citydriving Openhighway 12-15secondsisaboutoneblock 12-15secondsisabout1/4mile
Figure 2.6
How far ahead to look. Mostgooddriverslookatleast12to15secondsahead.Thatmeanslookingaheadthedistanceyouwilltravelin12to15seconds.Atlowerspeeds,that’saboutoneblock.Athighwayspeedsit’saboutaquarterofamile.Ifyou’renotlookingthatfarahead,youmayhavetostoptooquicklyormakequicklanechanges.Looking12to15secondsaheaddoesn’tmeannotpayingattentiontothingsthatarecloser.Gooddriversshifttheirattentionbackandforth,nearandfar.Figure2.6illustrateshowfartolookahead.
Look for traffic. Lookforvehiclescomingontothehighway,intoyourlane,orturning.Watchforbrakelightsfromslowingvehicles.Byseeingthesethingsfarenoughahead,youcanchangeyourspeed,orchangelanesifnecessarytoavoidaproblem.Ifatrafficlighthasbeengreenforalongtimeitwillprobablychangebeforeyougetthere.Startslowingdownandbereadytostop.
Seeing to the Sides and RearIt’simportanttoknowwhat’sgoingonbehindandtothesides.
Checkyourmirrorsregularly.Checkmoreofteninspecialsituations.
Mirror adjustment. Mirroradjustmentshouldbecheckedpriortothestartofanytripandcanonlybecheckedaccuratelywhenthe
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trailer(s)arestraight.Youshouldcheckandadjusteachmirrortoshowsomepartofthevehicle.Thiswillgiveyouareferencepointforjudgingthepositionoftheotherimages.
Regular checks. Youneedtomakeregularchecksofyourmirrorstobeawareoftrafficandtocheckyourvehicle.
Traffic. Checkyourmirrorsforvehiclesoneithersideandinbackofyou.Inanemergency,youmayneedtoknowwhetheryoucanmakeaquicklanechange.Useyourmirrorstospotovertakingvehicles.Thereare“blindspots”thatyourmirrorscannotshowyou.Checkyourmirrorsregularlytoknowwhereothervehiclesarearoundyou,andtoseeiftheymoveintoyourblindspots.
Check your vehicle. Usethemirrorstokeepaneyeonyourtires.It’sonewaytospotatirefire.Ifyou’recarryingopencargo,youcanusethemirrorstocheckit.Lookforloosestraps,ropes,orchains.Watchforaflappingorballooningtarp.
Special situations. Specialsituationsrequiremorethanregularmirrorchecks.Thesearelanechanges,turns,merges,andtightmaneuvers.
Lane changes. Youneedtocheckyourmirrorstomakesurenooneisalongsideyouorabouttopassyou.Checkyourmirrors:• Beforeyouchangelanestomakesurethereisenoughroom.• Afteryouhavesignaled,tocheckthatnoonehasmovedintoyourblindspot.
• Rightafteryoustartthelanechange,todouble-checkthatyourpathisclear.
• Afteryoucompletethelanechange.
Turns. Inturns,checkyourmirrorstomakesuretherearofyourvehiclewillnothitanything.
Merges. Whenmerging,useyourmirrorstomakesurethegapintrafficislargeenoughforyoutoentersafely.
Tight maneuvers. Anytimeyouaredrivinginclosequarters,checkyourmirrorsoften.Makesureyouhaveenoughclearance.
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Field of vision using a convex mirror
Convex Plane Blind Plane Convex mirror mirror spot mirror mirror view view area view view
Figure 2.7
How to use mirrors. Usemirrorscorrectlybycheckingthemquicklyandunderstandingwhatyousee.Whenyouuseyourmirrorswhiledrivingontheroad,check
quickly.Lookbackandforthbetweenthemirrorsandtheroadahead.Don’tfocusonthemirrorsfortoolong.Otherwise,youwilltravelquiteadistancewithoutknowingwhat’shappeningahead.Manylargevehicleshavecurved(convex,“fisheye,”“spot,”
“bugeye”)mirrorsthatshowawiderareathanflatmirrors.Thisisoftenhelpful.Buteverythingappearssmallerinaconvexmirrorthanitwouldifyouwerelookingatitdirectly.Thingsalsoseemfartherawaythantheyreallyare.It’simportanttorealizethisandtoallowforit.Figure2.7showsthefieldofvisionusingaconvexmirror.
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2.5 – CommunicatingSignal Your IntentionsOtherdriverscan’tknowwhatyouaregoingtodountilyoutell
them.Signalingwhatyouintendtodoisimportantforsafety.Hereare
somegeneralrulesforsignaling.
Turns. Therearethreegoodrulesforusingturnsignals:• 1. Signalearly.Signalwellbeforeyouturn.Itisthebestwaytokeepothersfromtryingtopassyou.Turnonyoursignalatleast100feetbeforetheturn.
• 2. Signalcontinuously.Youneedbothhandsonthewheeltoturnsafely.Don’tcancelthesignaluntilyouhavecompletedtheturn.
• 3.Cancelyoursignal.Don’tforgettoturnoffyourturnsignalafteryou’veturned(ifyoudon’thaveself-cancelingsignals).
Lane changes. Putyourturnsignalonatleast100feetbeforechanginglanes.Changelanesslowlyandsmoothly.Thatwayadriveryoudidn’tseemayhaveachancetohonkhis/herhorn,oravoidyourvehicle.
Slowing down. Warndriversbehindyouwhenyouseeyou’llneedtoslowdown.Afewlighttapsonthebrakepedal–enoughtoflashthebrakelights–shouldwarnfollowingdrivers.Usethefour-wayemergencyflashersfortimeswhenyouaredrivingveryslowlyorarestopped.Warnotherdriversinanyofthefollowingsituations:
Trouble ahead. Thesizeofyourvehiclemaymakeithardfordriversbehindyoutoseehazardsahead.Ifyouseeahazardthatwillrequireslowingdown,warnthedriversbehindbyflashingyourbrakelights.
Tight turns. Mostcardriversdon’tknowhowslowlyyouhavetogotomakeatightturninalargevehicle.Givedriversbehindyouwarningbybrakingearlyandslowinggradually
Stopping on the road. Truckandbusdriverssometimesstopintheroadwaytounloadcargoorpassengers,ortostopatarailroadcrossing.Warnfollowingdriversbyflashingyourbrakelights.Don’tstopsuddenly.
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Driving slowly. Driversoftendonotrealizehowfasttheyarecatchinguptoaslowvehicleuntiltheyareveryclose.Ifyoumustdriveslowly,alertfollowingdriversbyturningonyouremergencyflashersifitislegal.(Lawsregardingtheuseofflashersdifferfromonestatetoanother.Checkthelawsofthestateswhereyouwilldrive.)
Don’t direct traffic. Somedriverstrytohelpoutothersbysignalingwhenitissafetopass.Youshouldnotdothis.Youcouldcauseanaccident.Youcouldbeblamedanditcouldcostyoumanythousandsofdollars.
Communicating Your PresenceOtherdriversmaynotnoticeyourvehicleevenwhenit’sinplain
sight.Tohelppreventaccidents,letthemknowyou’rethere.
When passing. Wheneveryouareabouttopassavehicle,pedestrian,orbicyclist,assumetheydon’tseeyou.Theycouldsuddenlymoveinfrontofyou.Whenitislegal,tapthehornlightlyor,atnight,flashyourlightsfromlowtohighbeamandback.And,drivecarefullyenoughtoavoidacrasheveniftheydon’tseeorhearyou.
When it’s hard to see. Atdawn,dusk,inrain,orsnow,youneedtomakeyourselfeasiertosee.Ifyouarehavingtroubleseeingothervehicles,otherdriverswillhavetroubleseeingyou.Turnonyourlights.Usetheheadlights,notjusttheidentificationorclearancelights.Usethelowbeams;highbeamscanbotherpeopleinthedaytimeaswellasatnight.
When parked at the side of the road. Whenyoupullofftheroadandstop,besuretoturnonthefour-wayemergencyflashers.Thisisimportantatnight.Don’ttrustthetaillightstogivewarning.Drivershavecrashedintotherearofaparkedvehiclebecausetheythoughtitwasmovingnormally.Ifyoumuststoponaroadortheshoulderofanyroad,youmust
putoutyouremergencywarningdeviceswithintenminutes.Placeyourwarningdevicesatthefollowinglocations:
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10'
200'
100'
100'
100'
10'
Figure 2.8 Figure 2.9One-way or divided highway Two-way or undivided highway
Ifyoumuststoponorbyaone-wayordividedhighway,placewarningdevices10feet,100feet,and200feettowardtheapproachingtraffic.SeeFigure2.8.Ifyoustoponatwo-laneroadcarryingtrafficinbothdirections
oronanundividedhighway,placewarningdeviceswithin10feetofthefrontorrearcornerstomarkthelocationofthevehicleand100feetbehindandaheadofthevehicle,ontheshoulderorinthelaneyoustoppedin.SeeFigure2.9.
Backbeyondanyhill,curve,orotherobstructionthatpreventsotherdriversfromseeingthevehiclewithin500feet.Iflineofsightviewisobstructedduetohillorcurve,movetherear-mosttriangletoapointbackdowntheroadsowarningisprovided.SeeFigure2.10.
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100'-500'
10'
10'
100'-500'
Figure 2.10Obstructed view
Whenputtingoutthetriangles,holdthembetweenyourselfandtheoncomingtrafficforyourownsafety.(Sootherdriverscanseeyou.)
Use your horn when needed. Yourhorncanletothersknowyou’rethere.Itcanhelptoavoidacrash.Useyourhornwhenneeded.However,itcanstartleothersandcouldbedangerouswhenusedunnecessarily.
2.6 – Controlling SpeedDrivingtoofastisamajorcauseoffatalcrashes.Youmustadjust
yourspeeddependingondrivingconditions.Theseincludetraction,curves,visibility,trafficandhills.
Stopping DistancePerceptionDistance+ReactionDistance+EffectiveStopping
Distance=TotalStoppingDistance
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Perception distance. Thisisthedistanceyourvehicletravels,inidealconditions;fromthetimeyoureyesseeahazarduntilyourbrainrecognizesit.Keepinmindcertainmentalandphysicalconditionscanaffectyourperceptiondistance.Itcanbeaffectedgreatlydependingonvisibilityandthehazarditself.Theaverageperceptiontimeforanalertdriverisabout13/4seconds.At55mph,thisaccountsfor142feettraveled..
Reaction distance. Thedistanceyouwillcontinuetotravel,inidealconditions;beforeyouphysicallyhitthebrakes,inresponsetoahazardseenahead.Theaveragedriverhasareactiontimeof3/4secondtoasecond.At55mphthisaccountsfor61feettraveled.
Braking distance. Thedistanceyourvehiclewilltravel,inidealconditions;whileyouarebraking.At55mphondrypavementwithgoodbrakes,itcantakeabout216feet.
Effective stopping distance. Thetotalminimumdistanceyourvehiclehastraveled,inidealconditions;witheverythingconsidered,includingperceptiondistance,reactiondistanceandbrakingdistance,untilyoucanbringyourvehicletoacompletestop.At55mph,yourvehiclewilltravelaminimumof419feet.
The effect of speed on stopping distance. Thefasteryoudrive,thegreatertheimpactorstrikingpowerofyourvehicle.Whenyoudoubleyourspeedfrom20to40mphtheimpactisfourtimesgreater.Thebrakingdistanceisalsofourtimeslonger.Triplethespeedfrom20to60andtheimpactdistanceisninetimesgreater.At60mph,yourstoppingdistanceisgreaterthanthelengthofafootballfield.Increasethespeedto80mphandtheimpactandbrakingdistanceare16timesgreaterthanat20mph.Highspeedsgreatlyincreasetheseverityofcrashesandstoppingdistances.Byslowingdown,youcanreducebrakingdistance.
The effect of vehicle weight on stopping distance. Theheavierthevehicle,themoreworkthebrakesmustdotostopit,andthemoreheattheyabsorb.Butthebrakes,tires,springs,andshockabsorbersonheavyvehiclesaredesignedtoworkbestwhenthevehicleisfullyloaded.Emptytrucksrequiregreaterstoppingdistancesbecauseanemptyvehiclehaslesstraction.
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Figure 2.11
Matching Speed to the Road SurfaceYoucan’tsteerorbrakeavehicleunlessyouhavetraction.
Tractionisfrictionbetweenthetiresandtheroad.Therearesomeroadconditionsthatreducetractionandcallforlowerspeeds.
Slippery surfaces. Itwilltakelongertostop,anditwillbehardertoturnwithoutskidding,whentheroadisslippery.Wetroadscandoublestoppingdistance.Youmustdriveslowertobeabletostopinthesamedistanceasonadryroad.Reducespeedbyaboutone-third(e.g.,slowfrom55toabout35mph)onawetroad.Onpackedsnow,reducespeedbyahalf,ormore.Ifthesurfaceisicy,reducespeedtoacrawlandstopdrivingassoonasyoucansafelydoso.
Identifying slippery surfaces. Sometimesit’shardtoknowiftheroadisslippery.Herearesomesignsofslipperyroads:
Shaded areas. Shadypartsoftheroadwillremainicyandslipperylongafteropenareashavemelted.
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Bridges. Whenthetemperaturedrops,bridgeswillfreezebeforetheroadwill.Beespeciallycarefulwhenthetemperatureiscloseto32degreesFahrenheit.
Melting ice. Slightmeltingwillmakeicewet.Weticeismuchmoreslipperythanicethatisnotwet.
Black ice. Blackiceisathinlayerthatisclearenoughthatyoucanseetheroadunderneathit.Itmakestheroadlookwet.Anytimethetemperatureisbelowfreezingandtheroadlookswet,watchoutforblackice.
Vehicle icing. Aneasywaytocheckforiceistoopenthewindowandfeelthefrontofthemirror,mirrorsupport,orantenna.Ifthere’siceonthese,theroadsurfaceisprobablystartingtoiceup.
Just after rain begins. Rightafteritstartstorain,thewatermixeswithoilleftontheroadbyvehicles.Thismakestheroadveryslippery.Iftheraincontinues,itwillwashtheoilaway.
Hydroplaning. Insomeweather,waterorslushcollectsontheroad.Whenthishappens,yourvehiclecanhydroplane.It’slikewaterskiing–thetireslosetheircontactwiththeroadandhavelittleornotraction.Youmaynotbeabletosteerorbrake.Youcanregaincontrolbyreleasingtheacceleratorandpushingintheclutch.Thiswillslowyourvehicleandletthewheelsturnfreely.Ifthevehicleishydroplaning,donotusethebrakestoslowdown.Ifthedrivewheelsstarttoskid,pushintheclutchtoletthemturnfreely.Itdoesnottakealotofwatertocausehydroplaning.
Hydroplaningcanoccuratspeedsaslowas30mphifthereisalotofwater.Hydroplaningismorelikelyiftirepressureislow,orthetreadisworn.(Thegroovesinatirecarryawaythewater;iftheyaren’tdeep,theydon’tworkwell.)Roadsurfaceswherewatercancollectcancreateconditions
thatcauseavehicletohydroplane.Watchforclearreflections,tiresplashes,andraindropsontheroad.Theseareindicationsofstandingwater.
Speed and CurvesDriversmustadjusttheirspeedforcurvesintheroad.Ifyoutake
acurvetoofast,twothingscanhappen.Thetirescanlosetheirtractionandcontinuestraightahead,soyouskidofftheroad.Or,thetiresmaykeeptheirtractionandthevehiclerollsover.Tests
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haveshownthattruckswithahighcenterofgravitycanrolloveratthepostedspeedlimitforacurve.Slowtoasafespeedbeforeyouenteracurve.Brakinginacurve
isdangerousbecauseitiseasiertolockthewheelsandcauseaskid.Slowdownasneeded.Don’teverexceedthepostedspeedlimitforthecurve.Beinagearthatwillletyouaccelerateslightlyinthecurve.Thiswillhelpyoukeepcontrol.
Speed and Distance AheadYoushouldalwaysbeabletostopwithinthedistanceyoucan
seeahead.Fog,rain,orotherconditionsmayrequirethatyouslowdowntobeabletostopinthedistanceyoucansee.Atnight,youcan’tseeasfarwithlowbeamsasyoucanwithhighbeams.Whenyoumustuselowbeams,slowdown.
Speed and Traffic FlowWhenyou’redrivinginheavytraffic,thesafestspeedisthe
speedofothervehicles.Vehiclesgoingthesamedirectionatthesamespeedarenotlikelytorunintooneanother.Inmanystates,speedlimitsarelowerfortrucksandbusesthanforcars.Itcanvaryasmuchas15mph.Useextracautionwhenyouchangelanesorpassontheseroadways.Driveatthespeedofthetraffic,ifyoucanwithoutgoingatanillegalorunsafespeed.Keepasafefollowingdistance.Themainreasondriversexceedspeedlimitsistosavetime.
But,anyonetryingtodrivefasterthanthespeedoftrafficwillnotbeabletosavemuchtime.Therisksinvolvedarenotworthit.Ifyougofasterthanthespeedofothertraffic,you’llhavetokeeppassingothervehicles.Thisincreasesthechanceofacrash,anditismoretiring.Fatigueincreasesthechanceofacrash.Goingwiththeflowoftrafficissaferandeasier.
Speed on DowngradesYourvehicle’sspeedwillincreaseondowngradesbecauseof
gravity.Yourmostimportantobjectiveistoselectandmaintainaspeedthatisnottoofastforthe:• totalweightofthevehicleandcargo.• lengthofthegrade.• steepnessofthegrade.• roadconditions.• weather.
Ifaspeedlimitisposted,orthereisasignindicating“MaximumSafeSpeed,”neverexceedthespeedshown.Also,lookforand
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heedwarningsignsindicatingthelengthandsteepnessofthegrade.Youmustusethebrakingeffectoftheengineastheprincipalwayofcontrollingyourspeedondowngrades.Thebrakingeffectoftheengineisgreatestwhenitisnearthegovernedrpmsandthetransmissionisinthelowergears.Saveyourbrakessoyouwillbeabletosloworstopasrequiredbyroadandtrafficconditions.Shiftyourtransmissiontoalowgearbeforestartingdownthegradeandusetheproperbrakingtechniques.Pleasereadcarefullythesectionongoingdownlong,steepdowngradessafelyin“MountainDriving.”
Roadway Work ZonesSpeedingtrafficisthenumberonecauseofinjuryanddeathin
roadwayworkzones.Observethepostedspeedlimitsatalltimeswhenapproachinganddrivingthroughaworkzone.Watchyourspeedometer,anddon’tallowyourspeedtocreepupasyoudrivethroughlongsectionsofroadconstruction.Decreaseyourspeedforadverseweatherorroadconditions.Decreaseyourspeedevenfurtherwhenaworkerisclosetotheroadway.
Test your knowledge 1. Howfaraheaddoesthemanualsayyoushouldlook? 2. Whataretwomainthingstolookforahead? 3. What’syourmostimportantwaytoseethesidesandrearofyourvehicle?
4. Whatdoes“communicating”meaninsafedriving? 5. Whereshouldyourreflectorsbeplacedwhenstoppedonadividedhighway?
6. Whatthreethingsadduptototalstoppingdistance? 7. Ifyougotwiceasfast,willyourstoppingdistanceincreasebytwoorfourtimes?
8. Emptytruckshavethebestbraking.TrueorFalse? 9. Whatishydroplaning?10.Whatis“blackice”?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections2.4,2.5,and2.6.
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2.7 – Managing SpaceTobeasafedriver,youneedspaceallaroundyourvehicle.
Whenthingsgowrong,spacegivesyoutimetothinkandtotakeaction.Tohavespaceavailablewhensomethinggoeswrong,you
needtomanagespace.Whilethisistrueforalldrivers,itisveryimportantforlargevehicles.Theytakeupmorespaceandtheyrequiremorespaceforstoppingandturning.
Space AheadOfallthespacearoundyourvehicle,itistheareaaheadofthe
vehicle–thespaceyou’redrivinginto–thatismostimportant.
The need for space ahead. Youneedspaceaheadincaseyoumustsuddenlystop.Accordingtoaccidentreports,thevehiclethattrucksandbusesmostoftenrunintoistheoneinfrontofthem.Themostfrequentcauseisfollowingtooclosely.Remember,ifthevehicleaheadofyouissmallerthanyours,itcanprobablystopfasterthanyoucan.Youmaycrashifyouarefollowingtooclosely.
How much space? Howmuchspaceshouldyoukeepinfrontofyou?Onegoodrulesaysyouneedatleastonesecondforeach10feetofvehiclelengthatspeedsbelow40mph.Atgreaterspeeds,youmustadd1secondforsafety.Forexample,ifyouaredrivinga40-footvehicle,youshouldleave4secondsbetweenyouandthevehicleahead.Ina50-footrig,you’llneed6seconds.Over40mph,you’dneed5secondsfora40-footvehicleand7secondsfora60-footvehicle.SeeFigure2.12.Toknowhowmuchspaceyouhave,waituntilthevehicleahead
passesashadowontheroad,apavementmarking,orsomeotherclearlandmark.Thencountoffthesecondslikethis:“onethousand-and-one,onethousand-and-two”andsoon,untilyoureachthesamespot.Compareyourcountwiththeruleofonesecondforeverytenfeetoflength.
Ifyouaredrivinga40-foottruckandonlycountedupto2seconds,you’retooclose.Dropbackalittleandcountagainuntilyouhave4secondsoffollowingdistance(or5seconds,ifyou’regoingover40mph).Afteralittlepractice,youwillknowhowfarbackyoushouldbe.Remembertoadd1secondforspeedsabove40mph.Alsorememberthatwhentheroadisslippery,youneedmuchmorespacetostop.
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Heavy Vehicle FormulaFor timed interval following distance• 1secondrequiredforeach10feetofvehiclelengthatspeedsunder40mph
• Above40mphusesameformula,thenadd1secondfortheadditionalspeed
40foottruck(under40mph)=4seconds
50foottruck(above40mph)=6seconds
60foottruck(above40mph)=7seconds
Figure 2.12
Space BehindYoucan’tstopothersfromfollowingyoutooclosely.Butthereare
thingsyoucandotomakeitsafer.
Stay to the right. Heavyvehiclesareoftentailgatedwhentheycan’tkeepupwiththespeedoftraffic.Thisoftenhappenswhenyou’regoinguphill.Ifaheavyloadisslowingyoudown,stayintherightlaneifyoucan.Goinguphill,youshouldnotpassanotherslowvehicleunlessyoucangetaroundquicklyandsafely.
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Dealing with tailgaters safely. Inalargevehicle,it’softenhardtoseewhetheravehicleisclosebehindyou.Youmaybetailgated:• Whenyouaretravelingslowly.Driverstrappedbehindslowvehiclesoftenfollowclosely.
• Inbadweather.Manycardriversfollowlargevehiclescloselyduringbadweather,especiallywhenitishardtoseetheroadahead.
Ifyoufindyourselfbeingtailgated,herearesomethingsyoucandotoreducethechancesofacrash:• Avoidquickchanges.Ifyouhavetoslowdownorturn,signalearly,andreducespeedverygradually.
• Increaseyourfollowingdistance.Openinguproominfrontofyouwillhelpyoutoavoidhavingtomakesuddenspeedordirectionchanges.Italsomakesiteasierforthetailgatertogetaroundyou.
• Don’tspeedup.It’ssafertobetailgatedatalowspeedthanahighspeed.
• Avoidtricks.Don’tturnonyourtaillightsorflashyourbrakelights.Followthesuggestionsabove.
Space to the SidesCommercialvehiclesareoftenwideandtakeupmostofalane.
Safedriverswillmanagewhatlittlespacetheyhave.Youcandothisbykeepingyourvehiclecenteredinyourlane,andavoiddrivingalongsideothers.
Staying centered in a lane. Youneedtokeepyourvehiclecenteredinthelanetokeepsafeclearanceoneitherside.Ifyourvehicleiswide,youhavelittleroomtospare.
Traveling next to others. Therearetwodangersintravelingalongsideothervehicles:• Anotherdrivermaychangelanessuddenlyandturnintoyou.• Youmaybetrappedwhenyouneedtochangelanes.
Findanopenspotwhereyouaren’tnearothertraffic.Whentrafficisheavy,itmaybehardtofindanopenspot.Ifyoumusttravelnearothervehicles,trytokeepasmuchspaceaspossiblebetweenyouandthem.Also,dropbackorpullforwardsothatyouaresuretheotherdrivercanseeyou.
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Strong winds. Strongwindsmakeitdifficulttostayinyourlane.Theproblemisusuallyworseforlightervehicles.Thisproblemcanbeespeciallybadcomingoutoftunnels.Don’tdrivealongsideothersifyoucanavoidit.
Space OverheadHittingoverheadobjectsisadanger.Makesureyoualwayshave
overheadclearance.Don’tassumethattheheightspostedatbridgesandoverpasses
arecorrect.Repavingorpackedsnowmayhavereducedtheclearancessincetheheightswereposted.Theweightofacargovanchangesitsheight.Anemptyvanis
higherthanaloadedone.Thatyougotunderabridgewhenyouwereloadeddoesnotmeanthatyoucandoitwhenyouareempty.Ifyoudoubtyouhavesafespacetopassunderanobject,
goslowly.Ifyouaren’tsureyoucanmakeit,takeanotherroute.Warningsareoftenpostedonlowbridgesorunderpasses,butsometimestheyarenot.Someroadscancauseavehicletotilt.Therecanbeaproblem
clearingobjectsalongtheedgeoftheroad,suchassigns,trees,orbridgesupports.Wherethisisaproblem,drivealittleclosertothecenteroftheroad.Beforeyoubackintoanarea,getoutandcheckforoverhanging
objectssuchastrees,branches,orelectricwires.It’seasytomissseeingthemwhileyouarebacking.(Alsocheckforotherhazardsatthesametime.)
Space BelowManydriversforgetaboutthespaceundertheirvehicles.That
spacecanbeverysmallwhenavehicleisheavilyloaded.Thisisoftenaproblemondirtroadsandinunpavedyards.Don’ttakeachanceongettinghungup.Drainagechannelsacrossroadscancausetheendsofsomevehiclestodrag.Crosssuchdepressionscarefully.Railroadtrackscanalsocauseproblems,particularlywhen
pullingtrailerswithalowunderneathclearance.Don’ttakeachanceongettinghunguphalfwayacross.
Space for TurnsThespacearoundatruckorbusisimportantinturns.Because
ofwideturningandofftracking,largevehiclescanhitothervehiclesorobjectsduringturns.
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JughandleINCORRECT
ButtonhookCORRECT
Figure 2.13
Right turns. Herearesomerulestohelppreventright-turncrashes:• Turnslowlytogiveyourselfandothersmoretimetoavoidproblems.
• Ifyouaredrivingatruckorbusthatcannotmaketherightturnwithoutswingingintoanotherlane,turnwideasyoucompletetheturn.Keeptherearofyourvehicleclosetothecurb.Thiswillstopotherdriversfrompassingyouontheright.
• Don’tturnwidetotheleftasyoustarttheturn.Afollowingdrivermaythinkyouareturningleftandtrytopassyouontheright.Youmaycrashintotheothervehicleasyoucompleteyourturn.
• Ifyoumustcrossintotheoncominglanetomakeaturn,watchoutforvehiclescomingtowardyou.Givethemroomtogobyortostop.However,don’tbackupforthem,becauseyoumighthitsomeonebehindyou.SeeFigure2.13.
Left turns. Onaleftturn,makesureyouhavereachedthecenteroftheintersectionbeforeyoustarttheleftturn.Ifyouturntoosoon,theleftsideofyourvehiclemayhitanothervehiclebecauseofofftracking.Iftherearetwoturninglanes,alwaystaketherightturnlane.
Don’tstartintheinsidelanebecauseyoumayhavetoswingrighttomaketheturn.Driversonyourleftcanbemorereadilyseen.SeeFigure2.14.
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Figure 2.14
Space Needed to Cross or Enter TrafficBeawareofthesizeandweightofyourvehiclewhenyoucross
orentertraffic.Herearesomeimportantthingstokeepinmind.Becauseofslowaccelerationandthespacelargevehicles
require,youmayneedamuchlargergaptoentertrafficthanyouwouldinacar.Accelerationvarieswiththeload.Allowmoreroomifyourvehicle
isheavilyloaded.Beforeyoustartacrossaroad,makesureyoucangetallthe
wayacrossbeforetrafficreachesyou.
2.8 – Seeing Hazards
Importance of Seeing HazardsWhat is a hazard? Ahazardisanyroadconditionorother
roaduser(driver,bicyclist,pedestrian)thatisapossibledanger.Forexample,acarinfrontofyouisheadedtowardthefreewayexit,buthisbrakelightscomeonandhebeginsbrakinghard.Thiscouldmeanthatthedriverisuncertainabouttakingtheofframp.Hemightsuddenlyreturntothehighway.Thiscarisahazard.Ifthedriverofthecarcutsinfrontofyou,itisnolongerjustahazard;itisanemergency.
Seeing hazards lets you be prepared. Youwillhavemoretimetoactifyouseehazardsbeforetheybecomeemergencies.Intheexampleabove,youmightmakealanechangeorslowdown
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topreventacrashifthecarsuddenlycutsinfrontofyou.Seeingthishazardgivesyoutimetocheckyourmirrorsandsignalalanechange.Beingpreparedreducesthedanger.Adriverwhodidnotseethehazarduntiltheslowcarpulledbackonthehighwayinfrontofhimwouldhavetodosomethingverysuddenly.Suddenbrakingoraquicklanechangeismuchmorelikelytoleadtoacrash.
Learning to see hazards. Thereareoftencluesthatwillhelpyouseehazards.Themoreyoudrive,thebetteryoucanlearntoseehazards.Thissectionwilltalkabouthazardsthatyoushouldbeawareof.
Hazardous RoadsSlowdownandbeverycarefulifyouseeanyofthefollowing
roadhazards.
Work zones. Whenpeopleareworkingontheroad,itisahazard.Theremaybenarrowerlanes,sharpturns,orunevensurfaces.Otherdriversareoftendistractedanddriveunsafely.Workersandconstructionvehiclesmaygetintheway.Driveslowlyandcarefullynearworkzones.Useyourfour-wayflashersorbrakelightstowarndriversbehindyou.
Drop off. Sometimesthepavementdropsoffsharplyneartheedgeoftheroad.Drivingtooneartheedgecantiltyourvehicletowardthesideoftheroad.Thiscancausethetopofyourvehicletohitroadsideobjects(signs,treelimbs).Also,itcanbehardtosteerasyoucrossthedropoff,goingofftheroad,orcomingbackon.
Foreign objects. Thingsthathavefallenontheroadcanbehazards.Theycanbeadangertoyourtiresandwheelrims.Theycandamageelectricalandbrakelines.Theycanbecaughtbetweendualtiresandcauseseveredamage.Someobstaclesthatappeartobeharmlesscanbeverydangerous.Forexample,cardboardboxesmaybeempty,buttheymayalsocontainsomesolidorheavymaterialcapableofcausingdamage.Thesameistrueofpaperandclothsacks.Itisimportanttoremainalertforobjectsofallsorts,soyoucanseethemearlyenoughtoavoidthemwithoutmakingsudden,unsafemoves.
Off ramps/On ramps. Freewayexitscanbeparticularlydangerousforcommercialvehicles.Offrampsandonrampsoftenhavespeedlimitsignsposted.Remember,thesespeedsmaybe
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safeforautomobiles,butmaynotbesafeforlargervehiclesorheavilyloadedvehicles.Exitsthatgodownhillandturnatthesametimecanbeespeciallydangerous.Thedowngrademakesitdifficulttoreducespeed.Brakingandturningatthesametimecanbeadangerouspractice.Makesureyouaregoingslowlyenoughbeforeyougetonthecurvedpartofanofframporonramp.
Drivers Who Are HazardsInordertoprotectyourselfandothers,youmustknowwhen
otherdriversmaydosomethinghazardous.Somecluestothistypeofhazardarediscussedbelow.
Blocked vision. Peoplewhocan’tseeothersareaverydangeroushazard.Bealertfordriverswhosevisionisblocked.Vans,loadedstationwagons,andcarswiththerearwindowblockedareexamples.Rentaltrucksshouldbewatchedcarefully.Theirdriversareoftennotusedtothelimitedvisiontheyhavetothesidesandrearofthetruck.Inwinter,vehicleswithfrosted,ice-covered,orsnow-coveredwindowsarehazards.Vehiclesmaybepartlyhiddenbyblindintersectionsoralleys.If
youonlycanseetherearorfrontendofavehiclebutnotthedriver,thenheorshecan’tseeyou.Bealertbecausehe/shemaybackoutorenterintoyourlane.Alwaysbepreparedtostop.
Delivery trucks can present a hazard. Packagesorvehicledoorsoftenblockthedriver’svision.Driversofstepvans,postalvehicles,andlocaldeliveryvehiclesoftenareinahurryandmaysuddenlystepoutoftheirvehicleordrivetheirvehicleintothetrafficlane.
Parked vehicles can be hazards,especiallywhenpeoplestarttogetoutofthem.Or,theymaysuddenlystartupanddriveintoyourway.Watchformovementinsidethevehicleormovementofthevehicleitselfthatshowspeopleareinside.Watchforbrakelightsorbackuplights,exhaust,andothercluesthatadriverisabouttomove.Becarefulofastoppedbus.Passengersmaycrossinfrontofor
behindthebus,andtheyoftencan’tseeyou.
Pedestrians and bicyclists can also be hazards. Walkers,joggers,andbicyclistsmaybeontheroadwiththeirbacktothetraffic,sotheycan’tseeyou.Sometimestheywearportablestereoswithheadsets,sotheycan’thearyoueither.Thiscanbedangerous.Onrainydays,pedestriansmaynotseeyoubecauseofhatsor
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umbrellas.Theymaybehurryingtogetoutoftherainandmaynotpayattentiontothetraffic.
Distractions. Peoplewhoaredistractedarehazards.Watchforwheretheyarelooking.Iftheyarelookingelsewhere,theycan’tseeyou.Butbealertevenwhentheyarelookingatyou.Theymaybelievethattheyhavetherightofway.
Children. Childrentendtoactquicklywithoutcheckingtraffic.Childrenplayingwithoneanothermaynotlookfortrafficandareaserioushazard.
Talkers. Driversorpedestrianstalkingtooneanothermaynotbepayingcloseattentiontothetraffic.
Workers. Peopleworkingonorneartheroadwayareahazardclue.Theworkcreatesadistractionforotherdriversandtheworkersthemselvesmaynotseeyou.
Ice cream trucks. Someonesellingicecreamisahazardclue.Childrenmaybenearbyandmaynotseeyou.
Disabled vehicles. Driverschangingatireorfixinganengineoftendonotpayattentiontothedangerthatroadwaytrafficistothem.Theyareoftencareless.Jackedupwheelsorraisedhoodsarehazardclues.
Accidents. Accidentsareparticularlyhazardous.Peopleinvolvedintheaccidentmaynotlookfortraffic.Passingdriverstendtolookattheaccident.Peopleoftenrunacrosstheroadwithoutlooking.Vehiclesmaysloworstopsuddenly.
Shoppers. Peopleinandaroundshoppingareasareoftennotwatchingtrafficbecausetheyarelookingforstoresorlookingintostorewindows.
Confused drivers. Confuseddriversoftenchangedirectionsuddenlyorstopwithoutwarning.Confusioniscommonnearfreewayinterchangesandmajorintersections.Touristsunfamiliarwiththeareacanbeveryhazardous.Cluestotouristsincludecar-topluggageandout-of-statelicenseplates.Unexpectedactions(stoppinginthemiddleofablock,changinglanesfornoapparentreason,backuplightssuddenlygoingon)arecluestoconfusion.Hesitationisanotherclue,includingdrivingveryslowly,using
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brakesoften,orstoppinginthemiddleofanintersection.Youmayalsoseedriverswhoarelookingatstreetsigns,maps,andhousenumbers.Thesedriversmaynotbepayingattentiontoyou.
Slow drivers. Motoristswhofailtomaintainnormalspeedarehazards.Seeingslowmovingvehiclesearlycanpreventacrash.Somevehicles,bytheirnature,areslowandseeingthemisahazardclue(mopeds,farmmachinery,constructionmachinery,tractors,etc.).Someofthesewillhavethe“slowmovingvehicle”symboltowarnyou.Thisisaredtrianglewithanorangecenter.Watchforit.
Drivers signaling a turn may be a hazard. Driverssignalingaturnmayslowmorethanexpectedorstop.Iftheyaremakingatightturnintoanalleyordriveway,theymaygoveryslowly.Ifpedestriansorothervehiclesblockthem,theymayhavetostopontheroadway.Vehiclesturningleftmayhavetostopforoncomingvehicles.
Drivers in a hurry. Driversmayfeelyourcommercialvehicleispreventingthemfromgettingwheretheywanttogoontime.Suchdriversmaypassyouwithoutasafegapintheoncomingtraffic,cuttingtoocloseinfrontofyou.Driversenteringtheroadmaypullinfrontofyouinordertoavoidbeingstuckbehindyou,causingyoutobrake.Beawareofthisandwatchfordriverswhoareinahurry.
Impaired drivers. Driverswhoaresleepy,havehadtoomuchtodrink,areondrugs,orwhoareillarehazards.Somecluestothesedriversare:• Weavingacrosstheroadordriftingfromonesidetoanother.• Leavingtheroad(droppingrightwheelsontotheshoulder,orbumpingacrossacurbinaturn).
• Stoppingatthewrongtime(stoppingatagreenlight,orwaitingfortoolongatastop).
• Openwindowincoldweather.• Speedinguporslowingdownsuddenly,drivingtoofastortooslow.
Bealertfordrunkdriversandsleepydriverslateatnight.
Driver body movement as a clue. Driverslookinthedirectiontheyaregoingtoturn.Youmaysometimesgetacluefromadriver’sheadandbodymovementsthatadrivermaybegoingtomakeaturn,eventhoughtheturnsignalsaren’ton.Driversmakingover-the-shoulderchecksmaybegoingtochangelanes.These
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cluesaremosteasilyseeninmotorcyclistsandbicyclists.Watchotherroadusersandtrytotellwhethertheymightdosomethinghazardous.
Conflicts. Youareinconflictwhenyouhavetochangespeedand/ordirectiontoavoidhittingsomeone.Conflictsoccuratintersectionswherevehiclesmeet,atmerges(suchasfreewayon-ramps)andwherethereareneededlanechanges(suchastheendofalane,forcingamovetoanotherlaneoftraffic).Othersituationsincludeslowmovingorstalledtrafficinatrafficlane,andaccidentscenes.Watchforotherdriverswhoareinconflictbecausetheyareahazardtoyou.Whentheyreacttothisconflict,theymaydosomethingthatwillputtheminconflictwithyou.
Always Have a PlanYoushouldalwaysbelookingforhazards.Continuetolearnto
seehazardsontheroad.However,don’tforgetwhyyouarelookingforthehazards–theymayturnintoemergencies.Youlookforthehazardsinordertohavetimetoplanawayoutofanyemergency.Whenyouseeahazard,thinkabouttheemergenciesthatcoulddevelopandfigureoutwhatyouwoulddo.Alwaysbepreparedtotakeactionbasedonyourplans.Inthisway,youwillbeaprepared,defensivedriverwhowillimproveyourownsafetyaswellasthesafetyofallroadusers.
Test your knowledge1. Howdoyoufindouthowmanysecondsoffollowingdistancespaceyouhave?
2. Ifyouaredrivinga30-footvehicleat55mph,howmanysecondsoffollowingdistanceshouldyouallow?
3. Youshoulddecreaseyourfollowingdistanceifsomebodyisfollowingyoutooclosely.TrueorFalse?
4. Ifyouswingwidetotheleftbeforeturningright,anotherdrivermaytrytopassyouontheright.TrueorFalse?
5. Whatisahazard?6. Whymakeemergencyplanswhenyouseeahazard?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections2.7and2.8.
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2.9 – Distracted DrivingWheneveryouaredrivingavehicleandyourattentionisnoton
theroad,you’reputtingyourself,yourpassengers,othervehicles,andpedestriansindanger.Distracteddrivingcanresultwhenyouperformanyactivitythatmayshiftyourfullattentionfromthedrivingtask.Takingyoureyesofftheroadorhandsoffthesteeringwheelpresentsobviousdrivingrisks.Mentalactivitiesthattakeyourmindawayfromdrivingarejustasdangerous.Youreyescangazeatobjectsinthedrivingscenebutfailtoseethembecauseyourattentionisdistractedelsewhere.Activitiesthatcandistractyourattentioninclude:talkingto
passengers;adjustingtheradio,CDplayerorclimatecontrols;eating,drinkingorsmoking;readingmapsorotherliterature;pickingupsomethingthatfell;readingbillboardsandotherroadadvertisements;watchingotherpeopleandvehiclesincludingaggressivedrivers;talkingonacellphoneorCBradio;usingtelematicdevices(suchasnavigationsystems,pagers,etc.);daydreamingorbeingoccupiedwithothermentaldistractions.
Don’t Drive DistractedIfdriversreactahalf-secondslowerbecauseofdistractions,
crashesdouble.Sometipstofollowsoyouwon’tbecomedistracted:• Reviewandbetotallyfamiliarwithallsafetyandusagefeaturesonanyin-vehicleelectronics,includingyourwirelessorcellphone,beforeyoudrive.
• Pre-programradiostations.• Pre-loadyoufavoriteCDsorcassettetapes.• Clearthevehicleofanyunnecessaryobjects.• Reviewmapsandplanyourroutebeforeyoubegindriving.• Adjustallmirrorsforbestall-roundvisibilitybeforeyoustartyourtrip.
• Don’tattempttoreadorwritewhileyoudrive.• Avoidsmoking,eatinganddrinkingwhileyoudrive.• Don’tengageincomplexoremotionallyintenseconversationswithotheroccupants.
Use In-vehicle Communication Equipment Cautiously• Whenpossible,pullofftheroadinasafe,legalplacewhenmaking/receivingacalloncommunicationequipment.
• Ifpossible,turnthecellphoneoffuntilyourdestinationisreached.
• Positionthecellphonewithineasyreach.• Pre-programcellphoneswithcommonlycallednumbers.
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• Ifyouhavetoplaceacall,findasafeplacetopullofftheroad.Donotplaceacallwhiledriving.
• Somejurisdictionsrequirethatonlyhands-freedevicescanbeusedwhiledriving.Eventhesedevicesareunsafetousewhenyouaremovingdowntheroad.
• Ifyoumustuseyourcellphone,keepconversationsshort.Developwaystogetfreeoflong-windedfriendsandassociateswhileontheroad.Neverusethecellphoneforsocialvisiting.
• Hangupintrickytrafficsituations.• Donotusetheequipmentwhenapproachinglocationswithheavytraffic,roadconstruction,heavypedestriantraffic,orsevereweatherconditions.
• Donotattempttotypeorreadmessagesonyoursatellitesystemwhiledriving.
Watch Out for Other Distracted DriversYouneedtobeabletorecognizeotherdriverswhoareengaged
inanyformofdrivingdistraction.Notrecognizingotherdistracteddriverscanpreventyoufromperceivingorreactingcorrectlyintimetopreventacrash.Watchfor:• Vehiclesthatmaydriftoverthelanedividerlinesorwithintheirownlane.
• Vehiclestravelingatinconsistentspeeds.• Driverswhoarepreoccupiedwithmaps,food,cigarettes,cellphones,orotherobjects.
• Driverswhoappeartobeinvolvedinconversationswiththeirpassengers.
Giveadistracteddriverplentyofroomandmaintainyoursafefollowingdistance.Beverycarefulwhenpassingadriverwhoseemstobe
distracted.Theotherdrivermaynotbeawareofyourpresence,andtheymaydriftinfrontofyou.
2.10 – Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage
What Is It?Aggressivedrivingandroadrageisnotanewproblem.However,
intoday’sworld,whereheavyandslow-movingtrafficandtightschedulesarethenorm,moreandmoredriversaretakingouttheirangerandfrustrationintheirvehicles.
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Crowdedroadsleavelittleroomforerror,leadingtosuspicionandhostilityamongdriversandencouragingthemtotakepersonallythemistakesofotherdrivers.Aggressivedrivingistheactofoperatingamotorvehiclein
aselfish,bold,orpushymanner,withoutregardfortherightsorsafetyofothers.Roadrageisoperatingamotorvehiclewiththeintentofdoing
harmtoothersorphysicallyassaultingadriverortheirvehicle.
Don’t Be an Aggressive DriverHowyoufeelbeforeyouevenstartyourvehiclehasalottodo
withhowstresswillaffectyouwhiledriving.• Reduceyourstressbeforeandwhileyoudrive.Listento“easylistening”music.
• Givethedriveyourfullattention.Don’tallowyourselftobecomedistractedbytalkingonyourcellphone,eating,etc.
• Berealisticaboutyourtraveltime.Expectdelaysbecauseoftraffic,construction,orbadweatherandmakeallowances.
• Ifyou’regoingtobelaterthanyouexpected–dealwithit.Takeadeepbreathandacceptthedelay.
• Giveotherdriversthebenefitofthedoubt.Trytoimaginewhyheorsheisdrivingthatway.Whatevertheirreason,ithasnothingtodowithyou.
• Slowdownandkeepyourfollowingdistancereasonable.• Don’tdriveslowlyintheleftlaneoftraffic.• Avoidgestures.Keepyouhandsonthewheel.Avoidmakinganygesturesthatmightangeranotherdriver,evenseeminglyharmlessexpressionsofirritationlikeshakingyourhead.
• Beacautiousandcourteousdriver.Ifanotherdriverseemseagertogetinfrontofyou,say,“Bemyguest.”Thisresponsewillsoonbecomeahabitandyouwon’tbeasoffendedbyotherdrivers’actions.
What You Should Do When Confronted by an Aggressive DriverFirstandforemost,makeeveryattempttogetoutoftheirway.• Putyourprideinthebackseat.Donotchallengethembyspeedinguporattemptingtohold-your-owninyourtravellane.
• Avoideyecontact.• Ignoregesturesandrefusetoreacttothem.• Reportaggressivedriverstotheappropriateauthoritiesbyprovidingavehicledescription,licensenumber,locationand,ifpossible,directionoftravel.
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• Ifyouhaveacellphone,andcandoitsafely,callthepolice.• Ifanaggressivedriverisinvolvedinacrashfartherdowntheroad,stopasafedistancefromthecrashscene,waitforthepolicetoarrive,andreportthedrivingbehaviorthatyouwitnessed.
Test your knowledge1. Whataresometipstofollowsoyouwon’tbecomeadistracteddriver?
2. Howdoyouusein-vehiclecommunicationsequipmentcautiously?
3. Howdoyourecognizeadistracteddriver?4. Whatisthedifferencebetweenaggressivedrivingandroadrage?
5. Whatshouldyoudowhenconfrontedwithanaggressivedriver?
6. Whataresomethingsyoucandotoreduceyourstressbeforeandwhileyoudrive?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections2.9and2.10.
2.11 – Driving at Night
It’s More DangerousYouareatgreaterriskwhenyoudriveatnight.Driverscan’tsee
hazardsasquicklyasindaylight,sotheyhavelesstimetorespond.Driverscaughtbysurprisearelessabletoavoidacrash.Theproblemsofnightdrivinginvolvethedriver,theroadway,and
thevehicle.
Driver FactorsVision. Peoplecan’tseeassharplyatnightorindimlight.Also,
theireyesneedtimetoadjusttoseeingindimlight.Mostpeoplehavenoticedthiswhenwalkingintoadarkmovietheater.
Glare. Driverscanbeblindedforashorttimebybrightlight.Ittakestimetorecoverfromthisblindness.Olderdriversareespeciallybotheredbyglare.Mostpeoplehavebeentemporarilyblindedbycameraflashunitsorbythehighbeamsofanoncomingvehicle.Itcantakeseveralsecondstorecoverfromglare.Eventwo
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secondsofglareblindnesscanbedangerous.Avehiclegoing55mphwilltravelmorethanhalfthedistanceofafootballfieldduringthattime.Don’tlookdirectlyatbrightlightswhendriving.Lookattherightsideoftheroad.Watchthesidelineswhensomeonecomingtowardyouhasverybrightlightson.
Fatigue and lack of alertness. Fatigue(beingtired)andlackofalertnessarebiggerproblemsatnight.Thebody’sneedforsleepisbeyondaperson’scontrol.Mostpeoplearelessalertatnight,especiallyaftermidnight.Thisisparticularlytrueifyouhavebeendrivingforalongtime.Driversmaynotseehazardsassoon,orreactasquickly,sothechanceofacrashisgreater.Ifyouaresleepy,theonlysafecureistogetofftheroadandgetsomesleep.Ifyoudon’t,youriskyourlifeandthelivesofothers.
Roadway FactorsPoor lighting. Inthedaytimethereisusuallyenoughlighttosee
well.Thisisnottrueatnight.Someareasmayhavebrightstreetlights,butmanyareaswillhavepoorlighting.Onmostroadsyouwillprobablyhavetodependentirelyonyourheadlights.Lesslightmeansyouwillnotbeabletoseehazardsaswell
asindaytime.Roaduserswhodonothavelightsarehardtosee.Therearemanyaccidentsatnightinvolvingpedestrians,joggers,bicyclists,andanimals.Evenwhentherearelights,theroadscenecanbeconfusing.
Trafficsignalsandhazardscanbehardtoseeagainstabackgroundofsigns,shopwindows,andotherlights.Driveslowerwhenlightingispoororconfusing.Driveslowlyenoughtobesureyoucanstopinthedistanceyou
canseeahead.
Drunk drivers. Drunkdriversanddriversundertheinfluenceofdrugsareahazardtothemselvesandtoyou.Beespeciallyalertaroundtheclosingtimesforbarsandtaverns.Watchfordriverswhohavetroublestayingintheirlaneormaintainingspeed,whostopwithoutreason,orshowothersignsofbeingundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
Vehicle FactorsHeadlights. Atnightyourheadlightswillusuallybethemain
sourceoflightforyoutoseebyandforotherstoseeyou.Youcan’tseenearlyasmuchwithyourheadlightsasyouseeinthedaytime.Withlowbeamsyoucanseeaheadabout250feetandwithhighbeamsabout350-500feet.Youmustadjustyourspeedtokeep
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yourstoppingdistancewithinyoursightdistance.Thismeansgoingslowlyenoughtobeabletostopwithintherangeofyourheadlights.Otherwise,bythetimeyouseeahazard,youwillnothavetimetostop.Nightdrivingcanbemoredangerousifyouhaveproblemswith
yourheadlights.Dirtyheadlightsmaygiveonlyhalfthelighttheyshould.Thiscutsdownyourabilitytosee,andmakesitharderforotherstoseeyou.Makesureyourlightsarecleanandworking.Headlightscanbeoutofadjustment.Iftheydon’tpointintherightdirection,theywon’tgiveyouagoodviewandtheycanblindotherdrivers.Haveaqualifiedpersonmakesuretheyareadjustedproperly.
Other lights. Inorderforyoutobeseeneasily,thefollowingmustbecleanandworkingproperly:• Reflectors.• Markerlights.• Clearancelights.• Taillights.• Identificationlights.
Turn signals and brake lights. Atnightyourturnsignalsandbrakelightsareevenmoreimportantfortellingotherdriverswhatyouintendtodo.Makesureyouhaveclean,workingturnsignalsandstoplights.
Windshield and mirrors. Itismoreimportantatnightthaninthedaytimetohaveacleanwindshieldandcleanmirrors.Brightlightsatnightcancausedirtonyourwindshieldormirrorstocreateaglareofitsown,blockingyourview.Mostpeoplehaveexperienceddrivingtowardthesunjustasithasrisenorisabouttoset,andfoundthattheycanbarelyseethroughawindshieldthatseemedtolookOKinthemiddleoftheday.Cleanyourwindshieldontheinsideandoutsideforsafedrivingatnight.
Night Driving ProceduresPre-trip procedures. Makesureyouarerestedandalert.If
youaredrowsy,sleepbeforeyoudrive!Evenanapcansaveyourlifeorthelivesofothers.Ifyouweareyeglasses,makesuretheyarecleanandunscratched.Don’twearsunglassesatnight.Doacompletepre-tripinspectionofyourvehicle.Payattentiontocheckingalllightsandreflectors,andcleaningthoseyoucanreach.
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Avoid blinding others. Glarefromyourheadlightscancauseproblemsfordriverscomingtowardyou.Theycanalsobotherdriversgoinginthesamedirectionyouare,whenyourlightsshineintheirrearviewmirrors.Dimyourlightsbeforetheycauseglareforotherdrivers.Dimyourlightswithin500feetofanoncomingvehicleandwhenfollowinganothervehiclewithin300feet.
Avoid glare from oncoming vehicles. Donotlookdirectlyatlightsofoncomingvehicles.Lookslightlytotherightatarightlaneoredgemarking,ifavailable.Ifotherdriversdon’tputtheirlowbeamson,don’ttryto“getbackatthem”byputtingyourownhighbeamson.Thisincreasesglareforoncomingdriversandincreasesthechanceofacrash.
Use high beams when you can. Somedriversmakethemistakeofalwaysusinglowbeams.Thisseriouslycutsdownontheirabilitytoseeahead.Usehighbeamswhenitissafeandlegaltodoso.Usethemwhenyouarenotwithin500feetofanapproachingvehicle.Also,don’tlettheinsideofyourcabgettoobright.Thismakesithardertoseeoutside.Keeptheinteriorlightoff,andadjustyourinstrumentlightsaslowasyoucantostillbeabletoreadthegauges.
If you get sleepy, stop at the nearest safe place. Peopleoftendon’trealizehowclosetheyaretofallingasleepevenwhentheireyelidsarefallingshut.Ifyoucansafelydoso,lookatyourselfinamirror.Ifyoulooksleepy,oryoujustfeelsleepy,stopdriving!Youareinaverydangerouscondition.Theonlysafecureistosleep.
2.12 – Driving in FogFogcanoccuratanytime.Fogonhighwayscanbeextremely
dangerous.Fogisoftenunexpected,andvisibilitycandeterioraterapidly.Youshouldwatchforfoggyconditionsandbereadytoreduceyourspeed.Donotassumethatthefogwillthinoutafteryouenterit.Thebestadvicefordrivinginfogisdon’t.Itispreferablethatyou
pullofftheroadintoarestareaortruckstopuntilvisibilityisbetter.Ifyoumustdrive,besuretoconsiderthefollowing:• Obeyallfog-relatedwarningsigns.• Slowdownbeforeyouenterfog.• Uselow-beamheadlightsandfoglightsforbestvisibilityevenindaytime,andbealertforotherdriverswhomayhaveforgottentoturnontheirlights.
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• Turnonyour4-wayflashers.Thiswillgivevehiclesapproachingyoufrombehindaquickeropportunitytonoticeyourvehicle.
• Watchforvehiclesonthesideoftheroadway.Seeingtaillightsorheadlightsinfrontofyoumaynotbeatrueindicationofwheretheroadisaheadofyou.Thevehiclemaynotbeontheroadatall.
• Useroadsidehighwayreflectorsasguidestodeterminehowtheroadmaycurveaheadofyou.
• Listenfortrafficyoucannotsee.• Avoidpassingothervehicles.• Don’tstopalongthesideoftheroad,unlessabsolutelynecessary.
2.13 – Driving in Winter
Vehicle ChecksMakesureyourvehicleisreadybeforedrivinginwinterweather.
Youshouldmakearegularpre-tripinspection,payingextraattentiontothefollowingitems.
Coolant level and antifreeze amount. Makesurethecoolingsystemisfullandthereisenoughantifreezeinthesystemtoprotectagainstfreezing.Thiscanbecheckedwithaspecialcoolanttester.
Defrosting and heating equipment. Makesurethedefrosterswork.Theyareneededforsafedriving.Makesuretheheaterisworking,andthatyouknowhowtooperateit.Ifyouuseotherheatersandexpecttoneedthem(e.g.,mirrorheaters,batteryboxheaters,fueltankheaters),checktheiroperation.
Wipers and washers. Makesurethewindshieldwiperbladesareingoodcondition.Makesurethewiperbladespressagainstthewindowhardenoughtowipethewindshieldclean,otherwisetheymaynotsweepoffsnowproperly.Makesurethewindshieldwasherworksandthereiswashingfluidinthewasherreservoir.Usewindshieldwasherantifreezetopreventfreezingofthe
washerliquid.Ifyoucan’tseewellenoughwhiledriving(forexample,ifyourwipersfail),stopsafelyandfixtheproblem.
Tires. Makesureyouhaveenoughtreadonyourtires.Thedrivetiresmustprovidetractiontopushtherigoverwetpavementand
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throughsnow.Thesteeringtiresmusthavetractiontosteerthevehicle.Enoughtreadisespeciallyimportantinwinterconditions.Youmusthaveatleast4/32inchtreaddepthineverymajorgrooveonfronttiresandatleast2/32inchonothertires.Morewouldbebetter.Useagaugetodetermineifyouhaveenoughtreadforsafedriving.
Tire chains. Youmayfindyourselfinconditionswhereyoucan’tdrivewithoutchains,eventogettoaplaceofsafety.Carrytherightnumberofchainsandextracross-links.Makesuretheywillfityourdrivetires.Checkthechainsforbrokenhooks,wornorbrokencross-links,andbentorbrokensidechains.Learnhowtoputthechainsonbeforeyouneedtodoitinsnowandice.
Lights and reflectors. Makesurethelightsandreflectorsareclean.Lightsandreflectorsareespeciallyimportantduringbadweather.Checkfromtimetotimeduringbadweathertomakesuretheyarecleanandworkingproperly.
Windows and mirrors. Removeanyice,snow,etc.,fromthewindshield,windows,andmirrorsbeforestarting.Useawindshieldscraper,snowbrush,andwindshielddefrosterasnecessary.
Hand holds, steps, and deck plates. Removealliceandsnowfromhandholds,steps,anddeckplates.Thiswillreducethedangerofslipping.
Radiator shutters and winterfront. Removeicefromtheradiatorshutters.Makesurethewinterfrontisnotclosedtootightly.Iftheshuttersfreezeshutorthewinterfrontisclosedtoomuch,theenginemayoverheatandstop.
Exhaust system. Exhaustsystemleaksareespeciallydangerouswhencabventilationmaybepoor(windowsrolledup,etc.).Looseconnectionscouldpermitpoisonouscarbonmonoxidetoleakintoyourvehicle.Carbonmonoxidegaswillcauseyoutobesleepy.Inlargeenoughamountsitcankillyou.Checktheexhaustsystemforloosepartsandforsoundsandsignsofleaks.
DrivingSlippery surfaces. Driveslowlyandsmoothlyonslipperyroads.
Ifitisveryslippery,youshouldn’tdriveatall.Stopatthefirstsafeplace.
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Start gently and slowly. Whenfirststarting,getthefeeloftheroad.Don’thurry.
Check for ice. Checkforiceontheroad,especiallybridgesandoverpasses.Alackofsprayfromothervehiclesindicatesicehasformedontheroad.Also,checkyourmirrorsandwiperbladesforice.Iftheyhaveice,theroadmostlikelywillbeicyaswell.
Adjust turning and braking to conditions. Maketurnsasgentlyaspossible.Don’tbrakeanyharderthannecessary,anddon’tusetheenginebrakeorspeedretarder.(Theycancausethedrivingwheelstoskidonslipperysurfaces.)
Adjust speed to conditions. Don’tpassslowervehiclesunlessnecessary.Goslowlyandwatchfarenoughaheadtokeepasteadyspeed.Avoidhavingtoslowdownandspeedup.Takecurvesatslowerspeedsanddon’tbrakewhileincurves.Beawarethatasthetemperaturerisestothepointwhereicebeginstomelt,theroadbecomesevenmoreslippery.Slowdownmore.
Adjust space to conditions. Don’tdrivealongsideothervehicles.Keepalongerfollowingdistance.Whenyouseeatrafficjamahead,slowdownorstoptowaitforittoclear.Tryhardtoanticipatestopsearlyandslowdowngradually.Watchforsnowplows,aswellassaltandsandtrucks,andgivethemplentyofroom.
Wet brakes. Whendrivinginheavyrainordeepstandingwater,yourbrakeswillgetwet.Waterinthebrakescancausethebrakestobeweak,toapplyunevenly,ortograb.Thiscancauselackofbrakingpower,wheellockups,pullingtoonesideortheother,andjackknifeifyoupullatrailer.Avoiddrivingthroughdeeppuddlesorflowingwaterifpossible.If
not,youshould:• Slowdownandplacetransmissioninalowgear.• Gentlyputonthebrakes.Thispressesliningsagainstbrakedrumsordiscsandkeepsmud,silt,sand,andwaterfromgettingin.
• Increaseenginerpmandcrossthewaterwhilekeepinglightpressureonthebrakes.
• Whenoutofthewater,maintainlightpressureonthebrakesforashortdistancetoheatthemupanddrythemout.
• Makeateststopwhensafetodoso.Checkbehindtomakesurenooneisfollowing,thenapplythebrakestobesure
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theyworkwell.Ifnot,drythemoutfurtherasdescribedabove.(CAUTION:Donotapplytoomuchbrakepressureandacceleratoratthesametime,oryoucanoverheatbrakedrumsandlinings.)
2.14 – Driving in Very Hot Weather
Vehicle ChecksDoanormalpre-tripinspection,butpayspecialattentiontothe
followingitems.
Tires. Checkthetiremountingandairpressure.Inspectthetireseverytwohoursorevery100mileswhendrivinginveryhotweather.Airpressureincreaseswithtemperature.Donotletairoutorthepressurewillbetoolowwhenthetirescooloff.Ifatireistoohottotouch,remainstoppeduntilthetirecoolsoff.Otherwisethetiremayblowoutorcatchfire.
Engine oil. Theengineoilhelpskeeptheenginecool,aswellaslubricatingit.Makesurethereisenoughengineoil.Ifyouhaveanoiltemperaturegauge,makesurethetemperatureiswithintheproperrangewhileyouaredriving.
Engine coolant. Beforestartingout,makesuretheenginecoolingsystemhasenoughwaterandantifreezeaccordingtotheenginemanufacturer’sdirections.(Antifreezehelpstheengineunderhotconditionsaswellascoldconditions.)Whendriving,checkthewatertemperatureorcoolanttemperaturegaugefromtimetotime.Makesurethatitremainsinthenormalrange.Ifthegaugegoesabovethehighestsafetemperature,theremaybesomethingwrongthatcouldleadtoenginefailureandpossiblyfire.Stopdrivingassoonassafelypossibleandtrytofindoutwhatiswrong.Somevehicleshavesightglasses,see-throughcoolantoverflow
containers,orcoolantrecoverycontainers.Thesepermityoutocheckthecoolantlevelwhiletheengineishot.Ifthecontainerisnotpartofthepressurizedsystem,thecapcanbesafelyremovedandcoolantaddedevenwhentheengineisatoperatingtemperature.Neverremovetheradiatorcaporanypartofthepressurized
systemuntilthesystemhascooled.Steamandboilingwatercansprayunderpressureandcausesevereburns.Ifyoucantouchtheradiatorcapwithyourbarehand,itisprobablycoolenoughtoopen.Ifcoolanthastobeaddedtoasystemwithoutarecoverytankor
overflowtank,followthesesteps:
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• Shutengineoff.• Waituntilenginehascooled.• Protecthands(useglovesorathickcloth).• Turnradiatorcapslowlytothefirststop,whichreleasesthepressureseal.
• Stepbackwhilepressureisreleasedfromcoolingsystem.• Whenallpressurehasbeenreleased,pressdownonthecapandturnitfurthertoremoveit.
• Visuallychecklevelofcoolantandaddmorecoolantifnecessary.
• Replacecapandturnallthewaytotheclosedposition.
Engine belts. Learnhowtocheckv-belttightnessonyourvehiclebypressingonthebelts.Loosebeltswillnotturnthewaterpumpand/orfanproperly.Thiswillresultinoverheating.Also,checkbeltsforcrackingorothersignsofwear.
Hoses. Makesurecoolanthosesareingoodcondition.Abrokenhosewhiledrivingcanleadtoenginefailureandevenfire.
DrivingWatch for bleeding tar. Tarintheroadpavementfrequently
risestothesurfaceinveryhotweather.Spotswheretar“bleeds”tothesurfaceareveryslippery.
Go slowly enough to prevent overheating. Highspeedscreatemoreheatfortiresandtheengine.Indesertconditionstheheatmaybuilduptothepointwhereitisdangerous.Theheatwillincreasechancesoftirefailureorevenfire,andenginefailure.
Test your klowledge1. Youshoulduselowbeamswheneveryoucan.TrueorFalse?2. Whatshouldyoudobeforeyoudriveifyouaredrowsy?3. Whateffectscanwetbrakescause?Howcanyouavoidtheseproblems?
4. Youshouldletairoutofhottiressothepressuregoesbacktonormal.TrueorFalse?
5. Youcansafelyremovetheradiatorcapaslongastheengineisn’toverheated.TrueorFalse?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerallofthem,rereadsubsections2.11,2.12,2.13,and2.14.
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Figure 2.15 Figure 2.16Round yellow warning sign Pavement markings
2.15 – Railroad-highway CrossingsRailroad-highwaygradecrossingsareaspecialkindof
intersectionwheretheroadwaycrossestraintracks.Thesecrossingsarealwaysdangerous.Everysuchcrossingmustbeapproachedwiththeexpectationthatatrainiscoming.
Types of CrossingsPassive crossings. Thistypeofcrossingdoesnothaveany
typeoftrafficcontroldevice.Thedecisiontostoporproceedrestsentirelyinyourhands.Passivecrossingsrequireyoutorecognizethecrossing,searchforanytrainusingthetracksanddecideifthereissufficientclearspacetocrosssafely.Passivecrossingshaveyellowcircularadvancewarningsigns,pavementmarkingsandcrossbuckstoassistyouinrecognizingacrossing.
Active crossings. Thistypeofcrossinghasatrafficcontroldeviceinstalledatthecrossingtoregulatetrafficatthecrossing.Theseactivedevicesincludeflashingredlights,withorwithoutbellsandflashingredlightswithbellsandgates.
Warning Signs and DevicesAdvance warning signs. Theround,black-on-yellowwarning
signisplacedaheadofapublicrailroad-highwaycrossing.Theadvancewarningsigntellsyoutoslowdown,lookandlistenforthetrain,andbepreparedtostopatthetracksifatrainiscoming.SeeFigure2.15.
Pavement markings. Pavementmarkingsmeanthesameastheadvancewarningsign.Theyconsistofan“X”withtheletters“RR”andano-passingmarkingontwo-laneroads.SeeFigure2.16.
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RAIL
ROADCROSSING
3
TRACKS
Figure 2.17Multiple tracks
Thereisalsoanopassingzonesignontwo-laneroads.Theremaybeawhitestoplinepaintedonthepavementbeforetherailroadtracks.Thefrontofthevehiclemustremainbehindthislinewhilestoppedatthecrossing.
Crossbuck signs. Thissignmarksthegradecrossing.Itrequiresyoutoyieldtheright-of-waytothetrain.Ifthereisnowhitelinepaintedonthepavement,youmuststopthevehiclebeforethecrossbucksign.Whentheroadcrossesovermorethanonesetoftracks,asignbelowthecrossbuckindicatesthenumberoftracks.SeeFigure2.17.
Flashing red light signals. Atmanyhighway-railgradecrossings,thecrossbucksignhasflashingredlightsandbells.Whenthelightsbegintoflash,stop!Atrainisapproaching.Youarerequiredtoyieldtheright-of-waytothetrain.Ifthereismorethanonetrack,makesurealltracksareclearbeforecrossing.SeeFigure2.18.
Gates. Manyrailroad-highwaycrossingshavegateswithflashingredlightsandbells.Stopwhenthelightsbegintoflashandbeforethegatelowersacrosstheroadlane.Remainstoppeduntilthegatesgoupandthelightshavestoppedflashing.Proceedwhenitissafe.SeeFigure2.18.
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RAIL
ROADCROSSING
TRACKS
3
Figure 2.18Gates/Lights
Driving ProceduresNever race a train to a crossing.Neverattempttoracea
traintoacrossing.Itisextremelydifficulttojudgethespeedofanapproachingtrain.
Reduce speed. Speedmustbereducedinaccordancewithyourabilitytoseeapproachingtrainsinanydirection,andspeedmustbeheldtoapointwhichwillpermityoutostopshortofthetracksincaseastopisnecessary.
Don’t expect to hear a train. Becauseofnoiseinsideyourvehicle,youcannotexpecttohearthetrainhornuntilthetrainisdangerouslyclosetothecrossing.
Don’t rely on signals. Youshouldnotrelysolelyuponthepresenceofwarningsignals,gates,orflagmentowarnoftheapproachoftrains.Beespeciallyalertatcrossingsthatdonothavegatesorflashingredlightsignals.
Double tracks require a double check. Rememberthatatrainononetrackmayhideatrainontheothertrack.Lookbothwaysbeforecrossing.Afteronetrainhasclearedacrossing,besurenoothertrainsarenearbeforestartingacrossthetracks.
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Yard areas and grade crossings in cities and towns. Yardareasandgradecrossingsincitiesandtownsarejustasdangerousasruralgradecrossings.Approachthemwithasmuchcaution.
Stopping Safely at Railroad-highway CrossingsAfullstopisrequiredatgradecrossingswhenever:• Thenatureofthecargomakesastopmandatoryunderstateorfederalregulations.
• Suchastopisotherwiserequiredbylaw.
Whenstoppingbesureto:• Checkfortrafficbehindyouwhilestoppinggradually.Useapulloutlane,ifavailable.
• Turnonyourfour-wayemergencyflashers.
Crossing the TracksRailroadcrossingswithsteepapproachescancauseyourunitto
hanguponthetracks.Neverpermittrafficconditionstotrapyouinapositionwhereyou
havetostoponthetracks.Besureyoucangetallthewayacrossthetracksbeforeyoustartacross.Ittakesatypicaltractor-trailerunitatleast14secondstoclearasingletrackandmorethan15secondstoclearadoubletrack.Donotshiftgearswhilecrossingrailroadtracks.
Special SituationsBeAware!Thesetrailerscangetstuckonraisedcrossings:• Lowslungunits(lowboy,carcarrier,movingvan,possum-bellylivestocktrailer).
• Single-axletractorpullingalongtrailerwithitslandinggearsettoaccommodateatandem-axletractor.
Ifforanyreasonyougetstuckonthetracks,getoutofthevehicleandawayfromthetracks.Checksignpostsorsignalhousingatthecrossingforemergencynotificationinformation.Call911orotheremergencynumber.Givethelocationofthecrossingusingallidentifiablelandmarks,especiallytheDOTnumber,ifposted.
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2.16 – Mountain DrivingInmountaindriving,gravityplaysamajorrole.Onanyupgrade,
gravityslowsyoudown.Thesteeperthegrade,thelongerthegrade,and/ortheheaviertheload–themoreyouwillhavetouselowergearstoclimbhillsormountains.Incomingdownlong,steepdowngrades,gravitycausesthespeedofyourvehicletoincrease.Youmustselectanappropriatesafespeed,thenusealowgear,andproperbrakingtechniques.Youshouldplanaheadandobtaininformationaboutanylong,steepgradesalongyourplannedrouteoftravel.Ifpossible,talktootherdriverswhoarefamiliarwiththegradestofindoutwhatspeedsaresafe.Youmustgoslowlyenoughsoyourbrakescanholdyouback
withoutgettingtoohot.Ifthebrakesbecometoohot,theymaystartto“fade.”Thismeansyouhavetoapplythemharderandhardertogetthesamestoppingpower.Ifyoucontinuetousethebrakeshard,theycankeepfadinguntilyoucannotslowdownorstopatall.
Select a “Safe” SpeedYourmostimportantconsiderationistoselectaspeedthatisnot
toofastforthe:• Totalweightofthevehicleandcargo.• Lengthofthegrade.• Steepnessofthegrade.• Roadconditions.• Weather.
Ifaspeedlimitisposted,orthereisasignindicating“MaximumSafeSpeed,”neverexceedthespeedshown.Also,lookforandheedwarningsignsindicatingthelengthandsteepnessofthegrade.Youmustusethebrakingeffectoftheengineastheprincipal
wayofcontrollingyourspeed.Thebrakingeffectoftheengineisgreatestwhenitisnearthegovernedrpmsandthetransmissionisinthelowergears.Saveyourbrakessoyouwillbeabletosloworstopasrequiredbyroadandtrafficconditions.
Select the Right Gear Before Starting Down the GradeShiftthetransmissiontoalowgearbeforestartingdownthe
grade.Donottrytodownshiftafteryourspeedhasalreadybuiltup.Youwillnotbeabletoshiftintoalowergear.Youmaynotevenbeabletogetbackintoanygearandallenginebrakingeffectwillbelost.Forcinganautomatictransmissionintoalowergearathighspeedcoulddamagethetransmissionandalsoleadtolossofallenginebrakingeffect.
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Witholdertrucks,aruleforchoosinggearsistousethesamegeargoingdownahillthatyouwouldneedtoclimbthehill.However,newtruckshavelowfrictionpartsandstreamlinedshapesforfueleconomy.Theymayalsohavemorepowerfulengines.Thismeanstheycangouphillsinhighergearsandhavelessfrictionandairdragtoholdthembackgoingdownhills.Forthatreason,driversofmoderntrucksmayhavetouselowergearsgoingdownahillthanwouldberequiredtogoupthehill.Youshouldknowwhatisrightforyourvehicle.
Brake Fading or FailureBrakesaredesignedsobrakeshoesorpadsrubagainstthe
brakedrumordiskstoslowthevehicle.Brakingcreatesheat,butbrakesaredesignedtotakealotofheat.However,brakescanfadeorfailfromexcessiveheatcausedbyusingthemtoomuchandnotrelyingontheenginebrakingeffect.Brakefadeisalsoaffectedbyadjustment.Tosafelycontrola
vehicle,everybrakemustdoitsshareofthework.Brakesoutofadjustmentwillstopdoingtheirsharebeforethosethatareinadjustment.Theotherbrakescanthenoverheatandfade,andtherewillnotbeenoughbrakingavailabletocontrolthevehicle.Brakescangetoutofadjustmentquickly,especiallywhentheyareusedalot;also,brakeliningswearfasterwhentheyarehot.Therefore,brakeadjustmentmustbecheckedfrequently.
Proper Braking TechniqueRemember.Theuseofbrakesonalongand/orsteepdowngrade
isonlyasupplementtothebrakingeffectoftheengine.Oncethevehicleisintheproperlowgear,thefollowingaretheproperbrakingtechniques:Applythebrakesjusthardenoughtofeeladefiniteslowdown.Whenyourspeedhasbeenreducedtoapproximatelyfivemph
belowyour“safe”speed,releasethebrakes.(Thisbrakeapplicationshouldlastforaboutthreeseconds.)Whenyourspeedhasincreasedtoyour“safe”speed,repeat
steps1and2.Forexample,ifyour“safe”speedis40mph,youwouldnotapply
thebrakesuntilyourspeedreaches40mph.Younowapplythebrakeshardenoughtograduallyreduceyourspeedto35mphandthenreleasethebrakes.Repeatthisasoftenasnecessaryuntilyouhavereachedtheendofthedowngrade.Escaperampshavebeenbuiltonmanysteepmountain
downgrades.Escaperampsaremadetostoprunawayvehiclessafelywithoutinjuringdriversandpassengers.Escaperamps
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usealongbedofloose,softmaterialtoslowarunawayvehicle,sometimesincombinationwithanupgrade.Knowescaperamplocationsonyourroute.Signsshowdrivers
whereramparelocated.Escaperampssavelives,equipmentandcargo.
Test your knowledge1. Whatfactorsdetermineyourselectionofa“safe”speedwhengoingdownalong,steepdowngrade?
2. Whyshouldyoubeinthepropergearbeforestartingdownahill?
3. Describetheproperbrakingtechniquewhengoingdownalong,steepdowngrade.
4. Whattypeofvehiclescangetstuckonarailroad-highwaycrossing?
5. Howlongdoesittakeforatypicaltractor-trailerunittoclearadoubletrack?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections2.15and2.16.
2.17 – Driving EmergenciesTrafficemergenciesoccurwhentwovehiclesareabouttocollide.
Vehicleemergenciesoccurwhentires,brakes,orothercriticalpartsfail.Followingthesafetypracticesinthismanualcanhelppreventemergencies.Butifanemergencydoeshappen,yourchancesofavoidingacrashdependuponhowwellyoutakeaction.Actionsyoucantakearediscussedbelow.
Steering to Avoid a CrashStoppingisnotalwaysthesafestthingtodoinanemergency.
Whenyoudon’thaveenoughroomtostop,youmayhavetosteerawayfromwhat’sahead.Remember,youcanalmostalwaysturntomissanobstaclemorequicklythanyoucanstop.(However,top-heavyvehiclesandtractorswithmultipletrailersmayflipover.)
Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Inordertoturnquickly,youmusthaveafirmgriponthesteeringwheelwithbothhands.Thebestwaytohavebothhandsonthewheel,ifthereisanemergency,istokeepthemthereallthetime.
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How to turn quickly and safely. Aquickturncanbemadesafely,ifit’sdonetherightway.Herearesomepointsthatsafedriversuse:• Donotapplythebrakewhileyouareturning.It’sveryeasytolockyourwheelswhileturning.Ifthathappens,youmayskidoutofcontrol.
• Donotturnanymorethanneededtoclearwhateverisinyourway.Themoresharplyyouturn,thegreaterthechancesofaskidorrollover.
• Bepreparedto“countersteer,”thatis,toturnthewheelbackintheotherdirection,onceyou’vepassedwhateverwasinyourpath.Unlessyouarepreparedtocountersteer,youwon’tbeabletodoitquicklyenough.Youshouldthinkofemergencysteeringandcountersteeringastwopartsofonedrivingaction.
Where to steer. Ifanoncomingdriverhasdriftedintoyourlane,amovetoyourrightisbest.Ifthatdriverrealizeswhathashappened,thenaturalresponsewillbetoreturntohisorherownlane.Ifsomethingisblockingyourpath,thebestdirectiontosteerwill
dependonthesituation.Ifyouhavebeenusingyourmirrors,you’llknowwhichlaneis
emptyandcanbesafelyused.Iftheshoulderisclear,goingrightmaybebest.Nooneislikely
tobedrivingontheshoulderbutsomeonemaybepassingyouontheleft.Youwillknowifyouhavebeenusingyourmirrors.Ifyouareblockedonbothsides,amovetotherightmaybebest.
Atleastyouwon’tforceanyoneintoanopposingtrafficlaneandapossiblehead-oncollision.
Leaving the road. Insomeemergencies,youmayhavetodriveofftheroad.Itmaybelessriskythanfacingacollisionwithanothervehicle.Mostshouldersarestrongenoughtosupporttheweightofa
largevehicleand,therefore,offeranavailableescaperoute.Herearesomeguidelines,ifyoudoleavetheroad.
Avoid braking. Ifpossible,avoidusingthebrakesuntilyourspeedhasdroppedtoabout20mph.Thenbrakeverygentlytoavoidskiddingonaloosesurface.
Keep one set of wheels on the pavement, if possible. Thishelpstomaintaincontrol.
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Stay on the shoulder. Iftheshoulderisclear,stayonituntilyourvehiclehascometoastop.Signalandcheckyourmirrorsbeforepullingbackontotheroad.
Returning to the road. Ifyouareforcedtoreturntotheroadbeforeyoucanstop,usethefollowingprocedure:• Holdthewheeltightlyandturnsharplyenoughtogetrightbackontheroadsafely.Don’ttrytoedgegraduallybackontheroad.Ifyoudo,yourtiresmightgrabunexpectedlyandyoucouldlosecontrol.
• Whenbothfronttiresareonthepavedsurface,countersteerimmediately.Thetwoturnsshouldbemadeasasingle“steer-countersteer”move.
How to Stop Quickly and SafelyIfsomebodysuddenlypullsoutinfrontofyou,yournatural
responseistohitthebrakes.Thisisagoodresponseifthere’senoughdistancetostop,andyouusethebrakescorrectly.Youshouldbrakeinawaythatwillkeepyourvehicleinastraight
lineandallowyoutoturnifitbecomesnecessary.Youcanusethe“controlledbraking”methodorthe“stabbraking”method.
Controlled braking. Withthismethod,youapplythebrakesashardasyoucanwithoutlockingthewheels.Keepsteeringwheelmovementsverysmallwhiledoingthis.Ifyouneedtomakealargersteeringadjustmentorifthewheelslock,releasethebrakes.Reapplythebrakesassoonasyoucan.
Stab braking • Applyyourbrakesalltheway.• Releasebrakeswhenwheelslockup.• Assoonasthewheelsstartrolling,applythebrakesfullyagain.(Itcantakeuptoonesecondforthewheelstostartrollingafteryoureleasethebrakes.Ifyoureapplythebrakesbeforethewheelsstartrolling,thevehiclewon’tstraightenout.)
Don’t jam on the brakes. Emergencybrakingdoesnotmeanpushingdownonthebrakepedalashardasyoucan.Thatwillonlykeepthewheelslockedupandcauseaskid.Ifthewheelsareskidding,youcannotcontrolthevehicle.
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Brake FailureBrakeskeptingoodconditionrarelyfail.Mosthydraulicbrake
failuresoccurforoneoftworeasons:(AirbrakesarediscussedinSection5.)• Lossofhydraulicpressure.• Brakefadeonlonghills.
Loss of hydraulic pressure. Whenthesystemwon’tbuilduppressure,thebrakepedalwillfeelspongyorgotothefloor.Herearesomethingsyoucando.
Downshift. Puttingthevehicleintoalowergearwillhelptoslowthevehicle.
Pump the brakes. Sometimespumpingthebrakepedalwillgenerateenoughhydraulicpressuretostopthevehicle.
Use the parking brake. Theparkingoremergencybrakeisseparatefromthehydraulicbrakesystem.Therefore,itcanbeusedtoslowthevehicle.However,besuretopressthereleasebuttonorpullthereleaseleveratthesametimeyouusetheemergencybrakesoyoucanadjustthebrakepressureandkeepthewheelsfromlockingup.
Find an escape route. Whileslowingthevehicle,lookforanescaperoute–anopenfield,sidestreet,orescaperamp.Turninguphillisagoodwaytoslowandstopthevehicle.Makesurethevehicledoesnotstartrollingbackwardafteryoustop.Putitinlowgear,applytheparkingbrake,and,ifnecessary,rollbackintosomeobstaclethatwillstopthevehicle.
Brake failure on downgrades. Goingslowenoughandbrakingproperlywillalmostalwayspreventbrakefailureonlongdowngrades.Oncethebrakeshavefailed,however,youaregoingtohavetolookoutsideyourvehicleforsomethingtostopit.Yourbesthopeisanescaperamp.Ifthereisone,there’llbe
signstellingyouaboutit.Useit.Rampsareusuallylocatedafewmilesfromthetopofthedowngrade.Everyyear,hundredsofdriversavoidinjurytothemselvesordamagetotheirvehiclesbyusingescaperamps.Someescaperampsusesoftgravelthatresiststhemotionofthevehicleandbringsittoastop.Othersturnuphill,usingthehilltostopthevehicleandsoftgraveltoholditinplace.
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Anydriverwholosesbrakesgoingdownhillshoulduseanescaperampifit’savailable.Ifyoudon’tuseit,yourchancesofhavingaseriouscrashmaybemuchgreater.Ifnoescaperampisavailable,taketheleasthazardousescape
routeyoucan–suchasanopenfieldorasideroadthatflattensoutorturnsuphill.Makethemoveassoonasyouknowyourbrakesdon’twork.Thelongeryouwait,thefasterthevehiclewillgo,andtheharderitwillbetostop.
Tire FailureRecognize tire failure. Quicklyknowingyouhaveatirefailure
willletyouhavemoretimetoreact.Havingjustafewextrasecondstorememberwhatitisyou’resupposedtodocanhelpyou.Themajorsignsoftirefailureare:• Sound.Theloud“bang”ofablowoutisaneasilyrecognizedsign.Becauseitcantakeafewsecondsforyourvehicletoreact,youmightthinkitwassomeothervehicle.Butanytimeyouhearatireblow,you’dbesafesttoassumeitisyours.
• Vibration.Ifthevehiclethumpsorvibratesheavily,itmaybeasignthatoneofthetireshasgoneflat.Withareartire,thatmaybetheonlysignyouget.
• Feel.Ifthesteeringfeels“heavy,”itisprobablyasignthatoneofthefronttireshasfailed.Sometimes,failureofareartirewillcausethevehicletoslidebackandforthor“fishtail.”However,dualreartiresusuallypreventthis.
Respond to tire failure. Whenatirefails,yourvehicleisindanger.Youmustimmediately:• HoldtheSteeringWheelFirmly.Ifafronttirefails,itcantwistthesteeringwheeloutofyourhand.Theonlywaytopreventthisistokeepafirmgriponthesteeringwheelwithbothhandsatalltimes.
• StayOfftheBrake.It’snaturaltowanttobrakeinanemergency.However,brakingwhenatirehasfailedcouldcauselossofcontrol.Unlessyou’reabouttorunintosomething,stayoffthebrakeuntilthevehiclehassloweddown.Thenbrakeverygently,pullofftheroad,andstop.
• ChecktheTires.Afteryou’vecometoastop,getoutandcheckallthetires.Dothisevenifthevehicleseemstobehandlingallright.Ifoneofyourdualtiresgoes,theonlywayyoumayknowitisbygettingoutandlookingatit.
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2.18 – Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)ABSisacomputerizedsystemthatkeepsyourwheelsfrom
lockingupduringhardbrakeapplications.ABSisanadditiontoyournormalbrakes.Itdoesnotdecrease
orincreaseyournormalbrakingcapability.ABSonlyactivateswhenwheelsareabouttolockup.ABSdoesnotnecessarilyshortenyourstoppingdistance,butit
doeshelpyoukeepthevehicleundercontrolduringhardbraking.
How Antilock Braking Systems WorkSensorsdetectpotentialwheellockup.Anelectroniccontrolunit
(ECU)willthendecreasebrakepressuretoavoidwheellockup.Brakepressureisadjustedtoprovidethemaximumbraking
withoutdangeroflockup.ABSworksfarfasterthanthedrivercanrespondtopotential
wheellockup.Atallothertimesthebrakesystemwilloperatenormally.
Vehicles Required to Have Antilock Braking SystemsTheDepartmentofTransportationrequiresthatABSbeon:• TrucktractorswithairbrakesbuiltonorafterMarch1,1997.• Otherairbrakevehicles,(trucks,buses,trailers,andconverterdollies)builtonorafterMarch1,1998.
• Hydraulicallybrakedtrucksandbuseswithagrossvehicleweightratingof10,000lbsormorebuiltonorafterMarch1,1999.
ManycommercialvehiclesbuiltbeforethesedateshavebeenvoluntarilyequippedwithABS.
How to Know If Your Vehicle Is Equipped with ABSTractors,trucks,andbuseswillhaveyellowABSmalfunction
lampsontheinstrumentpanel.TrailerswillhaveyellowABSmalfunctionlampsontheleftside,
eitheronthefrontorrearcorner.DolliesmanufacturedonorafterMarch1,1998,arerequiredto
havealampontheleftside.Asasystemcheckonnewervehicles,themalfunctionlamp
comesonatstart-upforabulbcheck,andthengoesoutquickly.Onoldersystems,thelampcouldstayonuntilyouaredrivingoverfivemph.Ifthelampstaysonafterthebulbcheck,orgoesononceyou
areunderway,youmayhavelostABScontrol.
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InthecaseoftowedunitsmanufacturedbeforeitwasrequiredbytheDepartmentofTransportation,itmaybedifficulttotelliftheunitisequippedwithABS.LookunderthevehiclefortheECUandwheelspeedsensorwirescomingfromthebackofthebrakes.
How ABS Helps YouWhenyoubrakehardonslipperysurfacesinavehiclewithout
ABS,yourwheelsmaylockup.Whenyoursteeringwheelslockup,youlosesteeringcontrol.Whenyourotherwheelslockup,youmayskid,jackknife,orevenspinthevehicle.ABShelpsyouavoidwheellockupandmaintaincontrol.You
mayormaynotbeabletostopfasterwithABS,butyoushouldbeabletosteeraroundanobstaclewhilebraking,andavoidskidscausedbyoverbraking.
ABS on the Tractor Only or Only on the TrailerHavingABSononlythetractor,onlythetrailer,orevenon
onlyoneaxle,stillgivesyoumorecontroloverthevehicleduringbraking.Brakenormally.WhenonlythetractorhasABS,youshouldbeabletomaintain
steeringcontrol,andthereislesschanceofjackknifing.Butkeepyoureyeonthetrailerandletuponthebrakes(ifyoucansafelydoso)ifitbeginstoswingout.WhenonlythetrailerhasABS,thetrailerislesslikelytoswing
out,butifyoulosesteeringcontrolorstartatractorjackknife,letuponthebrakes(ifyoucansafelydoso)untilyouregaincontrol.
Braking with ABSWhenyoudriveavehiclewithABS,youshouldbrakeasyou
alwayshave.Inotherwords:• Useonlythebrakingforcenecessarytostopsafelyandstayincontrol.
• Brakethesameway,regardlessofwhetheryouhaveABSonthebus,tractor,thetrailer,orboth.
• Asyouslowdown,monitoryourtractorandtrailerandbackoffthebrakes(ifitissafetodoso)tostayincontrol.
Thereisonlyoneexceptiontothisprocedure.IfyoudriveastraighttruckorcombinationwithworkingABSonallaxles,inanemergencystop,youcanfullyapplythebrakes.
Braking If ABS Is Not WorkingWithoutABSyoustillhavenormalbrakefunctions.Driveand
brakeasyoualwayshave.
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VehicleswithABShaveyellowmalfunctionlampstotellyouifsomethingisn’tworking.Asasystemcheckonnewervehicles,themalfunctionlamp
comesonatstart-upforabulbcheckandthengoesoutquickly.Onoldersystems,thelampcouldstayonuntilyouaredrivingoverfivemph.Ifthelampstaysonafterthebulbcheck,orgoesononceyou
areunderway,youmayhavelostABScontrolononeormorewheels.Remember,ifyourABSmalfunctions,youstillhaveregular
brakes.Drivenormally,butgetthesystemservicedsoon.
Safety Reminders• ABSwon’tallowyoutodrivefaster,followmoreclosely,ordrivelesscarefully.
• ABSwon’tpreventpowerorturningskids–ABSshouldpreventbrake-inducedskidsorjackknifes,butnotthosecausedbyspinningthedrivewheelsorgoingtoofastinaturn.
• ABSwon’tnecessarilyshortenstoppingdistance.ABSwillhelpmaintainvehiclecontrol,butnotalwaysshortenstoppingdistance.
• ABSwon’tincreaseordecreaseultimatestoppingpower–ABSisan“add-on”toyournormalbrakes,notareplacementforthem.
• ABSwon’tchangethewayyounormallybrake.Undernormalbrakeconditions,yourvehiclewillstopasitalwaysstopped.ABSonlycomesintoplaywhenawheelwouldnormallyhavelockedupbecauseofoverbraking.
• ABSwon’tcompensateforbadbrakesorpoorbrakemaintenance.
• Remember:Thebestvehiclesafetyfeatureisstillasafedriver.• Remember:DrivesoyouneverneedtouseyourABS.• Remember:Ifyouneedit,ABScouldhelptopreventaseriouscrash.
2.19 – Skid Control and RecoveryAskidhappenswheneverthetireslosetheirgripontheroad.
Thisiscausedinoneoffourways:• Over-braking. Brakingtoohardandlockingupthewheels.Skidsalsocanoccurwhenusingthespeedretarderwhentheroadisslippery.
• Over-steering. Turningthewheelsmoresharplythanthevehiclecanturn.
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Lineoftravel
Directionofslide
Reartractorwheelslocked-uporspinning
Figure 2.19, Tractor jacknife
• Over-acceleration. Supplyingtoomuchpowertothedrivewheels,causingthemtospin.
• Driving too fast. Mostseriousskidsresultfromdrivingtoofastforroadconditions.Driverswhoadjusttheirdrivingtoconditionsdon’tover-accelerateanddon’thavetoover-brakeorover-steerfromtoomuchspeed.
Drive-wheel SkidsByfarthemostcommonskidisoneinwhichtherearwheels
losetractionthroughexcessivebrakingoracceleration.Skidscausedbyaccelerationusuallyhappenoniceorsnow.Takingyourfootofftheacceleratorcaneasilystopthem.(Ifitisveryslippery,pushtheclutchin.Otherwise,theenginecankeepthewheelsfromrollingfreelyandregainingtraction.)Rearwheelbrakingskidsoccurwhenthereardrivewheelslock.
Becauselockedwheelshavelesstractionthanrollingwheels,therearwheelsusuallyslidesidewaysinanattemptto“catchup”withthefrontwheels.Inabusorstraighttruck,thevehiclewillslidesidewaysina“spinout.”Withvehiclestowingtrailers,adrive-wheelskidcanletthetrailerpushthetowingvehiclesideways,causingasuddenjackknife.SeeFigure2.19.
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Correcting a Drive-wheel Braking SkidDothefollowingtocorrectadrive-wheelbrakingskid.• Stop braking. Thiswilllettherearwheelsrollagain,andkeeptherearwheelsfromsliding.
• Countersteer. Asavehicleturnsbackoncourse,ithasatendencytokeeponturning.Unlessyouturnthesteeringwheelquicklytheotherway,youmayfindyourselfskiddingintheoppositedirection.Learningtostayoffthebrake,turnthesteeringwheelquickly,pushintheclutch,andcountersteerinaskidtakesalotofpractice.Thebestplacetogetthispracticeisonalargedrivingrangeor“skidpad.”
Front-wheel SkidsDrivingtoofastforconditionscausesmostfront-wheelskids.
Othercausesincludelackoftreadonthefronttiresandcargoloadedsonotenoughweightisonthefrontaxle.Inafront-wheelskid,thefrontendtendstogoinastraightlineregardlessofhowmuchyouturnthesteeringwheel.Onaveryslipperysurface,youmaynotbeabletosteeraroundacurveorturn.Whenafront-wheelskidoccurs,theonlywaytostoptheskidis
toletthevehicleslowdown.Stopturningand/orbrakingsohard.Slowdownasquicklyaspossiblewithoutskidding.
Test your knowledge1. Stoppingisnotalwaysthesafestthingtodoinanemergency.TrueorFalse?
2. Whataresomeadvantagesofgoingrightinsteadofleftaroundanobstacle?
3. Whatisan“escaperamp?”4. Ifatireblowsout,youshouldputthebrakesonhardtostopquickly.TrueorFalse?
5. Howdoyouknowifyourvehiclehasantilockbrakes?6. Whatistheproperbrakingtechniquewhendrivingavehiclewithantilockbrakes?
7. Howdoantilockbrakeshelpyou?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections2.17,2.18,and2.19.
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2.20 – Accident ProceduresWhenyou’reinanaccidentandnotseriouslyhurt,youneedto
acttopreventfurtherdamageorinjury.Thebasicstepstobetakenatanyaccidentareto:• Protectthearea.• Notifyauthorities.• Carefortheinjured.
Protect the AreaThefirstthingtodoatanaccidentsceneistokeepanother
accidentfromhappeninginthesamespot.Toprotecttheaccidentarea:• Ifyourvehicleisinvolvedintheaccident,trytogetittothesideoftheroad.Thiswillhelppreventanotheraccidentandallowtraffictomove.
• Ifyou’restoppingtohelp,parkawayfromtheaccident.Theareaimmediatelyaroundtheaccidentwillbeneededforemergencyvehicles.
• Putonyourflashers.• Setoutreflectivetrianglestowarnothertraffic.Makesureotherdriverscanseethemintimetoavoidtheaccident.
Notify AuthoritiesIfyouhaveacellphoneorCB,callforassistancebeforeyouget
outofyourvehicle.Ifnot,waituntilaftertheaccidentscenehasbeenproperlyprotected,thenphoneorsendsomeonetophonethepolice.Trytodeterminewhereyouaresoyoucangivetheexactlocation.
Care for the InjuredIfaqualifiedpersonisattheaccidentandhelpingtheinjured,
stayoutofthewayunlessaskedtoassist.Otherwise,dothebestyoucantohelpanyinjuredparties.Herearesomesimplestepstofollowingivingassistance:• Don’tmoveaseverelyinjuredpersonunlessthedangeroffireorpassingtrafficmakesitnecessary.
• Stopheavybleedingbyapplyingdirectpressuretothewound.• Keeptheinjuredpersonwarm.
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2.21 – FiresTruckfirescancausedamageandinjury.Learnthecausesof
firesandhowtopreventthem.Knowwhattodotoextinguishfires.
Causes of FireThefollowingaresomecausesofvehiclefires:• After accidents. Spilledfuel,improperuseofflares.• Tires. Under-inflatedtiresanddualsthattouch.• Electrical system. Shortcircuitsduetodamagedinsulation,looseconnections.
• Fuel. Driversmoking,improperfueling,loosefuelconnections.• Cargo. Flammablecargo,improperlysealedorloadedcargo,poorventilation.
Fire PreventionPayattentiontothefollowing:• Pre-trip inspection. Makeacompleteinspectionoftheelectrical,fuel,andexhaustsystems,tires,andcargo.Besuretocheckthatthefireextinguisherischarged.
• En route inspection. Checkthetires,wheels,andtruckbodyforsignsofheatwheneveryoustopduringatrip.
• Follow safe procedures. Followcorrectsafetyproceduresforfuelingthevehicle,usingbrakes,handlingflares,andotheractivitiesthatcancauseafire.
• Monitoring. Checktheinstrumentsandgaugesoftenforsignsofoverheatingandusethemirrorstolookforsignsofsmokefromtiresorthevehicle.
• Caution. Usenormalcautioninhandlinganythingflammable.
Fire FightingKnowinghowtofightfiresisimportant.Driverswhodidn’tknow
whattodohavemadefiresworse.Knowhowthefireextinguisherworks.Studytheinstructionsprintedontheextinguisherbeforeyouneedit.Herearesomeprocedurestofollowincaseoffire.
Pull off the road. Thefirststepistogetthevehicleofftheroadandstop.Indoingso:• Parkinanopenarea,awayfrombuildings,trees,brush,othervehicles,oranythingthatmightcatchfire.
• Don’tpullintoaservicestation!• Notifyemergencyservicesofyourproblemandyourlocation.
Keep the fire from spreading. Beforetryingtoputoutthefire,makesurethatitdoesn’tspreadanyfurther.
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Withanenginefire,turnofftheengineassoonasyoucan.Don’topenthehoodifyoucanavoidit.Shootfoamthroughlouvers,radiator,orfromthevehicle’sunderside.Foracargofireinavanorboxtrailer,keepthedoorsshut,
especiallyifyourcargocontainshazardousmaterials.Openingthevandoorswillsupplythefirewithoxygenandcancauseittoburnveryfast.
Extinguish the fire. Herearesomerulestofollowinputtingoutafire:• Whenusingtheextinguisher,stayasfarawayfromthefireaspossible.
• Aimatthesourceorbaseofthefire,notupintheflames.
Use the right fire extinguisher. Figures2.20and2.21detailthetypeoffireextinguishertousebyclassoffire.• TheB:Ctypefireextinguisherisdesignedtoworkonelectricalfiresandburningliquids.
• TheA:B:Ctypeisdesignedtoworkonburningwood,paper,andclothaswell.
• Watercanbeusedonwood,paper,orcloth,butdon’tusewateronanelectricalfire(cancauseshock)oragasolinefire(itwillspreadtheflames).
• Aburningtiremustbecooled.Lotsofwatermayberequired.• Ifyou’renotsurewhattouse,especiallyonahazardousmaterialsfire,waitforfirefighters.
• Positionyourselfupwind.Letthewindcarrytheextinguishertothefire.
• Continueuntilwhateverwasburninghasbeencooled.Absenceofsmokeorflamedoesnotmeanthefirecannotrestart.
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Class/Type of fires
Class Type
A Wood,paper,ordinarycombustiblesExtinguish by cooling and quenching using water or dry chemicals.
B Gasoline,oil,grease,othergreasyliquidsExtinguish by smothering, cooling or heat shielding using carbon dioxide or dry chemicals.
C ElectricalequipmentfiresExtinguish with nonconducting agents such as carbon dioxide or dry chemicals. Do not use water.
D FiresincombustiblemetalsExtinguish by using specialized extinguishing powders.
Figure 2.20
Class of fire/Type of extinguisher
Class of fire Fire extinguisher type
BorC Regulardrychemical
A,B,C,orD Multi-purposedrychemical
D PurpleKdrychemical
BorC KCLdrychemical
D Drypowderspecialcompound
BorC Carbondioxide(Dry)
BorC Halogenatedagent(Gas)
A Water
A Waterwithanti-freeze
AorB Water,loadedsteamstyle
B,onsomeA Foam
Figure 2.21
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Test your knowledge1. Whataresomethingstodoatanaccidentscenetopreventanotheraccident?
2. Nametwocausesoftirefires.3. WhatkindsoffiresisaB:Cextinguishernotgoodfor?4. Whenusingyourextinguisher,shouldyougetascloseaspossibletothefire?
5. Namesomecausesofvehiclefires.
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections2.20and2.21.
2.22 – Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving
Alcohol and DrivingDrinkingalcoholandthendrivingisverydangerousanda
seriousproblem.Peoplewhodrinkalcoholareinvolvedintrafficaccidentsresultinginover20,000deathseveryyear.Alcoholimpairsmusclecoordination,reactiontime,depthperception,andnightvision.Italsoaffectsthepartsofthebrainthatcontroljudgmentandinhibition.Forsomepeople,onedrinkisallittakestoshowsignsofimpairment.
How alcohol works. Alcoholgoesdirectlyintothebloodstreamandiscarriedtothebrain.Afterpassingthroughthebrain,asmallpercentageisremovedinurine,perspiration,andbybreathing,whiletherestiscarriedtotheliver.Thelivercanonlyprocessone-thirdanounceofalcoholperhour,whichisconsiderablylessthanthealcoholinastandarddrink.Thisisafixedrate,soonlytime,notblackcoffeeoracoldshower,willsoberyouup.Ifyouhavedrinksfasterthanyourbodycangetridofthem,youwillhavemorealcoholinyourbody,andyourdrivingwillbemoreaffected.TheBloodAlcoholConcentration(BAC)commonlymeasurestheamountofalcoholinyourbody.SeeFigure2.22.Allofthefollowingdrinkscontainthesameamountofalcohol:• A12-ounceglassof5%beer.• A5-ounceglassof12%wine.• A11/2-ounceshotof80proofliquor.
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What determines blood alcohol concentration? BACisdeterminedbytheamountofalcoholyoudrink(morealcoholmeanshigherBAC),howfastyoudrink(fasterdrinkingmeanshigherBAC),andyourweight(asmallpersondoesn’thavetodrinkasmuchtoreachthesameBAC).
Alcohol and the brain. AlcoholaffectsmoreandmoreofthebrainasBACbuildsup.Thefirstpartofthebrainaffectedcontrolsjudgmentandself-control.Oneofthebadthingsaboutthisisitcankeepdrinkersfromknowingtheyaregettingdrunk.And,goodjudgmentandself-controlareabsolutelynecessaryforsafedriving.
What Is a drink? Itisthealcoholindrinksthataffectshumanperformance.Itdoesn’tmakeanydifferencewhetherthatalcoholcomesfrom“acoupleofbeers,”orfromtwoglassesofwine,ortwoshotsofhardliquor
Approximate blood alcohol content
Drin
ks
Body weight in poundsEffects
100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
0 Only safe driving limit
1 .04 .03 .03 .02 .02 .02 .02 .02Impairmentbegins
2 .08 .06 .05 .05 .04 .04 .03 .03 Drivingskillssignificantlyaffected–criminalpenalties
3 .11 .09 .08 .07 .06 .06 .05 .05
4 .15 .12 .11 .09 .08 .08 .07 .06
5 .19 .16 .13 .12 .11 .09 .09 .08
6 .23 .19 .16 .14 .13 .11 .10 .09
7 .26 .22 .19 .16 .15 .13 .12 .11 Legallyintoxicated–criminalpenalities
8 .30 .25 .21 .19 .17 .15 .14 .13
9 .34 .28 .24 .21 .19 .17 .15 .14
10 .38 .31 .27 .23 .21 .19 .17 .16
Subtract.01%foreach40minutesofdrinking.Onedrink=1.50oz.of80proofliquor,12oz.ofbeer,or5oz.oftablewine.
Figure 2.22
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AsBACcontinuestobuildup,musclecontrol,vision,andcoordinationareaffectedmoreandmore.Effectsondrivingmayinclude:• Straddlinglanes.• Quick,jerkystarts.• Notsignaling,failuretouselights.• Runningstopsignsandredlights.• Improperpassing.
SeeFigure2.23.
Theseeffectsmeanincreasedchancesofacrashandchancesoflosingyourdriver’slicense.Accidentstatisticsshowthatthechanceofacrashismuchgreaterfordriverswhohavebeendrinkingthanfordriverswhohavenot.
Effects of Increasing Blood Alcohol ContentBloodAlcoholContentistheamountofalcoholinyourblood
recordedinmilligramsofalcoholper100millilitersofblood.YourBACdependsontheamountofblood(whichincreaseswithweight)andtheamountofalcoholyouconsumeovertime(howfastyoudrink).Thefasteryoudrink,thehigheryourBAC,asthelivercanonlyhandleaboutonedrinkperhour—therestbuildsupinyourblood.
BAC Effects on bodyEffects on driving
condition
.02Mellowfeeling,slightbodywarmth.
Lessinhibited.
.05 Noticeablerelaxation.Lessalert,lessself-focused,coodinationimpairmentbegins.
.08Definiteimpairmentincoordinationandjudgment
Drunkdrivinglimit,impairedcoordinationandjudgment
.10*Noisy,possibleembarrassingbehavior,moodswings.
Reductioninreactiontime.
.15Impairedbalanceandmovement,clearlydrunk.
Unabletodrive.
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BAC Effects on bodyEffects on driving
condition
.30 Manyloseconsciousness.
.40Mostloseconsciousness,somedie.
.50 Breathingstops,manydie.
*BACof.10meansthat1/10of1%(or1/1000)ofyourtotalbloodcontentisalcohol.
Figure 2.23
How alcohol affects driving. Alldriversareaffectedbydrinkingalcohol.Alcoholaffectsjudgment,vision,coordination,andreactiontime.Itcausesseriousdrivingerrors,suchas:• Increasedreactiontimetohazards.• Drivingtoofastortooslow.• Drivinginthewronglane.• Runningoverthecurb.• Weaving.
Other DrugsBesidesalcohol,otherlegalandillegaldrugsarebeingused
moreoften.Lawsprohibitpossessionoruseofmanydrugswhileonduty.Theyprohibitbeingundertheinfluenceofany“controlledsubstance,”amphetamines(including“peppills,”“uppers,”and“bennies”),narcotics,oranyothersubstance,whichcanmakethedriverunsafe.Thiscouldincludeavarietyofprescriptionandover-the-counterdrugs(coldmedicines),whichmaymakethedriverdrowsyorotherwiseaffectsafedrivingability.However,possessionanduseofadruggiventoadriverbyadoctorispermittedifthedoctorinformsthedriverthatitwillnotaffectsafedrivingability.Payattentiontowarninglabelsforlegitimatedrugsand
medicines,andtodoctor’sordersregardingpossibleeffects.Stayawayfromillegaldrugs.Don’tuseanydrugthathidesfatigue–theonlycureforfatigueis
rest.Alcoholcanmaketheeffectsofotherdrugsmuchworse.Thesafestruleisdon’tmixdrugswithdrivingatall.Useofdrugscanleadtotrafficaccidentsresultingindeath,
injury,andpropertydamage.Furthermore,itcanleadtoarrest,fines,andjailsentences.Itcanalsomeantheendofaperson’sdrivingcareer.
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2.23 – Staying Alert and Fit to DriveDrivingavehicleforlonghoursistiring.Eventhebestofdrivers
willbecomelessalert.However,therearethingsthatgooddriversdotohelpstayalertandsafe.
Be Ready to DriveGet enough sleep. Sleepisnotlikemoney.Youcan’tsaveitup
aheadoftimeandyoucan’tborrowit.But,justaswithmoney,youcangointodebtwithit.Ifyoudon’tsleepenough,you“owe”moresleeptoyourself.Thisdebtcanonlybepaidoffbysleeping.Youcan’tovercomeitwithwillpower,anditwon’tgoawaybyitself.Theaveragepersonneedssevenoreighthoursofsleepevery24hours.Leavingonalongtripwhenyou’realreadytiredisdangerous.Ifyouhavealongtripscheduled,makesurethatyougetenoughsleepbeforeyougo.
Schedule trips safely. Trytoarrangeyourschedulesoyouarenotin“sleepdebt”beforealongtrip.Yourbodygetsusedtosleepingduringcertainhours.Ifyouaredrivingduringthosehours,youwillbelessalert.Ifpossible,trytoscheduletripsforthehoursyouarenormallyawake.Manyheavymotorvehicleaccidentsoccurbetweenmidnightand6a.m.Tireddriverscaneasilyfallasleepatthesetimes,especiallyiftheydon’tregularlydriveatthosehours.Tryingtopushonandfinishalongtripatthesetimescanbeverydangerous.
Exercise regularly. Resistancetofatigueandimprovedsleepareamongthebenefitsofregularexercise.Trytoincorporateexerciseintoyourdailylife.InsteadofsittingandwatchingTVinyoursleeper,walkorjogafewlapsaroundtheparkinglot.Alittlebitofdailyexercisewillgiveyouenergythroughouttheday.
Eat healthy. Itisoftenhardfordriverstofindhealthyfood.Butwithalittleextraeffort,youcaneathealthy,evenontheroad.Trytofindrestaurantswithhealthy,balancedmeals.Ifyoumusteatatfast-foodrestaurants,picklow-fatitems.Anothersimplewaytoreduceyourcaloricintakeistoeliminatefatteningsnacks.Instead,tryfruitorvegetables.
Avoid medication. Manymedicinescanmakeyousleepy.Thosethatdohavealabelwarningagainstoperatingvehiclesormachinery.Themostcommonmedicineofthistypeisanordinarycoldpill.Ifyouhavetodrivewithacold,youarebetteroffsufferingfromthecoldthanfromtheeffectsofthemedicine.
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Visit your doctor. Regularcheckupsliterallycanbelifesavers.Illnessessuchasdiabetes,heartdisease,andskinandcoloncancercanbedetectedeasilyandtreatediffoundintime.Youshouldconsultyourphysicianoralocalsleepdisorder
centerifyousufferfromfrequentdaytimesleepiness,havedifficultysleepingatnight,takefrequentnaps,fallasleepatstrangetimes,snoreloudly,gaspandchokeinyoursleep,and/orwakeupfeelingasthoughyouhavenothadenoughsleep.
While You Are DrivingKeep cool. Ahot,poorlyventilatedvehiclecanmakeyousleepy.
Keepthewindoworventcrackedopenorusetheairconditioner,ifyouhaveone.
Take breaks. Shortbreakscankeepyoualert.Butthetimetotakethemisbeforeyoufeelreallydrowsyortired.Stopoften.Walkaroundandinspectyourvehicle.Itmayhelptodosomephysicalexercises.Besuretotakeamid-afternoonbreakandplantosleepbetween
midnightand6a.m.
Recognize the danger signals of drowsy driving. Sleepisnotvoluntary.Ifyou’redrowsy,youcanfallasleepandneverevenknowit.Ifyouaredrowsy,youarelikelytohave“microsleeps”–briefnapsthatlastaroundfourorfiveseconds.At55milesanhour,that’smorethan100yards,andplentyoftimeforacrash.Evenifyouarenotawareofbeingdrowsy,ifyouhaveasleepdebtyouarestillatrisk.Hereareafewwaystotellifyou’reabouttofallasleep.Ifyouexperienceanyofthesedangersigns,takethemasawarningthatyoucouldfallasleepwithoutmeaningto.• Youreyescloseorgooutoffocusbythemselves.• Youhavetroublekeepingyourheadup.• Youcan’tstopyawning.• Youhavewandering,disconnectedthoughts.• Youdon’trememberdrivingthelastfewmiles.• Youdriftbetweenlanes,tailgate,ormisstrafficsigns.• Youkeepjerkingthetruckbackintothelane.• Youhavedriftedofftheroadandnarrowlymissedcrashing.
Ifyouhaveevenoneofthesesymptoms,youmaybeindangeroffallingasleep.Pullofftheroadinasafeplaceandtakeanap.
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When You Do Become SleepyWhenyouaresleepy,tryingto“pushon”isfarmoredangerous
thanmostdriversthink.Itisamajorcauseoffatalaccidents.Herearesomeimportantrulestofollow.
Stop to sleep. Whenyourbodyneedssleep,sleepistheonlythingthatwillwork.Ifyouhavetomakeastopanyway,makeitwheneveryoufeelthefirstsignsofsleepiness,evenifitisearlierthanyouplanned.Bygettingupalittleearlierthenextday,youcankeeponschedulewithoutthedangerofdrivingwhileyouarenotalert.
Take a nap. Ifyoucan’tstopforthenight,atleastpulloffatasafeplace,suchasarestareaortruckstop,andtakeanap.Anapasshortasahalf-hourwilldomoretoovercomefatiguethanahalf-hourcoffeestop.
Avoid drugs. Therearenodrugsthatcanovercomebeingtired.Whiletheymaykeepyouawakeforawhile,theywon’tmakeyoualert.Andeventually,you’llbeevenmoretiredthanifyouhadn’ttakenthematall.Sleepistheonlythingthatcanovercomefatigue.
Do not. Donotrelyoncoffeeoranothersourceofcaffeinetokeepyouawake.Donotcountontheradio,anopenwindow,orothertrickstokeepyouawake.
IllnessOnceinawhile,youmaybecomesoillthatyoucannotoperate
amotorvehiclesafely.Ifthishappenstoyou,youmustnotdrive.However,incaseofanemergency,youmaydrivetothenearestplacewhereyoucansafelystop.
2.24 – Hazardous Materials RulesAlldriversshouldknowsomethingabouthazardousmaterials.
Youmustbeabletorecognizehazardouscargo,andyoumustknowwhetherornotyoucanhaulitwithouthavingahazardousmaterialsendorsementonyourCDLlicense.
What Are Hazardous Materials?Hazardousmaterialsareproductsthatposearisktohealth,
safety,andpropertyduringtransportation.SeeFigure2.24.
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Why Are There Rules?Youmustfollowthemanyrulesabouttransportinghazardous
materials.Theintentoftherulesisto:• Containtheproduct.• Communicatetherisk.• Ensuresafedriversandequipment.
To contain the product. Manyhazardousproductscaninjureorkilloncontact.Toprotectdriversandothersfromcontact,therulestellshippershowtopackagesafely.Similarrulestelldrivershowtoload,transport,andunloadbulktanks.Thesearecontainmentrules.
Hazard Class Definitions
Class Class Name Example
1 Explosives Ammunition,Dynamite,Fireworks
2 Gases Propane,Oxygen,Helium
3 Flammable GasolineFuel,Acetone
4 FlammableSolids Matches,Fuses
5 Oxidizers AmmoniumNitrate,HydrogenPeroxide
6 Poisons Pesticides,Arsenic
7 Radioactive Uranium,Plutonium
8 Corrosives HydrochloricAcid,BatteryAcid
9 MiscellaneousHazardousMaterials
Formaldehyde,Asbestos
None ORM-D(OtherRegulatedMaterial-Domestic)
HairSprayorCharcoal
None CombustibleLiquids FuelOils,LighterFluid
Figure 2.24
To communicate the risk. Theshipperusesashippingpaperanddiamondshapedhazardlabelstowarndockworkersanddriversoftherisk.Afteranaccidentorhazardousmaterialspillorleak,youmay
beinjuredandunabletocommunicatethehazardsofthematerialsyouaretransporting.Firefightersandpolicecanpreventorreducetheamountofdamageorinjuryatthesceneiftheyknowwhathazardousmaterialsarebeingtransported.Yourlife,andthelives
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ofothers,maydependonquicklylocatingthehazardousmaterialsshippingpapers.Forthatreason,youmustidentifyshippingpapersrelatedtohazardousmaterialsorkeepthemontopofothershippingpapers.Youmustalsokeepshippingpapers:• Inapouchonthedriver’sdoor,or• Inclearviewwithinreachwhiledriving,or• Onthedriver’sseatwhenoutofthevehicle.
Lists of Regulated ProductsPlacards areusedtowarnothersofhazardousmaterials.
Placardsaresignsputontheoutsideofavehiclethatidentifythehazardclassofthecargo.Aplacardedvehiclemusthaveatleastfouridenticalplacards.Theyareputonthefront,rear,andbothsides.Placardsmustbereadablefromallfourdirections.Theymustbeatleast103/4inchessquare,turneduprightonapoint,inadiamondshape.Cargotanksandotherbulkpackagingdisplaytheidentificationnumberoftheircontentsonplacardsororangepanels.
Identification numbers areafourdigitcodeusedbyfirstresponderstoidentifyhazardousmaterials.Anidentificationnumbermaybeusedtoidentifymorethanonechemicalonshippingpapers.Theidentificationnumberwillbeprecededbytheletters“NA”or“UN”.TheUSDOTEmergencyResponseGuidebook(ERG)liststhechemicalsandtheidentificationnumbersassignedtothem.Notallvehiclescarryinghazardousmaterialsneedtohave
placards.TherulesaboutplacardsaregiveninSection9ofthismanual.Youcandriveavehiclethatcarrieshazardousmaterialsifitdoesnotrequireplacards.Ifitrequiresplacards,youcannotdriveitunlessyourdriverlicensehasthehazardousmaterialsendorsement.SeeFigure2.25.Therulesrequirealldriversofplacardedvehiclestolearn
howtosafelyloadandtransporthazardousproducts.Theymusthaveacommercialdriverlicensewiththehazardousmaterialsendorsement.Togettherequiredendorsement,youmustpassawrittentestonmaterialfoundinSection9ofthismanual.Atankendorsementisrequiredforcertainvehiclesthattransportliquidsorgases.Theliquidorgasdoesnothavetobeahazardousmaterial.AtankendorsementisrequiredifyourvehicleneedsaClassAorBCDLandyourvehiclehasapermanentlymountedcargotankratedat119gallonsormore;oryourvehicleiscarryingaportabletankwithacapacityof1,000gallonsormore.AtankendorsementisalsorequiredforClassCvehicleswhenthevehicleisusedtotransporthazardousmaterialinaliquidorgasformintheabovedescribedratedtanks.
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Figure 2.25Placards
Driverswhoneedthehazardousmaterialsendorsementmustlearntheplacardrules.Ifyoudonotknowifyourvehicleneedsplacards,askyouremployer.Neverdriveavehicleneedingplacardsunlessyouhavethehazardousmaterialsendorsement.Todosoisacrime.Whenstopped,youwillbecitedandyouwillnotbeallowedtodriveyourtruckfurther.Itwillcostyoutimeandmoney.Afailuretoplacardwhenneededmayriskyourlifeandothersifyouhaveanaccident.Emergencyhelpwillnotknowofyourhazardouscargo.
Hazardousmaterialsdriversmustalsoknowwhichproductstheycanloadtogether,andwhichtheycannot.TheserulesarealsoinSection9.Beforeloadingatruckwithmorethanonetypeofproduct,youmustknowifitissafetoloadthemtogether.Ifyoudonotknow,askyouremployerandconsultregulations.
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Test Your Knowledge1. Commonmedicinesforcoldscanmakeyousleepy.TrueorFalse?
2. Whatshouldyoudoifyoubecomesleepywhiledriving?3. Coffeeandalittlefreshairwillhelpadrinkersoberup.TrueorFalse?
4. Whatisahazardousmaterialsplacard?5. Whyareplacardsused?6. Whatis“sleepdebt”?7. Whatarethedangersignalsofdrowsydriving?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections2.22,2.23,and2.24.
3-1
Transporting Cargo Safely
This section covers:• Inspecting cargo• Cargo weight and balance• Securing cargo• Cargo needing special attention
Thissectiontellsyouabouthaulingcargosafely.YoumustunderstandbasiccargosafetyrulestogetaCDL.Ifyouloadcargowrongordonotsecureit,itcanbeadangerto
othersandyourself.Loosecargothatfallsoffavehiclecancausetrafficproblemsandotherscouldbehurtorkilled.Loosecargocouldhurtorkillyouduringaquickstoporcrash.Yourvehiclecouldbedamagedbyanoverload.Steeringcouldbeaffectedbyhowavehicleisloaded,makingitmoredifficulttocontrolthevehicle.Whetherornotyouloadandsecurethecargoyourself,youare
responsiblefor:• Inspectingyourcargo.• Recognizingoverloadsandpoorlybalancedweight.• Knowingyourcargoisproperlysecuredanddoesnotobscureyourviewaheadortothesides.
• Knowingyourcargodoesnotrestrictyouraccesstoemergencyequipment.
Ifyouintendtocarryhazardousmaterialthatrequiresplacardsonyourvehicle,youwillalsoneedtohaveahazardousmaterialsendorsement.Section9ofthismanualhastheinformationyouneedtopassthehazardousmaterialstest.
3-2
3.1 – Inspecting CargoAspartofyourpre-tripinspection,makesurethetruckisnot
overloadedandthecargoisbalancedandsecuredproperly.
After starting. Inspectthecargoanditssecuringdevicesagainwithinthefirst50milesafterbeginningatrip.Makeanyadjustmentsneeded.
Recheck. Recheckthecargoandsecuringdevicesasoftenasnecessaryduringatriptokeeptheloadsecure.Youneedtoinspectagain:• Afteryouhavedrivenfor3hoursor150miles.• Aftereverybreakyoutakeduringdriving.
Federal,state,andlocalregulationsforcommercialvehicleweight,securingcargo,coveringloads,andwhereyoucandrivelargevehiclesvaryfromplacetoplace.Knowtheruleswhereyouwillbedriving.
3.2 – Weight and BalanceYouareresponsiblefornotbeingoverloaded.Thefollowingare
somedefinitionsofweightyoushouldknow.
Definitions You Should KnowGross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Thetotalweightofasingle
vehicleplusitsload.
Gross Combination Weight (GCW). Thetotalweightofapoweredunit,plustrailer(s),plusthecargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). ThemaximumGVWspecifiedbythemanufacturerforasinglevehicleplusitsload.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). ThemaximumGCWspecifiedbythemanufacturerforaspecificcombinationofvehiclesplusitsload.
Axle weight. Theweighttransmittedtothegroundbyoneaxleoronesetofaxles.
Tire load. Themaximumsafeweightatirecancarryataspecifiedpressure.Thisratingisstatedonthesideofeachtire.
3-3
Suspension systems. Suspensionsystemshaveamanufacturer’sweightcapacityrating.
Coupling device capacity. Couplingdevicesareratedforthemaximumweighttheycanpulland/orcarry.
Legal Weight LimitsYoumustkeepweightswithinlegallimits.Stateshavemaximums
forGVWs,GCWs,andaxleweights.Often,maximumaxleweightsaresetbyabridgeformula.Abridgeformulapermitslessmaximumaxleweightforaxlesthatareclosertogether.Thisistopreventoverloadingbridgesandroadways.Overloadingcanhavebadeffectsonsteering,braking,and
speedcontrol.Overloadedtruckshavetogoveryslowlyonupgrades.Worse,theymaygaintoomuchspeedondowngrades.Stoppingdistanceincreases.Brakescanfailwhenforcedtoworktoohard.Duringbadweatherorinmountains,itmaynotbesafeto
operateatlegalmaximumweights.Takethisintoaccountbeforedriving.
Don’t Be Top-heavyTheheightofthevehicle’scenterofgravityisveryimportant
forsafehandling.Ahighcenterofgravity(cargopileduphighorheavycargoontop)meansyouaremorelikelytotipover.Itismostdangerousincurves,orifyouhavetoswervetoavoidahazard.Itisveryimportanttodistributethecargosoitisaslowaspossible.Puttheheaviestpartsofthecargounderthelightestparts.
Balance the WeightPoorweightbalancecanmakevehiclehandlingunsafe.Too
muchweightonthesteeringaxlecancausehardsteering.Itcandamagethesteeringaxleandtires.Under-loadedfrontaxles(causedbyshiftingweighttoofartotherear)canmakethesteeringaxleweighttoolighttosteersafely.Toolittleweightonthedrivingaxlescancausepoortraction.Thedrivewheelsmayspineasily.Duringbadweather,thetruckmaynotbeabletokeepgoing.Weightthatisloadedsothereisahighcenterofgravitycausesgreaterchanceofrollover.Onflatbedvehicles,thereisalsoagreaterchancethattheloadwillshifttothesideorfalloff.SeeFigure3.1.
3-4
Wrong Right
Wrong
Right
Wrong
Wrong Right
Figure 3.1Loading cargo
3.3 – Securing Cargo
Blocking and BracingBlockingisusedinthefront,back,and/orsidesofapieceof
cargotokeepitfromsliding.Blockingisshapedtofitsnuglyagainstcargo.Itissecuredtothecargodecktopreventcargomovement.Bracingisalsousedtopreventmovementofcargo.Bracinggoesfromtheupperpartofthecargotothefloorand/orwallsofthecargocompartment.
Cargo TiedownOnflatbedtrailersortrailerswithoutsides,cargomustbe
securedtokeepitfromshiftingorfallingoff.Inclosedvans,tiedownscanalsobeimportanttopreventcargoshiftingthatmayaffectthehandlingofthevehicle.Tiedownsmustbeofthepropertypeandproperstrength.Federalregulationsrequirethetotalworkingloadlimitofanysecurementsystemusedtosecureanarticleorgroupofarticlesagainstmovementmustbeatleastone-halftimestheweightofthearticleorgroupofarticles.Proper
3-5
Tie down devices. Cargoshouldhaveatleastonetie-downforeach10feetofcargo.Makesureyouhaveenoughtie-downtomeetthisneed.Nomatterhowsmallthecargois,thereshouldbeatleasttwotie-downsholdingit.
Figure 3.2
Cargoshouldhaveatleastonetiedownforeachtenfeetofcargo.Makesureyouhaveenoughtiedownstomeetthisneed.Nomatterhowsmallthecargo,itshouldhaveatleasttwotiedowns.Therearespecialrequirementsforsecuringvariousheavy
piecesofmetal.Findoutwhattheyareifyouaretocarrysuchloads.
Header BoardsFront-endheaderboards(“headacheracks”)protectyoufrom
yourcargoincaseofacrashoremergencystop.Makesurethefront-endstructureisingoodcondition.Thefront-endstructureshouldblocktheforwardmovementofanycargoyoucarry.
Covering CargoTherearetwobasicreasonsforcoveringcargo:• Toprotectpeoplefromspilledcargo.• Toprotectthecargofromweather.
Spillprotectionisasafetyrequirementinmanystates.Befamiliarwiththelawsinthestatesyoudrivein.Youshouldlookatyourcargocoversinthemirrorsfromtimeto
timewhiledriving.Aflappingcovercantearloose,uncoveringthecargo,andpossiblyblockyourvieworsomeoneelse’s.
tiedownequipmentmustbeused,includingropes,straps,chains,andtensioningdevices(winches,ratchets,clinchingcomponents).Tiedownsmustbeattachedtothevehiclecorrectly(hooks,bolts,rails,rings).Seefigure3.2.
3-6
Sealed and Containerized LoadsContainerizedloadsgenerallyareusedwhenfreightiscarried
partwaybyrailorship.Deliverybytruckoccursatthebeginningand/orendofthejourney.Somecontainershavetheirowntiedowndevicesorlocksthatattachdirectlytoaspecialframe.Othershavetobeloadedontoflatbedtrailers.Theymustbeproperlysecuredjustlikeanyothercargo.Youcannotinspectsealedloads,butyoushouldcheckthatyou
don’texceedgrossweightandaxleweightlimits.
3.4 – Cargo Needing Special Attention
Dry BulkDrybulktanksrequirespecialcarebecausetheyhaveahigh
centerofgravity,andtheloadcanshift.Beextremelycautious(slowandcareful)goingaroundcurvesandmakingsharpturns.
Hanging MeatHangingmeat(suspendedbeef,pork,lamb)inarefrigerated
truckcanbeaveryunstableloadwithahighcenterofgravity.Particularcautionisneededonsharpcurvessuchasofframpsandonramps.Goslowly.
LivestockLivestockcanmovearoundinatrailer,causingunsafehandling.
Withlessthanafullload,usefalsebulkheadstokeeplivestockbunchedtogether.Evenwhenbunched,specialcareisnecessarybecauselivestockcanleanoncurves.Thisshiftsthecenterofgravityandmakesrollovermorelikely.
Oversized LoadsOver-length,over-width,and/oroverweightloadsrequirespecial
transitpermits.Drivingisusuallylimitedtocertaintimes.Specialequipmentmaybenecessarysuchas“wideload”signs,flashinglights,flags,etc.Suchloadsmayrequireapoliceescortorpilotvehiclesbearingwarningsignsand/orflashinglights.Thesespecialloadsrequirespecialdrivingcare.
3-7
Test your knowledge1. Whatfourthingsrelatedtocargoaredriversresponsiblefor?2. Howoftenmustyoustopwhileontheroadtocheckyourcargo?
3. HowisGrossCombinationWeightRatingdifferentfromGrossCombinationWeight?
4. Nametwosituationswherelegalmaximumweightsmaynotbesafe.
5. Whatcanhappenifyoudon’thaveenoughweightonthefrontaxle?
6. Whatistheminimumnumberoftiedownsforanyflatbedload?7. Whatistheminimumnumberoftiedownsfora20-footload?8. Namethetwobasicreasonsforcoveringcargoonanopenbed.
9. Whatmustyoucheckbeforetransportingasealedload?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadSection3.
3-8
4-1
Transporting Passengers Safely
This section covers:• Vehicle inspection• Loading• On the road• After-trip vehicle inspection• Prohibited practices• Use of brake-door interlocks
If you need a passenger or school bus endorsement, study this section.
You also need to study:• Section 1, Introduction and State Laws• Section 2, Driving Safely• Section 3, Transporting Cargo Safely• Section 5, Air Brakes, if your bus has air brakes• Section 10, School Bus, if you want to drive a school bus.
Busdriversmusthaveacommercialdriverlicenseiftheydriveavehicledesignedtoseatmorethan16ormorepersons,includingthedriver.
4-2
4.1 – Vehicle InspectionBeforedrivingyourbus,youmustbesureitissafe.Youmust
reviewtheinspectionreportmadebythepreviousdriver.Onlyifdefectsreportedearlierhavebeencertifiedasrepairedornotneededtoberepaired,shouldyousignthepreviousdriver’sreport.Thisisyourcertificationthatthedefectsreportedearlierhavebeenfixed.
Vehicle SystemsMakesurethesethingsareingoodworkingorderbeforedriving:• Servicebrakes.• Parkingbrake.• Steeringmechanism.• Lightsandreflectors.• Tires(frontwheelsmustnothaverecappedorregroovedtires).
• Horn.• Windshieldwiperorwipers.• Rear-visionmirrorormirrors.• Wheelsandrims.• Emergencyequipment.
Access Doors and PanelsAsyouchecktheoutsideofthebus,closeanyopenemergency
exits.Also,closeanyopenaccesspanels(forbaggage,restroomservice,engine,etc.)beforedriving.
Bus InteriorPeoplesometimesdamageunattendedbuses.Alwayscheckthe
interiorofthebusbeforedrivingtoensureridersafety.Aislesandstairwellsshouldalwaysbeclear.Thefollowingpartsofyourbusmustbeinsafeworkingcondition:• Eachhandholdandrailing.• Floorcovering.• Signalingdevices,includingtherestroomemergencybuzzer,ifthebushasarestroom.
• Emergencyexithandles.
Theseatsmustbesafeforriders.Allseatsmustbesecurelyfastenedtothebus.Neverdrivewithanopenemergencyexitdoororwindow.The
“EmergencyExit”signonanemergencydoormustbeclearlyvisible.Ifthereisaredemergencydoorlight,itmustwork.Turnitonatnightoranyothertimeyouuseyouroutsidelights.
4-3
Roof HatchesYoumaylocksomeemergencyroofhatchesinapartlyopen
positionforfreshair.Donotleavethemopenasaregularpractice.Keepinmindthebus’shigherclearancewhiledrivingwiththemopen.Makesureyourbushasthefireextinguisherandemergency
reflectorsrequiredbylaw.Thebusmustalsohavespareelectricalfuses,unlessequippedwithcircuitbreakers.
Use Your Seatbelt!Thedriver’sseatmusthaveaseatbelt.Alwaysuseitforsafety.
4.2 – Loading and Trip StartDonotallowriderstoleavecarry-onbaggageinadoorway
oraisle.Thereshouldbenothingintheaislethatmighttripotherriders.Securebaggageandfreightinwaysthatavoiddamageand:• Allowthedrivertomovefreelyandeasily.• Allowriderstoexitbyanywindowordoorinanemergency.• Protectridersfrominjuryifcarry-onsfallorshift.
Hazardous MaterialsWatchforcargoorbaggagecontaininghazardousmaterials.
Mosthazardousmaterialscannotbecarriedonabus.TheFederalHazardousMaterialsTableshowswhichmaterials
arehazardous.Theyposearisktohealth,safety,andpropertyduringtransportation.Therulesrequireshipperstomarkcontainersofhazardousmaterialwiththematerial’sname,identificationnumber,andhazardlabel.Thereareninedifferentfour-inch,diamond-shapedhazardlabels.SeeFigure4.1.Watchforthediamond-shapedlabels.Donottransportanyhazardousmaterialunlessyouaresuretherulesallowit.
4-4
Hazard class definitions
Class Class name Example
1 Explosives Ammunition,Dynamite,Fireworks
2 Gases Propane,Oxygen,Helium
3 Flammable Gasolinefuel,Acetone
4 Flammablesolids Matches,Fuses
5 Oxidizers Ammoniumnitrate,Hydrogenperoxide
6 Poisons Pesticides,Arsenic
7 Radioactive Uranium,Plutonium
8 Corrosives Hydrochloricacid,Batteryacid
9 Miscellaneoushazardousmaterials
Formaldehyde,Asbestos
None ORM-D(Otherregulatedmaterial-domestic)
Hairsprayorcharcoal
None Combustibleliquids Fueloils,Lighterfluid
Figure 4.1
Forbidden Hazardous MaterialsBusesmaycarrysmall-armsammunitionlabeledORM-D,
emergencyhospitalsupplies,anddrugs.Youcancarrysmallamountsofsomeotherhazardousmaterialsiftheshippercannotsendthemanyotherway.Busesmustnevercarry:• Division2.3poisongas,liquidClass6poison,teargas,irritatingmaterial.
• Morethan100poundsofsolidClass6poisons.• Explosivesinthespaceoccupiedbypeople,exceptsmallarmsammunition.
• Labeledradioactivematerialsinthespaceoccupiedbypeople.
• Morethan500poundstotalofallowedhazardousmaterials,andnomorethan100poundsofanyoneclass.
Riderssometimesboardabuswithanunlabeledhazardousmaterial.Donotallowriderstocarryoncommonhazardssuchascarbatteriesorgasoline.
4-5
Standee LineNoridermaystandforwardoftherearofthedriver’sseat.Buses
designedtoallowstandingmusthaveatwo-inchlineonthefloororsomeothermeansofshowingriderswheretheycannotstand.Thisiscalledthestandeeline.Allstandingridersmuststaybehindit.
At Your DestinationWhenarrivingatthedestinationorintermediatestops,
announce:• Thelocation.• Reasonforstopping.• Nextdeparturetime.• Busnumber.
Remindriderstotakecarry-onswiththemiftheygetoffthebus.Iftheaisleisonalowerlevelthantheseats,remindridersofthestep-down.Itisbesttotellthembeforecomingtoacompletestop.Charterbusdriversshouldnotallowridersonthebusuntil
departuretime.Thiswillhelppreventtheftorvandalismofthebus.
4.3 – On the Road
Passenger SupervisionManycharterandintercitycarriershavepassengercomfortand
safetyrules.Mentionrulesaboutsmoking,drinking,oruseofradioandtapeplayersatthestartofthetrip.Explainingtherulesatthestartwillhelptoavoidtroublelateron.Whiledriving,scantheinteriorofyourbusaswellastheroad
ahead,tothesides,andtotherear.Youmayhavetoremindridersaboutrules,ortokeeparmsandheadsinsidethebus.
At StopsRiderscanstumblewhengettingonoroff,andwhenthebus
startsorstops.Cautionriderstowatchtheirstepwhenleavingthebus.Waitforthemtositdownorbracethemselvesbeforestarting.Startingandstoppingshouldbeassmoothaspossibletoavoidriderinjury.Occasionally,youmayhaveadrunkordisruptiverider.Youmust
ensurethisrider’ssafetyaswellasthatofothers.Don’tdischargesuchriderswhereitwouldbeunsafeforthem.Itmaybesaferatthenextscheduledstoporawell-lightedareawherethereareotherpeople.Manycarriershaveguidelinesforhandlingdisruptiveriders.
4-6
Common AccidentsThe most common bus accidents. Busaccidentsoftenhappen
atintersections.Usecaution,evenifasignalorstopsigncontrolsothertraffic.Schoolandmasstransitbusessometimesscrapeoffmirrorsorhitpassingvehicleswhenpullingoutfromabusstop.Remembertheclearanceyourbusneeds,andwatchforpolesandtreelimbsatstops.Knowthesizeofthegapyourbusneedstoaccelerateandmergewithtraffic.Waitforthegaptoopenbeforeleavingthestop.Neverassumeotherdriverswillbraketogiveyouroomwhenyousignalorstarttopullout.
Speed on CurvesCrashesoncurvesthatkillpeopleanddestroybusesresult
fromexcessivespeed,oftenwhenrainorsnowhasmadetheroadslippery.Everybankedcurvehasasafe“designspeed.”Ingoodweather,thepostedspeedissafeforcarsbutitmaybetoohighformanybuses.Withgoodtraction,thebusmayrollover;withpoortraction,itmightslideoffthecurve.Reducespeedforcurves!Ifyourbusleanstowardtheoutsideonabankedcurve,youaredrivingtoofast.
Railroad-highway Crossings Stops
Stop at RR Crossings:Stopyourbusbetween15and50feetbeforerailroadcrossings.Listenandlookinbothdirectionsfortrains.Youshouldopen
yourforwarddoorifitimprovesyourabilitytoseeorhearanapproachingtrain.Beforecrossingafteratrainhaspassed,makesurethereisn’t
anothertraincomingintheotherdirectiononothertracks.Ifyourbushasamanualtransmission,neverchangegearswhile
crossingthetracks.Youdonothavetostop,butmustslowdownandcarefullycheck
forothervehicles:• Atstreetcarcrossings.• Wherepoliceorflaggersaredirectingtraffic.• Ifatrafficsignalisgreen.• Atcrossingsmarkedas“exempt”or“abandoned.”
4-7
DrawbridgesStop at drawbridges. Stopatdrawbridgesthatdonothavea
signallightortrafficcontrolattendant.Stopatleast50feetbeforethedrawofthebridge.Looktomakesurethedrawiscompletelyclosedbeforecrossing.Youdonotneedtostop,butmustslowdownandmakesureit’ssafe,when:• Thereisatrafficlightshowinggreen.• Thebridgehasanattendantortrafficofficerwhocontrolstrafficwheneverthebridgeopens.
4.4 – After-trip Vehicle InspectionInspectyourbusattheendofeachshift.Ifyouworkforan
interstatecarrier,youmustcompleteawritteninspectionreportforeachbusdriven.Thereportmustspecifyeachbusandlistanydefectthatwouldaffectsafetyorresultinabreakdown.Iftherearenodefects,thereportshouldsayso.Riderssometimesdamagesafety-relatedpartssuchas
handholds,seats,emergencyexits,andwindows.Ifyoureportthisdamageattheendofashift,mechanicscanmakerepairsbeforethebusgoesoutagain.Masstransitdriversshouldalsomakesurepassengersignalingdevicesandbrake-doorinterlocksworkproperly.
4.5 – Prohibited PracticesAvoidfuelingyourbuswithridersonboardunlessabsolutely
necessary.Neverrefuelinaclosedbuildingwithridersonboard.Don’ttalkwithriders,orengageinanyotherdistractingactivity,
whiledriving.Donottoworpushadisabledbuswithridersaboardthevehicle,
unlessgettingoffwouldbeunsafe.Onlytoworpushthebustothenearestsafespottodischargepassengers.Followyouremployer’sguidelinesontowingorpushingdisabledbuses.
4.6 – Use of Brake-door InterlocksUrbanmasstransitcoachesmayhaveabrakeandaccelerator
interlocksystem.Theinterlockappliestheservicebrakesandholdsthethrottleinidlepositionwhenthereardoorisopen.Theinterlockreleaseswhenyouclosethereardoor.Donotusethissafetyfeatureinplaceoftheparkingbrake.
4-8
Test your knowledge1. Namesomethingstocheckintheinteriorofabusduringapre-tripinspection.
2. Whataresomehazardousmaterialsyoucantransportbybus?3. Whataresomehazardousmaterialsyoucan’ttransportbybus?
4. Whatisastandeeline?5. Doesitmatterwhereyoumakeadisruptivepassengergetoffthebus?
6. Howfarfromarailroadcrossingshouldyoustop?7. Whenmustyoustopbeforecrossingadrawbridge?8. Describefrommemorythe“prohibitedpractices”listedinthemanual.
9. Thereardoorofatransitbushastobeopentoputontheparkingbrake.TrueorFalse?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadSection4.
5-1
Air Brakes
This section covers:• Air brake system parts • Dual air brake systems• Inspecting air brakes• Using air brakes
If you will drive a vehicle with air brakes, study this section.You also need to study:• Section 6, Combination Vehicles, if you will pull a trailer
with air brakes.The air brake test will have questions from these sections.
Thissectiontellsyouaboutairbrakes.Ifyouwanttodriveatruckorbuswithairbrakes,orpullatrailerwithairbrakes,youneedtoreadthissection.Ifyouwanttopullatrailerwithairbrakes,youalsoneedtoreadSection6,CombinationVehicles.Airbrakesusecompressedairtomakethebrakeswork.Air
brakesareagoodandsafewayofstoppinglargeandheavyvehicles,butthebrakesmustbewellmaintainedandusedproperly.Airbrakesarereallythreedifferentbrakingsystems:service
brake,parkingbrake,andemergencybrake.• Theservicebrakesystemappliesandreleasesthebrakeswhenyouusethebrakepedalduringnormaldriving.
• Theparkingbrakesystemappliesandreleasestheparkingbrakeswhenyouusetheparkingbrakecontrol.
• Theemergencybrakesystemusespartsoftheserviceandparkingbrakesystemstostopthevehicleinabrakesystemfailure.
Thepartsofthesesystemsarediscussedhereingreaterdetail.
5-2
5.1 – The Parts of an Air Brake SystemTherearemanypartstoanairbrakesystem.Youshouldknow
aboutthepartsdiscussedhere.
Air CompressorTheaircompressorpumpsairintotheairstoragetanks
(reservoirs).Theaircompressorisconnectedtotheenginethroughgearsorav-belt.Thecompressormaybeair-cooledormaybecooledbytheenginecoolingsystem.Itmayhaveitsownoilsupplyorbelubricatedbyengineoil.Ifthecompressorhasitsownoilsupply,checktheoillevelbeforedriving
Air Compressor GovernorThegovernorcontrolswhentheaircompressorwillpumpairinto
theairstoragetanks.Whenairtankpressurerisestothe“cut-out”level(around125poundsper-square-inchor“psi”),thegovernorstopsthecompressorfrompumpingair.Whenthetankpressurefallstothe“cut-in”pressure(around100psi),thegovernorallowsthecompressortostartpumpingagain.
Air Storage TanksAirstoragetanksareusedtoholdcompressedair.Thenumber
andsizeofairtanksvariesamongvehicles.Thetankswillholdenoughairtoallowthebrakestobeusedseveraltimes,evenifthecompressorstopsworking.
Air Tank DrainsCompressedairusuallyhassomewaterandsomecompressor
oilinit,whichisbadfortheairbrakesystem.Forexample,thewatercanfreezeincoldweatherandcausebrakefailure.Thewaterandoiltendtocollectinthebottomoftheairtank.Besurethatyoudraintheairtankscompletely.Eachairtankisequippedwithadrainvalveinthebottom.Therearetwotypes:• Manuallyoperatedbyturningaquarterturnorbypullingacable.Youmustdrainthetanksyourselfattheendofeachdayofdriving.SeeFigure5.1.
• Automatic–thewaterandoilareautomaticallyexpelled.Thesetanksmaybeequippedformanualdrainingaswell.
Automaticairtanksareavailablewithelectricheatingdevices.Thesehelppreventfreezingoftheautomaticdrainincoldweather.
5-3
Manualdrainvalve
Airtank
Figure 5.1
Alcohol EvaporatorSomeairbrakesystemshaveanalcoholevaporatortoput
alcoholintotheairsystem.Thishelpstoreducetheriskoficeinairbrakevalvesandotherpartsduringcoldweather.Iceinsidethesystemcanmakethebrakesstopworking.Checkthealcoholcontainerandfillupasnecessary,everyday
duringcoldweather.Dailyairtankdrainageisstillneededtogetridofwaterandoil.(Unlessthesystemhasautomaticdrainvalves.)
Safety ValveAsafetyreliefvalveisinstalledinthefirsttanktheair
compressorpumpsairto.Thesafetyvalveprotectsthetankandtherestofthesystemfromtoomuchpressure.Thevalveisusuallysettoopenat150psi.Ifthesafetyvalvereleasesair,somethingiswrong.Havethefaultfixedbyamechanic.
The Brake PedalYouputonthebrakesbypushingdownthebrakepedal.(also
calledthefootvalveortreadlevalve.)Pushingthepedaldownharderappliesmoreairpressure.Lettinguponthebrakepedalreducestheairpressureandreleasesthebrakes.Releasingthebrakesletssomecompressedairgooutofthesystem,sotheairpressureinthetanksisreduced.Itmustbemadeupbytheaircompressor.Pressingandreleasingthepedalunnecessarilycanletairoutfasterthanthecompressorcanreplaceit.Ifthepressuregetstoolow,thebrakeswon’twork.
5-4
BrakedrumBrakechamber
Slackadjuster
Adjustingnut
Brakecam
Camroller
Brake
Brakeshoelining
Returnspring
Axle
Figure 5.2, Drum brake
Foundation BrakesFoundationbrakesareusedateachwheel.Themostcommon
typeisthes-camdrumbrake.Thepartsofthebrakearediscussedbelow.
Brake drums, shoes, and linings. Brakedrumsarelocatedoneachendofthevehicle’saxles.Thewheelsareboltedtothedrums.Thebrakingmechanismisinsidethedrum.Tostop,thebrakeshoesandliningsarepushedagainsttheinsideofthedrum.Thiscausesfriction,whichslowsthevehicle(andcreatesheat).Theheatadrumcantakewithoutdamagedependsonhowhardandhowlongthebrakesareused.Toomuchheatcanmakethebrakesstopworking.
S-cam brakes. Whenyoupushthebrakepedal,airisletintoeachbrakechamber.Airpressurepushestherodout,movingtheslackadjuster,thustwistingthebrakecamshaft.Thisturnsthes-cam(socalledbecauseitisshapedliketheletter“S”).Thes-camforcesthebrakeshoesawayfromoneanotherandpressesthemagainsttheinsideofthebrakedrum.Whenyoureleasethebrakepedal,thes-camrotatesbackandaspringpullsthebrakeshoesawayfromthedrum,lettingthewheelsrollfreelyagain.SeeFigure5.2.
5-5
Wedge brakes. Inthistypeofbrake,thebrakechamberpushrodpushesawedgedirectlybetweentheendsoftwobrakeshoes.Thisshovesthemapartandagainsttheinsideofthebrakedrum.Wedgebrakesmayhaveasinglebrakechamber,ortwobrakechambers,pushingwedgesinatbothendsofthebrakeshoes.Wedgetypebrakesmaybeself-adjustingormayrequiremanualadjustment.
Disc brakes. Inair-operateddiscbrakes,airpressureactsonabrakechamberandslackadjuster,likes-cambrakes.Butinsteadofthes-cam,a“powerscrew”isused.Thepressureofthebrakechamberontheslackadjusterturnsthepowerscrew.Thepowerscrewclampsthediscorrotorbetweenthebrakeliningpadsofacaliper,similartoalargec-clamp.
Wedgebrakesanddiscbrakesarelesscommonthans-cambrakes.
Supply Pressure GaugesAllvehicleswithairbrakeshaveapressuregaugeconnectedto
theairtank.Ifthevehiclehasadualairbrakesystem,therewillbeagaugeforeachhalfofthesystem.(Orasinglegaugewithtwoneedles.)Dualsystemswillbediscussedlater.Thesegaugestellyouhowmuchpressureisintheairtanks.
Application Pressure GaugeThisgaugeshowshowmuchairpressureyouareapplyingtothe
brakes.(Thisgaugeisnotonallvehicles.)Increasingapplicationpressuretoholdthesamespeedmeansthebrakesarefading.Youshouldslowdownandusealowergear.Theneedforincreasedpressurecanalsobecausedbybrakesoutofadjustment,airleaks,ormechanicalproblems.
Low Air Pressure WarningAlowairpressurewarningsignalisrequiredonvehicleswith
airbrakes.Awarningsignalyoucanseemustcomeonbeforetheairpressureinthetanksfallsbelow60psi.(Oronehalfthecompressorgovernorcutoutpressureonoldervehicles.)Thewarningisusuallyaredlightandabuzzer.Anothertypeofwarningisthe“wigwag.”Thisdevicedropsa
mechanicalarmintoyourviewwhenthepressureinthesystemdropsbelow60psi.Anautomaticwigwagwillriseoutofyourview
5-6
whenthepressureinthesystemgoesabove60psi.Themanualresettypemustbeplacedinthe“outofview”positionmanually.Itwillnotstayinplaceuntilthepressureinthesystemisabove60psi.Onbusesitiscommonforthelowpressurewarningdevicesto
signalat80-85psi.
Stoplight SwitchDriversbehindyoumustbewarnedwhenyouputyourbrakes
on.Theairbrakesystemdoesthiswithanelectricswitchthatworksbyairpressure.Theswitchturnsonthebrakelightswhenyouputontheairbrakes.
Front Brake Limiting ValveSomeoldervehicles(madebefore1975)haveafrontbrake
limitingvalveandacontrolinthecab.Thecontrolisusuallymarked“normal”and“slippery.”Whenyouputthecontrolinthe“slippery”position,thelimitingvalvecutsthe“normal”airpressuretothefrontbrakesbyhalf.Limitingvalveswereusedtoreducethechanceofthefrontwheelsskiddingonslipperysurfaces.However,theyactuallyreducethestoppingpowerofthevehicle.Frontwheelbrakingisgoodunderallconditions.Testshaveshownfrontwheelskidsfrombrakingarenotlikelyevenonice.Makesurethecontrolisinthe“normal”positiontohavenormalstoppingpower.Manyvehicleshaveautomaticfront-wheellimitingvalves.They
reducetheairtothefrontbrakesexceptwhenthebrakesareputonveryhard(60psiormoreapplicationpressure).Thesevalvescannotbecontrolledbythedriver.
Spring BrakesAlltrucks,trucktractors,andbusesmustbeequippedwith
emergencybrakesandparkingbrakes.Theymustbeheldonbymechanicalforce(becauseairpressurecaneventuallyleakaway).Springbrakesareusuallyusedtomeettheseneeds.Whendriving,powerfulspringsareheldbackbyairpressure.Iftheairpressureisremoved,thespringsputonthebrakes.Aparkingbrakecontrolinthecaballowsthedrivertolettheairoutofthespringbrakes.Thisletsthespringsputthebrakeson.Aleakintheairbrakesystem,whichcausesalltheairtobelost,willalsocausethespringstoputonthebrakes.Tractor,straighttruck,andbusspringbrakeswillcomefullyon
whenairpressuredropstoarangeof20to45psi(typically20to30psi).Donotwaitforthebrakestocomeonautomatically.Whenthelowairpressurewarninglightandbuzzerfirstcomeon,bring
5-7
thevehicletoasafestoprightaway,whileyoucanstillcontrolthebrakes.Thebrakingpowerofspringbrakesdependsonthebrakesbeing
inadjustment.Ifthebrakesarenotadjustedproperly,neithertheregularbrakesnortheemergency/parkingbrakeswillworkright.
Parking Brake ControlsInnewervehicleswithairbrakes,youputontheparkingbrakes
usingadiamond-shaped,yellow,push-pullcontrolknob.Youpulltheknobouttoputtheparkingbrakes(springbrakes)on,andpushitintoreleasethem.Onoldervehicles,theparkingbrakesmaybecontrolledbyalever.Usetheparkingbrakeswheneveryoupark.
Caution. Never push the brake pedal down when the spring brakes are on. Ifyoudo,thebrakescouldbedamagedbythecombinedforcesofthespringsandtheairpressure.Manybrakesystemsaredesignedsothiswillnothappen.Butnotallsystemsaresetupthatway,andthosethataremaynotalwayswork.Itismuchbettertodevelopthehabitofnotpushingthebrakepedaldownwhenthespringbrakesareon.
Modulating control valves. Insomevehiclesacontrolhandleonthedashboardmaybeusedtoapplythespringbrakesgradually.Thisiscalledamodulatingvalve.Itisspring-loadedsoyouhaveafeelforthebrakingaction.Themoreyoumovethecontrollever,theharderthespringbrakescomeon.Theyworkthiswaysoyoucancontrolthespringbrakesiftheservicebrakesfail.Whenparkingavehiclewithamodulatingcontrolvalve,movetheleverasfarasitwillgoandholditinplacewiththelockingdevice.
Dual parking control valves. Whenmainairpressureislost,thespringbrakescomeon.Somevehicles,suchasbuses,haveaseparateairtankwhichcanbeusedtoreleasethespringbrakes.Thisissoyoucanmovethevehicleinanemergency.Oneofthevalvesisapush-pulltypeandisusedtoputonthespringbrakesforparking.Theothervalveisspringloadedinthe“out”position.Whenyoupushthecontrolin,airfromtheseparateairtankreleasesthespringbrakessoyoucanmove.Whenyoureleasethebutton,thespringbrakescomeonagain.Thereisonlyenoughairintheseparatetanktodothisafewtimes.Therefore,plancarefullywhenmoving.Otherwise,youmaybestoppedinadangerouslocationwhentheseparateairsupplyrunsout.SeeFigure5.3.
5-8
Tractor Protection Valve and Emergency Trailer Brake OperationTractorprotectionvalve• Providesairsupply• Closesautomaticallyifairsupplydropswhendriving.
Theparkingbrakes,whenapplied,closethetractorprotectionvalveandsetthespringbrakesatthesametime.
Figure 5.3
Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)TrucktractorswithairbrakesbuiltonorafterMarch1,1997,
andotherairbrakesvehicles,(trucks,buses,trailers,andconverterdollies)builtonorafterMarch1,1998,arerequiredtobeequippedwithantilockbrakes.ManycommercialvehiclesbuiltbeforethesedateshavebeenvoluntarilyequippedwithABS.CheckthecertificationlabelforthedateofmanufacturetodetermineifyourvehicleisequippedwithABS.ABSisacomputerizedsystemthatkeepsyourwheelsfromlockingupduringhardbrakeapplications.VehicleswithABShaveyellowmalfunctionlampstotellyouif
somethingisn’tworking.Tractors,trucks,andbuseswillhaveyellowABSmalfunction
lampsontheinstrumentpanel.TrailerswillhaveyellowABSmalfunctionlampsontheleftside,
eitheronthefrontorrearcorner.DolliesmanufacturedonorafterMarch1,1998arerequiredtohavealampontheleftside.
5-9
Handvalve
Footvalve
Pressuregauge
Highwayvalve
Compressor
One-waycheckvalve
Lowpressurewarningbuzzerandswitch
Dry
Wet
MainreservoirsSafetyvalveTractorparkingbrakevalve(Blue)
Emergencyvalve Parkingmaxi-
brakespringbrake
Tractorprotectionvalve
Emergencygladhands
Emergencyrelayvalve
Parkingbrakeandemergencybrakevalve(Yellow)
Quickreleasevalve
Trailerbrakechambers
Trailerreservoir
Tractor Trailer
Air brake system components and location(Single circuit system)
Figure 5.4
Onnewervehicles,themalfunctionlampcomesonatstart-upforabulbcheck,andthengoesoutquickly.Onoldersystems,thelampcouldstayonuntilyouaredrivingoverfivemph.Ifthelampstaysonafterthebulbcheck,orgoesononceyou
areunderway,youmayhavelostABScontrolatoneormorewheels.Inthecaseoftowedunitsmanufacturedbeforeitwasrequired
bytheDepartmentofTransportation,itmaybedifficulttotelliftheunitisequippedwithABS.Lookunderthevehiclefortheelectroniccontrolunit(ECU)andwheelspeedsensorwirescomingfromthebackofthebrakes.ABSisanadditiontoyournormalbrakes.Itdoesnotdecrease
orincreaseyournormalbrakingcapability.ABSonlyactivateswhenwheelsareabouttolockup.ABSdoesnotnecessarilyshortenyourstoppingdistance,butit
doeshelpyoukeepthevehicleundercontrolduringhardbraking.
5-10
Test your knowledge1. Whymustairtanksbedrained?2. Whatisasupplypressuregaugeusedfor?3. Allvehicleswithairbrakesmusthavealowairpressurewarningsignal.TrueorFalse?
4. Whatarespringbrakes?5. Frontwheelbrakesaregoodunderallconditions.TrueorFalse?
6. Howdoyouknowifyourvehicleisequippedwithantilockbrakes?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsection5.1.
5.2 – Dual Air BrakeMostheavy-dutyvehiclesusedualairbrakesystemsforsafety.
Adualairbrakesystemhastwoseparateairbrakesystems,whichuseasinglesetofbrakecontrols.Eachsystemhasitsownairtanks,hoses,lines,etc.Onesystemtypicallyoperatestheregularbrakesontherearaxleoraxles.Theothersystemoperatestheregularbrakesonthefrontaxle(andpossiblyonerearaxle).Bothsystemssupplyairtothetrailer(ifthereisone).Thefirstsystemiscalledthe“primary”system.Theotheriscalledthe“secondary”system.SeeFigure5.4.Beforedrivingavehiclewithadualairsystem,allowtimefor
theaircompressortobuildupaminimumof100psipressureinboththeprimaryandsecondarysystems.Watchtheprimaryandsecondaryairpressuregauges(orneedles,ifthesystemhastwoneedlesinonegauge).Payattentiontothelowairpressurewarninglightandbuzzer.Thewarninglightandbuzzershouldshutoffwhenairpressureinbothsystemsrisestoavaluesetbythemanufacturer.Thisvaluemustbegreaterthan60psi.Thewarninglightandbuzzershouldcomeonbeforetheair
pressuredropsbelow60psiineithersystem.Ifthishappenswhiledriving,youshouldstoprightawayandsafelyparkthevehicle.Ifoneairsystemisverylowonpressure,eitherthefrontortherearbrakeswillnotbeoperatingfully.Thismeansitwilltakeyoulongertostop.Bringthevehicletoasafestop,andhavetheairbrakessystemfixed.
5-11
5.3 – Inspecting Air Brake SystemsYoushouldusethebasicseven-stepinspectionprocedure
describedinSection2toinspectyourvehicle.Therearemorethingstoinspectonavehiclewithairbrakesthanonewithoutthem.Thesethingsarediscussedbelow,intheordertheyfitintotheseven-stepmethod.
During Step 2 Engine Compartment ChecksCheckAirCompressorDriveBelt(ifcompressorisbelt-driven).If
theaircompressorisbelt-driven,checktheconditionandtightnessofthebelt.Itshouldbeingoodcondition.
During Step 5 Walkaround InspectionCheck slack adjusters on S-cam brakes. Parkonlevelground
andchockthewheelstopreventthevehiclefrommoving.Releasetheparkingbrakessoyoucanmovetheslackadjusters.Useglovesandpullhardoneachslackadjusterthatyoucanreach.Ifaslackadjustermovesmorethanaboutoneinchwherethepushrodattachestoit,itprobablyneedsadjustment.Adjustitorhaveitadjusted.Vehicleswithtoomuchbrakeslackcanbeveryhardtostop.Out-of-adjustmentbrakesarethemostcommonproblemfoundinroadsideinspections.Besafe.Checktheslackadjusters.Allvehiclesbuiltsince1994haveautomaticslackadjustors.
Even though automatic slack adjustors adjust themselves during full brake applications, they must be checked.Automaticadjustersshouldnothavetobemanuallyadjusted
exceptwhenperformingmaintenanceonthebrakesandduringinstallationoftheslackadjusters.Inavehicleequippedwithautomaticadjusters,whenthepushrodstrokeexceedsthelegalbrakeadjustmentlimit,itisanindicationthatamechanicalproblemexistsintheadjusteritself,aproblemwiththerelatedfoundationbrakecomponents,orthattheadjusterwasimproperlyinstalled.Themanualadjustmentofanautomaticadjustertobringabrake
pushrodstrokewithinlegallimitsisgenerallymaskingamechanicalproblemandisnotfixingit.Further,routineadjustmentofmostautomaticadjusterswilllikelyresultinprematurewearoftheadjusteritself.Itisrecommendedthatwhenbrakesequippedwithautomaticadjustersarefoundtobeoutofadjustment,thedrivertakethevehicletoarepairfacilityassoonaspossibletohavetheproblemcorrected.Themanualadjustmentofanautomaticadjustershouldonly
beusedasatemporarymeasuretocorrecttheadjustmentinanemergencysituationasitislikelythebrakewillsoonbebackoutof
5-12
adjustmentsincethisprocedureusuallydoesnotfixtheunderlyingadjustmentproblem.(Note:Automaticslackadjustersaremadebydifferent
manufacturersanddonotalloperatethesame.Therefore,thespecificmanufacturer’sServiceManualshouldbeconsultedpriortotroubleshootingabrakeadjustmentproblem.Vehiclesequippedwithautomaticslackadjusterscanbe
dangerousbecauseitgivesyouafalsesenseofsecurityabouttheeffectivenessofthebrakingsystem.)
Check brake drums (or discs), linings, and hoses. Brakedrums(ordiscs)mustnothavecrackslongerthanonehalfthewidthofthefrictionarea.Linings(frictionmaterial)mustnotbelooseorsoakedwithoilorgrease.Theymustnotbedangerouslythin.Mechanicalpartsmustbeinplace,notbrokenormissing.Checktheairhosesconnectedtothebrakechamberstomakesuretheyaren’tcutorwornduetorubbing.
Step 7 Air Supply System ChecksDothefollowingchecksinsteadofthehydraulicbrakecheck
showninSection2,Step7:CheckBrakeSystem.
Test air-leakage rate.Withafully-chargedairsystem(typically125psi),turnofftheengine,releaseallbrakes,andtimetheairpressuredrop.Thelossrateshouldbelessthantwopsiinoneminuteforsinglevehiclesandlessthanthreepsiinoneminuteforcombinationvehicles.Next,withthebrakesreleased,makeafullbrakeapplicationwiththebrakepedal.Aftertheinitialpressuredrop,iftheairpressurefallsmorethanthreepsiinoneminuteforsinglevehicles(morethanfourpsiforcombinationvehicles),theairlossrateistoomuch.Checkforairleaksandfixbeforedrivingthevehicle.Otherwise,youcouldloseyourbrakeswhiledriving.
Test low pressure warning signal. Withtheengineoffandallthebrakesreleased,turnthekeyonandsteponandoffthebrakepedaltoreduceairtankpressure.Thelowairpressurewarningsignalmustcomeonbeforethepressuredropstolessthan60psiintheairtank(ortankwiththelowestairpressure,indualairsystems).SeeFigure5.5.Ifthewarningsignaldoesn’twork,youcouldloseairpressure
andyouwouldnotknowit.Thiscouldcausesuddenemergencybrakinginasingle-circuitairsystem.Indualsystemsthestoppingdistancewillbeincreased.Onlylimitedbrakingcanbedonebeforethespringbrakescomeon.
5-13
DIFF LOW LOW LOCK OIL WATER AIR
Light
Lowpressurewarning
LOWAIR
Droparm“wig-wag”
Somevehiclesareequippedwitha“wig-wag”thatdropsintothedriver’sview,andwillnotstayupinplaceuntilthedesiredairpressureisrestored.
Low air pressure warning devices
Figure 5.5
Check that spring brakes come on automatically. Continuetofanofftheairpressurebysteppingonandoffthebrakepedaltoreducetankpressure.Thetractorprotectionvalveandparkingbrakevalveshouldclose(popout)onacombinationvehicleandtheparkingbrakevalveshouldclose(popout)onasinglevehiclewhentheairpressurefallstothemanufacturer’sspecification(20–45psi).Thiswillcausethespringbrakestocomeon.
Check rate of air pressure buildup. Whentheengineisatoperatingrpms,thepressureshouldbuildfrom85to100psiwithin45secondsindualairsystems.(Ifthevehiclehaslargerthanminimumairtanks,thebuilduptimecanbelongerandstillbesafe.Checkthemanufacturer’sspecifications.)Insingleairsystems(pre-1975),typicalrequirementsarepressurebuildupfrom50to90psiwithin3minuteswiththeengineatanidlespeedof600-900rpms.
5-14
Ifairpressuredoesnotbuildupfastenough,yourpressuremaydroptoolowduringdriving,requiringanemergencystop.Don’tdriveuntilyougettheproblemfixed.
Check air compressor governor cut-in and cut-out pressures. Pumpingbytheaircompressorshouldstartatabout100psiandstopatabout125psi.(Somevehiclesmayexceed125psi.Checkmanufacturer’sspecifications.)Runtheengineatafastidle.Theairgovernorshouldcut-outtheaircompressorataboutthemanufacturer’sspecifiedpressure.Theairpressureshownbyyourgauge(s)willstoprising.Withtheengineidling,steponandoffthebraketoreducetheairtankpressure.Thecompressorshouldcut-inataboutthemanufacturer’sspecifiedcut-inpressure.Thepressureshouldbegintorise.Iftheairgovernordoesnotworkasdescribedabove,itmay
needtobefixed.Agovernorthatdoesnotworkproperlymaynotkeepenoughairpressureforsafedriving.
Brake checksTest parking brake. Stopthevehicle,puttheparkingbrakeon,
andgentlypullagainstitinalowgeartotestthattheparkingbrakewillhold.
Test service brakes. Waitfornormalairpressure,releasetheparkingbrake,movethevehicleforwardslowly,andapplythebrakesfirmlyusingthebrakepedal.Noteanyvehicle“pulling”tooneside,unusualfeel,noises,ordelayedstoppingaction.
Test trailer hand valve(whenequipped).Applythetrailerhandvalveandattempttopullforwardorpullforwardslowlyandapplythetrailerhandvalve.
Thesetestsmayshowyouproblems,whichyouotherwisewouldn’tknowaboutuntilyouneededthebrakesontheroad.
5-15
Test your knowledge1. Whatisadualairbrakesystem?2. Whataretheslackadjusters?3. Howcanyoucheckslackadjusters?4. Howcanyoutestthelowpressurewarningsignal?5. Howcanyoucheckthatthespringbrakescomeonautomatically?
6. Whatarethemaximumleakagerates?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections5.2and5.3.
5.4 – Using Air Brakes
Normal StopsPushthebrakepedaldown.Controlthepressuresothevehicle
comestoasmooth,safestop.Ifyouhaveamanualtransmission,don’tpushtheclutchinuntiltheenginerpmisdownclosetoidle.Whenstopped,selectastartinggear.
Braking with Antilock BrakesWhenyoubrakehardonslipperysurfacesinavehiclewithout
ABS,yourwheelsmaylockup.Whenyoursteeringwheelslockup,youlosesteeringcontrol.Whenyourotherwheelslockup,youmayskid,jackknife,orevenspinthevehicle.ABShelpsyouavoidwheellockup.Thecomputersenses
impendinglockup,reducesthebrakingpressuretoasafelevel,andyoumaintaincontrol.YoumayormaynotbeabletostopfasterwithABS,butyou
shouldbeabletosteeraroundanobstaclewhilebraking,andavoidskidscausedbyoverbraking.HavingABSononlythetractor,onlythetrailer,orevenon
onlyoneaxle,stillgivesyoumorecontroloverthevehicleduringbraking.Brakenormally.WhenonlythetractorhasABS,youshouldbeabletomaintain
steeringcontrol,andthereislesschanceofjackknifing.But,keepyoureyeonthetrailerandletuponthebrakes(ifyoucansafelydoso)ifitbeginstoswingout.WhenonlythetrailerhasABS,thetrailerislesslikelytoswing
out,butifyoulosesteeringcontrolorstartatractorjackknife,letuponthebrakes(ifyoucansafelydoso)untilyougaincontrol.Whenyoudriveatractor-trailercombinationwithABS,you
shouldbrakeasyoualwayshave.Inotherwords:
5-16
• Useonlythebrakingforcenecessarytostopsafelyandstayincontrol.
• Brakethesameway,regardlessofwhetheryouhaveABSonthetractor,thetrailer,orboth.
• Asyouslowdown,monitoryourtractorandtrailerandbackoffthebrakes(ifitissafetodoso)tostayincontrol.
Thereisonlyoneexceptiontothisprocedure,ifyoualwaysdriveastraighttruckorcombinationwithworkingABSonallaxles,inanemergencystop,youcanfullyapplythebrakes.WithoutABS,youstillhavenormalbrakefunctions.Driveand
brakeasyoualwayshave.Remember,ifyourABSmalfunctions,youstillhaveregular
brakes.Drivenormally,butgetthesystemservicedsoon.
Emergency StopsIfsomebodysuddenlypullsoutinfrontofyou,yournatural
responseistohitthebrakes.Thisisagoodresponseifthere’senoughdistancetostop,andyouusethebrakescorrectly.Youshouldbrakeinawaythatwillkeepyourvehicleinastraight
lineandallowyoutoturnifitbecomesnecessary.Youcanusethe“controlledbraking”methodorthe“stabbraking”method.
Controlled braking. Withthismethod,youapplythebrakesashardasyoucanwithoutlockingthewheels.Keepsteeringwheelmovementsverysmallwhiledoingthis.Ifyouneedtomakealargersteeringadjustmentorifthewheelslock,releasethebrakes.Reapplythebrakesassoonasyoucan.
Stab Braking • Applyyourbrakesalltheway.• Releasebrakeswhenwheelslockup.• Assoonasthewheelsstartrolling,applythebrakesfullyagain.Itcantakeuptoonesecondforthewheelstostartrollingafteryoureleasethebrakes.Ifyoureapplythebrakesbeforethewheelsstartrolling,thevehiclewon’tstraightenout.
Stopping DistanceStoppingdistancewasdescribedinSection2under“Speedand
StoppingDistance.”Withairbrakesthereisanaddeddelay–“BrakeLag.”Thisisthetimerequiredforthebrakestoworkafterthebrakepedalispushed.Withhydraulicbrakes(usedoncarsandlight/mediumtrucks),thebrakesworkinstantly.However,withairbrakes,ittakesalittletime(onehalfsecondormore)fortheairtoflow
5-17
Figure 5.6
throughthelinestothebrakes.Thus,thetotalstoppingdistanceforvehicleswithairbrakesystemsismadeupoffourdifferentfactors.
PerceptionDistance+ReactionDistance+BrakeLagDistance+EffectiveStoppingDistance=TotalStoppingDistance
Theairbrakelagdistanceat55mphondrypavementaddsabout32feet.Soat55mphforanaveragedriverundergoodtractionandbrakeconditions,thetotalstoppingdistanceisover450feet.SeeFigure5.6.
Brake Fading or FailureBrakesaredesignedsobrakeshoesorpadsrubagainstthe
brakedrumordiskstoslowthevehicle.Brakingcreatesheat,butbrakesaredesignedtotakealotofheat.However,brakescanfadeorfailfromexcessiveheatcausedbyusingthemtoomuchandnotrelyingontheenginebrakingeffect.
5-18
Excessiveuseoftheservicebrakesresultsinoverheatingandleadstobrakefade.Brakefaderesultsfromexcessiveheatcausingchemicalchangesinthebrakelining,whichreducefriction,andalsocausingexpansionofthebrakedrums.Astheoverheateddrumsexpand,thebrakeshoesandliningshavetomovefarthertocontactthedrums,andtheforceofthiscontactisreduced.Continuedoverusemayincreasebrakefadeuntilthevehiclecannotbesloweddownorstopped.Brakefadeisalsoaffectedbyadjustment.Tosafelycontrola
vehicle,everybrakemustdoitsshareofthework.Brakesoutofadjustmentwillstopdoingtheirsharebeforethosethatareinadjustment.Theotherbrakescanthenoverheatandfade,andtherewillnotbeenoughbrakingavailabletocontrolthevehicle.Brakescangetoutofadjustmentquickly,especiallywhentheyarehot.Therefore,checkbrakeadjustmentoften.
Proper Braking TechniqueRemember. Theuseofbrakesonalongand/orsteep
downgradeisonlyasupplementtothebrakingeffectoftheengine.Oncethevehicleisintheproperlowgear,thefollowingistheproperbrakingtechnique:• Applythebrakesjusthardenoughtofeeladefiniteslowdown.• Whenyourspeedhasbeenreducedtoapproximatelyfivemphbelowyour“safe”speed,releasethebrakes.(Thisapplicationshouldlastforaboutthreeseconds.)
• Whenyourspeedhasincreasedtoyour“safe”speed,repeatsteps1and2.
Forexample,ifyour“safe”speedis40mph,youwouldnotapplythebrakesuntilyourspeedreaches40mph.Younowapplythebrakeshardenoughtograduallyreduceyourspeedto35mphandthenreleasethebrakes.Repeatthisasoftenasnecessaryuntilyouhavereachedtheendofthedowngrade.
Low Air PressureIf the low air pressure warning comes on, stop and safely park
your vehicle as soon as possible. Theremightbeanairleakinthesystem.Controlledbrakingispossibleonlywhileenoughairremainsintheairtanks.Thespringbrakeswillcomeonwhentheairpressuredropsintotherangeof20to45psi.Aheavilyloadedvehiclewilltakealongdistancetostopbecausethespringbrakesdonotworkonallaxles.Lightlyloadedvehiclesorvehiclesonslipperyroadsmayskidoutofcontrolwhenthespringbrakescomeon.Itismuchsafertostopwhilethereisenoughairinthetankstousethefootbrakes.
5-19
5.4.8 – Parking BrakesAny time you park, use the parking brakes, exceptasnoted
below.Pulltheparkingbrakecontrolknobouttoapplytheparkingbrakes,pushitintorelease.Thecontrolwillbeayellow,diamond-shapedknoblabeled“parkingbrakes”onnewervehicles.Onoldervehicles,itmaybearoundblueknoborsomeothershape(includingaleverthatswingsfromsidetosideorupanddown).Don’tusetheparkingbrakesifthebrakesareveryhot(from
justhavingcomedownasteepgrade),orifthebrakesareverywetinfreezingtemperatures.Iftheyareusedwhiletheyareveryhot,theycanbedamagedbytheheat.Iftheyareusedinfreezingtemperatureswhenthebrakesareverywet,theycanfreezesothevehiclecannotmove.Usewheelchocksonalevelsurfacetoholdthevehicle.Lethotbrakescoolbeforeusingtheparkingbrakes.Ifthebrakesarewet,usethebrakeslightlywhiledrivinginalowgeartoheatanddrythem.Ifyourvehicledoesnothaveautomaticairtankdrains,drainyour
airtanksattheendofeachworkingdaytoremovemoistureandoil.Otherwise,thebrakescouldfail.Neverleaveyourvehicleunattendedwithoutapplyingtheparking
brakesorchockingthewheels.Yourvehiclemightrollawayandcauseinjuryanddamage.
Test your knowledge1. Whyshouldyoubeinthepropergearbeforestartingdownahill?
2. Whatfactorscancausebrakestofadeorfail?3. Theuseofbrakesonalong,steepdowngradeisonlyasupplementtothebrakingeffectoftheengine.TrueorFalse?
4. Ifyouareawayfromyourvehicleonlyashorttime,youdonotneedtousetheparkingbrake.TrueorFalse?
5. Howoftenshouldyoudrainairtanks?6. Howdoyoubrakewhenyoudriveatractor-trailercombinationwithABS?
7. YoustillhavenormalbrakefunctionsifyourABSisnotworking.TrueorFalse?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsection5.4.
5-20
6-1
Combination Vehicles
This section covers:• Driving combinations • Combination vehicle air brakes• Antilock brake systems• Coupling and uncoupling• Inspecting combinations
If you will pull a trailer, study this section.You also need to study:• Section 5, Air Brakes.• Section 7, if you drive doubles or triple trailers.Your combination test will have questions from each of
these sections.
Thissectionprovidesinformationneededtopassthetestsforcombinationvehicles(tractor-trailer,doubles,triples,straighttruckwithtrailer).Theinformationisonlytogiveyoutheminimumknowledgeneededfordrivingcommoncombinationvehicles.
6-2
6.1 – Driving Combination Vehicles SafelyCombinationvehiclesareusuallyheavier,longer,andrequire
moredrivingskillthansinglecommercialvehicles.Thismeansthatdriversofcombinationvehiclesneedmoreknowledgeandskillthandriversofsinglevehicles.Inthissection,wetalkaboutsomeimportantsafetyfactorsthatapplyspecificallytocombinationvehicles.
Rollover RisksMorethanhalfoftruckdriverdeathsincrashesaretheresultof
truckrollovers.Whenmorecargoispiledupinatruck,the“centerofgravity”moveshigherupfromtheroad.Thetruckbecomeseasiertoturnover.Fullyloadedrigsaretentimesmorelikelytorolloverinacrashthanemptyrigs.Thesetwothingswillhelpyoupreventrollover:• Keepthecargoasclosetothegroundaspossible.• Driveslowlyaroundturns.
Keepingcargolowisevenmoreimportantincombinationvehiclesthaninstraighttrucks.Also,keeptheloadcenteredonyourrig.Iftheloadistoonesidesoitmakesatrailerlean,arolloverismorelikely.Makesureyourcargoiscenteredandspreadoutasmuchaspossible.(CargodistributioniscoveredinSection3ofthismanual.)Rollovershappenwhenyouturntoofast.Driveslowlyaround
corners,onramps,andofframps.Avoidquicklanechanges,especiallywhenfullyloaded.
Steer GentlyTruckswithtrailershaveadangerous“crack-the-whip”effect.
Whenyoumakeaquicklanechange,thecrack-the-whipeffectcanturnthetrailerover.Therearemanyaccidentswhereonlythetrailerhasoverturned.“Rearwardamplification”causesthecrack-the-whipeffect.Figure
6.1showseighttypesofcombinationvehiclesandtherearwardamplificationeachhasinaquicklanechange.Rigswiththeleastcrack-the-whipeffectareshownatthetopandthosewiththemost,atthebottom.Rearwardamplificationof2.0inthechartmeansthatthereartraileristwiceaslikelytoturnoverasthetractor.Youcanseethattripleshavearearwardamplificationof3.5.Thismeansyoucanrollthelasttraileroftriples3.5timesaseasilyasafive-axletractor.Steergentlyandsmoothlywhenyouarepullingtrailers.Ifyou
makeasuddenmovementwithyoursteeringwheel,yourtrailer
6-3
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.05axletractorsemitrailerwith45ft.
3axletractorsemitrailerwith27ft.
turnpikedouble45ft.trailers
B-traindouble27ft.trailers
Rockymountaindouble-45ft.
Californiatruckfulltrailer
65ft.conventionaldouble-27ft.
Triple27ft.trailers
Influenceofcombinationtypeonrearwardamplification
Figure 6.1
couldtipover.Followfarenoughbehindothervehicles(atleast1secondforeach10feetofyourvehiclelength,plusanothersecondifgoingover40mph).Lookfarenoughdowntheroadtoavoidbeingsurprisedandhavingtomakeasuddenlanechange.Atnight,driveslowlyenoughtoseeobstacleswithyourheadlightsbeforeitistoolatetochangelanesorstopgently.Slowdowntoasafespeedbeforegoingintoaturn.
Brake EarlyControlyourspeedwhetherfullyloadedorempty.Large
combinationvehiclestakelongertostopwhentheyareemptythanwhentheyarefullyloaded.Whenlightlyloaded,theverystiffsuspensionspringsandstrongbrakesgivepoortractionandmakeitveryeasytolockupthewheels.Yourtrailercanswingoutandstrikeothervehicles.Yourtractorcanjackknifeveryquickly.Youalsomustbeverycarefulaboutdriving“bobtail”tractors(tractorswithoutsemitrailers).Testshaveshownthatbobtailscanbeveryhardtostopsmoothly.Ittakesthemlongertostopthanatractor-semitrailerloadedtomaximumgrossweight.Inanycombinationrig,allowlotsoffollowingdistanceandlook
farahead,soyoucanbrakeearly.Don’tbecaughtbysurpriseandhavetomakea“panic”stop.
6-4
Railroad-highway CrossingsRailroad-highwaycrossingscanalsocauseproblems,
particularlywhenpullingtrailerswithlowunderneathclearance.Thesetrailerscangetstuckonraisedcrossings:• Low-slungunits(lowboy,carcarrier,movingvan,possum-bellylivestocktrailer).
• Single-axletractorpullingalongtrailerwithitslandinggearsettoaccommodateatandem-axletractor.
Ifforanyreasonyougetstuckonthetracks,getoutofthevehicleandawayfromthetracks.Checksignpostsorsignalhousingatthecrossingforemergencynotificationinformation.Call911orotheremergencynumber.Givethelocationofthecrossingusingallidentifiablelandmarks,especiallytheDOTnumber,ifposted.
Prevent Trailer SkidsWhenthewheelsofatrailerlockup,thetrailerwilltendtoswing
around.Thisismorelikelytohappenwhenthetrailerisemptyorlightlyloaded.Thistypeofjackknifeisoftencalleda“trailerjackknife.”SeeFigure6.2.Theprocedureforstoppingatrailerskidis:• Recognize the skid. Theearliestandbestwaytorecognizethatthetrailerhasstartedtoskidisbyseeingitinyourmirrors.Anytimeyouapplythebrakeshard,checkthemirrorstomakesurethetrailerisstayingwhereitshouldbe.Oncethetrailerswingsoutofyourlane,it’sverydifficulttopreventajackknife.* (From R.D. Ervin, R.L. Nisconger, C.C. MacAdam, and P.S. Fancher, “Influence of size and weigh variables on the stability and control properties of heavy trucks, “University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, 1983).
• Stop using the brake. Releasethebrakestogettractionback.Donotusethetrailerhandbrake(ifyouhaveone)to“straightenouttherig.”Thisisthewrongthingtodosincethebrakesonthetrailerwheelscausedtheskidinthefirstplace.Oncethetrailerwheelsgriptheroadagain,thetrailerwillstarttofollowthetractorandstraightenout.
6-5
Line of travel
Trailer wheels locked-up and sliding
Figure 6.2Trailer jacknife
Turn WideWhenavehiclegoesaroundacorner,therearwheelsfollow
adifferentpaththanthefrontwheels.Thisiscalledofftrackingor“cheating.”Figure6.3showshowofftrackingcausesthepathfollowedbyatractortobewiderthantherigitself.Longervehicleswillofftrackmore.Therearwheelsofthepoweredunit(truckortractor)willofftracksome,andtherearwheelsofthetrailerwillofftrackevenmore.Ifthereismorethanonetrailer,therearwheelsofthelasttrailerwillofftrackthemost.Steerthefrontendwideenougharoundacornersotherearenddoesnotrunoverthecurb,pedestrians,etc.However,keeptherearofyourvehicleclosetothecurb.Thiswillstopotherdriversfrompassingyouontheright.Ifyoucannotcompleteyourturnwithoutenteringanothertrafficlane,turnwideasyoucompletetheturn.Thisisbetterthanswingingwidetotheleftbeforestartingtheturnbecauseitwillkeepotherdriversfrompassingyouontheright.SeeFigure6.4.
6-6
Maximumwidthofsweptpath
Pathfollowedbytheinnermosttire
Pathfollowedbytheousidetractortire
Figure 6.3
JughandleINCORRECT
ButtonhookCORRECT
Figure 6.4
Backing with a Trailer.Backing with a trailer. Whenbackingacar,straighttruck,or
bus,youturnthetopofthesteeringwheelinthedirectionyouwanttogo.Whenbackingatrailer,youturnthesteeringwheelintheoppositedirection.Oncethetrailerstartstoturn,youmustturnthewheeltheotherwaytofollowthetrailer.Wheneveryoubackupwithatrailer,trytopositionyourvehicle
soyoucanbackinastraightline.Ifyoumustbackonacurvedpath,backtothedriver’ssidesoyoucansee.SeeFigure6.5.
6-7
TurnwheelthiswaytomaketrailergoRIGHT
TurnwheelthiswaytomaketrailergoLEFT
Goright Goleft
Figure 6.5Backing a trailer
Look at your path. Lookatyourlineoftravelbeforeyoubegin.Getoutandwalkaroundthevehicle.Checkyourclearancetothesidesandoverhead,inandnearthepathyourvehicle.
Use mirrors on both sides. Checktheoutsidemirrorsonbothsidesfrequently.Getoutofthevehicleandre-inspectyourpathifyouareunsure.
Use warning devices.Useyourfour-wayflashersbeforebacking.Soundyourhornifyourvehicledoesnothaveaworkingbackupwarningdevice.
6-8
Back slowly. Thiswillletyoumakecorrectionsbeforeyougettoofaroffcourse.
Correct drift immediately. Assoonasyouseethetrailergettingofftheproperpath,correctitbyturningthetopofthesteeringwheelinthedirectionofthedrift.
Pull forward. Whenbackingatrailer,makepull-upstore-positionyourvehicleasneeded.
Test your knowledge1. Whattwothingsareimportanttopreventrollover?2. Whenyouturnsuddenlywhilepullingdoubles,whichtrailerismostlikelytoturnover?
3. Whyshouldyounotusethetrailerhandbraketostraightenoutajackknifingtrailer?
4. Whatisofftracking?5. Whenyoubackatrailer,youshouldpositionyourvehiclesoyoucanbackinacurvedpathtothedriver’sside.TrueorFalse?
6. Whattypeoftrailerscangetstuckonrailroad-highwaycrossings?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsection6.1.
6.2 – Combination Vehicle Air BrakesYoushouldstudySection5:AirBrakesbeforereadingthis.In
combinationvehiclesthebrakingsystemhaspartstocontrolthetrailerbrakes,inadditiontothepartsdescribedinSection5.Thesepartsaredescribedbelow.
Trailer Hand ValveThetrailerhandvalve(alsocalledthetrolleyvalveorJohnson
bar)worksthetrailerbrakes.Thetrailerhandvalveshouldbeusedonlytotestthetrailerbrakes.Donotuseitindrivingbecauseofthedangerofmakingthetrailerskid.Thefootbrakesendsairtoallofthebrakesonthevehicle(includingthetrailer(s)).Thereismuchlessdangerofcausingaskidorjackknifewhenusingjustthefootbrake.Neverusethehandvalveforparkingbecausealltheairmight
leakout,unlockingthebrakes(intrailersthatdon’thavespring
6-9
brakes).Alwaysusetheparkingbrakeswhenparking.Ifthetrailerdoesnothavespringbrakes,usewheelchockstokeepthetrailerfrommoving.
Tractor Protection ValveThetractorprotectionvalvekeepsairinthetractorortruckbrake
systemshouldthetrailerbreakawayordevelopabadleak.Thetractorprotectionvalveiscontrolledbythe“trailerairsupply”controlvalveinthecab.Thecontrolvalveallowsyoutoopenandshutthetractorprotectionvalve.Thetractorprotectionvalvewillcloseautomaticallyifairpressureislow(intherangeof20to45psi).Whenthetractorprotectionvalvecloses,itstopsanyairfromgoingoutofthetractor.Italsoletstheairoutofthetraileremergencyline.Thiscausesthetraileremergencybrakestocomeon,withpossiblelossofcontrol.(Emergencybrakesarecoveredlater.)
Trailer Air Supply ControlThetrailerairsupplycontrolonnewervehiclesisaredeight-
sidedknob,whichyouusetocontrolthetractorprotectionvalve.Youpushitintosupplythetrailerwithair,andpullitouttoshuttheairoffandputonthetraileremergencybrakes.Thevalvewillpopout(thusclosingthetractorprotectionvalve)whentheairpressuredropsintotherangeof20to45psi.Tractorprotectionvalvecontrolsor“emergency”valvesonoldervehiclesmaynotoperateautomatically.Theremaybealeverratherthanaknob.The“normal”positionisusedforpullingatrailer.The“emergency”positionisusedtoshuttheairoffandputonthetraileremergencybrakes.
Trailer Air LinesEverycombinationvehiclehastwoairlines,theserviceline
andtheemergencyline.Theyrunbetweeneachvehicle(tractortotrailer,trailertodolly,dollytosecondtrailer,etc.)
Service air line. Theserviceline(alsocalledthecontrollineorsignalline)carriesair,whichiscontrolledbythefootbrakeorthetrailerhandbrake.Dependingonhowhardyoupressthefootbrakeorhandvalve,thepressureintheservicelinewillsimilarlychange.Theservicelineisconnectedtorelayvalves.Thesevalvesallowthetrailerbrakestobeappliedmorequicklythanwouldotherwisebepossible.
Emergency air line. Theemergencyline(alsocalledthesupplyline)hastwopurposes.First,itsuppliesairtothetrailerairtanks.Second,theemergencylinecontrolstheemergencybrakeson
6-10
combinationvehicles.Lossofairpressureintheemergencylinecausesthetraileremergencybrakestocomeon.Thepressurelosscouldbecausedbyatrailerbreakingloose,thustearingaparttheemergencyairhose.Oritcouldbecausedbyahose,metaltubing,orotherpartbreaking,lettingtheairout.Whentheemergencylinelosespressure,italsocausesthetractorprotectionvalvetoclose(theairsupplyknobwillpopout).Emergencylinesareoftencodedwiththecolorred(redhose,
redcouplers,orotherparts)tokeepfromgettingthemmixedupwiththeblueserviceline.
Hose Couplers (Glad Hands)Gladhandsarecouplingdevicesusedtoconnecttheservice
andemergencyairlinesfromthetruckortractortothetrailer.Thecouplershavearubberseal,whichpreventsairfromescaping.Cleanthecouplersandrubbersealsbeforeaconnectionismade.Whenconnectingthegladhands,pressthetwosealstogetherwiththecouplersata90degreeangletoeachother.Aturnofthegladhandattachedtothehosewilljoinandlockthecouplers.Whencoupling,makesuretocouplethepropergladhands
together.Tohelpavoidmistakes,colorsaresometimesused.Blueisusedfortheservicelinesandredfortheemergency(supply)lines.Sometimes,metaltagsareattachedtothelineswiththewords“service”and“emergency”stampedonthem.SeeFigure6.6.Ifyoudocrosstheairlines,supplyairwillbesenttotheservice
lineinsteadofgoingtochargethetrailerairtanks.Airwillnotbeavailabletoreleasethetrailerspringbrakes(parkingbrakes).Ifthespringbrakesdon’treleasewhenyoupushthetrailerairsupplycontrol,checktheairlineconnections.Oldertrailersdonothavespringbrakes.Iftheairsupplyinthe
trailerairtankhasleakedawaytherewillbenoemergencybrakes,andthetrailerwheelswillturnfreely.Ifyoucrossedtheairlines,youcoulddriveawaybutyouwouldn’thavetrailerbrakes.Thiswouldbeverydangerous.Alwaystestthetrailerbrakesbeforedrivingwiththehandvalveorbypullingtheairsupply(tractorprotectionvalve)control.Pullgentlyagainsttheminalowgeartomakesurethebrakeswork.Somevehicleshave“deadend”ordummycouplerstowhichthe
hosesmaybeattachedwhentheyarenotinuse.Thiswillpreventwateranddirtfromgettingintothecouplerandtheairlines.Usethedummycouplerswhentheairlinesarenotconnectedtoatrailer.Iftherearenodummycouplers,thegladhandscansometimesbelockedtogether(dependingonthecouplings).Itisveryimportanttokeeptheairsupplyclean.
6-11
Checkforcracks
Truckline Trailerline
Emergency line
Service line
Figure 6.6
Trailer Air TanksEachtrailerandconverterdollyhasoneormoreairtanks.They
arefilledbytheemergency(supply)linefromthetractor.Theyprovidetheairpressureusedtooperatetrailerbrakes.Airpressureissentfromtheairtankstothebrakesbyrelayvalves.Thepressureintheservicelinetellshowmuchpressurethe
relayvalvesshouldsendtothetrailerbrakes.Thepressureintheservicelineiscontrolledbythebrakepedal(andthetrailerhandbrake).Itisimportantthatyoudon’tletwaterandoilbuildupintheair
tanks.Ifyoudo,thebrakesmaynotworkcorrectly.Eachtankhasadrainvalveonitandyoushoulddraineachtankeveryday.Ifyourtankshaveautomaticdrains,theywillkeepmostmoistureout.Butyoushouldstillopenthedrainstomakesure.
Shut-off ValvesShut-offvalves(alsocalledcut-outcocks)areusedintheservice
andsupplyairlinesatthebackoftrailersusedtotowothertrailers.Thesevalvespermitclosingtheairlinesoffwhenanothertrailerisnotbeingtowed.Youmustcheckthatallshut-offvalvesareintheopenpositionexcepttheonesatthebackofthelasttrailer,whichmustbeclosed.
6-12
Trailer Service, Parking, and Emergency BrakesNewertrailershavespringbrakesjustliketrucksandtruck
tractors.However,converterdolliesandtrailersbuiltbefore1975arenotrequiredtohavespringbrakes.Thosethatdonothavespringbrakeshaveemergencybrakes,whichworkfromtheairstoredinthetrailerairtank.Theemergencybrakescomeonwheneverairpressureintheemergencylineislost.Thesetrailershavenoparkingbrake.Theemergencybrakescomeonwhenevertheairsupplyknobispulledoutorthetrailerisdisconnected.Amajorleakintheemergencylinewillcausethetractorprotectionvalvetocloseandthetraileremergencybrakestocomeon.Butthebrakeswillholdonlyaslongasthereisairpressureinthetrailerairtank.Eventually,theairwillleakawayandthentherewillbenobrakes.Therefore,itisveryimportantforsafetythatyouusewheelchockswhenyouparktrailerswithoutspringbrakes.Youmaynotnoticeamajorleakintheservicelineuntilyoutryto
putthebrakeson.Then,theairlossfromtheleakwilllowertheairtankpressurequickly.Ifitgoeslowenough,thetraileremergencybrakeswillcomeon.
Test your knowledge1. Whyshouldyounotusethetrailerhandvalvewhiledriving?2. Describewhatthetrailerairsupplycontroldoes.3. Describewhattheservicelineisfor.4. Whatistheemergencyairlinefor?5. Whyshouldyouusechockswhenparkingatrailerwithoutspringbrakes?
6. Whereareshut-offvalves?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsection6.2.
6.3 – Antilock Brake Systems
Trailers Required to Have ABSAlltrailersandconverterdolliesbuiltonorafterMarch1,1998,
arerequiredtohaveABS.However,manytrailersandconverterdolliesbuiltbeforethisdatehavebeenvoluntarilyequippedwithABS.TrailerswillhaveyellowABSmalfunctionlampsontheleft
side,eitheronthefrontorrearcorner.SeeFigure6.7.DolliesmanufacturedonorafterMarch1,1998,arerequiredtohavealampontheleftside.
6-13
ABStestlight
TestingABSSystems
Figure 6.7
Inthecaseofvehiclesmanufacturedbeforetherequireddate,itmaybedifficulttotelliftheunitisequippedwithABS.LookunderthevehiclefortheECUandwheelspeedsensorwirescomingfromthebackofthebrakes.
6.3.2 – Braking with ABSABSisanadditiontoyournormalbrakes.Itdoesnotdecrease
orincreaseyournormalbrakingcapability.ABSonlyactivateswhenwheelsareabouttolockup.ABSdoesnotnecessarilyshortenyourstoppingdistance,butit
doeshelpyoukeepthevehicleundercontrolduringhardbraking.ABShelpsyouavoidwheellockup.Thecomputersenses
impendinglockup,reducesthebrakingpressuretoasafelevel,andyoumaintaincontrol.HavingABSononlythetrailer,orevenononlyoneaxle,still
givesyoumorecontroloverthevehicleduringbraking.WhenonlythetrailerhasABS,thetrailerislesslikelytoswing
out,butifyoulosesteeringcontrolorstartatractorjackknife,letuponthebrakes(ifyoucansafelydoso)untilyougaincontrol.
6-14
Whenyoudriveatractor-trailercombinationwithABS,youshouldbrakeasyoualwayshave.Inotherwords:• Useonlythebrakingforcenecessarytostopsafelyandstayincontrol.
• Brakethesameway,regardlessofwhetheryouhaveABSonthetractor,thetrailer,orboth.
• Asyouslowdown,monitoryourtractorandtrailerandbackoffthebrakes(ifitissafetodoso)tostayincontrol.
Remember,ifyourABSmalfunctions,youstillhaveregularbrakes.Drivenormally,butgetthesystemservicedsoon.ABSwon’tallowyoutodrivefaster,followmoreclosely,ordrive
lesscarefully.
6.4 – Coupling and UncouplingKnowinghowtocoupleanduncouplecorrectlyisbasictosafe
operationofcombinationvehicles.Wrongcouplinganduncouplingcanbeverydangerous.Generalcouplinganduncouplingstepsarelistedbelow.Therearedifferencesbetweendifferentrigs,solearnthedetailsofcouplinganduncouplingthetruck(s)youwilloperate.
Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers
Step 1. Inspect fifth wheel• Checkfordamaged/missingparts.• Checktoseethatthemountingtothetractorissecure,nocracksinframe,etc.
• Besurethatthefifthwheelplateisgreasedasrequired.Failuretokeepthefifthwheelplatelubricatedcouldcausesteeringproblemsbecauseoffrictionbetweenthetractorandtrailer.
Checkifthefifthwheelisinproperpositionforcoupling.• Wheeltilteddowntowardrearoftractor.• Jawsopen.• Safetyunlockinghandleintheautomaticlockposition.• Ifyouhaveaslidingfifthwheel,makesureitislocked.• Makesurethetrailerkingpinisnotbentorbroken.
6-15
Step 2. Inspect area and chock wheels• Makesuretheareaaroundthevehicleisclear.• Besuretrailerwheelsarechockedorspringbrakesareon.• Checkthatcargo(ifany)issecuredagainstmovementduetothetractorbeingcoupledtothetrailer.
Step 3. Position tractor• Putthetractordirectlyinfrontofthetrailer.(Neverbackunderthetraileratananglebecauseyoumightpushthetrailersidewaysandbreakthelandinggear.)
• Checkposition,usingoutsidemirrors,bylookingdownbothsidesofthetrailer.
Step 4. Back slowly• Backuntilthefifthwheeljusttouchesthetrailer.• Don’thitthetrailer.
Step 5. Secure tractor• Putontheparkingbrake.• Putthetransmissioninneutral.
Step 6. Check trailer height• Thetrailershouldbelowenoughthatitisraisedslightlybythetractorwhenthetractorisbackedunderit.Raiseorlowerthetrailerasneeded.(Ifthetraileristoolow,thetractormaystrikeanddamagethetrailernose;ifthetraileristoohigh,itmaynotcouplecorrectly.)
• Checkthatthekingpinandfifthwheelarealigned.
Step 7. Connect air lines to trailer• Checkthegladhandsealsandconnectthetractoremergencyairlinetothetraileremergencygladhand.
• Checkthegladhandsealsandconnectthetractorserviceairlinetothetrailerservicegladhand.
• Makesuretheairlinesaresafelysupportedwheretheywon’tbecrushedorcaughtwhilethetractorisbackingunderthetrailer.
6-16
Step 8. Supply air to trailer• Fromthecab,pushinthe“airsupply”knobormovethetractorprotectionvalvecontrolfromthe“emergency”tothe“normal”positiontosupplyairtothetrailerbrakesystem.
• Waituntiltheairpressureisnormal.• Checkthebrakesystemforcrossedairlines.- Shuttheengineoffsoyoucanhearthebrakes.- Applyandreleasethetrailerbrakesandlistenforthesoundofthetrailerbrakesbeingappliedandreleased.Youshouldhearthebrakesmovewhenappliedandtheairescapewhenthebrakesarereleased.- Checktheairbrakesystempressuregaugeforsignsofmajorairloss.
• Whenyouaresurethetrailerbrakesareworking,starttheengine.
• Makesuretheairpressureisuptonormal.
Step 9. Lock trailer brakes• Pulloutthe“airsupply”knobormovethetractorprotectionvalvecontrolfrom“normal”to“emergency.”
Step 10. Back under trailer• Usethelowestreversegear.• Backthetractorslowlyunderthetrailertoavoidhittingthekingpintoohard.
• Stopwhenthekingpinislockedintothefifthwheel.
Step 11. Check connection for security• Raisethetrailerlandinggearslightlyofftheground.• Pullthetractorgentlyforwardwhilethetrailerbrakesarestilllockedtocheckthatthetrailerislockedontothetractor.
Step 12. Secure vehicle• Putthetransmissioninneutral.• Puttheparkingbrakeson.• Shutofftheengineandtakethekeywithyousosomeoneelsewon’tmovethetruckwhileyouareunderit.
6-17
Step 13. Inspect coupling• Useaflashlight,ifnecessary.• Makesurethereisnospacebetweentheupperandlowerfifthwheel.Ifthereisspace,somethingiswrong(kingpinmaybeontopoftheclosedfifthwheeljaws,andthetrailerwouldcomelooseveryeasily).
• Goundertrailerandlookintothebackofthefifthwheel.Makesurethefifthwheeljawshaveclosedaroundtheshankofthekingpin.
• Checkthatthelockingleverisinthe“lock”position.• Checkthatthesafetylatchisinpositionoverlockinglever.(Onsomefifthwheelsthecatchmustbeputinplacebyhand.)
• Ifthecouplingisn’tright,don’tdrivethecoupledunit;getitfixed.
Step 14. Connect the electrical cord and check air lines• Plugtheelectricalcordintothetrailerandfastenthesafetycatch.
• Checkboththeairlinesandtheelectricallineforsignsofdamage.
• Makesuretheairandelectricallineswillnothitanymovingpartsofvehicle.
Step 15. Raise front trailer supports (Landing gear)• Usethelowgearrange(ifsoequipped)tobeginraisingthelandinggear.Oncefreeofweight,switchtothehighgearrange.
• Raisethelandinggearallthewayup.(Neverdrivewiththelandinggearonlypartwayupasitmaycatchonrailroadtracksorotherthings.)
• Afterraisingthelandinggear,securethecrankhandlesafely.• Whenthefullweightofthetrailerisrestingonthetractor:- Checkforenoughclearancebetweentherearofthetractorframeandthelandinggear.(Whenthetractorturnssharply,itmustnothitthelandinggear.)- Checkthatthereisenoughclearancebetweenthetopofthetractortiresandthenoseofthetrailer.
Step 16. Remove trailer wheel chocks• Removeandstorethewheelchocksinasafeplace.
6-18
Uncoupling Tractor-SemitrailersThefollowingstepswillhelpyoutouncouplesafely.
Step 1. Position rig• Makesurethesurfaceoftheparkingareacansupporttheweightofthetrailer.
• Havethetractorlinedupwiththetrailer.(Pullingoutatananglecandamagelandinggear.)
Step 2. Ease pressure on locking jaws• Shutoffthetrailerairsupplytolockthetrailerbrakes.• Easepressureonthefifthwheellockingjawsbybackingupgently.(Thiswillhelpyoureleasethefifthwheellockinglever.)
• Puttheparkingbrakesonwhilethetractorispushingagainstthekingpin.(Thiswillholdtherigwithpressureoffthelockingjaws.)
Step 3. Chock trailer wheels• Chockthetrailerwheelsifthetrailerdoesn’thavespringbrakesorifyou’renotsure.(Theaircouldleakoutofthetrailerairtank,releasingitsemergencybrakes.Withoutchocks,thetrailercouldmove.)
Step 4. Lower the landing gear• Ifthetrailerisempty,lowerthelandinggearuntilitmakesfirmcontactwiththeground.
• Ifthetrailerisloaded,afterthelandinggearmakesfirmcontactwiththeground,turnthecrankinlowgearafewextraturns.Thiswillliftsomeweightoffthetractor.(Donotliftthetraileroffthefifthwheel.)Thiswill:- Makeiteasiertounlatchthefifthwheel.- Makeiteasiertocouplenexttime.
Step 5. Disconnect air lines and electrical cable• Disconnecttheairlinesfromthetrailer.Connecttheairlinegladhandstodummycouplersatthebackofthecaborcouplethemtogether.
• Hangtheelectricalcablewiththeplugdowntopreventmoisturefromenteringit.
• Makesurethelinesaresupportedsotheywon’tbedamagedwhiledrivingthetractor.
6-19
Step 6. Unlock fifth wheel • Raisethereleasehandlelock.• Pullthereleasehandleto“open”position.• Keepthelegsandfeetclearofthereartractorwheelstoavoidseriousinjuryincasethevehiclemoves.
Step 7. Pull tractor partially clear of trailer• Pullthetractorforwarduntilthefifthwheelcomesoutfromunderthetrailer.
• Stopwiththetractorframeunderthetrailer(preventsthetrailerfromfallingtothegroundifthelandinggearshouldcollapseorsink).
Step 8. Secure tractor• Applytheparkingbrake.• Placethetransmissioninneutral.
Step 9. Inspect trailer supports• Makesurethegroundissupportingtrailer.• Makesurethelandinggearisnotdamaged.
Step 10. Pull tractor clear of trailer• Releasetheparkingbrakes.• Checktheareaanddrivethetractorforwarduntilitclears.
Test your knowledge1. Whatmighthappenifthetraileristoohighwhenyoutrytocouple?
2. Aftercoupling,howmuchspaceshouldbebetweentheupperandlowerfifthwheel?
3. Youshouldlookintothebackofthefifthwheeltoseeifitislockedontothekingpin.TrueorFalse?
4. Todriveyouneedtoraisethelandinggearonlyuntilitjustliftsoffthepavement.TrueorFalse?
5. Howdoyouknowifyourtrailerisequippedwithantilockbrakes?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections6.3and6.4.
6-20
BASE
KINGPIN
SHANK
HEAD
Figure 6.8
6.5 – Inspecting a Combination VehicleUsetheseven-stepinspectionproceduredescribedinSection
2toinspectyourcombinationvehicle.Therearemorethingstoinspectonacombinationvehiclethanonasinglevehicle.(Forexample,tires,wheels,lights,reflectors,etc.)However,therearealsosomenewthingstocheck.Thesearediscussedbelow.
Additional Things to Check During a Walkaround InspectionDothesechecksinadditiontothosealreadylistedinSection2.
Coupling system areas
Checkthefifthwheel(lower).• Securelymountedtoframe.• Nomissingordamagedparts.• Enoughgrease.• Novisiblespacebetweenupperandlowerfifthwheel.• Lockingjawsaroundtheshank,nottheheadofkingpin.SeeFigure6.8.
• Releasearmproperlyseatedandsafetylatch/lockengaged.
6-21
Checkthefifthwheel(upper).• Glideplatesecurelymountedtotrailerframe.• Kingpinnotdamaged.
Airandelectriclinestotrailer.• Electricalcordfirmlypluggedinandsecured.• Airlinesproperlyconnectedtogladhands,noairleaks,properlysecuredwithenoughslackforturns.
• Alllinesfreefromdamage.
Slidingfifthwheel.• Slidenotdamagedorpartsmissing.• Properlygreased.• Alllockingpinspresentandlockedinplace.• Ifairpowered–noairleaks.• Checkthatfifthwheelisnotsofarforwardthattractorframewillhitthelandinggear,orthecabhitthetrailer,duringturns.
Landinggear:• Fullyraised,nomissingparts,notbentorotherwisedamaged.• Crankhandleinplaceandsecured.• Ifpoweroperated,noairorhydraulicleaks.
Combination Vehicle Brake CheckDothesechecksinadditiontoSection5.3,InspectingAirBrake
Systems.Thefollowingsectionexplainshowtocheckairbrakeson
combinationvehicles.Checkthebrakesonadoubleortripletrailerasyouwouldanycombinationvehicle.
Check that air flows to all trailers. Usethetractorparkingbrakeand/orchockthewheelstoholdthevehicle.Waitforairpressuretoreachnormal,thenpushinthered“trailerairsupply”knob.Thiswillsupplyairtotheemergency(supply)lines.Usethetrailerhandbraketoprovideairtotheserviceline.Gototherearoftherig.Opentheemergencylineshut-offvalveattherearofthelasttrailer.Youshouldhearairescaping,showingtheentiresystemischarged.Closetheemergencylinevalve.Opentheservicelinevalvetocheckthatservicepressuregoesthroughallthetrailers(thistestassumesthatthetrailerhandbrakeortheservicebrakepedalison),andthenclosethevalve.Ifyoudonothearairescapingfrombothlines,checkthattheshut-offvalvesonthetrailer(s)anddolly(ies)areintheopenposition.Youmusthaveairallthewaytothebackforallthebrakestowork.
6-22
Test tractor protection valve. Chargethetrailerairbrakesystem.(Thatis,buildupnormalairpressureandpushthe“airsupply”knobin.)Shuttheengineoff.Steponandoffthebrakepedalseveraltimestoreducetheairpressureinthetanks.Thetrailerairsupplycontrol(alsocalledthetractorprotectionvalvecontrol)shouldpopout(orgofrom“normal”to“emergency”position)whentheairpressurefallsintothepressurerangespecifiedbythemanufacturer.(Usuallywithintherangeof20to45psi.)Ifthetractorprotectionvalvedoesn’tworkright,anairhoseor
trailerbrakeleakcoulddrainalltheairfromthetractor.Thiswouldcausetheemergencybrakestocomeon,withpossiblelossofcontrol.
Test trailer emergency brakes. Chargethetrailerairbrakesystemandcheckthatthetrailerrollsfreely.Thenstopandpulloutthetrailerairsupplycontrol(alsocalledtractorprotectionvalvecontrolortraileremergencyvalve),orplaceitinthe“emergency”position.Pullgentlyonthetrailerwiththetractortocheckthatthetraileremergencybrakesareon.
Test trailer service brakes. Checkfornormalairpressure,releasetheparkingbrakes,movethevehicleforwardslowly,andapplytrailerbrakeswiththehandcontrol(trolleyvalve),ifsoequipped.Youshouldfeelthebrakescomeon.Thistellsyouthetrailerbrakesareconnectedandworking.(Thetrailerbrakesshouldbetestedwiththehandvalvebutcontrolledinnormaloperationwiththefootpedal,whichappliesairtotheservicebrakesatallwheels.)
Test your knowledge1. Whichshut-offvalvesshouldbeopenandwhichclosed?2. Howcanyoutestthatairflowstoalltrailers?3. Howcanyoutestthetractorprotectionvalve?4. Howcanyoutestthetraileremergencybrakes?5. Howcanyoutestthetrailerservicebrakes?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerallofthem,rereadsubsection6.5.
7-1
Doubles and Triples
This section covers:• Pulling double/triple trailers• Coupling and uncoupling• Inspecting doubles and triples• Checking air brakes
If you will pull a double-triple trailer, study this section.You also need to study:• Section 2, Driving Safely.• Section 5, Air Brakes.• Section 6, Combination Vehicles.The doubles/triples test will have questions from these
sections.
ThissectionhasinformationyouneedtopasstheCDLknowledgetestfordrivingsafelywithdoubleandtripletrailers.Ittellsabouthowimportantitistobeverycarefulwhendrivingwithmorethanonetrailer,howtocoupleanduncouplecorrectly,andaboutinspectingdoublesandtriplescarefully.
7-2
7.1 – Pulling Double/Triple TrailersTakespecialcarewhenpullingtwoandthreetrailers.There
aremorethingsthatcangowrong,anddoubles/triplesarelessstablethanothercommercialvehicles.Someareasofconcernarediscussedbelow.
Prevent Trailer from Rolling OverTopreventtrailersfromrollingover,youmuststeergentlyand
goslowlyaroundcorners,onramps,offramps,andcurves.Asafespeedonacurveforastraighttruckorasingletrailercombinationvehiclemaybetoofastforasetofdoublesortriples.
Beware of the Crack-the-whip EffectDoublesandtriplesaremorelikelytoturnoverthanother
combinationvehiclesbecauseofthe“crack-the-whip”effect.Youmuststeergentlywhenpullingtrailers.Thelasttrailerinacombinationismostlikelytoturnover.Ifyoudon’tunderstandthecrack-the-whipeffect,studysubsection6.1ofthismanual.
Inspect CompletelyTherearemorecriticalpartstocheckwhenyouhavetwoor
threetrailers.Checkthemall.Followtheproceduresdescribedlaterinthissection.
Look Far AheadDoublesandtriplesmustbedrivenverysmoothlytoavoid
rolloverorjackknife.Therefore,lookfaraheadsoyoucanslowdownorchangelanesgraduallywhennecessary.
Manage SpaceDoublesandtriplestakeupmorespacethanothercommercial
vehicles.Theyarenotonlylonger,butalsoneedmorespacebecausetheycan’tbeturnedorstoppedsuddenly.Allowmorefollowingdistance.Makesureyouhavelargeenoughgapsbeforeenteringorcrossingtraffic.Becertainyouareclearatthesidesbeforechanginglanes.
Adverse ConditionsBemorecarefulinadverseconditions.Inbadweather,slippery
conditions,andmountaindriving,youmustbeespeciallycarefulifyoudrivedoubleandtriplebottoms.Youwillhavegreaterlengthandmoredeadaxlestopullwithyourdriveaxlesthanotherdrivers.Thereismorechanceforskidsandlossoftraction.
7-3
Parking the VehicleMakesureyoudonotgetinaspotyoucannotpullstraight
through.Youneedtobeawareofhowparkinglotsarearrangedinordertoavoidalonganddifficultescape.
Antilock Braking Systems on Converter DolliesConverterdolliesbuiltonorafterMarch1,1998,arerequiredto
haveantilockbrakes.Thesedollieswillhaveayellowlampontheleftsideofthedolly.
7.2 – Coupling and UncouplingKnowinghowtocoupleanduncouplecorrectlyisbasictosafe
operationofdoublesandtriples.Wrongcouplinganduncouplingcanbeverydangerous.Couplinganduncouplingstepsfordoublesandtriplesarelistedbelow.
Coupling Twin TrailersSecure second (rear) trailer. Ifthesecondtrailerdoesn’thave
springbrakes,drivethetractorclosetothetrailer,connecttheemergencyline,chargethetrailerairtank,anddisconnecttheemergencyline.Thiswillsetthetraileremergencybrakes(iftheslackadjustersarecorrectlyadjusted).Chockthewheelsifyouhaveanydoubtaboutthebrakes.Forthesafesthandlingontheroad,themoreheavilyloaded
semitrailershouldbeinfirstpositionbehindthetractor.Thelightertrailershouldbeintherear.Aconvertergearonadollyisacouplingdeviceofoneortwo
axlesandafifthwheelbywhichasemitrailercanbecoupledtotherearofatractor-trailercombinationformingadoublebottomrig.SeeFigure7.1.
7-4
Leadtrailer Reartrailer
Airandelectricalconnections
Fifthwheel
Ringhitch
Airhoses
Kingpin
ConvertergearLandinggear
Figure 7.1
Position converter dolly in front of second (rear) trailer• Releasethedollybrakesbyopeningtheairtankpetcock.Or,ifthedollyhasspringbrakes,usethedollyparkingbrakecontrol.
• Ifthedistanceisnottoogreat,wheelthedollyintopositionbyhandsoitisinlinewiththekingpin.
• Or,usethetractorandthefirstsemitrailertopickuptheconverterdolly:- Positionthecombinationascloseaspossibletotheconverterdolly.- Movethedollytorearofthefirstsemitrailerandcoupleittothetrailer.- Lockthepintlehook.- Securethedollysupportintheraisedposition.- Pullthedollyintopositionascloseaspossibletothenoseofthesecondsemitrailer.- Lowerthedollysupport.- Unhookthedollyfromthefirsttrailer.- Wheelthedollyintopositioninfrontofthesecondtrailerinlinewiththekingpin.
Connect converter dolly to front trailer• Backthefirstsemitrailerintopositioninfrontofthedollytongue.• Hookthedollytothefronttrailer.• Lockthepintlehook.• Securetheconvertergearsupportintheraisedposition.
7-5
Connect converter dolly to rear trailer• Makesurethetrailerbrakesarelockedand/orthewheelschocked.
• Makesurethetrailerheightiscorrect.(Itmustbeslightlylowerthanthecenterofthefifthwheel,sothetrailerisraisedslightlywhenthedollyispushedunder.)
• Backtheconverterdollyunderthereartrailer.• Raisethelandinggearslightlyoffthegroundtopreventdamageifthetrailermoves.
• Testthecouplingbypullingagainstthepinofthesecondsemitrailer.
• Makeavisualcheckofthecoupling.(Nospacebetweentheupperandlowerfifthwheel.Lockingjawsclosedonkingpin.)
• Connectsafetychains,airhoses,andlightcords.• Closetheconverterdollyairtankpetcockandshut-offvalvesattherearofthesecondtrailer(serviceandemergencyshut-offs).
• Opentheshut-offvalvesattherearofthefirsttrailer(andonthedolly,ifsoequipped).
• Raisethelandinggearcompletely.• Chargethetrailerbrakes(pushthe“airsupply”knobin),andcheckforairattherearofthesecondtrailerbyopeningtheemergencylineshut-off.Iftheairpressureisn’tthere,somethingiswrongandthebrakeswon’twork.
Uncoupling Twin TrailersUncouple rear trailer• Parktheriginastraightlineonfirm,levelground.• Applytheparkingbrakessotherigwon’tmove.• Chockthewheelsofthesecondtrailerifitdoesn’thavespringbrakes.
• Lowerthelandinggearofthesecondsemitrailerenoughtoremovesomeweightfromthedolly.
• Closetheairshut-offsattherearofthefirstsemitrailer(andonthedollyifsoequipped).
• Disconnectallofthedollyairandelectriclinesandsecurethem.
• Releasethedollybrakes.• Releasetheconverterdollyfifthwheellatch.• Slowlypullthetractor,firstsemitrailer,anddollyforwardtopullthedollyoutfromundertherearsemitrailer.
7-6
Uncouple converter dolly• Lowerthedollylandinggear.• Disconnectthesafetychains.• Applytheconvertergearspringbrakesorchockwheels.• Releasethepintlehookonthefirstsemi-trailer.• Slowlypullclearofthedolly.
Neverunlockthepintlehookwiththedollystillunderthereartrailer.Thedollytowbarmayflyup,possiblycausinginjury,andmakingitverydifficulttore-couple.
Coupling and Uncoupling Triple TrailersCouple tractor/first semitrailer to second/third trailers• Couplethetractortothefirsttrailer.Usethemethodalreadydescribedforcouplingtractor-semitrailers.
• Movetheconverterdollyintopositionandcouplethefirsttrailertothesecondtrailerusingthemethodforcouplingdoubles.Thetriplesrigisnowcomplete.
Uncouple triple-trailer rig• Uncouplethethirdtrailerbypullingthedollyout,thenunhitchingthedollyusingthemethodforuncouplingdoubles.
• Uncoupletheremainderoftherigasyouwouldanydouble-bottomrigusingthemethodalreadydescribed.
Coupling and Uncoupling Other CombinationsThemethodsdescribedsofarapplytothemorecommon
tractor-trailercombinations.However,thereareotherwaysofcouplinganduncouplingthemanytypesoftruck-trailerandtractor-trailercombinationsthatareinuse.Therearetoomanytocoverinthismanual.Youwillneedtolearnthecorrectwaytocoupleanduncouplethevehicle(s)youwilldriveaccordingtothemanufacturerand/orownerspecifications.
7.3 – Inspecting Doubles and TriplesUsetheseven-stepinspectionproceduredescribedinSection
2toinspectyourcombinationvehicle.Therearemorethingstoinspectonacombinationvehiclethanonasinglevehicle.Manyoftheseitemsaresimplymoreofwhatyouwouldfindonasinglevehicle.(Forexample,tires,wheels,lights,reflectors,etc.)However,therearealsosomenewthingstocheck.Thesearediscussedhere.
7-7
Additional ChecksDothesechecksinadditiontothosealreadylistedinSection2,
Step5,Dowalkaroundinspection.
Coupling system areasCheckthefifthwheel(lower).• Securelymountedtotheframe.• Nomissingordamagedparts.• Enoughgrease.• Novisiblespacebetweentheupperandlowerfifthwheel.• Lockingjawsaroundtheshank,nottheheadofkingpin.• Releasearmisproperlyseatedandsafetylatch/lockisengaged.
Checkthefifthwheel(upper).• Glideplatesecurelymountedtotrailerframe.• Kingpinnotdamaged.
Airandelectriclinestothetrailer.• Electricalcordfirmlypluggedinandsecured.• Airlinesproperlyconnectedtogladhands,noairleaks,properlysecuredwithenoughslackforturns.
• Alllinesfreefromdamage.
Slidingfifthwheel.• Slidenotdamagedorpartsmissing.• Properlygreased.• Alllockingpinspresentandlockedinplace.• Ifairpowered,noairleaks.• Checkthatthefifthwheelisnotsofarforwardthatthetractorframewillhitthelandinggear,orthecabwillhitthetrailer,duringturns.
Landing gear• Fullyraised,nomissingparts,notbentorotherwisedamaged.• Crankhandleisinplaceandsecured.• Ifpower-operated,noairorhydraulicleaks.
Double and triple trailers• Shut-offvalves(atrearoftrailers,inserviceandemergencylines).• Rearoffronttrailers:OPEN.• Rearoflasttrailer:CLOSED.• Converterdollyairtankdrainvalve:CLOSED.
7-8
• Besureairlinesaresupportedandgladhandsareproperlyconnected.
• Ifthesparetireiscarriedontheconvertergear(dolly),makesureit’ssecured.
• Besurethepintle-eyeofthedollyisinplaceinthepintlehookofthetrailer(s).
• Makesurethepintlehookislatched.• Safetychainsshouldbesecuredtotrailer(s).• Besurethelightcordsarefirmlyinthesocketsontrailers.
Additional Things to Check During a Walkaround InspectionDothesechecksinadditiontosubsection5.3,InspectingAir
BrakeSystems.
7.4 – Doubles/Triples Air Brake CheckCheckthebrakesonadoubleortripletrailerasyouwouldany
combinationvehicle.Subsection6.5explainshowtocheckairbrakesoncombinationvehicles.Youmustalsomakethefollowingchecksonyourdoubleortripletrailers.
Additional Air Brake ChecksCheck that air flows to all trailers (double and triple trailers).• Usethetractorparkingbrakeand/orchockthewheelstoholdthevehicle.
• Waitforairpressuretoreachnormal,thenpushinthered“trailerairsupply”knob.Thiswillsupplyairtotheemergency(supply)lines.
• Usethetrailerhandbraketoprovideairtotheserviceline.• Gototherearoftherig.Opentheemergencylineshut-offvalveattherearofthelasttrailer.Youshouldhearairescaping,showingtheentiresystemischarged.
• Closetheemergencylinevalve.• Opentheservicelinevalvetocheckthatservicepressuregoesthroughallthetrailers(thistestassumesthatthetrailerhandbrakeortheservicebrakepedalison),andthenclosethevalve.
• Ifyoudonothearairescapingfrombothlines,checkthattheshut-offvalvesonthetrailer(s)anddolly(ies)areintheopenposition.Youmusthaveairallthewaytothebackforallthebrakestowork.
7-9
Test tractor protection valve. Chargethetrailerairbrakesystem.(Thatis,buildupnormalairpressureandpushthe“airsupply”knobin.)Shuttheengineoff.Steponandoffthebrakepedalseveraltimestoreducetheairpressureinthetanks.Thetrailerairsupplycontrol(alsocalledthetractorprotectionvalvecontrol)shouldpopout(orgofrom“normal”to“emergency”position)whentheairpressurefallsintothepressurerangespecifiedbythemanufacturer.(Usuallywithintherangeof20to45psi.)Ifthetractorprotectionvalvedoesn’tworkproperly,anairhose
ortrailerbrakeleakcoulddrainalltheairfromthetractor.Thiswouldcausetheemergencybrakestocomeon,withpossiblelossofcontrol.
Test trailer emergency brakes. Chargethetrailerairbrakesystemandcheckthatthetrailerrollsfreely.Thenstopandpulloutthetrailerairsupplycontrol(alsocalledtractorprotectionvalvecontrolortraileremergencyvalve)orplaceitinthe“emergency”position.Pullgentlyonthetrailerwiththetractortocheckthatthetraileremergencybrakesareon.
Test trailer service brakes. Checkfornormalairpressure,releasetheparkingbrakes,movethevehicleforwardslowly,andapplytrailerbrakeswiththehandcontrol(trolleyvalve),ifsoequipped.Youshouldfeelthebrakescomeon.Thistellsyouthetrailerbrakesareconnectedandworking.(Thetrailerbrakesshouldbetestedwiththehandvalve,butcontrolledinnormaloperationwiththefootpedal,whichappliesairtotheservicebrakesatallwheels.)
7-10
Test your knowledge1. Whatisaconverterdolly?2. Doconverterdollieshavespringbrakes?3. Whatthreemethodscanyouusetosecureasecondtrailerbeforecoupling?
4. Howdoyouchecktomakesuretrailerheightiscorrectbeforecoupling?
5. Whatdoyoucheckwhenmakingavisualcheckofcoupling?6. Whyshouldyoupulladollyoutfromunderatrailerbeforeyoudisconnectitfromthetrailerinfront?
7. Whatshouldyoucheckforwheninspectingtheconverterdolly?Thepintlehook?
8. Shouldtheshut-offvalvesontherearofthelasttrailerbeopenorclosed?Onthefirsttrailerinasetofdoubles?Onthemiddletrailerofasetoftriples?
9. Howcanyoutestthatairflowstoalltrailers?10. Howdoyouknowifyourconverterdollyisequippedwithantilockbrakes?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadSection7.
8-1
Tank Vehicles
This section covers:• Inspecting tank vehicles• Driving tank vehicles• Safe driving rules
If you will drive a vehicle with a tank, study this section.You also need to study:• Section 2, Driving Safely.• Section 6, Combination Vehicles.• Section 9, Hazardous Materials.Your tank vehicle test will have questions from each of these
sections.
ThissectionhasinformationneededtopasstheCDLknowledgetestfordrivingatankvehicle.Atankendorsementisrequiredforcertainvehiclesthattransportliquidsorgases.Theliquidorgasdoesnothavetobeahazardousmaterial.Atankendorsementisrequiredifyouwanttohaulaliquidorliquidgasinapermanentlymountedcargotankratedat119gallonsormoreoraportabletankratedat1,000gallonsormore.Beforeloading,unloading,ordrivingatanker,inspectthevehicle.
Thismakessurethatthevehicleissafetocarrytheliquidorgasandissafetodrive.
8-2
8.1 – Inspecting Tank VehiclesTankvehicleshavespecialitemsthatyouneedtocheck.Tank
vehiclescomeinmanytypesandsizes.Youneedtocheckthevehicle’soperatormanualtomakesureyouknowhowtoinspectyourtankvehicle.
LeaksOnalltankvehicles,themostimportantitemtocheckforis
leaks.Checkunderandaroundthevehicleforsignsofanyleaking.Don’tcarryliquidsorgasesinaleakingtank.Todosoisacrime.Youwillbecitedandpreventedfromdrivingfurther.Youmayalsobeliableforthecleanupofanyspill.Ingeneral,checkthefollowing:• Checkthetank’sbodyorshellfordentsorleaks.• Checktheintake,discharge,andcut-offvalves.Makesurethevalvesareinthecorrectpositionbeforeloading,unloading,ormovingthevehicle.
• Checkpipes,connections,andhosesforleaks,especiallyaroundjoints.
• Checkmanholecoversandvents.Makesurethecovershavegasketsandtheyclosecorrectly.Keeptheventsclearsotheyworkcorrectly.
Check Special Purpose EquipmentIfyourvehiclehasanyofthefollowingequipment,makesureit
works:• Vaporrecoverykits.• Groundingandbondingcables.• Emergencyshut-offsystems.• Built-infireextinguisher.
Neverdriveatankvehiclewithopenvalvesormanholecovers.
Special EquipmentChecktheemergencyequipmentrequiredforyourvehicle.Find
outwhatequipmentyou’rerequiredtocarryandmakesureyouhaveit(anditworks).
8-3
CG
60˝ - 78˝ high
CG 18 -̋24˝
Figure 8.1
High Center of GravityHighcenterofgravitymeansthatmuchoftheload’sweightis
carriedhighupofftheroad.Thismakesthevehicletop-heavyandeasytorollover.Liquidtankersareespeciallyeasytorollover.Testshaveshownthattankerscanturnoveratthespeedlimitspostedforcurves.Takehighwaycurvesandonramp/offrampcurveswellbelowthepostedspeeds.
Danger of SurgeLiquidsurgeresultsfrommovementoftheliquidinpartially
filledtanks.Thismovementcanhavebadeffectsonhandling.Forexample,whencomingtoastop,theliquidwillsurgebackandforth.Whenthewavehitstheendofthetank,ittendstopushthetruckinthedirectionthewaveismoving.Ifthetruckisonaslipperysurfacesuchasice,thewavecanshoveastoppedtruckoutintoanintersection.Thedriverofaliquidtankermustbeveryfamiliarwiththehandlingofthevehicle.
BulkheadsSomeliquidtanksaredividedintoseveralsmallertanksby
bulkheads.Whenloadingandunloadingthesmallertanks,thedrivermustpayattentiontoweightdistribution.Don’tputtoomuchweightonthefrontorrearofthevehicle.
8.2 – Driving Tank VehiclesHaulingliquidsintanksrequiresspecialskillsbecauseofthe
highcenterofgravityandliquidmovement.SeeFigure8.1.
8-4
Baffled TanksBaffledliquidtankshavebulkheadsinthemwithholesthatlet
theliquidflowthrough.Thebaffleshelptocontroltheforwardandbackwardliquidsurge.Side-to-sidesurgecanstilloccur.Thiscancausearollover.
Un-baffled TanksUn-baffledliquidtankers(sometimescalled“smoothbore”tanks)
havenothinginsidetoslowdowntheflowoftheliquid.Therefore,forward-and-backsurgeisverystrong.Un-baffledtanksareusuallythosethattransportfoodproducts(milk,forexample).(Sanitationregulationsforbidtheuseofbafflesbecauseofthedifficultyincleaningtheinsideofthetank.)Beextremelycautious(slowandcareful)indrivingsmoothboretanks,especiallywhenstartingandstopping.
OutageNeverloadacargotanktotallyfull.Liquidsexpandastheywarm
andyoumustleaveroomfortheexpandingliquid.Thisiscalled“outage.”Sincedifferentliquidsexpandbydifferentamounts,theyrequiredifferentamountsofoutage.Youmustknowtheoutagerequirementwhenhaulingliquidsinbulk.
How Much to Load?Afulltankofdenseliquid(suchassomeacids)mayexceed
legalweightlimits.Forthatreason,youmayoftenonlypartiallyfilltankswithheavyliquids.Theamountofliquidtoloadintoatankdependson:• Theamounttheliquidwillexpandintransit.• Theweightoftheliquid.• Legalweightlimits.
8.3 – Safe Driving RulesInordertodrivetankvehiclessafely,youmustrememberto
followallthesafedrivingrules.Afewoftheserulesare:
Drive SmoothlyBecauseofthehighcenterofgravityandthesurgeoftheliquid,
youmuststart,slowdown,andstopverysmoothly.Also,makesmoothturnsandlanechanges.
8-5
Controlling SurgeKeepasteadypressureonthebrakes.Donotreleasetoosoon
whencomingtoastop.Brakefarinadvanceofastopandincreaseyourfollowing
distance.Ifyoumustmakeaquickstoptoavoidacrash,usecontrolled
orstabbraking.Ifyoudonotrememberhowtostopusingthesemethods,reviewsubsection2.17.Also,rememberthatifyousteerquicklywhilebraking,yourvehiclemayrollover.
CurvesSlowdownbeforecurves,thenaccelerateslightlythroughthe
curve.Thepostedspeedforacurvemaybetoofastforatankvehicle.
Stopping DistanceKeepinmindhowmuchspaceyouneedtostopyourvehicle.
Rememberthatwetroadsdoublethenormalstoppingdistance.Emptytankvehiclesmaytakelongertostopthanfullones.
SkidsDon’toversteer,overaccelerate,oroverbrake.Ifyoudo,your
vehiclemayskid.Ontanktrailers,ifyourdrivewheelsortrailerwheelsbegintoskid,yourvehiclemayjackknife.Whenanyvehiclestartstoskid,youmusttakeactiontorestoretractiontothewheels.
Test your knowledge1. Howarebulkheadsdifferentthanbaffles?2. Shouldatankvehicletakecurves,onramps,orofframpsatthepostedspeedlimits?
3. Howaresmoothboretankersdifferenttodrivethanthosewithbaffles?
4. Whatthreethingsdeterminehowmuchliquidyoucanload?5. Whatisoutage?6. Howcanyouhelpcontrolsurge?7. Whattworeasonsmakespecialcarenecessarywhendrivingtankvehicles?
Thesequestionsmaybeonthetest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadSection8.
8-6
9-1
Hazardous Materials
This section covers:• The intent of the regulations• Bulk tank loading, unloading, and marking• Driver responsibilities• Driving and parking rules• Communications rules• Emergencies• Loading and unloading
If you will drive a vehicle with hazardous materials placards, study this section.
If you are applying for your first CDL, also study all sections for the class of license and endorsements you want.
Federal regulations require all hazardous materials endorsement holders and applicants to undergo a background and fingerprint check before a new or renewal endorsement can be issued. No driver may transport hazardous materials unless they have successfully passed these checks. Additional information, including driver eligibility requirements, is located at the end of this section.Hazardousmaterialsareproductsthatposearisktohealth,
safety,andpropertyduringtransportation.ThetermoftenisshortenedtoHAZMAT,whichyoumayseeonroadsigns,ortoHMingovernmentregulations.Hazardousmaterialsincludeexplosives,varioustypesofgas,solids,flammableandcombustibleliquid,andothermaterials.Becauseoftherisksinvolvedandthepotentialconsequencestheserisksimpose,alllevelsofgovernmentregulatethehandlingofhazardousmaterials.
9-2
TheHazardousMaterialsRegulations(HMR)isfoundinparts100-185oftitle49oftheCodeofFederalRegulations.Thecommonreferencefortheseregulationsis49CFR100-185.TheHazardousMaterialsTableintheregulationscontainsalist
oftheseitems.However,thislistisnotall-inclusive.Whetherornotamaterialisconsideredhazardousisbasedonitscharacteristicsandtheshipper’sdecisiononwhetherornotthematerialmeetsadefinitionofahazardousmaterialintheregulations.Theregulationsrequirevehiclestransportingcertaintypesor
quantitiesofhazardousmaterialstodisplaydiamond-shaped,squareonpoint,warningsignscalledplacards.Thissectionisdesignedtoassistyouinunderstandingyour
roleandresponsibilitiesinhaulinghazardousmaterials.Duetotheconstantlychangingnatureofgovernmentregulations,itisimpossibletoguaranteeabsoluteaccuracyofthematerialsinthissection.Anup-to-datecopyofthecompleteregulationsisessentialforyoutohave.Includedintheseregulationsisacompleteglossaryofterms.Youmusthaveacommercialdriverlicense(CDL)witha
hazardousmaterialsendorsementbeforeyoudriveanysizevehiclethatisusedtotransporthazardousmaterialasdefinedin49CFR383.5.Youmustpassawrittentestabouttheregulationsandrequirementstogetthisendorsement.Everythingyouneedtoknowtopassthewrittentestisinthis
section.However,thisisonlyabeginning.Mostdriversneedtoknowmuchmoreonthejob.Youcanlearnmorebyreadingandunderstandingthefederalandstaterulesapplicabletohazardousmaterials,aswellas,attendinghazardousmaterialstrainingcourses.Youremployer,collegesanduniversities,andvariousassociationsusuallyofferthesecourses.YoucangetcopiesoftheFederalRegulations(49CFR)throughyourlocalGovernmentPrintingOfficebookstoreandvariousindustrypublishers.Unionorcompanyofficesoftenhavecopiesoftherulesfordriveruse.Findoutwhereyoucangetyourowncopytouseonthejob.Theregulationsrequiretrainingandtestingforalldrivers
involvedintransportinghazardousmaterials.Your employer or a designated representative is required to provide this training and testing. Hazardousmaterialsemployersarerequiredtokeeparecordofthattrainingoneachemployeeaslongasthatemployeeisworkingwithhazardousmaterials,andfor90daysthereafter.Theregulationsrequirethathazardousmaterialsemployeesbetrainedandtestedatleastonceeverythreeyears.
9-3
Alldriversmustbetrainedinthesecurityrisksofhazardousmaterialstransportation.Thistrainingincludeshowtorecognizeandrespondtopossiblesecuritythreats.Theregulationsalsorequirethatdrivershavespecialtraining
beforedrivingavehicletransportingcertainflammablegasmaterialsorhighwayroutecontrolledquantitiesofradioactivematerials.Inaddition,driverstransportingcargotanksandportabletanksmustreceivespecializedtraining.Each driver’s employer or a designated representative must provide such training.Somelocationsrequirepermitstotransportcertainexplosives
orbulkhazardouswastes.Statesandcountiesalsomayrequiredriverstofollowspecialhazardousmaterialsroutes.Thefederalgovernmentmayrequirepermitsorexemptionsforspecialhazardousmaterialscargosuchasrocketfuel.Findoutaboutpermits,exemptions,andspecialroutesfortheplacesyoudrive.
9.1 – The Intent of the Regulations
Contain the MaterialTransportinghazardousmaterialscanberisky.Theregulations
areintendedtoprotectyou,thosearoundyou,andtheenvironment.Theytellshippershowtopackagethematerialssafelyanddrivershowtoload,transport,andunloadthematerial.Thesearecalled“containmentrules.”
Communicate the RiskTocommunicatetherisk,shippersmustwarndriversandothers
aboutthematerial’shazards.Theregulationsrequireshipperstoputhazardwarninglabelsonpackages,providepropershippingpapers,emergencyresponseinformation,andplacards.Thesestepscommunicatethehazardtotheshipper,thecarrier,andthedriver.
Assure Safe Drivers and EquipmentInordertogetahazardousmaterialsendorsementona
CDL,youmustpassawrittentestabouttransportinghazardousmaterials.Topassthetest,youmustknowhowto:• Identifywhatarehazardousmaterials.• Safelyloadshipments.• Properlyplacardyourvehicleinaccordancewiththerules.• Safelytransportshipments.
9-4
Learntherulesandfollowthem.Followingtherulesreducestheriskofinjuryfromhazardousmaterials.Takingshortcutsbybreakingrulesisunsafe.Rulebreakerscanbefinedandputinjail.Inspectyourvehiclebeforeandduringeachtrip.Law
enforcementofficersmaystopandinspectyourvehicle.Whenstopped,theymaycheckyourshippingpapers,vehicleplacards,andthehazardousmaterialsendorsementonyourdriverlicense,andyourknowledgeofhazardousmaterials.
9.2 – Hazardous Materials Transportation: Who Does What
The ShipperSendsproductsfromoneplacetoanotherbytruck,rail,vessel,
orairplane.Usesthehazardousmaterialsregulationstodeterminethe
product’s:• Propershippingname.• Hazardclass.• Identificationnumber.• Packinggroup.• Correctpackaging.• Correctlabelandmarkings.• Correctplacards.• Mustpackage,mark,andlabelthematerials;prepareshippingpapers;provideemergencyresponseinformation;andsupplyplacards.
• Certifyontheshippingpaperthattheshipmenthasbeenpreparedaccordingtotherules(unlessyouarepullingcargotankssuppliedbyyouoryouremployer).
The Carrier• Takestheshipmentfromtheshippertoitsdestination.• Priortotransportation,checksthattheshippercorrectlydescribed,marked,labeled,andotherwisepreparedtheshipmentfortransportation.
• Refusesimpropershipments.• Reportsaccidentsandincidentsinvolvinghazardousmaterialstothepropergovernmentagency.
9-5
The Driver• Makessuretheshipperhasidentified,marked,andlabeledthehazardousmaterialsproperly.
• Refusesleakingpackagesandshipments.• Placardsvehiclewhenloading,ifrequired.• Safelytransportstheshipmentwithoutdelay.• Followsallspecialrulesabouttransportinghazardousmaterials.
• Keepshazardousmaterialsshippingpapersandemergencyresponseinformationintheproperplace.
9.3 – Communication Rules
DefinitionsSomewordsandphraseshavespecialmeaningswhentalking
abouthazardousmaterials.Someofthesemaydifferfrommeaningsyouareusedto.Thewordsandphrasesinthissectionmaybeonyourtest.ThemeaningsofotherimportantwordsareintheglossaryattheendofSection9.Amaterial’shazardclassreflectstherisksassociatedwithit.
Thereareninedifferenthazardclasses.ThetypesofmaterialsincludedinthesenineclassesareinFigure9.1.
9-6
Hazardous Material Class
Class Division Nameofclassordivision Examples
1 1.11.21.31.41.5
MassexplosivesProjectionhazardsMassfirehazardsVeryinsensitiveExtremeinsensitive
DynamiteFlaresDisplayfireworksAmmunitionBlastingagentsExplosivedevices
2 2.12.2
2.3
FlammablegasesNon-flammablegasesPoisonous/ToxicGases
PropaneHelium
Fluorine,compressed
3 - Flammableliquids Gasoline
4 4.14.2
4.3
FlammablesolidsSpontaneouslycombustibleDangerouswhenwet
Ammoniumpicrate,WettedWhitephosphorusSodium
5 5.15.2
OxidizersOrganicperoxides
AmmoniumnitrateMethylethylketonePeroxide
6 6.1
6.2
Poison(toxicmaterial)Infectioussubstances
Potassiumcyanide
Anthraxvirus
7 - Radioactive Uranium
8 - Corrosives Batteryfluid
9 - Miscellaneoushazardousmaterials
Polychlorinatedbiphenyls(PCB)
e - ORM-D(OtherRegulatedMaterial-Domestic)
Foodflavorings,medicines
- Combustibleliquids Fueloil
Figure 9.1
Ashippingpaperdescribesthehazardousmaterialsbeingtransported.Shippingorders,billsoflading,andmanifestsareallshippingpapers.Figure9.6showsanexampleshippingpaper.
9-7
Figure 9.2 Examples of HAZMAT labels
Afteranaccidentorhazardousmaterialsspillorleak,youmaybeinjuredandunabletocommunicatethehazardsofthematerialsyouaretransporting.Firefightersandpolicecanpreventorreducetheamountofdamageorinjuryatthesceneiftheyknowwhathazardousmaterialsarebeingcarried.Yourlife,andthelivesofothers,maydependonquicklylocatingthehazardousmaterialsshippingpapers.Forthatreasontherulesrequire:• Shipperstodescribehazardousmaterialscorrectlyandincludeanemergencyresponsetelephonenumberonshippingpapers.
• Carriersanddriverstoquicklyidentifyhazardousmaterialsshippingpapers,orkeepthemontopofothershippingpapersandkeeptherequiredemergencyresponseinformationwiththeshippingpapers.
• Driverstokeephazardousmaterialsshippingpapers:- Inapouchonthedriver’sdoor,or- Inclearviewwithinimmediatereachwhiletheseatbeltisfastenedwhiledriving,or- Onthedriver’sseatwhenoutofthevehicle.
Package LabelsShippersputdiamond-shapedhazardwarninglabelsonmost
hazardousmaterialspackages.Theselabelsinformothersofthehazard.Ifthediamondlabelwon’tfitonthepackage,shippersmayputthelabelonatagsecurelyattachedtothepackage.Forexample,compressedgascylindersthatwillnotholdalabelwillhavetagsordecals.LabelslookliketheexamplesinFigure9.2.
9-8
Figure 9.3 Examples of HAZMAT placards
Lists of Regulated ProductsPlacards. Placardsareusedtowarnothersofhazardous
materials.Placardsaresignsputontheoutsideofavehicleandonbulkpackages,whichidentifythehazardclassofthecargo.Aplacardedvehiclemusthaveatleastfouridenticalplacards.Theyareputonthefront,rear,andbothsidesofthevehicle.SeeFigure9.3.Placardsmustbereadablefromallfourdirections.Theyareatleast103/4inchessquare,square-on-point,inadiamondshape.Cargotanksandotherbulkpackagingdisplaytheidentificationnumberoftheircontentsonplacardsororangepanelsorwhitesquare-on-pointdisplaysthatarethesamesizeasplacards.
Identificationnumbersareafour-digitcodeusedbyfirstresponderstoidentifyhazardousmaterials.Anidentificationnumbermaybeusedtoidentifymorethanonechemical.Theletters“NAor“UN”willprecedetheidentificationnumber.TheUnitedStatesDepartmentofTransportation’sEmergencyResponseGuidebook(ERG)liststhechemicalsandtheidentificationnumbersassignedtothem.
9-9
Therearethreemainlistsusedbyshippers,carriers,anddriverswhentryingtoidentifyhazardousmaterials.Beforetransportingamaterial,lookforitsnameonthreelists.Somematerialsareonalllists,othersononlyone.Alwayscheckthefollowinglists:Section172.101,theHazardousMaterialsTable.AppendixAtoSection172.101,theListofHazardous
SubstancesandReportableQuantities.AppendixBtoSection172.101,theListofMarinePollutants.
The hazardous materials table. Figure9.4showspartoftheHazardousMaterialsTable.Column1tellswhichshippingmode(s)theentryaffectsandotherinformationconcerningtheshippingdescription.Thenextfivecolumnsshoweachmaterial’sshippingname,hazardclassordivision,identificationnumber,packaginggroup,andrequiredlabels.
SixdifferentsymbolsmayappearinColumn1ofthetable.(+) Showsthepropershippingname,hazardclass,andpackinggrouptouse,evenifthematerialdoesn’tmeetthehazardclassdefinition.
(A) MeansthehazardousmaterialdescribedinColumn2issubjecttotheHMRonlywhenofferedorintendedfortransportbyairunlessitisahazardoussubstanceorhazardouswaste.
(W)MeansthehazardousmaterialdescribedinColumn2issubjecttotheHMRonlywhenofferedorintendedfortransportationbywaterunlessitisahazardoussubstance,hazardouswaste,ormarinepollutant.
(D)Meansthepropershippingnameisappropriatefordescribingmaterialsfordomestictransportation,butmaynotbeproperforinternationaltransportation.
(I) Identifiesapropershippingnamethatisusedtodescribematerialsininternationaltransportation.Adifferentshippingnamemaybeusedwhenonlydomestictransportationisinvolved.
(G)MeansthishazardousmaterialdescribedinColumn2isagenericshippingname.Agenericshippingnamemustbeaccompaniedbyatechnicalnameontheshippingpaper.Atechnicalnameisaspecificchemicalthatmakestheproducthazardous.
9-10
49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials TablePackaging*173.***)
Symbols Hazardousmaterialsdescriptionsandpropershippingnames
Hazardclassordivision
Identifi-cationnumbers
PG Labelcodes
Specialprovisions(172.102)
Exceptions Nonbulk
Bulk
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8A) (8B) (8C)
A Acetaldehydeammonia
9 UN1841 III 9 IB8,IP6 155 204 240
Figure 9.4
Appendix A to 49 CFR 172List of hazardous substances and reportable quantities
Hazardoussubstances Reportablequantity(RQ)pounds(Kilograms)
Phenylmercaptan@ 100(45.4)
Phenylmercuricacetate 100(45.4)
N-Phenylthiourea 100(45.4)
Phorate 10(4.54)
Phosgene 10(4.54)
Phosphine 10(4.54)*
Phosphoricacid 5,000(2,270)
Phosphoricacid,diethyl,4-nitrophenylester
100(45.4)
Phosphoricacid,leadsalt 10(.454)
*Spillsof10poundsormoremustbereported.
Figure 9.5
Column2liststhepropershippingnamesanddescriptionsofregulatedmaterials.Entriesareinalphabeticalordersoyoucanmorequicklyfindtherightentry.Thetableshowspropershippingnamesinregulartype.Theshippingpapermustshowpropershippingnames.Namesshowninitalicsarenotpropershippingnames.
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Column3showsamaterial’shazardclassordivision,ortheentry“Forbidden.”Nevertransporta“Forbidden”material.Placardhazardousmaterialsbasedonthequantityandhazardclass.Youcandecidewhichplacardstouseifyouknowthesethreethings:• Material’shazardclass.• Amountbeingshipped.• Amountofallhazardousmaterialsofallclassesonyourvehicle.
Column4liststheidentificationnumberforeachpropershippingname.Identificationnumbersareprecededbytheletters“UN”or“NA.”Theletters“NA”areassociatedwithpropershippingnamesthatareonlyusedwithintheUnitedStatesandtoandfromCanada.Theidentificationnumbermustappearontheshippingpaperaspartoftheshippingdescriptionandalsoappearonthepackage.Italsomustappearoncargotanksandotherbulkpackaging.Policeandfirefightersusethisnumbertoquicklyidentifythehazardousmaterials.
Column5showsthepackinggroup(inRomannumeral)assignedtoamaterial.
Column6showsthehazardwarninglabel(s)shippersmustputonpackagesofhazardousmaterials.Someproductsrequireuseofmorethanonelabelduetoadualhazardbeingpresent.
Column7liststheadditional(special)provisionsthatapplytothismaterial.Whenthereisanentryinthiscolumn,youmustrefertothefederalregulationsforspecificinformation.Thenumbers1-6inthiscolumnmeanthehazardousmaterialisapoisoninhalationhazard(PIH).PIHmaterialshavespecialrequirementsforshippingpapers,marking,andplacards.
Column8isathree-partcolumnshowingthesectionnumberscoveringthepackagingrequirementsforeachhazardousmaterial.
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Note: Columns 9 and 10 do not apply to transportation by highway.
Appendix A to 49 CFR 172.101 - The List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities. TheDOTandtheEPAwanttoknowaboutspillsofhazardoussubstances.TheyarenamedintheListofHazardousSubstancesandReportableQuantities.SeeFigure9.5.Column3ofthelistshowseachproduct’sreportablequantity(RQ).Whenthesematerialsarebeingtransportedinareportablequantityorgreaterinonepackage,theshipperdisplaysthelettersRQontheshippingpaperandpackage.ThelettersRQmayappearbeforeorafterthebasicdescription.Youoryouremployermustreportanyspillofthesematerials,whichoccursinareportablequantity.IfthewordsINHALATIONHAZARDappearontheshipping
paperorpackage,therulesrequiredisplayofthePOISONINHALATIONHAZARDorPOISONGASplacards,asappropriate.Theseplacardsmustbeusedinadditiontootherplacards,whichmayberequiredbytheproduct’shazardclass.AlwaysdisplaythehazardclassplacardandthePOISONINHALATIONHAZARDplacard,evenforsmallamounts.
Appendix B to 49 CFR 172.101 - List of Marine PollutantsAppendixBisalistingofchemicalsthataretoxictomarinelife.
Forhighwaytransportation,thislistisonlyusedforchemicalsinacontainerwithacapacityof119gallonsormorewithoutaplacardorlabelasspecifiedbytheHMR.AnybulkpackagesofaMarinePollutantmustdisplaytheMarine
Pollutantmarking(whitetrianglewithafishandan“X”throughthefish).Thismarking(itisnotaplacard)mustalsobedisplayedontheoutsideofthevehicle.Inaddition,anotationmustbemadeontheshippingpapersnearthedescriptionofthematerial:“MarinePollutant”.
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Shipping Paper
Page1of1TO: ABC
Corporation88ValleySt.AnywhereVA
FROM: DEFCorporation55MountainSt.NowhereCO
Quantity HM Description Weight
1cylinder RQ(“RQ”meansthatthisisareportablequantity.)
Phosgene,2.3UN1076Poison,inhalationhazard,ZoneA
(PhosgeneisthepropershippingnamefromColumn2oftheHazardousMaterialsTable.)(2.3istheHazardClassfromColumn3oftheHazardousMaterialsTable.)(UN1076istheIdentificationNumberfromtheColumn4oftheHazardousMaterialsTable.)
25lbs
Thisistocertifythattheabovenamedmaterialsareproperlyclassified,described,packaged,marked,andlabeled,andareinproperconditionfortransportationaccordingtotheapplicableregulationsoftheUnitedStatesDepartmentofTransportation.
Shipper: DEFCorporation
Carrier: SafetyFirst
Per: Smith Per:
Date: October15,2003
Date:
SpecialInstructions:24hourEmergencyContact,JohnSmith1-800-555-5555
Figure 9.6
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The Shipping PaperTheshippingpapershowninFigure9.6describesashipment.A
shippingpaperforhazardousmaterialsmustinclude:• Pagenumbersiftheshippingpaperhasmorethanonepage.Thefirstpagemusttellthetotalnumberofpages.Forexample,“Page1of4”.
• Apropershippingdescriptionforeachhazardousmaterial.• Ashipper’scertification,signedbytheshipper,sayingtheypreparedtheshipmentaccordingtotheregulations.
The Item DescriptionIfashippingpaperdescribesbothhazardousandnon-
hazardousproducts,thehazardousmaterialswillbeeither:• Describedfirst.• Highlightedinacontrastingcolor.• Identifiedbyan“X”placedbeforetheshippingnameinacolumncaptioned“HM”.Theletters“RQ”maybeusedinsteadof“X”ifareportablequantityispresentinonepackage.
Thebasicdescriptionofhazardousmaterialsincludesthepropershippingname,hazardclassordivision,theidentificationnumber,andthepackinggroup,ifany,inthatorder.ThepackinggroupisdisplayedinRomannumeralsandmaybeprecededby“PG”.Shippingname,hazardclass,andidentificationnumbermust
notbeabbreviatedunlessspecificallyauthorizedinthehazardousmaterialsregulations.Thedescriptionmustalsoshow:• Thetotalquantityandunitofmeasure.• ThelettersRQ,ifareportablequantity.• IfthelettersRQappear,thenameofthehazardoussubstance.
• Forallmaterialswiththeletter“G”(Generic)inColumn1,thetechnicalnameofthehazardousmaterial.
Shippingpapersalsomustlistanemergencyresponsetelephonenumber.Theemergencyresponsetelephonenumberistheresponsibilityoftheshipper.Itcanbeusedbyemergencyresponderstoobtaininformationaboutanyhazardousmaterialsinvolvedinaspillorfire.Somehazardousmaterialsdonotneedatelephonenumber.Youshouldchecktheregulationstodeterminewhichdoneedatelephonenumber.Shippersalsomustprovideemergencyresponseinformation
tothemotorcarrierforeachhazardousmaterialbeingshipped.Theemergencyresponseinformationmustbeabletobeusedawayfromthemotorvehicleandmustprovideinformationonhow
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tosafelyhandleincidentsinvolvingthematerial.Itmustincludeinformationontheshippingnameofthehazardousmaterials,riskstohealth,fire,explosion,andinitialmethodsofhandlingspills,fires,andleaksofthematerials.Suchinformationcanbeontheshippingpaperorsomeother
documentthatincludesthebasicdescriptionandtechnicalnameofthehazardousmaterial.Or,itmaybeinaguidancebooksuchastheEmergencyResponseGuidebook(ERG).MotorcarriersmayassistshippersbykeepinganERGoneachvehiclecarryinghazardousmaterials.Thedrivermustprovidetheemergencyresponseinformationtoanyfederal,state,orlocalauthorityrespondingtoahazardousmaterialsincidentorinvestigatingone.Totalquantitymustappearbeforeorafterthebasicdescription.
Thepackagingtypeandtheunitofmeasurementmaybeabbreviated.Forexample:10ctns.Paint,3,UN1263,PGII,500lbs.
TheshipperofhazardouswastesmustputthewordWASTEbeforethepropershippingnameofthematerialontheshippingpaper(hazardouswastemanifest).Forexample:WasteAcetone,3,UN1090,PGII.
Anon-hazardousmaterialmaynotbedescribedbyusingahazardclassoranidentificationnumber.
Shipper’s CertificationWhentheshipperpackageshazardousmaterials,he/she
certifiesthatthepackagehasbeenpreparedaccordingtotherules.Thesignedshipper’scertificationappearsontheoriginalshippingpaper.Theonlyexceptionsarewhenashipperisaprivatecarriertransportingtheirownproductandwhenthepackageisprovidedbythecarrier(forexample,acargotank).UnlessapackageisclearlyunsafeordoesnotcomplywiththeHMR,youmayaccepttheshipper’scertificationconcerningproperpackaging.Somecarriershaveadditionalrulesabouttransportinghazardousmaterials.Followyouremployer’sruleswhenacceptingshipments.
Package Markings and LabelsShippersprintrequiredmarkingsdirectlyonthepackage,an
attachedlabel,ortag.Animportantpackagemarkingisthenameofthehazardousmaterials.Itisthesamenameastheoneontheshippingpaper.Therequirementsformarkingvarybypackagesizeandmaterialbeingtransported.Whenrequired,theshipperwillputthefollowingonthepackage:
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• Thenameandaddressofshipperorconsignee.• Thehazardousmaterialsshippingnameandidentificationnumber.
• Thelabelsrequired.
Itisagoodideatocomparetheshippingpapertothemarkingsandlabels.Alwaysmakesurethattheshippershowsthecorrectbasicdescriptionontheshippingpaperandverifiesthattheproperlabelsareshownonthepackages.Ifyouarenotfamiliarwiththematerial,asktheshippertocontactyouroffice.Ifrulesrequireit,theshipperwillputRQ,MARINEPOLLUTANT,
BIOHAZARD,HOT,orINHALATION-HAZARDonthepackage.Packageswithliquidcontainersinsidewillalsohavepackageorientationmarkingswiththearrowspointinginthecorrectuprightdirection.Thelabelsusedalwaysreflectthehazardclassoftheproduct.Ifapackageneedsmorethanonelabel,thelabelsmustbeclosetogether,nearthepropershippingname.
Recognizing Hazardous MaterialsLearntorecognizeshipmentsofhazardousmaterials.Tofindout
iftheshipmentincludeshazardousmaterials,lookattheshippingpaper.Doesithave:• Anentrywithapropershippingname,hazardclass,andidentificationnumber?
• Ahighlightedentry,oronewithanXorRQinthehazardousmaterialscolumn?
Othercluessuggestinghazardousmaterials:• Whatbusinessistheshipperin?Paintdealer?Chemicalsupply?Scientificsupplyhouse?Pestcontroloragriculturalsupplier?Explosives,munitions,orfireworksdealer?
• Aretheretankswithdiamondlabelsorplacardsonthepremises?
• Whattypeofpackageisbeingshipped?Cylindersanddrumsareoftenusedforhazardousmaterialsshipments.
• Isahazardclasslabel,propershippingname,oridentificationnumberonthepackage?
• Arethereanyhandlingprecautions?
Hazardous Waste ManifestWhentransportinghazardouswastes,youmustsignbyhand
andcarryaUniformHazardousWasteManifest.ThenameandEPAregistrationnumberoftheshippers,carriers,anddestination
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mustappearonthemanifest.Shippersmustprepare,date,andsignbyhandthemanifest.Treatthemanifestasashippingpaperwhentransportingthewaste.Onlygivethewasteshipmenttoanotherregisteredcarrierordisposal/treatmentfacility.Eachcarriertransportingtheshipmentmustsignbyhandthemanifest.Afteryoudelivertheshipment,keepyourcopyofthemanifest.Eachcopymusthaveallneededsignaturesanddates,includingthoseofthepersontowhomyoudeliveredthewaste.
PlacardingAttachtheappropriateplacardstothevehiclebeforeyoudrive
it.Youareonlyallowedtomoveanimproperlyplacardedvehicleduringanemergency,inordertoprotectlifeorproperty.Placardsmustappearonbothsidesandbothendsofthe
vehicle.Eachplacardmustbe:• Easilyseenfromthedirectionitfaces.• Placedsothewordsornumbersarelevelandreadfromlefttoright.
• Atleastthreeinchesawayfromanyothermarkings.• Keptclearofattachmentsordevicessuchasladders,doors,andtarpaulins.
• Keptcleanandundamagedsothatthecolor,format,andmessageareeasilyseen.
• Beaffixedtoabackgroundofcontrastingcolor.• Theuseof“DriveSafely”andotherslogansisprohibited.• Thefrontplacardmaybeonthefrontofthetractororthefrontofthetrailer.
Todecidewhichplacardstouse,youneedtoknow:• Thehazardclassofthematerials.• Theamountofhazardousmaterialsshipped.• Thetotalweightofallclassesofhazardousmaterialsinyourvehicle.
Placard TablesTherearetwoplacardtables,Table1andTable2.Table1
materialsmustbeplacardedwheneveranyamountistransported.SeeFigure9.7.Exceptforbulkpackaging,thehazardclassesinTable2need
placardsonlyifthetotalamounttransportedis1,001poundsormoreincludingthepackage.AddtheamountsfromallshippingpapersforalltheTable2productsyouhaveonboard.SeeFigure9.8.
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Placard Table 1Any amount
Ifyourvehiclecontainsanyamountof… Placardas…
1.1Massexplosives Explosives1.1
1.2Projecthazards Explosives1.2
1.3Massfirehazards Explosives1.3
2.3Poisonous/Toxicgases Poisongas
4.3Dangerouswhenwet Dangerouswhenwet
5.2(Organicperoxide,TypeB,liquidorsolid,Temperaturecontrolled)
Organicperoxide
6.1(InhalationhazardzoneA&Bonly) Poison/toxicinhalation
7(RadioactiveyellowIIIlabelonly) Radioactive
Figure 9.7
YoumayuseDANGEROUSplacardsinsteadofseparateplacardsforeachTable2hazardclasswhen:• Youhave1,001poundsormoreoftwoormoreTable2hazardclasses,requiringdifferentplacards,and
• Youhavenotloaded2,205poundsormoreofanyTable2hazardclassmaterialatanyoneplace.(Youmustusethespecificplacardforthismaterial.)
• Thedangerousplacardisanoption,notarequirement.Youcanalwaysplacardforthematerials.
IfthewordsINHALATIONHAZARDareontheshippingpaperorpackage,youmustdisplayPOISONGASorPOISONINHALATIONplacardsinadditiontoanyotherplacardsneededbytheproduct’shazardclass.The1,000poundexceptiondoesnotapplytothesematerials.Materialswithasecondaryhazardofdangerouswhenwet
mustdisplaytheDANGEROUSWHENWETplacardinadditiontoanyotherplacardsneededbytheproduct’shazardclass.The1,000-poundexceptiontoplacardingdoesnotapplytothesematerials.
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Placard Table 21,001 Pounds Or More
Categoryofmaterial(Hazardclassordivisionnumberandadditionaldescription,asappropriate)
PlacardName
1.4Minorexplosion Explosives1.4
1.5Veryinsensitive Explosives1.5
1.6Extremelyinsensitive Explosives1.6
2.1Flammablegases Flammablegas
2.2Non-flammablegases Non-flammablegas
3Flammableliquids Flammable
Combustibleliquid Combustible*
4.1Flammablesolids Flammablesolid
4.2Spontaneouslycombustible Spontaneouslycombustible
5.1Oxidizers Oxidizer
5.2(otherthanorganicperoxide,TypeB,liquidorsolid,temperaturecontrolled)
Organicperoxide
6.1(otherthaninhalationhazardzoneAorB)
Poison
6.2Infectioussubstances (None)
8Corrosives Corrosive
9Miscellaneoushazardousmaterials
Class9**
ORM-D (None)
*FLAMMABLEmaybeusedinplaceofaCOMBUSTIBLEonacargotankorportabletank.
**Class9placardisnotrequiredfordomestictransportation.
Figure 9.8
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Placardsusedtoidentifytheprimaryorsubsidiaryhazardclassofamaterialmusthavethehazardclassordivisionnumberdisplayedinthelowercorneroftheplacard.Permanentlyaffixedsubsidiaryhazardplacardswithoutthehazardclassnumbermaybeusedaslongastheystaywithincolorspecifications.Placardsmaybedisplayedforhazardousmaterialsevenifnotrequiredsolongastheplacardidentifiesthehazardofthematerialbeingtransported.Abulkpackagingisasinglecontainerwithacapacityof119
gallonsormore.Abulkpackage,andavehicletransportingabulkpackage,mustbeplacarded,evenifitonlyhastheresidueofahazardousmaterial.Certainbulkpackagesonlyhavetobeplacardedonthetwooppositesidesormaydisplaylabels.Allotherbulkpackagesmustbeplacardedonallfoursides.
Test your knowledge1. Shipperspackageinorderto(fillintheblank)thematerial.2. Driverplacardtheirvehicleto(fillintheblank)therisk.3. Whatthreethingsdoyouneedtoknowtodecidewhichplacards(ifany)youneed?
4. Ahazardousmaterialsidentificationnumbermustappearonthe(fillintheblank)andonthe(fillintheblank).Theidentificationnumbermustalsoappearoncargotanksandotherbulkpackaging.
5. Wheremustyoukeepshippingpapersdescribinghazardousmaterials?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections9.1,9.2,and9.3.
9.4 – Loading and UnloadingDoallyoucantoprotectcontainersofhazardousmaterials.
Don’tuseanytools,whichmightdamagecontainersorotherpackagingduringloading.Don’tusehooks.
General Loading RequirementsBeforeloadingorunloading,settheparkingbrake.Makesure
thevehiclewillnotmove.Manyproductsbecomemorehazardouswhenexposedtoheat.
Loadhazardousmaterialsawayfromheatsources.
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Watchforsignsofleakingordamagedcontainers:LEAKSSPELLTROUBLE!Donottransportleakingpackages.Dependingonthematerial,you,yourtruck,andotherscouldbeindanger.Itisillegaltomoveavehiclewithleakinghazardousmaterials.Containersofhazardousmaterialsmustbebracedtoprevent
movementofthepackagesduringtransportation.
No smoking. Whenloadingorunloadinghazardousmaterials,keepfireaway.Don’tletpeoplesmokenearby.Neversmokearound:• Class1(Explosives)• Class2.1(FlammableGas)• Class3(FlammableLiquids)• Class4(FlammableSolids)• Class5(Oxidizers)
Secure against movement. Bracecontainerssotheywillnotfall,slide,orbouncearoundduringtransportation.Beverycarefulwhenloadingcontainersthathavevalvesorotherfittings.Allhazardousmaterialspackagesmustbesecuredduringtransportation.Afterloading,donotopenanypackageduringyourtrip.Never
transferhazardousmaterialsfromonepackagetoanotherwhileintransit.Youmayemptyacargotank,butdonotemptyanyotherpackagewhileitisonthevehicle.
Cargo heater rules. Therearespecialcargoheaterrulesforloading:• Class1(Explosives)• Class2.1(FlammableGas)• Class3(FlammableLiquids)
Therulesusuallyforbiduseofcargoheaters,includingautomaticcargoheater/airconditionerunits.Unlessyouhavereadalltherelatedrules,don’tloadtheaboveproductsinacargospacethathasaheater.
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Use closed cargo space. Youcannothaveoverhangortailgateloadsof:• Class1(Explosives)• Class4(FlammableSolids)• Class5(Oxidizers)
Youmustloadthesehazardousmaterialsintoaclosedcargospaceunlessallpackagesare:• Fireandwaterresistant.• Coveredwithafireandwaterresistanttarp.
Precautions for Specific HazardsClass 1 (Explosives) materials. Turnyourengineoffbefore
loadingorunloadinganyexplosives.Thencheckthecargospace.Youmust:• Disablecargoheaters.Disconnectheaterpowersourcesanddrainheaterfueltanks.
• Makesuretherearenosharppointsthatmightdamagecargo.Lookforbolts,screws,nails,brokensidepanels,andbrokenfloorboards.
• UseafloorliningwithDivision1.1,1.2,or1.3(ClassAorBExplosives).Thefloorsmustbetightandthelinermustbeeithernon-metallicmaterialornon-ferrousmetal.
Useextracaretoprotectexplosives.Neverusehooksorothermetaltools.Neverdrop,throw,orrollpackages.Protectexplosivepackagesfromothercargothatmightcausedamage.DonottransferaDivision1.1,1.2,or1.3fromonevehicleto
anotheronapublicroadwayexceptinanemergency.Ifsafetyrequiresanemergencytransfer,setoutredwarningreflectors,flags,orelectriclanterns.Youmustwarnothersontheroad.Nevertransportdamagedpackagesofexplosives.Donottakea
packagethatshowsanydampnessoroilystain.
DonottransportDivision1.1or1.2invehiclecombinationsif:• Thereisamarkedorplacardedcargotankinthecombination.• Theothervehicleinthecombinationcontains:- Division1.1A(InitiatingExplosives).- PackagesofClass7(Radioactive)materialslabeled“YellowIII.”- Division2.3(PoisonousGas)orDivision6.1(Poisonous)materials.- Hazardousmaterialsinaportabletank,onaDOTSpec106Aor110Atank.
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Class 4 (Flammable Solids) and Class 5 (Oxidizers) materials. Class4materialsaresolidsthatreact(includingfireandexplosion)towater,heat,andairorevenreactspontaneously.Class4and5materialsmustbecompletelyenclosedina
vehicleorcoveredsecurely.Class4and5materials,whichbecomeunstableanddangerouswhenwet,mustbekeptdrywhileintransitandduringloadingandunloading.Materialsthataresubjecttospontaneouscombustionorheatingmustbeinvehicleswithsufficientventilation.
Class 8 (Corrosive) materials. Ifloadingbyhand,loadbreakablecontainersofcorrosiveliquidonebyone.Keepthemrightsideup.Donotdroporrollthecontainers.Loadthemontoanevenfloorsurface.Stackcarboysonlyifthelowertierscanbeartheweightoftheuppertierssafely.Donotloadnitricacidaboveanyotherproduct.Loadchargedstoragebatteriessotheirliquidwon’tspill.Keep
themrightsideup.Makesureothercargowon’tfallagainstorshortcircuitthem.
Neverloadcorrosiveliquidsnexttoorabove:• Division1.4(ExplosivesC)• Division4.1(FlammableSolids)• Division4.3(DangerousWhenWet)• Class5(Oxidizers)• Division2.3,ZoneB(PoisonousGases)
Neverloadcorrosiveliquidswith:• Division1.1or1.2• Division1.2or1.3• Division1.5(BlastingAgents)• Division2.3,ZoneA(PoisonousGases)• Division4.2(SpontaneouslyCombustibleMaterials)• Division6.1,PGI,ZoneA(PoisonLiquids)
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Class 2 (Compressed Gases) including cryogenic liquids. Ifyourvehicledoesn’thaverackstoholdcylinders,thecargospacefloormustbeflat.Thecylindersmustbe:• Heldupright.• Inracksattachedtothevehicleorinboxesthatwillkeepthemfromturningover.
Cylindersmaybeloadedinahorizontalposition(lyingdown)ifitisdesignedsothereliefvalveisinthevaporspace.
Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) or Division 6.1 (Poisonous) materials. Nevertransportthesematerialsincontainerswithinterconnections.NeverloadapackagelabeledPOISONorPOISONINHALATIONHAZARDinthedriver’scaborsleeperorwithfoodmaterialforhumanoranimalconsumption.TherearespecialrulesforloadingandunloadingClass2materialsincargotanks.Youmusthavespecialtrainingtodothis.
Class 7 (Radioactive) materials. SomepackagesofClass7(Radioactive)materialsbearanumbercalledthe“transportindex.”TheshipperlabelsthesepackagesRadioactiveIIorRadioactiveIII,andprintsthepackage’stransportindexonthelabel.Radiationsurroundseachpackage,passingthroughallnearbypackages.Todealwiththisproblem,thenumberofpackagesyoucanloadtogetheriscontrolled.Theirclosenesstopeople,animals,andunexposedfilmisalsocontrolled.Thetransportindextellsthedegreeofcontrolneededduringtransportation.Thetotaltransportindexofallpackagesinasinglevehiclemustnotexceed50.TableAtothissectionshowsrulesforeachtransportindex.ItshowshowcloseyoucanloadClass7(Radioactive)materialstopeople,animals,orfilm.Forexample,youcan’tleaveapackagewithatransportindexof1.1withintwofeetofpeopleorcargospacewalls.
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Do Not Load Table
Donotload Inthesamevehiclewith
Division6.1or2.3(POISONorpoisoninhalationhazardlabeledmaterial).
Animalorhumanfoodunlessthepoisonpackageisoverpackedinanapprovedway.Foodstuffsareanythingyouswallow.However,mouthwash,toothpaste,andskincreamsarenotfoodstuff.
Division2.3(Poisonous)gasZoneAorDivision6.1(Poison)liquids,PGI,ZoneA.
Division5.1(Oxidizers),Class3(FlammableLiquids),Class8(CorrosiveLiquids),Division5.2(OrganicPeroxides),Division1.1,1.2,1.3Explosives,Division1.5(BlastingAgents),Division2.1(FlammableGases),Class4(FlammableSolids).
Chargedstoragebatteries. Division1.1
Class1(Detonatingprimers). Anyotherexplosivesunlessinauthorizedcontainersorpackages.
Division6.1(Cyanidesorcyanidemixtures).
Acids,corrosivematerials,orotheracidicmaterialswhichcouldreleasehydrocyanicacid.Forexample: Cyanides,Inorganic,n.o.s. Silvercyanide Sodiumcyanide
Nitricacid(Class8). Othermaterialsunlessthenitricacidisnotloadedaboveanyothermaterial.
Figure 9.9
Mixed loads. Therulesrequiresomeproductstobeloadedseparately.Youcannotloadthemtogetherinthesamecargospace.Figure9.9listssomeexamples.Theregulations(theSegregationTableforHazardousMaterials)nameothermaterialsyoumustkeepapart.
9-26
Test your knowledge1. Aroundwhichhazardclassesmustyouneversmoke?2. Whichthreehazardclassesshouldnotbeloadedintoatrailerthathasaheater/airconditionerunit?
3. ShouldthefloorlinerrequiredforDivision1.1or1.2materialsbestainlesssteel?
4. Attheshipper’sdockyou’regivenapaperfor100cartonsofbatteryacid.Youalreadyhave100poundsofdrySilverCyanideonboard.Whatprecautionsdoyouhavetotake?
5. Nameahazardclassthatusestransportindexestodeterminetheamountthatcanbeloadedinasinglevehicle.
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsection9.4.
9.5 – Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading and UnloadingTheglossaryattheendofthissectiongivesthemeaningofthe
wordbulk.Cargotanksarebulkpackagingpermanentlyattachedtoavehicle.Cargotanksremainonthevehiclewhenyouloadandunloadthem.Portabletanksarebulkpackaging,whicharenotpermanentlyattachedtoavehicle.Theproductisloadedorunloadedwhiletheportabletanksareoffthevehicle.Portabletanksarethenputonavehiclefortransportation.Therearemanytypesofcargotanksinuse.ThemostcommoncargotanksareMC306forliquidsandMC331forgases.
MarkingsYoumustdisplaytheidentificationnumberofthehazardous
materialsinportabletanksandcargotanksandotherbulkpackaging(suchasdumptrucks).Identificationnumbersareincolumn4oftheHazardousMaterialsTable.Therulesrequireblack100mm(3.9inch)numbersonorangepanels,placards,orawhite,diamond-shapedbackgroundifnoplacardsarerequired.Specificationcargotanksmustshowre-testdatemarkings.Portabletanksmustalsoshowthelesseeorowner’sname.
Theymustalsodisplaytheshippingnameofthecontentsontwoopposingsides.Thelettersoftheshippingnamemustbeatleasttwoinchestallonportabletankswithcapacitiesofmorethan1,000gallonsandone-inchtallonportabletankswithcapacitiesoflessthan1,000gallons.Theidentificationnumbermustappearoneachsideandeachendofaportabletankorotherbulkpackaging
9-27
thathold1,000gallonsormoreandontwoopposingsides,iftheportabletankholdslessthan1,000gallons.Theidentificationnumbersmuststillbevisiblewhentheportabletankisonthemotorvehicle.Iftheyarenotvisible,youmustdisplaytheidentificationnumberonbothsidesandendsofthemotorvehicle.Intermediatebulkcontainers(IBCs)arebulkpackages,butare
notrequiredtohavetheowner’snameorshippingname.
Tank LoadingThepersoninchargeofloadingandunloadingacargotank
mustbesureaqualifiedpersonisalwayswatching.Thispersonwatchingtheloadingorunloadingmust:• Bealert.• Haveaclearviewofthecargotank.• Bewithin25feetofthetank.• Knowofthehazardsofthematerialsinvolved.• Knowtheprocedurestofollowinanemergency.• Beauthorizedtomovethecargotankandabletodoso.
Therearespecialattendancerulesforcargotankstransportingpropaneandanhydrousammonia.Closeallmanholesandvalvesbeforemovingatankof
hazardousmaterials,nomatterhowsmalltheamountinthetankorhowshortthedistance.Manholesandvalvesmustbeclosedtopreventleaks.Itisillegaltomoveacargotankwithopenvalvesorcoversunlessitisemptyaccordingto49CFR173.29.
Flammable LiquidsTurnoffyourenginebeforeloadingorunloadinganyflammable
liquids.Onlyruntheengineifneededtooperateapump.Groundacargotankcorrectlybeforefillingitthroughanopenfillinghole.Groundthetankbeforeopeningthefillinghole,andmaintainthegrounduntilafterclosingthefillinghole.
Compressed GasKeepliquiddischargevalvesonacompressedgastankclosed
exceptwhenloadingandunloading.Unlessyourenginerunsapumpforproducttransfer,turnitoffwhenloadingorunloading.Ifyouusetheengine,turnitoffafterproducttransfer,beforeyouunhookthehose.Unhookallloading/unloadingconnectionsbeforecoupling,uncoupling,ormovingacargotank.Alwayschocktrailersandsemi-trailerstopreventmotionwhenuncoupledfromthepowerunit.
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Test your knowledge1. Whatarecargotanks?2. Howisaportabletankdifferentfromacargotank?3. Yourenginerunsapumpusedduringdeliveryofcompressedgas.Shouldyouturnofftheenginebeforeorafterunhookinghosesafterdelivery?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsection9.5.
9.6 – Hazardous Materials – Driving and Parking Rules
Parking with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives NeverparkwithDivision1.1,1.2,or1.3explosiveswithinfive
feetofthetraveledpartoftheroad.Exceptforshortperiodsoftimeneededforvehicleoperationnecessities(e.g.,fueling),donotparkwithin300feetof:• Abridge,tunnel,orbuilding.• Aplacewherepeoplegather.• Anopenfire.
Ifyoumustparktodoyourjob,dosoonlybriefly.Don’tparkonprivatepropertyunlesstheownerisawareofthe
danger.Someonemustalwayswatchtheparkedvehicle.Youmayletsomeoneelsewatchitforyouonlyifyourvehicleis:• Ontheshipper’sproperty.• Onthecarrier’sproperty.• Ontheconsignee’sproperty.
Youareallowedtoleaveyourvehicleunattendedinasafehaven.Asafehavenisanapprovedplaceforparkingunattendedvehiclesloadedwithexplosives.Designationofauthorizedsafehavensisusuallymadebylocalauthorities.
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Parking a Placarded Vehicle Not Transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (Class A or B) ExplosivesYoumayparkaplacardedvehicle(notladenwithexplosives)
withinfivefeetofthetraveledpartoftheroadonlyifyourworkrequiresit.Dosoonlybriefly.Someonemustalwayswatchthevehiclewhenparkedonapublicroadwayorshoulder.Donotuncoupleatrailerandleaveitwithhazardousmaterialsonapublicstreet.Donotparkwithin300feetofanopenfire.
Attending Parked VehiclesThepersonattendingaplacardedvehiclemust:• Beinthevehicle,awake,andnotinthesleeperberth,orwithin100feetofthevehicleandhaveitwithinclearview.
• Beawareofthehazardsofthematerialsbeingtransported.• Knowwhattodoinemergencies.• Beabletomovethevehicle,ifneeded.
No Flares!Youmightbreakdownandhavetousestoppedvehiclesignals.
Usereflectivetrianglesorredelectriclights.Neveruseburningsignals,suchasflaresorfuses,arounda:• TankusedforClass3(FlammableLiquids)orDivision2.1(FlammableGas)whetherloadedorempty.
• VehicleloadedwithDivision1.1,1.2,or1.3Explosives.
Route RestrictionsSomestatesandcountiesrequirepermitstotransporthazardous
materialsorwastes.Theymaylimittheroutesyoucanuse.Localrulesaboutroutesandpermitschangeoften.Itisyourjobasdrivertofindoutifyouneedpermitsormustusespecialroutes.Makesureyouhaveallneededpapersbeforestarting.Ifyouworkforacarrier,askyourdispatcheraboutroute
restrictionsorpermits.Ifyouareanindependenttruckerandareplanninganewroute,checkwithstateagencieswhereyouplantotravel.Somelocalitiesprohibittransportationofhazardousmaterialsthroughtunnels,overbridges,orotherroadways.Alwayscheckbeforeyoustart.Wheneverplacarded,avoidheavilypopulatedareas,crowds,
tunnels,narrowstreets,andalleys.Takeotherroutes,evenifinconvenient,unlessthereisnootherway.Neverdriveaplacardedvehiclenearopenfiresunlessyoucansafelypasswithoutstopping.IftransportingDivision1.1,1.2,or1.3explosives,youmusthave
awrittenrouteplanandfollowthatplan.Carrierspreparetherouteplaninadvanceandgivethedriveracopy.Youmayplantheroute
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yourselfifyoupickuptheexplosivesatalocationotherthanyouremployer’sterminal.Writeouttheplaninadvance.Keepacopyofitwithyouwhiletransportingtheexplosives.Delivershipmentsofexplosivesonlytoauthorizedpersonsorleavetheminlockedroomsdesignedforexplosivesstorage.Acarriermustchoosethesafestroutetotransportplacarded
radioactivematerials.Afterchoosingtheroute,thecarriermusttellthedriverabouttheradioactivematerials,andshowtherouteplan.
No SmokingDonotsmokewithin25feetofaplacardedcargotankusedfor
Class3(flammableliquids)orDivision2.1(gases).Also,donotsmokeorcarryalightedcigarette,cigar,orpipewithin25feetofanyvehicle,whichcontains:• Class1(Explosives)• Class3(FlammableLiquids)• Class4(FlammableSolids)
Refuel with Engine OffTurnoffyourenginebeforefuelingamotorvehiclecontaining
hazardousmaterials.Someonemustalwaysbeatthenozzle,controllingfuelflow.
10 B:C Fire ExtinguisherThepowerunitofplacardedvehiclesmusthaveafire
extinguisherwithaULratingof10B:Cormore.
Check Tires Makesureyourtiresareproperlyinflated.Checkplacarded
vehicleswithdualtiresatthestartofeachtripandwhenyoupark.Youmustcheckthetireseachtimeyoustop.Theonlyacceptablewaytochecktirepressureistouseatirepressuregauge.Donotdrivewithatirethatisleakingorflatexcepttothenearest
safeplacetofixit.Removeanyoverheatedtire.Placeitasafedistancefromyourvehicle.Don’tdriveuntilyoucorrectthecauseoftheoverheating.Remembertofollowtherulesaboutparkingandattendingplacardedvehicles.Theyapplyevenwhenchecking,repairing,orreplacingtires.
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Where to Keep Shipping Papers and Emergency Response InformationDonotacceptahazardousmaterialsshipmentwithoutaproperly
preparedshippingpaper.Ashippingpaperforhazardousmaterialsmustalwaysbeeasilyrecognized.Otherpeoplemustbeabletofinditquicklyafteracrash.• Clearlydistinguishhazardousmaterialsshippingpapersfromothersbytabbingthemorkeepingthemontopofthestackofpapers.
• Whenyouarebehindthewheel,keepshippingpaperswithinyourreach(withyourseatbelton),orinapouchonthedriver’sdoor.Theymustbeeasilyseenbysomeoneenteringthecab.
• Whennotbehindthewheel,leaveshippingpapersinthedriver’sdoorpouchoronthedriver’sseat.
• Emergencyresponseinformationmustbekeptinthesamelocationastheshippingpaper.
Papers for Division 1.1, 1.2 or, 1.3 Explosives.AcarriermustgiveeachdrivertransportingDivision1.1,1.2,or
1.3explosivesacopyofFederalMotorCarrierSafetyRegulations(FMCSR),Part397.Thecarriermustalsogivewritteninstructionsonwhattodoifdelayedorinanaccident.Thewritteninstructionsmustinclude:• Thenamesandtelephonenumbersofpeopletocontact(includingcarrieragentsorshippers).
• Thenatureoftheexplosivestransported.• Theprecautionstotakeinemergenciessuchasfires,accidents,orleaks.
Driversmustsignareceiptforthesedocuments.Youmustbefamiliarwith,andhaveinyourpossessionwhile
driving:• Shippingpapers.• Writtenemergencyinstructions.• Writtenrouteplan.• AcopyofFMCSR,Part397.
Equipment for ChlorineAdrivertransportingchlorineincargotanksmusthavean
approvedgasmaskinthevehicle.Thedrivermustalsohaveanemergencykitforcontrollingleaksindomecoverplatefittingsonthecargotank.
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Stop Before Railroad CrossingsStopbeforearailroadcrossingifyourvehicle:• Isplacarded.• Carriesanyamountofchlorine.• Hascargotanks,whetherloadedoremptyusedforhazardousmaterials.
Youmuststop15to50feetbeforethenearestrail.Proceedonlywhenyouaresurenotrainiscoming.Don’tshiftgearswhilecrossingthetracks.
9.7 – Hazardous Materials – Emergencies
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)TheDepartmentofTransportationhasaguidebookfor
firefighters,police,andindustryworkersonhowtoprotectthemselvesandthepublicfromhazardousmaterials.Theguideisindexedbypropershippingnameandhazardousmaterialsidentificationnumber.Emergencypersonnellookforthesethingsontheshippingpaper.Thatiswhyitisvitalthatthepropershippingname,identificationnumber,label,andplacardsarecorrect.
Crashes/IncidentsAsaprofessionaldriver,yourjobatthesceneofacrashor
incidentisto:• Keeppeopleawayfromthescene.• Limitthespreadofmaterial,onlyifyoucansafelydoso.• Communicatethedangerofthehazardousmaterialstoemergencyresponsepersonnel.
• Provideemergencyresponderswiththeshippingpapersandemergencyresponseinformation.
Followthischecklist:• ChecktoseethatyourdrivingpartnerisOK.• Keepshippingpaperswithyou.• Keeppeoplefarawayandupwind.• Warnothersofthedanger.• Callforhelp.• Followyouremployer’sinstructions.
FiresYoumighthavetocontrolminortruckfiresontheroad.However,
unlessyouhavethetrainingandequipmenttodososafely,don’t
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fighthazardousmaterialsfires.Dealingwithhazardousmaterialsfiresrequiresspecialtrainingandprotectivegear.Whenyoudiscoverafire,callforhelp.Youmayusethefire
extinguishertokeepminortruckfiresfromspreadingtocargobeforefirefightersarrive.Feeltrailerdoorstoseeiftheyarehotbeforeopeningthem.Ifhot,youmayhaveacargofireandshouldnotopenthedoors.Openingdoorsletsairinandmaymakethefireflareup.Withoutair,manyfiresonlysmolderuntilfiremenarrive,doinglessdamage.Ifyourcargoisalreadyonfire,itisnotsafetofightthefire.Keeptheshippingpaperswithyoutogivetoemergencypersonnelassoonastheyarrive.Warnotherpeopleofthedangerandkeepthemaway.Ifyoudiscoveracargoleak,identifythehazardousmaterials
leakingbyusingshippingpapers,labels,orpackagelocation.Donottouchanyleakingmaterial–manypeopleinjurethemselvesbytouchinghazardousmaterials.Donottrytoidentifythematerialorfindthesourceofaleakbysmell.Toxicgasescandestroyyoursenseofsmellandcaninjureorkillyoueveniftheydon’tsmell.Nevereat,drink,orsmokearoundaleakorspill.Ifhazardousmaterialsarespillingfromyourvehicle,donotmove
itanymorethansafetyrequires.Youmaymoveofftheroadandawayfromplaceswherepeoplegather,ifdoingsoservessafety.Onlymoveyourvehicleifyoucandosowithoutdangertoyourselforothers.Nevercontinuedrivingwithhazardousmaterialsleakingfrom
yourvehicleinordertofindaphonebooth,truckstop,help,orsimilarreason.Remember,thecarrierpaysforthecleanupofcontaminatedparkinglots,roadways,anddrainageditches.Thecostsareenormous,sodon’tleavealengthytrailofcontamination.Ifhazardousmaterialsarespillingfromyourvehicle:• Parkit.• Securethearea.• Staythere.• Sendsomeoneelseforhelp.
Whensendingsomeoneforhelp,givethatperson:• Adescriptionoftheemergency.• Yourexactlocationanddirectionoftravel.• Yourname,thecarrier’sname,andthenameofthecommunityorcitywhereyourterminalislocated.
• Thepropershippingname,hazardclass,andidentificationnumberofthehazardousmaterials,ifyouknowthem.
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Thisisalotforsomeonetoremember.Itisagoodideatowriteitalldownforthepersonyousendforhelp.Theemergencyresponseteammustknowthesethingstofindyouandtohandletheemergency.Theymayhavetotravelmilestogettoyou.Thisinformationwillhelpthemtobringtherightequipmentthefirsttime,withouthavingtogobackforit.Nevermoveyourvehicle,ifdoingsowillcausecontaminationor
damagethevehicle.Keepupwindandawayfromroadsiderests,truckstops,cafes,andbusinesses.Nevertrytorepackleakingcontainers.Unlessyouhavethetrainingandequipmenttorepairleakssafely,don’ttryit.Callyourdispatcherorsupervisorforinstructionsand,ifneeded,emergencypersonnel.
Responses to Specific HazardsClass 1 (Explosives). Ifyourvehiclehasabreakdownor
accidentwhilecarryingexplosives,warnothersofthedanger.Keepbystandersaway.Donotallowsmokingoropenfirenearthevehicle.Ifthereisafire,warneveryoneofthedangerofexplosion.Removeallexplosivesbeforeseparatingvehiclesinvolvedina
collision.Placetheexplosivesatleast200feetfromthevehiclesandoccupiedbuildings.Stayasafedistanceaway.
Class 2 (Compressed Gases). Ifcompressedgasisleakingfromyourvehicle,warnothersofthedanger.Onlypermitthoseinvolvedinremovingthehazardorwreckagetogetclose.Youmustnotifytheshipperifcompressedgasisinvolvedinanyaccident.Unlessyouarefuelingmachineryusedinroadconstructionor
maintenance,donottransferaflammablecompressedgasfromonetanktoanotheronanypublicroadway.
Class 3 (Flammable Liquids). Ifyouaretransportingaflammableliquidandhaveanaccidentoryourvehiclebreaksdown,preventbystandersfromgathering.Warnpeopleofthedanger.Keepthemfromsmoking.Nevertransportaleakingcargotankfartherthanneededto
reachasafeplace.Getofftheroadwayifyoucandososafely.Don’ttransferflammableliquidfromonevehicletoanotheronapublicroadwayexceptinanemergency.
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Class 4 (Flammable Solids) and Class 5 (Oxidizing Materials). Ifaflammablesolidoroxidizingmaterialspills,warnothersofthefirehazard.Donotopensmolderingpackagesofflammablesolids.Removethemfromthevehicleifyoucansafelydoso.Also,removeunbrokenpackagesifitwilldecreasethefirehazard.
Class 6 (Poisonous Materials and Infectious Substances). Itisyourjobtoprotectyourself,otherpeople,andpropertyfromharm.Rememberthatmanyproductsclassedaspoisonarealsoflammable.IfyouthinkaDivision2.3(PoisonGases)orDivision6.1(PoisonMaterials)mightbeflammable,taketheaddedprecautionsneededforflammableliquidsorgases.Donotallowsmoking,openflame,orwelding.Warnothersofthehazardsoffire,ofinhalingvapors,orcomingincontactwiththepoison.AvehicleinvolvedinaleakofDivision2.3(PoisonGases)or
Division6.1(Poisons)mustbecheckedforstraypoisonbeforebeingusedagain.IfaDivision6.2(InfectiousSubstances)packageisdamaged
inhandlingortransportation,youshouldimmediatelycontactyoursupervisor.Packagesthatappeartobedamagedorshowsignsofleakageshouldnotbeaccepted.
Class 7 (Radioactive Materials). Ifradioactivematerialisinvolvedinaleakorbrokenpackage,tellyourdispatcherorsupervisorassoonaspossible.Ifthereisaspill,orifaninternalcontainermightbedamaged,donottouchorinhalethematerial.Donotusethevehicleuntilitiscleanedandcheckedwithasurveymeter.
Class 8 (Corrosive Materials). Ifcorrosivesspillorleakduringtransportation,becarefultoavoidfurtherdamageorinjurywhenhandlingthecontainers.Partsofthevehicleexposedtoacorrosiveliquidmustbethoroughlywashedwithwater.Afterunloading,washouttheinteriorassoonaspossiblebeforereloading.Ifcontinuingtotransportaleakingtankwouldbeunsafe,getoff
theroad.Ifsafetodoso,containanyliquidleakingfromthevehicle.Keepbystandersawayfromtheliquidanditsfumes.Doeverythingpossibletopreventinjurytoyourselfandtoothers.
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Required NotificationTheNationalResponseCenterhelpscoordinateemergency
responsetochemicalhazards.Itisaresourcetothepoliceandfirefighters.Itmaintainsa24-hourtoll-freelinelistedbelow.Youoryouremployermustphonewhenanyofthefollowingoccurasadirectresultofahazardousmaterialsincident:• Apersoniskilled.• Aninjuredpersonrequireshospitalization.• Estimatedpropertydamageexceeds$50,000.• Thegeneralpublicisevacuatedformorethanonehour.• Oneormoremajortransportationarteriesorfacilitiesareclosedforonehourormore.
• Fire,breakage,spillage,orsuspectedradioactivecontaminationoccurs.
• Fire,breakage,spillageorsuspectedcontaminationoccurinvolvingshipmentofetiologicagents(bacteriaortoxins).
• Asituationexistsofsuchanature(e.g.,continuingdangertolifeexistsatthesceneofanincident)that,inthejudgmentofthecarrier,shouldbereported.
National Response Center(800) 424-8802PersonstelephoningtheNationalResponseCentershouldbe
readytogive:• Theirname.• Nameandaddressofthecarriertheyworkfor.• Phonenumberwheretheycanbereached.• Date,time,andlocationofincident.• Theextentofinjuries,ifany.• Classification,name,andquantityofhazardousmaterialsinvolved,ifsuchinformationisavailable.
• Typeofincidentandnatureofhazardousmaterialsinvolvementandwhetheracontinuingdangertolifeexistsatthescene.
Ifareportablequantityofhazardoussubstancewasinvolved,thecallershouldgivethenameoftheshipperandthequantityofthehazardoussubstancedischarged.Bepreparedtogiveyouremployertherequiredinformationas
well.Carriersmustmakedetailedwrittenreportswithin30daysofanincident.
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CHEMTREC(800) 424-9300TheChemicalTransportationEmergencyCenter(CHEMTREC)
inWashingtonalsohasa24-hourtoll-freeline.CHEMTRECwascreatedtoprovideemergencypersonnelwithtechnicalinformationaboutthephysicalpropertiesofhazardousmaterials.TheNationalResponseCenterandCHEMTRECareinclosecommunication.Ifyoucalleitherone,theywilltelltheotherabouttheproblemwhenappropriate.
Radioactive Separation Table A
Minimumdistanceinfeettonearestundevelopedfilm
Totaltransportindex
0-2Hrs.
2-4Hrs.
4-8Hrs.
8-12Hrs.
Over12Hrs.
Topeopleorcargocompartmentpartitions
0 0 0 0 0 0
0.1to1.0
1 2 3 4 5 1
1.1to5.0
3 4 6 8 11 2
5.1to10.0
4 6 9 11 15 3
10.1to20.0
5 8 12 16 22 4
20.1to30.0
7 10 15 20 29 5
30.1to40.0
8 11 17 22 33 6
40.1to50.0
9 12 19 24 36
Figure 9.10
Donotleaveradioactiveyellow-IIoryellow-IIIlabeledpackagesnearpeople,animals,orfilmlongerthanshowninFigure9.10.
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Classes of Hazardous MaterialsHazardousmaterialsarecategorizedintoninemajorhazard
classesandadditionalcategoriesforconsumercommoditiesandcombustibleliquids.TheclassesofhazardousmaterialsarelistedinFigure9.12.
Hazard Class DefinitionsTable B
Class Classname Example
1 Explosives Ammunition,Dynamite,Fireworks
2 Gases Propane,Oxygen,Helium
3 Flammable GasolineFuel,Acetone
4 Flammablesolids Matches,Fuses
5 Oxidizers AmmoniumNitrate,Hydrogenperoxide
6 Poisons Pesticides,Arsenic
7 Radioactive Uranium,Plutonium
8 Corrosives Hydrochloricacid,Batteryacid
9 Miscellaneoushazardousmaterials
Formaldehyde,Asbestos
None ORM-D(OtherRegulatedMaterial-Domestic)
Hairsprayorcharcoal
None Combustibleliquids Fueloils,Lighterfluid
Figure 9.11
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Test your knowledge1. Ifyourplacardedtrailerhasdualtires,howoftenshouldyoucheckthetires?
2. Whatisasafehaven?3. HowclosetothetraveledpartoftheroadwaycanyouparkwithDivision1.2or1.3materials?
4. Howclosecanyouparktoabridge,tunnel,orbuildingwiththesameload?
5. Whattypeoffireextinguishermustplacardedvehiclescarry?6. You’rehauling100poundsofDivision4.3(dangerouswhenwet)materials.Doyouneedtostopbeforearailroad-highwaycrossing?
7. Atarestareayoudiscoveryourhazardousmaterialsshipmentsslowlyleakingfromthevehicle.Thereisnophonearound.Whatshouldyoudo?
8. WhatistheEmergencyResponseGuide(ERG)?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadsubsections9.6and9.7.
9.8 – Hazardous Materials GlossaryThisglossarypresentsdefinitionsofcertaintermsusedinthis
section.AcompleteglossaryoftermscanbefoundinthefederalHazardousMaterialsRules(49CFR171.8).Youshouldhaveanup-to-datecopyoftheserulesforyourreference.
(Note:Youwillnotbetestedonthisglossary.)
Sec. 171.8 Definitions and abbreviations.
Bulk packaging–Packaging,otherthanavessel,orabarge,includingatransportvehicleorfreightcontainer,inwhichhazardousmaterialsareloadedwithnointermediateformofcontainmentandwhichhas:1.Amaximumcapacitygreaterthan450L(119gallons)asareceptacleforaliquid;
2.Amaximumnetmassgreaterthan400kg(882pounds)oramaximumcapacitygreaterthan450L(119gallons)asareceptacleforasolid;or
3.Awatercapacitygreaterthan454kg(1000pounds)asareceptacleforagasasdefinedinSec.173.115.
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Cargo tank-Abulkpackagingwhich:• 1. Isatankintendedprimarilyforthecarriageofliquidsorgasesandincludesappurtenances,reinforcements,fittings,andclosures(for“tank”,see49CFR178.3451(c),178.3371,or178.3381,asapplicable);
• 2. Ispermanentlyattachedtoorformsapartofamotorvehicle,orisnotpermanentlyattachedtoamotorvehiclebutwhich,byreasonofitssize,construction,orattachmenttoamotorvehicleisloadedorunloadedwithoutbeingremovedfromthemotorvehicle;and
• 3. Isnotfabricatedunderaspecificationforcylinders,portabletanks,tankcars,ormultiunittankcartanks.
Carrier–Apersonengagedinthetransportationofpassengersorpropertyby:• 1. Landorwaterasacommon,contract,orprivatecarrier,or• 2.Civilaircraft.
Consignee–Thebusinessorpersontowhomashipmentisdelivered.
Division–Asubdivisionofahazardclass.
EPA–U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.
FMCSR–TheFederalMotorCarrierSafetyRegulations.
Freight container–areusablecontainerhavingavolumeof64cubicfeetormore,designedandconstructedtopermitbeingliftedwithitscontentsintactandintendedprimarilyforcontainmentofpackages(inunitform)duringtransportation.
Fuel tank–Atank,otherthanacargotank,usedtotransportflammableorcombustibleliquidorcompressedgasforthepurposeofsupplyingfuelforpropulsionofthetransportvehicletowhichitisattached,orfortheoperationofotherequipmentonthetransportvehicle.
Gross weight or gross mass–Theweightofthepackagingplustheweightofitscontents.
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Hazard class–ThecategoryofhazardassignedtoahazardousmaterialunderthedefinitionalcriteriaofPart173andtheprovisionsoftheSec.172.101Table.Amaterialmaymeetthedefiningcriteriaformorethanonehazardclassbutisassignedtoonlyonehazardclass.
Hazardous materials–AsubstanceormaterialwhichhasbeendeterminedbytheSecretaryofTransportationtobecapableofposinganunreasonablerisktohealth,safety,andpropertywhentransportedincommerce,andwhichhasbeensodesignated.Thetermincludeshazardoussubstances,hazardouswastes,marinepollutants,elevatedtemperaturematerialsandmaterialsdesignatedashazardousinthehazardousmaterialstableof§172.101,andmaterialsthatmeetthedefiningcriteriaforhazardclassesanddivisionsin§173,subchaptercofthischapter.
Hazardous substance-Amaterial,includingitsmixturesandsolutions,that:1. IslistedinAppendixAtoSec.172.101;2. Isinaquantity,inonepackage,whichequalsorexceedsthereportablequantity(RQ)listedinAppendixAtoSec.172.101;and
3.Wheninamixtureorsolution(i)Forradionuclides,conformstoparagraph7ofAppendixAtoSec.172.101.
(ii)Forotherthanradionuclides,isinaconcentrationbyweightwhichequalsorexceedstheconcentrationcorrespondingtotheRQofthematerial,asshowninFigure9.12.
Hazardous Substance Concentrations
RQPounds(Kilograms)ConcentrationbyWeight
Percent PPM
5,000(2,270) 10 100,000
1,000(454) 2 20,000
100(45.4) .2 2,000
10(4.54) .02 200
1(0.454) .002 20
Figure 9.12
Thisdefinitiondoesnotapplytopetroleumproductsthatarelubricantsorfuels(see40CFR300.6).
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Hazardous waste–Forthepurposesofthischapter,meansanymaterialthatissubjecttotheHazardousWasteManifestRequirementsoftheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyspecifiedin40CFRPart262.
Intermediate bulk container (IBC)–Arigidorflexibleportablepackaging,otherthanacylinderorportabletank,whichisdesignedformechanicalhandling.StandardsforIBCsmanufacturedintheUnitedStatesaresetforthinsubpartsNandO§178.
Limited quantity–Themaximumamountofahazardousmaterialforwhichtheremaybespecificlabelingorpackagingexception.
Marking–Thedescriptivename,identificationnumber,instructions,cautions,weight,specification,orUNmarksorcombinationsthereof,requiredbythissubchapteronouterpackagingofhazardousmaterials.
Mixture–Amaterialcomposedofmorethanonechemicalcompoundorelement.
Name of contents–ThepropershippingnameasspecifiedinSec.172.101.
Non-bulk packaging–Apackaging,whichhas:• 1. Amaximumcapacityof450L(119gallons)asareceptacleforaliquid;
• 2. Amaximumnetmasslessthan400kg(882pounds)andamaximumcapacityof450L(119gallons)orlessasareceptacleforasolid;or
• 3. Awatercapacitygreaterthan454kg(1,000pounds)orlessasareceptacleforagasasdefinedinSec.173.115.
N.O.S.–Nototherwisespecified.
Outage or ullage–Theamountbywhichapackagingfallsshortofbeingliquidfull,usuallyexpressedinpercentbyvolume.
Portable tank–Bulkpackaging(exceptacylinderhavingawatercapacityof1,000poundsorless)designedprimarilytobeloadedonto,oron,ortemporarilyattachedtoatransportvehicleorshipandequippedwithskids,mountings,oraccessoriestofacilitate
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handlingofthetankbymechanicalmeans.Itdoesnotincludeacargotank,tankcar,multi-unittank-cartank,ortrailercarrying3AX,3AAX,or3Tcylinders.
Proper shipping name–ThenameofthehazardousmaterialsshowninRomanprint(notitalics)inSec.172.101.
P.s.i. or psi–Poundspersquareinch.
P.s.i.a. or psia–Poundspersquareinchabsolute.
Reportable quantity (RQ)-ThequantityspecifiedinColumn2oftheAppendixtoSec.172.101foranymaterialidentifiedinColumn1oftheAppendix.
RSPA–NowPHMSA–ThePipelineandHazardousMaterialsSafetyAdministration,U.S.DepartmentofTransportation,Washington,DC20590.
Shipper’s certification–Astatementonashippingpaper,signedbytheshipper,sayinghe/shepreparedtheshipmentproperlyaccordingtolaw.Forexample:“Thisistocertifythattheabovenamedmaterialsareproperly
classified,described,packaged,markedandlabeled,andareinproperconditionfortransportationaccordingtotheapplicableregulationsortheDepartmentofTransportation.”or“Iherebydeclarethatthecontentsofthisconsignmentarefully
andaccuratelydescribedabovebythepropershippingnameandareclassified,packaged,markedandlabeled/placarded,andareinallrespectsinproperconditionfortransportby*accordingtoapplicableinternationalandnationalgovernmentregulations.”*Wordsmaybeinsertedheretoindicatemodeoftransportation
(rail,aircraft,motorvehicle,vessel).
Shipping paper–Ashippingorder,billoflading,manifest,orothershippingdocumentservingasimilarpurposeandcontainingtheinformationrequiredbySec.172.202,172.203,and172.204.
Technical name–Arecognizedchemicalnameormicrobiologicalnamecurrentlyusedinscientificandtechnicalhandbooks,journals,andtexts.
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Transport vehicle–Acargocarryingvehiclesuchasanautomobile,van,tractor,truck,semi-trailer,tankcar,orrailcarusedforthetransportationofcargobyanymode.Eachcargocarryingbody(trailer,railcar,etc.)isaseparatetransportvehicle.
UN standard packaging–AspecificationpackagingconformingtothestandardsintheUNrecommendations.
UN–UnitedNations.
9.9 – Hazardous Materials Endorsement RequirementsFederalregulationsrequireallhazardousmaterialsendorsement
(HME)holdersandapplicantswishingtoobtainanHMEtoundergoabackgroundandfingerprintcheckbeforetheendorsementcanbeissued.Nodrivermaytransporthazardousmaterialsunlesstheyhavesuccessfullypassedthesefederalchecks.Itisexpectedthatclearancewilltakeapproximately30to90daystocompletefromtimeofapplicationforclearanceuntiltheendorsementcanbeissued.Toallowenoughtime,itisrecommendedthatcommercialdriversrenewingtheirHMEbegintheclearanceprocess90dayspriortotheexpirationoftheirdriverlicense.DriversmaybegintheclearanceprocesswithoutfirstvisitingadriverlicensingofficeaslongastheyhaveavalidCommercialDriverLicense(CDL)orCommercialDriverInstructionPermit(CDIP).CommercialdriversrequestinganewHMEarerequiredtohave
aTransportationSecurityAdministration(TSA)clearancebeforetheendorsementcanbeissued.ThisrequirementalsoappliestoallCDLHMEholderswhoarerenewingtheirWashingtonlicenseorwhoaretransferringtheirCDLfromanotherstate.DriverswishingtoretainorupgradetoaHMEwillbeginthe
processbysubmittinganapplicationeitheronlineorbytelephone.ACDLorCDIPmustbepresentedatthefingerprintinglocation.Thereisafederalprocessingfeeofapproximately$90,whichrequirespaymentbyeithercreditcardormoneyorder.ThisfeeisinadditiontoknowledgetestingandlicensingfeescollectedbytheDepartmentofLicensingatthetimeoflicenseissuanceorrenewal.
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What You Need To Do• Become eligible. ObtainavalidcommercialdriverlicenseCDLorCDIP.
• Apply with TSA to begin the background records check. CompletetheTSAHMEapplicationbydoingthefollowing:- Goonlinetowww.hazprints.tsa.dhs.govor- Call1-877-429-7746,and- Pay$86.50applicationfeebycreditcardormoneyorder- payablewhengettingfingerprinted.IfrenewingaCDLwithanHME,youmusthaveaTSAhazmatclearancecompletedpriortotheexpirationofyourdriverlicense.Ifyoucompletethefederalhazmatclearanceprocessmorethan180dayspriortoyourlicenseexpiration,DOLwillnotaccepttheclearanceandyouwillberequiredtohaveasecondhazmatclearancecompleted.ItisrecommendedthatyoubegintheTSAclearanceprocessbetween45and180dayspriortolicenseexpiration.
• Be fingerprinted.CompletethefingerprintprocessatanyTSAfingerprintlocation.Locationsareavailableonlineatwww.hazprints.comorbycalling1-877-429-7746.
• Wait. TheTSAthreatassessmentprocessmaytakeupto30calendardaystocomplete.Theresultsofyourassessmentwillbemailedtoyourresidentaddress.
• Visit DOL. AfterreceivingHMEeligibilitynotificationfromTSA,bringittoadriverlicensingofficeto:- CompletetheCDLapplicationandtestingprocess,- Payanyrequiredtestandlicensingfees,and- ObtainyourCDLwithHME.
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TSA Qualification Requirements for HME• ID Requirements. AvalidCDLorCDIPplusoneadditionalprimaryoronesecondaryformofIDfromthelistbelowmustbeshownatthefingerprintlocation:
Primary- ValidU.S.Passport- CertificateofNaturalization(INSFormN-550orN-570)- ValidforeignpassportwithI-551stamporattachedINSFormI-94indicatingavalidemploymentauthorization- DriverlicenseorIDcardissuedbyastateprovideditcontainsaphotographorinformationsuchasname,dateofbirth,gender,height,eyecolor,andaddress- U.S.Military/RetireIDCard- Militarydependent’sIDCard- IDcardissuedbyfederal,stateorlocalgovernment,withaphotographordatasuchasname,dateofbirth,gender,height,eyecolor,andaddress- CertificateofU.S.Citizenship(INSFormN-560orN-561)- PermanentResidentCardorAlienRegistrationReceiptCardwithphotograph(INSFormI-151orI-551)
Secondary- Voter’sregistrationcard- U.S.CoastGuardMerchantMarinerCard- U.S.SocialSecuritycardissuedbytheSocialSecurityAdministration(otherthanacardstatingitisnotvalidforemployment- Originalorcertifiedcopyofabirthcertificateissuedbyastate,country,municipalauthority,oroutlyingpossessionoftheUnitedStatesbearinganofficialseal- U.S.CitizenIDCard(INSFormI-197)- CertificateofBirthAbroadissuedbytheDepartmentofState(FormFS-545orDS-1350)- NativeAmericantribaldocument- U.S.MilitaryDischargepapersDD214- Civilmarriagecertificate- U.S.adoptionpapers- D.O.T.medicalcard
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• Citizenship or immigration status requirements. ApplicantsforissuanceorrenewalofaHMEmustmeetoneofthefollowing:- BeaU.S.citizenwhohasnotrenouncedcitizenship.- BealawfulpermanentresidentoftheU.S.,asdefinedinsection101(a)(20)oftheImmigrationandNationalityAct(8U.S.C.11/01).- Meettherequirementsforimmigrationstatus.
Examples of acceptable citizenship or immigration status documents include:- U.S.Passport.- Certificateofbirththatbearsanofficialsealandwasissuedbyastate,county,municipalauthority,oroutlyingpossessionoftheU.S.- CertificationofBirthAbroadissuedbytheU.S.DepartmentofState(FormFS-545orDS1350).- CertificateofNaturalization(FormN-550orN-570).- CertificateofU.S.Citizenship(FormN-560orN-561).- PermanentResidentCard,AlienRegistrationReceiptCard(FormI-551).- TemporaryI-551stamponforeignpassport.- TemporaryI-551stamponFormI-94,Arrival/DepartureRecordwithphotographofthebearer.- ReentryPermit(FormI-327).
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• Disclosure and certification of the following is also required:- Theapplicanthasnotbeenconvictedorfoundguiltybyreasonofinsanityofanyoftheinterimdisqualifyingcrimes(seebelow)inanyjurisdiction,civilianormilitary,duringthesevenyearsbeforethedateofapplication.- Theapplicanthasnotbeenreleasedfromincarcerationinanyjurisdiction,civilianormilitary,forcommittinganyinterimdisqualifyingcrimeduringthe5yearsbeforethedateofapplication.- Theapplicanthasnotbeenconvictedorfoundnotguiltybyreasonofinsanityofanypermanentlydisqualifyingcrime.- Theapplicantisnotwantedorunderindictmentinanyjurisdiction,civilianormilitary,foradisqualifyingcrime.- Theapplicanthasnotbeenadjudicatedasamentaldefectiveorcommittedtoamentalinstitutioninvoluntarily.- TheapplicantiseitheraUnitedStatescitizenwhohasnotrenouncedUnitedStatescitizenship,oralawfulpermanentresidentoftheUnitedStates,ormeetseligibilityrequirementsforimmigrationstatus.- Disclosureoftheapplicant’smilitaryserviceanddateofdischarge.
Permanently disqualifying criminal offenses Anapplicanthasapermanentdisqualifyingoffenseifconvictedorfoundnotguiltybyreasonofinsanityinacivilianormilitaryjurisdictionofanyofthefollowingfelonies:- Espionage- Sedition- Treason- Acrimelistedin18U.S.C.Chapter113B-Terrorism,oraStatelawthatiscomparable- Acrimeinvolvingatransportationsecurityincident- Impropertransportationofahazardousmaterialunder49U.S.C.5124oraStatelawthatiscomparable- Unlawfulpossession,use,sale,distribution,manufacture,purchase,receipt,transfer,shipping,transporting,import,export,storageof,ordealinginanexplosiveorexplosivedevice- Murder- ViolationsoftheRacketeerInfluencedandCorruptOrganizationsAct,18U.S.C.1961,etseq.,oraStatelawthatiscomparable,whereoneofthepredicateactsfound
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byajuryoradmittedbythedefendant,consistsofoneoftheoffenseslistedin4or8ofthissection- Conspiracyorattempttocommitanyofthecrimeslistedabove
Interim disqualifying criminal offenses Anapplicanthasaninterimdisqualifyingoffenseifconvictedorfoundnotguiltybyreasonofinsanityinacivilianormilitaryjurisdiction,ofanyofthecrimesbelowwithinthe7yearsprecedingthedateofapplication;oriftheapplicantwasreleasedfromincarcerationforthecrimewithinthe5yearsprecedingtheapplicationdate:- Assaultwithintenttomurder- Kidnappingorhostagetaking- Rapeoraggravatedsexualabuse- Unlawfulpossession,use,sale,manufacture,purchase,distribution,receipttransfer,shipping,transporting,delivery,import,exportof,ordealinginafirearmorotherweapon- Extortion- Dishonesty,fraud,ormisrepresentation,includingidentity
fraud- Bribery- Smuggling- Immigrationviolations- ViolationsoftheRacketeerInfluencedandCorruptOrganizationsAct,18U.S.C.1961,etseq.,oraviolationofacomparablestatelaw- Robbery- Distributionof,possessionwithintenttodistribute,orimportationofacontrolledsubstance- Arson- Conspiracyorattempttocommitthecrimesinthissection
If you are under want or warrant Applicantsunderwantorindictmentinanycivilianormilitaryjurisdictionforanypermanentorinterimdisqualifyingfelonylistedabovearedisqualifieduntilthewantorwarrantisreleased.
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Contact Information• Toobtaincurrentfingerprintlocationsgoonlinetowww.hazprints.tsa.dhs.govorcall1-877-429-7746.
• TocompleteTSAapplicationandmakeTSApaymentonlinegotowww.hazprints.tsa.dhs.gov.
• TocompleteTSAapplication,makeTSApayment,andinquireaboutbackgroundcheckstatuscall1-877-429-7746
• ForTSAthreatassessmentprocessandlinksonlinegotowww.dol.wa.gov/ds/cdl.htm.
10-1
School Buses
This section covers:• Danger zones and use of mirrors• Loading and unloading• Emergency exit and evacuation• Railroad-highway grade crossings• Student management• Antilock braking systems• Special safety considerations
If you will drive any size of school bus, study this section.You also need to study:• Section 1, Introduction.• Section 2, Driving Safely.• Section 3, Transporting Cargo Safely.• Section 4, Transporting Passengers.• Section 5, Air Brakes, if the bus will have air brakes.Your school bus test will have questions from each of these
sections.
WashingtonStaterequiresallschoolbusdriverstohaveacommercialdriverlicenseregardlessofthesizeofpassengervehiclebeingoperated.Schoolbusdriversmusthaveaschoolbusendorsementin
additiontoapassengerendorsementontheircommercialdriverlicense(CDL).Togettheschoolbusendorsement,youmustpassbothaknowledgetestandaskillstestrequiredfortheclassofschoolbusyoudriveorintendtodrive.
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Thissectiondoesnotprovideinformationonallthefederalandstaterequirementsneededbeforeyoudriveaschoolbus.Youshouldbefamiliarwithallspecificschoolbusprocedures,lawsandregulationsforyourlocalschooldistrict.
10.1 – Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
Danger ZonesThedangerzoneistheareaonallsidesofthebuswhere
childrenareinthemostdangerofbeinghit,eitherbyanothervehicleortheirownbus.Thedangerzonesmayextendasmuchas30feetfromthefrontbumperwiththefirst10feetbeingthemostdangerous,10feetfromtheleftandrightsidesofthebusand10feetbehindtherearbumperoftheschoolbus.Inaddition,theareatotheleftofthebusisalwaysconsidereddangerousbecauseofpassingcars.Figure10.1illustratesthesedangerzones.
Correct Mirror AdjustmentProperadjustmentanduseofallmirrorsisvitaltothesafe
operationoftheschoolbusinordertoobservethedangerzonearoundthebusandlookforstudents,traffic,andotherobjectsinthisarea.Youshouldalwayscheckeachmirrorbeforeoperatingtheschoolbustoobtainmaximumviewingarea.Ifnecessary,havethemirrorsadjusted.
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10feet mostdangerous
Walkingarea
10feet 10feet
10feet mostdangerous
Dangerfrompassingcars
Dangerzones
SCHOOLBUS
Figure 10.1
Outside Left and Right Side Flat MirrorsThesemirrorsaremountedattheleftandrightfrontcorners
ofthebusatthesideorfrontofthewindshield.Theyareusedtomonitortraffic,checkclearancesandstudentsonthesidesandtotherearofthebus.Thereisablindspotimmediatelybelowandinfrontofeachmirroranddirectlyinbackoftherearbumper.Theblindspotbehindthebusextends50to150feetandcouldextendupto400feetdependingonthelengthandwidthofthebus.Ensurethatthemirrorsareproperlyadjustedsoyoucansee:• 200feetor4buslengthsbehindthebus.• Alongthesidesofthebus.• Thereartirestouchingtheground.
Figure10.2showshowboththeoutsideleftandrightsideflatmirrorsshouldbeadjusted.
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Left and right sideFlat mirrors
SCHOOLBUS
200feet 200feet
Blindspotcanbe50´-150´
Figure 10.2
Outside Left and Right Side Convex MirrorsTheconvexmirrorsarelocatedbelowtheoutsideflatmirrors.
Theyareusedtomonitortheleftandrightsidesatawideangle.Theyprovideaviewoftraffic,clearances,andstudentsatthesideofthebus.Thesemirrorspresentaviewofpeopleandobjectsthatdoesnotaccuratelyreflecttheirsizeanddistancefromthebus.Youshouldpositionthesemirrorstosee:• Theentiresideofthebusuptothemirrormounts.• Frontofthereartirestouchingtheground.• Atleastonetrafficlaneoneithersideofthebus.
Figure10.3showshowboththeoutsideleftandrightsideconvexmirrorsshouldbeadjusted.
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Left and right sideConvex mirrors
SCHOOLBUS
32feet 32feet
12feet 12feet
Figure 10.3
Outside Left and Right Side Crossover MirrorsThesemirrorsaremountedonbothleftandrightfrontcorners
ofthebus.Theyareusedtoseethefrontbumper“dangerzone”areadirectlyinfrontofthebusthatisnotvisiblebydirectvision,andtoviewthe“dangerzone”areatotheleftsideandrightsideofthebus,includingtheservicedoorandfrontwheelarea.Themirrorpresentsaviewofpeopleandobjectsthatdoesnotaccuratelyreflecttheirsizeanddistancefromthebus.Thedrivermustensurethatthesemirrorsareproperlyadjusted.Ensurethatthemirrorsareproperlyadjustedsoyoucansee:• Theentireareainfrontofthebusfromthefrontbumperatgroundleveltoapointwheredirectvisionispossible.Directvisionandmirror-viewvisionshouldoverlap.
• Therightandleftfronttirestouchingtheground.• Theareafromthefrontofthebustotheservicedoor.• Thesemirrors,alongwiththeconvexandflatmirrors,shouldbeviewedinalogicalsequencetoensurethatachildorobjectisnotinanyofthedangerzones.
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SCHOOLBUS
SCHOOLBUS
Left and right sideCrossover mirrors
Crossovermirror Crossovermirror
Figure 10.4
Inside Rearview - Student MirrorThismirrorismounteddirectlyabovethewindshieldonthe
driver’ssideareaofthebus.Thismirrorisusedtomonitorpassengeractivityinsidethebus.Itmayprovidelimitedvisibilitydirectlyinbackofthebusifthebusisequippedwithaglass-bottomedrearemergencydoor.Thereisablindspotareadirectlybehindthedriver’sseataswellasalargeblindspotareathatbeginsattherearbumperandcouldextendupto400feetormorebehindthebus.Youmustusetheexteriorsidemirrorstomonitortrafficthatapproachesandentersthisarea.Youshouldpositionthemirrortosee:• Thetopoftherearwindowinthetopofthemirror.• Allofthestudents,includingtheheadsofthestudentsrightbehindyou.
10.2 – Loading and UnloadingMorestudentsarekilledwhilegettingonoroffaschoolbus
eachyearthanarekilledaspassengersinsideofaschoolbus.Asaresult,knowingwhattodobefore,during,andafterloadingorunloadingstudentsiscritical.Thissectionwillgiveyouspecificprocedurestohelpyouavoidunsafeconditionswhichcouldresult
Figure10.4illustrateshowtheleftandrightsidecrossovermirrorsshouldbeadjusted.
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ininjuriesandfatalitiesduringandafterloadingandunloadingstudents.Theinformationinthissectionisintendedtoprovideabroad
overview,butisnotadefinitivesetofactions.Itisimperativethatyoulearnandobeythestatelawsandregulationsgoverningloading/unloadingoperationsinWashingtonState.
Approaching the StopEachschooldistrictestablishesofficialroutesandofficialschool
busstops.Allstopsshouldbeapprovedbytheschooldistrictpriortomakingthestop.Youshouldneverchangethelocationofabusstopwithoutwrittenapprovalfromtheappropriateschooldistrictofficial.Youmustuseextremecautionwhenapproachingaschoolbus
stop.Youareinaverydemandingsituationwhenenteringtheseareas.Itiscriticalthatyouunderstandandfollowallstateandlocallawsandregulationsregardingapproachingaschoolbusstop.Thiswouldinvolvetheproperuseofmirrors,alternatingflashinglights,andwhenequipped,themoveablestopsignalarmandcrossingcontrolarm.Whenapproachingthestop,youshould:• Approachcautiouslyataslowrateofspeed.• Lookforpedestrians,traffic,orotherobjectsbefore,during,andaftercomingtoastop.
• Continuouslycheckallmirrors.• Iftheschoolbusissoequipped,activatealternatingflashingamberwarninglightsatleast100-200feetbeforetheschoolbusstop,orinaccordancewithdistrictpolicy.
• Turnonrightturnsignalindicatorabout100-300feetorapproximately3-5secondsbeforepullingover.
• Continuouslycheckmirrorstomonitorthedangerzonesforstudents,traffic,andotherobjects.
• Moveasfaraspossibletotherightonthetraveledportionoftheroadway.
• Bringschoolbustoafullstopwiththefrontbumperatleast10feetawayfromstudentsatthedesignatedstop.Thisforcesthestudentstowalktothebussoyouhaveabetterviewoftheirmovements.
• Placetransmissioninneutralorparkandapplytheparkingbrake.
• Activatealternatingredflashersandstudentcontroldevicesbytheoverridecontrolswitchontheinstrumentpanelwhentrafficisasafedistancefromtheschoolbus.
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• Makeafinalchecktoseethatalltraffichasstoppedbeforecompletelyopeningthedoorandsignalingstudentstoapproach.
Loading Procedures• Performasafestopasdescribedinsubsection10.2,ApproachingtheStop.
• Studentsshouldwaitinadesignatedlocationfortheschoolbus,facingthebusasitapproaches.
• Studentsshouldboardthebusonlywhensignaledbythedriver.• Monitorallmirrorscontinuously.• Countthenumberofstudentsatthebusstopandbesureallboardthebus.Ifpossible,knownamesofstudentsateachstop.Ifthereisastudentmissing,asktheotherstudentswherethestudentis.
• Havethestudentsboardtheschoolbusslowly,insinglefile,andusethehandrail.Thedomelightshouldbeonwhileloadinginthedark.
• Waituntilstudentsareseatedandfacingforwardbeforemovingthebus.
• Checkallmirrors.Makecertainnooneisrunningtocatchthebus.
• Ifyoucannotaccountforastudentoutside,securethebus,takethekey,andcheckaroundandunderneaththebus.
• Whenallstudentsareaccountedfor,preparetoleaveby:- Closingthedoor.- Engagingthetransmission.- Releasingtheparkingbrake.- Turningoffalternatingflashingredlights.- Turningonleftturnsignal.- Checkingallmirrorsagain.- Allowingcongestedtraffictodisperse.
• Whenitissafe,movethebustoentertrafficflowandcontinuetheroute.
Theloadingprocedureisessentiallythesamewhereveryouloadstudents,butthereareslightdifferences.Whenstudentsareloadingattheschoolcampus,youshould:• Turnofftheignitionswitch.• Removekeyifleavingdriver’scompartment.• Positionyourselftosuperviseloadingasrequiredorrecommendedbyyourstateorlocalregulations.
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Unloading Procedures on the Route• Performasafestopatdesignatedunloadingareasasdescribedinsubsection10.2,ApproachingtheStop.
• Havethestudentsremainseateduntiltoldtoexit.• Checkallmirrorscontinuously.• Countthenumberofstudentswhileunloadingtoconfirmthelocationofallstudentsbeforepullingawayfromthestop.
• Tellstudentstoexitthebusandwalkatleast10feetawayfromthesideofthebustoapositionwherethedrivercanplainlyseeallstudents.
• Checkallmirrorsagain.Makesurenostudentsarearoundorreturningtothebus.
• Ifyoucannotaccountforastudentoutsidethebus,securethebus,andcheckaroundandunderneaththebus.
• Whenallstudentsareaccountedfor,preparetoleaveby:- Closingthedoor.- Engagingtransmission.- Releasingparkingbrake.- Turningoffalternatingflashingredlights.- Turningonleftturnsignal.- Checkingallmirrorsagain.- Allowingcongestedtraffictodisperse.
• Whenitissafe,movethebus,enterthetrafficflowandcontinuetheroute.
Note.Ifyouhavemissedastudent’sunloadingstop,donotbackup.Besuretofollowlocalprocedures.
Additional procedures for students that must cross the roadway. Youshouldunderstandwhatstudentsshoulddowhenexitingaschoolbusandcrossingthestreetinfrontofthebus.Inaddition,theschoolbusdrivershouldunderstandthatstudentsmightnotalwaysdowhattheyaresupposedtodo.Ifastudentorstudentsmustcrosstheroadway,theyshouldfollowtheseprocedures:• Walkapproximately10feetawayfromthesideoftheschoolbustoapositionwhereyoucanseethem.
• Walktoalocationatleast10feetinfrontoftherightcornerofthebumper,butstillremainingawayfromthefrontoftheschoolbus.
• Stopattherightedgeoftheroadway.Youshouldbeabletoseethestudent’sfeet.
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Whenstudentsreachtheedgeoftheroadway,theyshould:• Stopandlookinalldirections,makingsuretheroadwayisclearandissafe.
• Checktoseeiftheredflashinglightsonthebusarestillflashing.
• Waitforyoursignalbeforecrossingtheroadway.
Uponyoursignal,thestudentsshould:• Crossfarenoughinfrontoftheschoolbustobeinyourview.• Stopattheleftedgeoftheschoolbus,stop,andlookagainforyoursignaltocontinuetocrosstheroadway.
• Lookfortrafficinbothdirections,makingsureroadwayisclear.
• Proceedacrosstheroadway,continuingtolookinalldirections.
Note:Theschoolbusdrivershouldenforceanystateorlocalregulationsorrecommendationsconcerningstudentactionsoutsidetheschoolbus.
Unloading Procedures at SchoolStateandlocallawsandregulationsregardingunloading
studentsatschools,particularlyinsituationswheresuchactivitiestakeplaceintheschoolparkinglotorotherlocationthatisoffthetraveledroadway,areoftendifferentthanunloadingalongtheschoolbusroute.Itisimportantthattheschoolbusdriverunderstandsandobeysstateandlocallawsandregulations.Thefollowingproceduresaremeanttobegeneralguidelines.Whenunloadingattheschoolyoushouldfollowthese
procedures:• Performasafestopatdesignatedunloadingareasasdescribedinsubsection10.2,ApproachingtheStop.
• Securethebusby:- Turningofftheignitionswitch.- Removingkeyifleavingdriver’scompartment.
• Havethestudentsremainseateduntiltoldtoexit.• Positionyourselftosuperviseunloadingasrequiredorrecommendedbyyourstateorlocalregulations.
• Havestudentsexitinorderlyfashion.• Observestudentsastheystepfrombustoseethatallmovepromptlyawayfromtheunloadingarea.
• Walkthroughthebusandcheckforhiding/sleepingstudentsanditemsleftbystudents.
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• Checkallmirrors.Makecertainnostudentsarereturningtothebus.
• Ifyoucannotaccountforastudentoutsidethebusandthebusissecure,checkaroundandunderneaththebus.
• Whenallstudentsareaccountedfor,preparetoleaveby:- Closingthedoor.- Fasteningsafetybelt.- Startingengine.- Engagingthetransmission.- Releasingtheparkingbrake.- Turningoffalternatingflashingredlights.- Turningonleftturnsignal.- Checkingallmirrorsagain.- Allowingcongestedtraffictodisperse.
• Whenitissafe,pullawayfromtheunloadingarea.
Special Dangers of Loading and UnloadingDropped or forgotten objects. Alwaysfocusonstudentsas
theyapproachthebusandwatchforanywhodisappearfromsight.Studentsmaydropanobjectnearthebusduringloadingand
unloading.Stoppingtopickuptheobject,orreturningtopickuptheobjectmaycausethestudenttodisappearfromthedriver’ssightataverydangerousmoment.Studentsshouldbetoldtoleaveanydroppedobjectandmove
toapointofsafetyoutofthedangerzonesandattempttogetthedriver’sattentiontoretrievetheobject.
Handrail hang-ups. Studentshavebeeninjuredorkilledwhenclothing,accessories,orevenpartsoftheirbodygetcaughtinthehandrailordoorastheyexitedthebus.Youshouldcloselyobserveallstudentsexitingthebustoconfirmthattheyareinasafelocationpriortomovingthebus.
Post-trip InspectionWhenyourrouteorschoolactivitytripisfinished,youshould
conductapost-tripinspectionofthebus.Youshouldwalkthroughthebusandaroundthebuslookingfor
thefollowing:• Articlesleftonthebus.• Sleepingstudents.• Openwindowsanddoors.
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• Mechanical/operationalproblemswiththebus,withspecialattentiontoitemsthatareuniquetoschoolbuses–mirrorsystems,flashingwarninglampsandstopsignalarms.
• Damageorvandalism.
Anyproblemsorspecialsituationsshouldbereportedimmediatelytoyoursupervisororschoolauthorities.
10.3 – Emergency Exit and EvacuationAnemergencysituationcanhappentoanyone,anytime,
anywhere.Itcouldbeacrash,astalledschoolbusonarailroad-highwaycrossingorinahigh-speedintersection,anelectricalfireintheenginecompartment,amedicalemergencytoastudentontheschoolbus,etc.Knowingwhattodoinanemergency–before,during,andafteranevacuation–canmeanthedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath.
Planning for EmergenciesDetermine need to evacuate bus. Thefirstandmostimportant
considerationisforyoutorecognizethehazard.Iftimepermits,schoolbusdriversshouldcontacttheirdispatchertoexplainthesituationbeforemakingadecisiontoevacuatetheschoolbus.Asageneralrule,studentsafetyandcontrolisbestmaintained
bykeepingstudentsonthebusduringanemergencyand/orimpendingcrisissituation,ifsodoingdoesnotexposethemtounnecessaryriskorinjury.Remember,thedecisiontoevacuatethebusmustbeatimelyone.Adecisiontoevacuateshouldincludeconsiderationofthe
followingconditions:• Isthereafireordangeroffire?• Isthereasmellofraworleakingfuel?• Isthereachancethebuscouldbehitbyothervehicles?• Isthebusinthepathofasightedtornadoorrisingwaters?• Aretheredownedpowerlines?• Wouldremovingstudentsexposethemtospeedingtraffic,severeweather,oradangerousenvironmentsuchasdownedpowerlines?
• Wouldmovingstudentscomplicateinjuriessuchasneckandbackinjuriesandfractures?
• Isthereahazardousspillinvolved?Sometimes,itmaybesafertoremainonthebusandnotcomeincontactwiththematerial.
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Mandatory evacuations. Thedrivermustevacuatethebuswhen:• Thebusisonfireorthereisathreatofafire.• Thebusisstalledon,oradjacentto,arailroad-highwaycrossing.
• Thepositionofthebusmaychangeandincreasethedanger.• Thereisanimminentdangerofcollision.• Thereisaneedtoquicklyevacuatebecauseofahazardousmaterialsspill.
Evacuation ProceduresBe prepared and plan ahead. Whenpossible,assigntwo
responsible,olderstudentassistantstoeachemergencyexit.Teachthemhowtoassisttheotherstudentsoffthebus.Assignanotherstudentassistanttoleadthestudentstoa“safeplace”afterevacuation.However,youmustrecognizethattheremaynotbeolder,responsiblestudentsonthebusatthetimeoftheemergency.Therefore,emergencyevacuationproceduresmustbeexplainedtoallstudents.Thisincludesknowinghowtooperatethevariousemergencyexitsandtheimportanceoflisteningtoandfollowingallinstructionsgivenbyyou.
Sometipstodetermineasafeplace:• Asafeplacewillbeatleast100feetofftheroadinthedirectionofoncomingtraffic.Thiswillkeepthestudentsfrombeinghitbydebrisifanothervehiclecollideswiththebus.
• Leadstudentsupwindofthebusiffireispresent.• Leadstudentsasfarawayfromrailroadtracksaspossibleandinthedirectionofanyoncomingtrain.
• Leadstudentsupwindofthebusatleast300feetifthereisariskfromspilledhazardousmaterials.
• Ifthebusisinthedirectpathofasightedtornadoandevacuationisordered,escortstudentstoanearbyditchorculvertifshelterinabuildingisnotreadilyavailable,anddirectthemtoliefacedown,handscoveringtheirhead.Theyshouldbefarenoughawaysothebuscannottoppleonthem.
• Avoidareasthataresubjecttoflashfloods.
General procedures. Determineifevacuationisinthebestinterestofsafety.• Determinethebesttypeofevacuation:- Front,rearorsidedoorevacuation,orsomecombinationofdoors.- Rooforwindowevacuation.
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• Securethebusby:- PlacingtransmissioninPark,orifthereisnoshiftpoint,inNeutral.- Settingparkingbrakes.- Shuttingofftheengine.- Removingignitionkey.- Activatinghazard-warninglights.
• Iftimeallows,notifydispatchofficeofevacuationlocation,conditions,andtypeofassistanceneeded.
• Dangleradiomicrophoneortelephoneoutofdriver’swindowforlateruse,ifoperable.
• Ifnoradio,orradioisinoperable,dispatchapassingmotoristorarearesidenttocallforhelp.Asalastresort,dispatchtwoolder,responsiblestudentstogoforhelp.
• Ordertheevacuation.• Evacuatestudentsfromthebus.- Donotmoveastudentyoubelievemayhavesufferedaneckorspinalinjuryunlesshisorherlifeisinimmediatedanger.- Specialproceduresmustbeusedtomoveneckspinalinjuryvictimstopreventfurtherinjury.
• Directastudentassistanttoleadstudentstothenearestsafeplace.
• Walkthroughthebustoensurenostudentsremainonthebus.Retrieveemergencyequipment.
• Joinwaitingstudents.Accountforallstudentsandcheckfortheirsafety.
• Protectthescene.Setoutemergencywarningdevicesasnecessaryandappropriate.
• Prepareinformationforemergencyresponders.
10.4 – Railroad-highway Crossings
Types of CrossingsPassive crossings. Thistypeofcrossingdoesnothaveany
typeoftrafficcontroldevice.Youmuststopatthesecrossingsandfollowproperprocedures.However,thedecisiontoproceedrestsentirelyinyourhands.Passivecrossingsrequireyoutorecognizethecrossing,searchforanytrainusingthetracksanddecideif
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Figure 10.5 Figure 10.6Round yellow warning sign Pavement markings
thereissufficientclearspacetocrosssafely.Passivecrossingshaveyellowcircularadvancewarningsigns,pavementmarkingsandcrossbuckstoassistyouinrecognizingacrossing.
Active crossings. Thistypeofcrossinghasatrafficcontroldeviceinstalledatthecrossingtoregulatetrafficatthecrossing.Theseactivedevicesincludeflashingredlights,withorwithoutbellsandflashingredlightswithbellsandgates.
Warning Signs and DevicesAdvance warning signs. Theround,black-on-yellowwarning
signisplacedaheadofapublicrailroad-highwaycrossing.Theadvancewarningsigntellsyoutoslowdown,lookandlistenforthetrain,andbepreparedtostopatthetracksifatrainiscoming.SeeFigure10.5.
Pavement markings. Pavementmarkingsmeanthesameastheadvancewarningsign.Theyconsistofan“X”withtheletters“”RR”andano-passingmarkingontwo-laneroads.Thereisalsoanopassingzonesignontwo-laneroads.There
maybeawhitestoplinepaintedonthepavementbeforetherailroadtracks.Thefrontoftheschoolbusmustremainbehindthislinewhilestoppedatthecrossing.SeeFigure10.6.
Crossbuck signs. Thissignmarksthecrossing.Itrequiresyoutoyieldtheright-of-waytothetrain.Ifthereisnowhitelinepaintedonthepavement,youmuststopthebusbeforethecrossbucksign.Whentheroadcrossesovermorethanonesetoftracks,asignbelowthecrossbuckindicatesthenumberoftracks.SeeFigure10.7.
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RAIL
ROADCROSSING
3
TRACKS
Figure 10.7Multiple tracks
Flashing red light signals. Atmanyhighway-railgradecrossings,thecrossbucksignhasflashingredlightsandbells.Whenthelightsbegintoflash,stop!Atrainisapproaching.Youarerequiredtoyieldtheright-of-waytothetrain.Ifthereismorethanonetrack,makesurealltracksareclearbeforecrossing.SeeFigure10.8.
Gates. Manyrailroad-highwaycrossingshavegateswithflashingredlightsandbells.Stopwhenthelightsbegintoflashandbeforethegatelowersacrosstheroadlane.Remainstoppeduntilthegatesgoupandthelightshavestoppedflashing.Proceedwhenitissafe.Ifthegatestaysdownafterthetrainpasses,donotdrivearoundthegate.Instead,callyourdispatcher.SeeFigure10.8.
Recommended ProceduresEachstatehaslawsandregulationsgoverninghowschool
busesmustoperateatrailroad-highwaycrossings.Itisimportantforyoutounderstandandobeythesestatelawsandregulations.Ingeneral,schoolbusesmuststopatallcrossings,andensureitissafebeforeproceedingacrossthetracks.Thespecificproceduresrequiredineachstatevary.
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RAIL
ROADCROSSING
TRACKS
3
Figure 10.8Gates/Lights
Aschoolbusisoneofthesafestvehiclesonthehighway.However,aschoolbusdoesnothavetheslightestedgewheninvolvedinacrashwithatrain.Becauseofatrain’ssizeandweightitcannotstopquickly.Anemergencyescaperoutedoesnotexistforatrain.Youcanpreventschoolbus/traincrashesbyfollowingtheserecommendedprocedures.
Approaching the crossing:• Slowdown,includingshiftingtoalowergearinamanualtransmissionbus,andtestyourbrakes.
• Activatehazardlightsapproximately200feetbeforethecrossing.Makesureyourintentionsareknown.
• Scanyoursurroundingsandcheckfortrafficbehindyou.• Staytotherightoftheroadwayifpossible.• Chooseanescaperouteintheeventofabrakefailureorproblemsbehindyou.
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At the crossing:• Stopnocloserthan15feetandnofartherthan50feetfromthenearestrail,whereyouhavethebestviewofthetracks.
• PlacethetransmissioninPark,orifthereisnoParkshiftpoint,inNeutralandpressdownontheservicebrakeorsettheparkingbrakes.
• Turnoffallradiosandnoisyequipment,andsilencethepassengers.
• Opentheservicedooranddriver’swindow.Lookandlistenforanapproachingtrain.
Crossing the track:• Checkthecrossingsignalsagainbeforeproceeding.• Atamultiple-trackcrossing,stoponlybeforethefirstsetoftracks.Whenyouaresurenotrainisapproachingonanytrack,proceedacrossallofthetracksuntilyouhavecompletelyclearedthem.
• Crossthetracksinalowgear.Donotchangegearswhilecrossing.
• Ifthegatecomesdownafteryouhavestartedacross,drivethroughitevenifitmeansyouwillbreakthegate.
Special SituationsBus stalls or trapped on tracks. Ifyourbusstallsoristrapped
onthetracks,geteveryoneoutandoffthetracksimmediately.Moveeveryonefarfromthebusatanangle,whichisbothawayfromthetracksandtowardthetrain.
Police officer at the crossing. Ifapoliceofficerisatthecrossing,obeydirections.Ifthereisnopoliceofficer,andyoubelievethesignalismalfunctioning,callyourdispatchertoreportthesituationandaskforinstructionsonhowtoproceed.
Obstructed view of tracks. Planyourroutesoitprovidesmaximumsightdistanceathighway-railgradecrossings.Donotattempttocrossthetracksunlessyoucanseefarenoughdownthetracktoknowforcertainthatnotrainsareapproaching.Passivecrossingsarethosethatdonothaveanytypeoftrafficcontroldevice.Beespeciallycarefulat“passive”crossings.Evenifthereareactiverailroadsignalsthatindicatethetracksareclear,youmustlookandlistentobesureitissafetoproceed.
Containment or storage areas. Ifitwon’tfit,don’tcommit!Knowthelengthofyourbusandthesizeofthecontainmentarea
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athighway-railcrossingsontheschoolbusroute,aswellasanycrossingyouencounterinthecourseofaschoolactivitytrip.Whenapproachingacrossingwithasignalorstopsignontheoppositeside,payattentiontotheamountofroomthere.Becertainthebushasenoughcontainmentorstorageareatocompletelycleartherailroadtracksontheothersideifthereisaneedtostop.Asageneralrule,add15feettothelengthoftheschoolbustodetermineanacceptableamountofcontainmentorstoragearea.
10.5 – Student Management
Don’t Deal with On-bus Problems When Loading and UnloadingInordertogetstudentstoandfromschoolsafelyandontime,
youneedtobeabletoconcentrateonthedrivingtask.Loadingandunloadingrequiresallyourconcentration.Don’ttake
youreyesoffwhatishappeningoutsidethebus.Ifthereisabehaviorproblemonthebus,waituntilthestudents
unloadingaresafelyoffthebusandhavemovedaway.Ifnecessary,pullthebusovertohandletheproblem.
Handling Serious ProblemsTipsonhandlingseriousproblems:• Followyourschool’sproceduresfordisciplineorrefusalofrightstoridethebus.
• Stopthebus.Parkinasafelocationofftheroad,perhapsaparkinglotoradriveway.
• Securethebus.Taketheignitionkeywithyouifyouleaveyourseat.
• Standupandspeakrespectfullytotheoffenderoroffenders.Speakinacourteousmannerwithafirmvoice.Remindtheoffenderoftheexpectedbehavior.Donotshowanger,butdoshowthatyoumeanbusiness.
• Ifachangeofseatingisneeded,requestthatthestudentmovetoaseatnearyou.
• Neverputastudentoffthebusexceptatschoolorathisorherdesignatedschoolbusstop.Ifyoufeelthattheoffenseisseriousenoughthatyoucannotsafelydrivethebus,callforaschooladministratororthepolicetocomeandremovethestudent.
• Alwaysfollowyourstateorlocalproceduresforrequestingassistance.
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10.6 – Antilock Braking Systems
Vehicles Required to Have Antilock Braking SystemsTheDepartmentofTransportationrequiresthatantilockbraking
systemsbeon:• Allair-brakedbusesbuiltonorafterMarch1,1998.• Hydraulic-brakedbuseswithagrossvehicleweightratingof10,000lbsormorebuiltonorafterMarch1,1999.
ManybusesbuiltbeforethesedateshavebeenvoluntarilyequippedwithABS.YourschoolbuswillhaveayellowABSmalfunctionlamponthe
instrumentpanelifitisequippedwithABS.
How ABS Helps YouWhenyoubrakehardonslipperysurfacesinavehiclewithout
ABS,yourwheelsmaylockup.Whenyoursteeringwheelslockup,youlosesteeringcontrol.Whenyourotherwheelslockup,youmayskidorevenspinthevehicle.ABShelpsyouavoidwheellockupandmaintaincontrol.You
mayormaynotbeabletostopfasterwithABS,butyoushouldbeabletosteeraroundanobstaclewhilebraking,andavoidskidscausedbyoverbraking.
Braking with ABSWhenyoudriveavehiclewithABS,youshouldbrakeasyou
alwayshave.Inotherwords:• Useonlythebrakingforcenecessarytostopsafelyandstayincontrol.
• Brakethesameway,regardlessofwhetheryouhaveABSonthebus.However,inemergencybraking,donotpumpthebrakesonabuswithABS.
• Asyouslowdown,monitoryourbusandbackoffthebrakes(ifitissafetodoso)tostayincontrol.
Braking if ABS is Not WorkingWithoutABS,youstillhavenormalbrakefunctions.Driveand
brakeasyoualwayshave.VehicleswithABShaveyellowmalfunctionlampstotellyouif
somethingisnotworking.TheyellowABSmalfunctionlampisonthebus’sinstrumentpanel.Asasystemcheckonnewervehicles,themalfunctionlamp
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comesonatstart-upforabulbcheckandthengoesoutquickly.Onoldersystems,thelampcouldstayonuntilyouaredrivingoverfivemph.Ifthelampstaysonafterthebulbcheck,orgoesononceyou
areunderway,youmayhavelostABScontrolatoneormorewheels.Remember,ifyourABSmalfunctions,youstillhaveregular
brakes.Drivenormally,butgetthesystemservicedsoon.
Safety Reminders• ABSwon’tallowyoutodrivefaster,followmoreclosely,ordrivelesscarefully.
• ABSwon’tpreventpowerorturningskids–ABSshouldpreventbrake-inducedskidsbutnotthosecausedbyspinningthedrivewheelsorgoingtoofastinaturn.
• ABSwon’tnecessarilyshortenstoppingdistance.ABSwillhelpmaintainvehiclecontrol,butnotalwaysshortenstoppingdistance.
• ABSwon’tincreaseordecreaseultimatestoppingpower–ABSisan“add-on”toyournormalbrakes,notareplacementforthem.
• ABSwon’tchangethewayyounormallybrake.Undernormalbrakeconditions,yourvehiclewillstopasitalwaysstopped.ABSonlycomesintoplaywhenawheelwouldnormallyhavelockedupbecauseofoverbraking.
• ABSwon’tcompensateforbadbrakesorpoorbrakemaintenance.
• Remember:Thebestvehiclesafetyfeatureisstillasafedriver.• Remember:DrivesoyouneverneedtouseyourABS.• Remember:Ifyouneedit,ABScouldhelptopreventaseriouscrash.
10.7 – Special Safety Considerations
Strobe LightsSomeschoolbusesareequippedwithroof-mounted,white
strobelights.Ifyourbusissoequipped,theoverheadstrobelightshouldbeusedwhenyouhavelimitedvisibility.Thismeansthatyoucannoteasilyseearoundyou–infront,behind,orbesidetheschoolbus.Yourvisibilitycouldbeonlyslightlylimitedoritcouldbesobadthatyoucanseenothingatall.Inallinstances,understandandobeyyourstateorlocalregulationsconcerningtheuseoftheselights.
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Driving in High WindsStrongwindsaffectthehandlingoftheschoolbus!Thesideofa
schoolbusactslikeasailonasailboat.Strongwindscanpushtheschoolbussideways.Theycanevenmovetheschoolbusofftheroador,inextremeconditions,tipitover.Ifyouarecaughtinstrongwinds:• Keepastronggriponthesteeringwheel.Trytoanticipategusts.
• Youshouldslowdowntolessentheeffectofthewind,orpullofftheroadwayandwait.
• Contactyourdispatchertogetmoreinformationonhowtoproceed.
BackingBackingaschoolbusisstronglydiscouraged.Youshouldback
yourbusonlywhenyouhavenoothersafewaytomovethevehicle.Youshouldneverbackaschoolbuswhenstudentsareoutsideofthebus.Backingisdangerousandincreasesyourriskofacollision.Ifyouhavenochoiceandyoumustbackyourbus,followtheseprocedures:• Postalookout.Thepurposeofthelookoutistowarnyouaboutobstacles,approachingpersons,andothervehicles.Thelookoutshouldnotgivedirectionsonhowtobackthebus.
• Signalforquietonthebus.• Constantlycheckallmirrorsandrearwindows.• Backslowlyandsmoothly.• Ifnolookoutisavailable:- Settheparkingbrake.- Turnoffthemotorandtakethekeyswithyou.- Walktotherearofthebustodeterminewhetherthewayisclear.
• Ifyoumustback-upatastudentpick-uppoint,besuretopickupstudentsbeforebackingandwatchforlatecomersatalltimes.
• Besurethatallstudentsareinthebusbeforebacking.• Ifyoumustback-upatastudentdrop-offpoint,besuretounloadstudentsafterbacking.
Tail SwingAschoolbuscanhaveuptoathree-foottailswing.Youneedto
checkyourmirrorsbeforeandduringanyturningmovementstomonitorthetailswing.
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Test your knowledge1. Definethedangerzone.Howfardoesthedangerzoneextendaroundthebus?
2. Whatshouldyoubeabletoseeiftheoutsideflatmirrorsareadjustedproperly?Theoutsideconvexmirrors?Thecrossovermirrors?
3. Youareloadingstudentsalongtheroute.Whenshouldyouactivateyouralternatingflashingamberwarninglights?
4. Youareunloadingstudentsalongyourroute.Whereshouldstudentswalktoafterexitingthebus?
5. Afterunloadingatschool,whyshouldyouwalkthroughthebus?
6. Whatpositionshouldstudentsbeinfrontofthebusbeforetheycrosstheroadway?
7. Underwhatconditionsmustyouevacuatethebus?8. Howfarfromthenearestrailshouldyoustopatahighway-railcrossing?
9. Whatisapassivehighway-railcrossing?Whyshouldyoubeextracautiousatthistypeofcrossing?
10. Howshouldyouuseyourbrakesifyourvehicleisequippedwithantilockbrakes(ABS)?
Thesequestionsmaybeonyourtest.Ifyoucan’tanswerthemall,rereadSection10.
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Pre-Trip Inspection
This section covers:• Overview of the CDL Skills Test• General Test Rules• Overview of the Pre-Trip Inspection Test• What the Tester Will Look For• Equipment Failure• Pre-Trip Inspection Passing Scores• Scoring Criteria for the Pre-Trip Inspection
- Checks for all vehicles - Checks for combination vehicles - Checks for all buses - Checks for school buses - Grounds for automatic disqualification
11.1 Overview of the CDL Skills TestYou can take your CDL skills test after passing the required
knowledge tests for the commercial class and vehicle type you wish to be licensed for. A valid medical certificate is required for operating a commercial vehicle on public roads. Upon arriving for your scheduled skills test, your test will be postponed if:• You have not passed all required knowledge tests.• You do not present a Skills Test Results form.• You do not present proof of vehicle insurance.• Your vehicle has defective equipment–any equipment required
by law that is not working, or there is the potential that a component may malfunction during the test.
• Your vehicle is not properly licensed.• Your vehicle has not been properly purged after transporting
hazardous materials.• You bring a loaded vehicle to the test.• Your vehicle has inspection items that are marked or labeled.
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The CDL skills test is conducted in three parts which includes a Pre-trip Inspection, a Basic Controls Test, and a Road Test, performed in that order. If you disqualify on any one of these tests, the test will be stopped and you will need to reschedule. Also, failure to properly demonstrate the vehicle’s air supply system checks will stop the Pre-trip Inspection immediately after attempting those checks.
Once you have passed any part of the skills tests, you will not be required to retake that test over, as long as you:• Do not change testers (if using a contracted third party tester).• Do not change vehicles, or your vehicle equipment does not
vary significantly from earlier test attempts.• Complete all three parts of the skills test within a timely
manner.
Both state and contracted third party testers are used to meet skills test demands. In most cases, you do not get to choose what type of tester you can use. When scheduling your test, we require driver and general vehicle information, including where the test will be conducted, three days before the test. This applies to taking your first test and if necessary, scheduling a retest.
The required notice and waiting periods for non-passing test attempts are:• 3 day notice is required before taking your first CDL skills test.• 3 day notice/waiting period is required after failing a Pre-trip
Inspection.• 3 day notice/waiting period is required after failing a Basic
Controls Test. • 3 day notice and 7 day waiting period is required after failing a
Road Test.
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11.2 General Test RulesThe Pre-trip Inspection is conducted before the other parts of the
skills tests. During this test, you must show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You cannot take the other parts of the skills tests until you have passed the Pre-trip Inspection.
If you have previously passed this test, but failed the Road Test, you will not be required to complete another scored pre-trip. But you will need to perform a vehicle safety inspection at the time of your Road Test to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.
During the test:No smoking is allowed within 25 feet of the skills test parking
area, in or outside of your vehicle. Your appointment may be cancelled for disregarding this requirement.
No weapons are allowed in the vehicle.No passengers or animals are allowed in the vehicle. No memory aids are allowed.No portable audio or video recording devices are allowed.
This does not apply to school buses that are equipped with an onboard camera to monitor students.
A representative vehicle must be used to complete all three parts of the skills test. For example, you cannot complete any part(s) of the test(s) in separate vehicles, equipped differently, to simplify test standards, or to provide an unfair advantage.
If a driver begins the Pre-trip Inspection with a tractor equipped with a sleeper birth, manual transmission, and coupled to a 53-foot trailer, they must continue any remaining test(s) in the same vehicle, or same vehicle configuration. If a different vehicle is used, where the vehicle or vehicle equipment varies from an earlier passed test(s), prior passed test results will be voided, and the driver will be required to start the skills test over in the current vehicle being used.
An exception may be granted, only if a critical component malfunctions during the test. If this occurs, another vehicle can be used (if available and on site) as long as the vehicle has the same type of equipment, and is coupled (if applicable), to a trailer that is a similar length.
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11.3 Overview of the Pre-Trip Inspection Test You will be asked to perform a Pre-trip Inspection and explain
what items you are inspecting and what type of defects you are looking for.
When inspecting the inside of your vehicle:• Activate each lighting component.• Perform the air supply system checks.• Perform the in-cab brake checks. • Complete the in-cab or interior bus inspections.
When you are outside of your vehicle, inspect the:• Front of the vehicle.• Front axle and suspension system.• Vehicle’s side and driver fuel areas, including inspection items
located underneath the vehicle. • Coupling area (if applicable). • Drive axle and suspension system.• Rear of the vehicle.• Front of the trailer (if applicable). • Side of the trailer (if applicable). • Rear trailer axle and suspension (if applicable).• Rear of the trailer (if applicable).
11.4 What the Tester Will Look ForDuring the Pre-trip Inspection, you must show that the vehicle is
safe to drive. The tester will score your ability to identify and inspect items on your vehicle.
While inspecting the engine, the engine compartment must be opened. If you are testing in a vehicle that is a cab-over-engine design, it is not necessary to tilt the cab as most engine inspection items are accessible through compartment doors, fender wells or by looking through the grill.
When inspecting items located underneath the vehicle, some of the scored items may not be visible. You will not have to crawl under the vehicle, but you may be asked the general location of an item if it cannot be seen.
While conducting the Pre-trip Inspection, you must point to or touch each item you are inspecting and how you are checking that item. Be specific. General explanations such as “looks good” “it’s in good condition” or, “I’m checking to ensure the item is secure” are not acceptable and you will be asked for more detail.
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As you inspect the outside of your vehicle, you must tell the tester about any differences on other axles, suspensions or braking system components. You must also tell the tester if your vehicle has any unique items on the opposite side you are inspecting. Walk around the entire vehicle before you test to see if you have any such items.
11.5 Equipment FailureA tester will not knowingly allow you to continue testing in
a vehicle that may be unsafe or illegal to operate. If a tester determines that any component required by law is missing, defective, or unsafe, the test will be postponed.
If an equipment failure occurs after passing one part of the skills test, for example; after completing the Pre-trip Inspection an item malfunctions while performing the backing exercises, the passing test results for the pre-trip will be carried over for your next test. But no further testing will be allowed until the item is fixed. When this occurs, you will not be required to purchase another Skills Test Results form.
Required equipment for testing purposes includes:• Properly displayed license plates or trip permits• Lighting indicators
- Left and right turn signals; front/back. - Headlights; high and low beam. - Taillights; left and right. - Brake lights; left and right. - 4-way flashers; left and right, front/back. - Alternating amber flashers-school bus only. - Alternating red flashers-school bus only. - Student control devices; i.e., crossing arm, stop paddle-
school bus only.• Required emergency/safety equipment
- Fire extinguisher. - Emergency warning devices; i.e., triangles, flares, etc.
• Seat belts for driver and tester - Not required for buses not equipped with passenger seat
belts.• Windshield, side windows and mirrors
- Any substantial damage that would impair the driver’s and tester’s vision ahead or through the mirrors.
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• Air brakes - Low air warning device fails to activate at or above 55 psi. - Parking brake/tractor protection valve is missing or
inoperative. The parking brake/tractor protection valve should close when the air pressure is at least 20 psi.
• Fuel system - A leak is visible at any point (do not confuse with an
overfilled tank).• Exhaust system
- A noticeable leak underneath or observed inside of the vehicle.
• Wheels and tires - Tire is flat or has noticeable leak (can be heard or felt). - Tires that are bald or damaged and considered hazardous;
i.e., bald the entire width of the tire.• Vehicle doors, driver and passenger
- Doors damaged to an extent that would make them difficult to open in an emergency, or door(s) that will not properly close.
- Vehicle is equipped with emergency exit alarms or warning devices not in working order.
• Speedometer - Speedometer is inoperative or not functioning properly. - Global Positioning Systems (GPS) cannot be used in place
of the vehicle’s speedometer.• Other
- Inoperable windshield wipers-working wipers required for Pre-trip Inspection, and other tests during inclement weather conditions.
- Inoperable horn (only one horn is required for skills testing). - Inoperable heater/defroster fan-working defroster required
for the Pre-trip Inspection, and other tests during inclement weather conditions.
11.6 Passing Pre-Trip Inspection Test ScoresListed below are the passing scores for the various commercial
classes and vehicle types used for obtaining or upgrading a Washington CDL.
- 20 or less, for Class A vehicles equipped with air brakes. - 15 or less, for Class A vehicles not equipped with air
brakes. - 12 or less, for Class B/C trucks equipped with air brakes. - 10 or less, for Class B/C trucks not equipped with air
brakes.
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- 14 or less, for Class B/C school buses equipped with air brakes.
- 12 or less, for Class B/C school buses not equipped with air brakes.
- 13 or less, for Class B/C buses (non-school bus) equipped with air brakes.
- 11 or less, for Class B/C buses (non-school bus) not equipped with air brakes.
If you disqualify on the Pre-trip Inspection Test, you must wait three days to retest.
Information on scored items for the Pre-trip Inspection is covered on the following pages. If your vehicle is equipped with items that are not covered in this section, you will not be tested on those items.
Study all of the vehicle inspection items that apply to the type of vehicle you will use during your skills test.
11.7 Scoring Criteria for the Pre-Trip Inspection
Checks for All VehiclesMake these checks in addition to all other inspections that apply
to your vehicle:
1. Lights & ReflectorsActivate and check all external lights for the front, side and rear
of the vehicle to ensure they work. • During the outside inspection, check that lighting lenses are:
- Clean. - Not missing or broken. - The proper color for where they are located.
This includes:
Front of the vehicle• Headlights:
- High beam - Low beam
• Turn Signals: - Left - Right
• 4-way flashers
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Rear of the vehicle• Turn Signals:
- Left - Right
• Taillights• 4-way flashers• Brake lights
Clearance lights • Activate and check all clearance lights work and are clean.• Check there are no missing or broken lenses.
- Clearance lights–red on the rear, amber elsewhere.
Reflectors & Reflective tape• Check all reflectors are clean.• Check there are no missing or broken reflectors.• Check that reflective tape is clean and securely affixed to the
vehicle.
The tester will assist you in confirming each lighting component works, but you must inform them what lights you are activating.
Activating the brake lights, turn signals, and 4-way flashers must be done separately.
2. Air Supply SystemThough air brake safety devices vary, this procedure is designed
to see that all safety devices operate correctly as air pressure drops from a normal to a low-air condition. For safety purposes, in areas where an incline is present, you must use wheel chocks during the air brake check. To correctly inspect the air brake system, follow these steps:
Air leak check1. Shut off the engine.2. Chock your wheels (if necessary).3. Place the transmission into neutral or park.4. Release the parking brake and tractor protection valve if
applicable (push in).5. Fully apply the foot brake and hold it for 1 minute.6. Check the air gauge to see that the air pressure drops
no more than 3 psi in 1 minute in a single vehicle or no more than 4 psi in 1 minute in a combination vehicle.
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Low-air warning check1. Ensure all brakes are still released (pushed in).2. Turn the key to the “on” or “battery charge” position without
restarting the engine.3. Begin fanning off the air pressure by pumping the foot brake.4. Low-air warning devices (buzzer, light, flag) should activate
at 60 psi or above.
Parking brake/Tractor protection valve 1. Ensure all brakes are still released (pushed in).2. Continue to fan off the air pressure.3. When pressure drops to 20-45 psi on a combination vehicle,
the parking brake and tractor protection valves should close (pop out). On single and combination vehicles equipped with electric trailer brakes, the parking brake valve should close (pop out) when pressure drops to 20-45 psi.
Failure to correctly perform any one of the three parts of the air supply system checks (listed above), will result in an automatic disqualification. If this occurs, the test will be stopped after attempting these checks.
Failure to correctly verbalize the air supply system parameters (bolded numbers or ranges listed above), while performing these checks will result in an error for each check missed. If you correctly perform these inspections, but miss any of the air supply system’s reference numbers/ranges, you will be allowed to continue with your Pre-trip Inspection.
3. Brake ChecksTrailer hand valve• If equipped, check the trailer brakes by pulling forward and
applying the trailer hand valve only, or engage the hand valve and pull against the trailer brakes.
Parking brake• Apply the parking brake only and check that it will hold the
vehicle by shifting into a lower gear and gently pulling against the brake.
• For combination vehicles, set the trailer parking brakes only and perform the same check by pulling against the trailer brakes.
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Service brake• Operate and check the service brake by pulling forward slowly
and applying the service brake.
Breakaway control module• This test will be performed only on a combination vehicle
when the trailer has electric brakes. It is used to check that the breakaway control module works and will set the trailer brakes. To correctly perform this test, follow these steps:1. Disconnect the breakaway wiring from its connector on the
trailer.2. Start the engine.3. Place the transmission in first gear and drive forward.4. The truck should not move forward without dragging the
trailer tires. If the trailer moves forward without dragging the trailer tires, the emergency breakaway is not working and the test will be postponed.
Hydraulic brake check• For vehicles with a hydraulic brake system, pump the brake
pedal three times, and then hold it down for 5 seconds. Tell the tester that the brake pedal should not move (depress) during the 5 seconds.
• If equipped, with a hydraulic brake reserve (back-up system), with the key off, depress the brake pedal and listen for the sound of the reserve system electric motor.
• Check that the warning buzzer or light is off.
Air-over-hydraulic brakesThese systems are usually found on medium-sized commercial
vehicles. They combine features of air brake and hydraulic systems by using air to boost the hydraulic brake pressure. An air-over hydraulic system assists the service brakes, so a loss of air could mean the loss of service brakes, but the parking brake will continue to work.
An air-over hydraulic system and a standard air supply system have many of the same parts, including:• Warning buzzer and/or warning light• Compressor• Governor• Wet and dry air tanks• A brake pedal
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These items are often where you would find them in a complete air brake system. You will likely see an air chamber or cylinder attached to the hydraulic master cylinder. Some systems may not have all of the parts you expect to see; to meet the definition of air brakes, the vehicle must have:• Air pressure gauge(s)• Low air-pressure warning device(s)• An air compressor
If your vehicle does not have the three primary components listed above, it cannot be used as an air brake vehicle for the skills test.
When testing in an air-over hydraulic vehicle, you must be able to properly inspect both the air and hydraulic brake system items found on your vehicle.
The tester will also ask how you would inspect other items that your vehicle may not be equipped with, but items you should have knowledge of if you are licensed to drive an air brake vehicle.
Once these items are named, you will be required to explain the type of defects you would look for. If you are testing in an air-over hydraulic vehicle, study all components associated with a full air equipped vehicle. Because there are different types of air-over hydraulic systems, you should read your vehicle’s operation manual for more information.
4. In-Cab/Bus InspectionsSeat belt• Check the seat belt:
- Is securely fastened and adjusts properly. - Is not ripped or frayed. - Assembly is securely mounted with no loose or broken
parts.
Emergency & Safety equipment• Identify where the warning devices are stored.• Check for a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
- The fire extinguisher must be properly stored and secured for testing purposes.
• Check for spare electrical fuses. - If the vehicle does not have electrical fuses, you must
mention this to the tester.• Check for three reflective triangles, three liquid burning flares,
or six fusees.
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If the test vehicle does not have all of the required emergency equipment, the test will be postponed.
Heater/Defroster• Check the heater and defroster fan works.
Horn(s)• Check the air horn and/or electric horn(s) works.
Windshield & Mirrors• The windshield should:
- Be clean. - Have nothing that impairs vision, such as illegal stickers,
decals or other obstructions. - Have no cracks, chips or other damage that impairs vision.
• All mirrors should: - Be clean. - Be properly adjusted. - Have no cracks or other damage that impairs vision.
Wipers & Washers• Check that wiper arms and blades:
- Operate smoothly. - Are secure. - Are not damaged.
• If equipped, check windshield washers operate correctly.
Safety start• Set the parking brake.• Depress the clutch (if the vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission).• Place the gearshift lever in neutral (for automatic
transmissions, place the lever in park).• Start the engine and release the clutch slowly.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) check• If equipped, after starting the vehicle, check the dashboard to
ensure the ABS lighting indicator illuminates and turns off. - Tell the tester when the ABS warning light illuminates and
turns off.
If the ABS light remains illuminated, the ABS is not functioning properly and needs service.
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Dashboard indicator lights• Activate and inform the tester that the:
- Left and right turn signal indicators work when each signal is activated.
- 4-way emergency flasher indicator works when the flashers are turned on.
- High beam indicator works when the headlights are switched to high beam.
Air supply gauge• With the engine running, check the air pressure gauge(s) are
working properly.• Check the vehicle has adequate air supply in the tank
reservoir(s).• Build the air pressure to the governed cutout at 100-125 psi. If
your vehicle has a higher cutout range, inform the tester. - Tell the tester when the air governor cutout activates.
Ammeter/Voltmeter• With the engine running, check the ammeter or voltmeter
gauge(s) shows the alternator or generator is charging or that the warning light is off.
Oil pressure gauge• With the engine running, check the oil pressure gauge is
building pressure.• Check the oil pressure gauge shows increasing or normal oil
pressure or that the warning light goes off.
Temperature gauge• With the engine running, check the temperature gauge is
working.• Check the temperature gauge begins to climb to the normal
operating range or that the warning light is off.
5. Engine Compartment (Engine Off)You must open the engine compartment to inspect the following
items. If you are operating a cab-over-engine truck, you will not be required to tilt the cab.
11-14
Oil level• Identify where the dipstick is located.• Check the oil level is within a safe operating range. The
level must be above the refill mark. A verbal explanation is acceptable.
Coolant level• Check the coolant level is within a safe operating range.• Inspect the reservoir sight glass or tell the tester that you
would remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level.
Never attempt to remove a radiator cap on an engine that has recently been running. A verbal explanation is acceptable.
Power steering fluid• Identify where the power-steering fluid dipstick is located.• Check the power-steering fluid is at the proper level. The
level must be above the refill mark. A verbal explanation is acceptable.
Air compressor• Identify the location of the air compressor.• Check the air compressor is securely mounted with no loose
or missing bolts.• Check for any fluid or air leaks from the compressor.
Water pump• Identify the location of the water pump.• Check the water pump is securely mounted with no loose or
missing bolts.• Check for leaks from the water pump.
Alternator• Identify the location of the alternator.• Check the alternator is securely mounted with no loose or
missing bolts.• Check for loose electrical connections.• Check for exposed, broken or burned wiring.
11-15
Leaks (engine compartment)• Check for fluid leaks on the ground, such as puddles of oil,
coolant, or fuel.• Check for dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and
transmission.• Check engine hose clamps for leaks and that hoses show no
signs of: - Cuts or cracks. - Bulges or abrasive damage from rubbing against other parts.
Engine compartment belts• Check at least one belt and explain the condition of the belts–
they should not be: - Cracked or show other signs of excessive wear. - Frayed, or show signs of loose fibers.
• Check the tension of the belts–they should not deflect more than 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch from the center of the belt.
6. Steering Steering box & Hoses• Check that the steering box is securely mounted to the frame,
with no loose or missing nuts/bolts.• Check for power-steering fluid leaks and for cracks in the
steering box housing.• Check that power steering hoses show no signs of:
- Cuts or cracks. - Bulges or abrasive damage from rubbing against other parts.
Steering linkage• Check that connecting links, arms, and rods from the steering
box to the wheel are not: - Excessively worn or cracked.
• Check that joints and sockets are not: - Excessively worn or loose. - Missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys.
7. Front AxleTires• Check for cuts, bumps, or abrasions to the sidewall.• Check for any signs of tread separation.• Check that valve stems are not missing, broken, or damaged.• Check the tread depth is at least 4/32 of an inch on the
steering-axle tires and that tread is evenly worn.• Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge.
11-16
You will not get credit by stating you would use a tire mallet or similar device, or by kicking the tires to check inflation.
Rims• Check for dents or damage to the bead flange.• Check for visible cracks or welding repairs.• Check for cracks radiating from lug bolt holes or distortions of
the bolt holes.
Lug nuts• Check for missing lug nuts.• Check that lug nuts show no signs of being loose, such as rust
trails or shiny threads.
Hub oil seals/Axle seals• Check that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not
leaking.• If the wheel has a sight glass or removable seal, check the oil/
grease is at the proper level.
If the hub/axle seal has a removable seal or beauty cap (hub/axle seal cover), a verbal explanation will be acceptable.
8. Front SuspensionInspect all suspension parts for each axle whenever the
suspension parts for an axle are different from each other in any way.
Springs• Check that leaf springs are not:
- Missing. - Shifted. - Cracked or broken. - If equipped, check for broken or distorted coil springs.
Mounts/Hangers• Check for cracked or broken spring hangers.• Check for missing or damaged bushings.• Check for other loose or broken axle-mounting parts.
U-Bolts• Check for cracked or broken U-bolts.• Check for loose or missing U-bolts.
11-17
Shock absorbers• Check the shock absorbers are:
- Securely mounted with no loose or missing nuts/bolts. - Not leaking.
Air bags• If equipped, check the air-ride suspension:
- Has no cuts or bulges. - Are not deflated or leaking. - Are securely mounted with no loose or missing bolts.
Torque arm (radius rod/torque spring) • If equipped, check that torque arms, torsion bars or other
types of suspension stabilizing parts are: - Not cracked or broken. - Securely mounted with no loose or missing bolts, or
mounting parts.
9. Front Axle BrakesBrake drums/Rotors• Check brake drums or rotors for cracks, grooves or holes.• Check there are no signs of oil or grease on the brake drums.
If your vehicle has dust covers, explain this check to the tester.
Brake linings• Check that brake linings:
- Are at least 1/4 of an inch. - Have no loose or missing parts. - Are not cracked or broken. - Show no signs of oil or grease on the linings.
Brake chambers• Check the brake chambers:
- Have no cracks or dents. - Are securely mounted, with no loose or missing nuts/bolts. - Have no loose or missing clamps. - Are not leaking.
Slack adjustors• Explain that you would check the brake adjustment and slack
adjustor pushrod stroke according to the manufacturers’ specifications.
• Check for broken, loose, or missing parts.
11-18
Brake hoses/lines• Check hose couplings or fittings are securely connected and
not leaking.• Check hoses are not:
- Leaking. - Cracked or worn. - Bulging, or showing signs of abrasive damage from rubbing
against other parts.
If the brakes are hydraulic, look for leaks; if they are air-powered, listen for leaks.
10. Driver, Fuel, & Under-Vehicle AreasFor inspection items located under the vehicle, you will not need
to crawl under the vehicle. A verbal explanation will be acceptable.
Doors & Mirrors• Check that door(s) are not damaged and opens and closes
securely from the outside.• Check that door hinges are secure with door seals intact.• Check that mirror brackets are:
- Not damaged. - Securely mounted with no loose fittings or missing parts.
Fuel tank• Check that fuel tanks are securely mounted with no missing
nuts/bolts or mounting parts.• Check fuel caps are tight.• Check for signs of leaking from fuel tanks or fuel lines.
Header Board/Front End Structure• If equipped, check the header board or front end structure is
not damaged.• Check the header board or front end structure is securely
mounted with no loose or missing bolts, mounting brackets or broken welds.
• If equipped, check the canvas or tarp carrier is securely mounted with no loose or missing nuts/bolts.
11-19
Drive shaft• Check the drive shaft:
- Is not bent or cracked. - Is securely mounted with no loose nuts/bolts or shaft
couplings. - Couplings are free of foreign objects.
Exhaust system• Check the exhaust system is securely mounted and tightly
connected with no loose or missing nuts/bolts, clamps or mounting brackets.
• Check for cracks or holes, or severe dents.• Check for any signs of exhaust leaks, such as rust or carbon soot.
Frame tractor or straight vehicle• Check for cracks or bends in the frame.• Check for loose or missing bolts.• Check for cracks in the cross members.
11. Rear AxleTires• Check for cuts, bumps, or abrasions to the sidewall.• Check for any signs of tread separation.• Check that valve stems are not missing, broken, or damaged.• Check the tread depth is at least 2/32 of an inch on the drive-
axle tires and that tread is evenly worn.• Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge.• In-between duals:
- Check that dual tires are not touching. - Check that dual tires have nothing lodged between them.
You will not get credit by stating you would use a tire mallet or similar device, or by kicking the tires to check inflation.
Rims• Check for dents or damage to the bead flange.• Check for visible cracks or welding repairs.• Check for cracks radiating from lug bolt holes or distortions of
the bolt holes.
Lug nuts• Check for missing lug nuts.• Check that lug nuts show no signs of being loose, such as rust
trails or shiny threads.
11-20
Hub oil seals/Axle seals• Check that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not
leaking.• If the wheel has a sight glass or removable seal, check the oil/
grease is at the proper level.
If the hub/axle seal has a removable seal or beauty cap (hub/axle seal cover), a verbal explanation will be acceptable.
Mud flaps• Check the mud flaps:
- Are not excessively worn or torn. - Hang down to at least the center of the axle. - Are securely mounted with no loose or missing nuts/bolts.
Spacers/Budd spacing• If equipped, check spacers are not bent, rusted through or
show other signs of damage.• Check disc (Budd) wheels for even spacing, or signs of
damage.
12. Rear SuspensionInspect all suspension parts for the drive axle–whenever the
suspension parts for the axle are different from another axle in any way.
Springs• Check that leaf springs are not:
- Missing. - Shifted. - Cracked or broken. - If equipped, check for broken or distorted coil springs.
Mounts/Hangers• Check for cracked or broken spring hangers.• Check for missing or damaged bushings.• Check for other loose or broken axle-mounting parts.
U-Bolts• Check for cracked or broken U-bolts.• Check for loose or missing U-bolts.
11-21
Shock absorbers• Check the shock absorbers are:
- Securely mounted with no loose or missing nuts/bolts. - Not leaking.
Air bags• If equipped, check the air-ride suspension:
- Has no cuts or bulges. - Are not deflated or leaking. - Are securely mounted with no loose or missing bolts.
Torque arm (radius rod/torque spring)• Check that torque arms, torsion bars, or other types of
suspension stabilizing parts are: - Not cracked or broken. - Securely mounted with no loose or missing bolts, or
mounting parts.
13. Rear Axle Brakes Brake drums/Rotors• Check brake drums or rotors for cracks, grooves or holes.• Check there are no signs of oil or grease on the brake drums.
If your vehicle has dust covers, explain this check to the tester.
Brake linings• Check that brake linings:
- Are at least 1/4 of an inch. - Have no loose or missing parts. - Are not cracked or broken. - Show no signs of oil or grease on the linings.
Brake chambers• Check the brake chambers:
- Have no cracks or dents. - Are securely mounted, with no loose or missing nuts/bolts. - Have no loose or missing clamps. - Are not leaking.
Slack adjustors• Explain that you would check the brake adjustment and slack
adjustor pushrod stroke according to the manufacturers’ specifications.
• Check for broken, loose, or missing parts.
11-22
Brake hoses/lines• Check that hose couplings or fittings are securely connected
and not leaking.• Check that hoses are not:
- Leaking. - Cracked or worn. - Bulging, or showing signs of abrasive damage from rubbing
against other parts.
If the brakes are hydraulic, look for leaks; if they are air-powered, listen for leaks.
14. Rear of Single Vehicle/TractorTies/Straps/Chains• If applicable, check that ties, straps, or chains are not loose or
freely hanging.
Doors (rear & side)• Check truck cargo door(s) are not damaged and opens,
closes and are securely latched.• Check that door hinges are secure with door seals intact.• If equipped with a rear tail or dump gate, check the gate:
- Hinges are not damaged. - Opens, closes, and is securely latched.
Cargo lift• If equipped, check the cargo lift:
- Is not leaking. - Has no damaged, or missing parts. - Is fully retracted and securely latched. - Explain how the lift is correctly operated.
For combination vehicles and if equipped, make the following checks in addition to all other inspections that apply to your vehicle.
Deck plate/Catwalk & Steps• Check the deck plate/catwalk and steps are:
- Clear of loose objects. - Solid and securely mounted to the tractor frame with no
loose or missing nuts/bolts.
11-23
Air & Electrical lines• Check that air hoses and electrical line insulation are not:
- Cut, or spliced. - Cracked, chaffed or excessively worn-steel braid should not
show through.• Check that air and electrical lines are not pinched or rubbing
against truck/tractor parts.• If not permanently mounted, check the electrical plug is firmly
seated and locked in place on the truck/tractor.• Check for air leaks.
15. Fifth Wheel Coupling SystemMounting bolts• Check for loose or missing mounting brackets, bolts, or nuts.
Platform base• Check for cracks or breaks on the platform base (above the
upper mounting bolts) that support the fifth wheel skid plate.• Check the platform is securely mounted to the frame or sliding
assembly with no loose or missing nuts/bolts.
Fifth wheel skid plate• Check the fifth wheel skid plate:
- Is properly lubricated. - Is securely mounted to the platform and that there are no
loose or missing bolts or pins.
Release arm & Safety latch• Check the release arm is secure and in the engaged or locked
position.• If equipped with a safety latch, check the safety latch is
engaged or in place.
Kingpin & Locking jaws• Check the kingpin is not bent.• Look into the fifth wheel gap and check the locking jaws are
fully closed around the shank of the kingpin.
Apron• Check the visible part of the apron (plate attached to the
underside of the trailer that rests on the skid plate) is not bent, cracked, or broken.
11-24
Gap • Check the trailer is lying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate (no
gap).
Sliding fifth wheel locking pins• Check the sliding fifth wheel has no loose or missing pins in
the slide mechanism. • If it is air-powered, check for leaks.• Check that locking pins are fully engaged.• Check the fifth wheel is positioned properly so the tractor
frame or mud flaps and brackets will clear the landing gear during turns.
16. Pintle Hook Coupling SystemMounting bolts• Check for loose or missing nuts/bolts. • Check for broken welds.
Pintle hook• Check the pintle hook is:
- Not cracked or broken. - Not excessively worn.
• If equipped, check the safety latch is engaged.
Sliding pintle• If equipped, check the sliding pintle:
- Is secure with no loose or missing nuts/bolts. - Slider pin is engaged with the cotter pin in place.
Safety chains/cables• Check the safety chains or cables are:
- Securely hooked and crisscrossed. - Free of any kinks or excessive slack.
Tongue/Drawbar & Eye• Check the tongue/drawbar is not bent or twisted.• Check for cracks or broken welds. • Check the eye is not cracked or excessively worn.
Tongue storage area• Check the storage area is solid and secured to the tongue.• Check that cargo in the storage area, such as chains, binders,
etc., are secure.
11-25
• If equipped, check the compartment door is: - Not damaged. - Working properly. - Securely latched.
Drawbar landing gear• Check the landing gear:
- Is fully raised. - Has no missing parts. - Crank handle is secure. - Support frame has no damage, such as cracks, broken
welds, missing nuts/bolts, or damage to the landing pads. - If power operated, check for air or hydraulic leaks.
17. Miscellaneous coupling systems (ball hitch, gooseneck, etc.)
Coupling system & Mounting bolts• Check the coupling system has no cracks or broken welds.• Check the mounting brackets are secure with no loose or
missing nuts/bolts.• If equipped, check the nut on the shank of the ball is tight.
Safety latch/Hitch release lever• Check the safety latch, hitch release lever or locking device is
engaged and securely latched.
Safety chains/cables• Check that safety chains or cables are:
- Securely hooked and crisscrossed. - Free of any kinks or excessive slack.
18. Trailer Front Air & Electrical lines• Check that trailer connectors are sealed and not damaged.• Check that glad hands are locked in place, with no air leaks.• Check the electrical plug is firmly seated and locked in place
on the trailer.• If the trailer is equipped with electric brakes and if applicable,
check the battery backup is not damaged or missing.
Header board/Bulkhead• If equipped, check the header board or front end structure is
not damaged.
11-26
• Check the header board or front end structure is securely mounted with no loose or missing bolts, mounting brackets or broken welds.
• If equipped, check the canvas or tarp carrier is securely mounted with no loose or missing nuts/bolts.
• On enclosed trailers, check the front area for signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, holes or missing rivets.
19. Trailer SideLanding gear• Check the landing gear:
- Is fully raised. - Has no missing parts. - Crank handle is secure. - Support frame has no damage, such as cracks, broken
welds, missing nuts/bolts, or damage to the landing pads. - If power operated, check for air or hydraulic leaks.
Frame (trailer)• Check for cracks or bends.• Check for loose or missing bolts.• Check for cracks in the cross members.• Check for damage to the trailer floor.
Tandem release arm/Locking pins• Check the locking pins are locked in place. • Check the release arm is engaged and secured.
20. Trailer AxleTires• Check for cuts, bumps, or abrasions to the sidewall.• Check for any signs of tread separation.• Check that valve stems are not missing, broken, or damaged.• Check the tread depth is at least 2/32 of an inch on the
trailer- axle tires and that tread is evenly worn.Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge.• In-between duals:
- Check that dual tires are not touching. - Check that dual tires have nothing lodged between them.
You will not get credit by stating you would use a tire mallet or similar device, or by kicking the tires to check inflation.
11-27
Rims• Check for dents or damage to the bead flange.• Check for visible cracks or welding repairs.• Check for cracks radiating from lug bolt holes or distortions of
the bolt holes.
Lug nuts• Check for missing lug nuts.• Check that lug nuts show no signs of being loose, such as rust
trails or shiny threads.
Hub oil seals/Axle seals• Check that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not
leaking.• If the wheel has a sight glass or removable seal, check the oil/
grease is at the proper level.
If the hub/axle seal has a removable seal or beauty cap (hub/axle seal cover), a verbal explanation will be acceptable.
Mud flaps• Check the mud flaps:
- Are not excessively worn or torn. - Hang down to at least the center of the axle. - Are securely mounted with no loose or missing nuts/bolts.
Spacers/Budd spacing• If equipped, check that spacers are not bent, rusted through,
or shows other signs of damage.• Check disc (Budd) wheels for even spacing, or signs of
damage.
21. Trailer SuspensionInspect all suspension parts for the trailer axle–whenever the
suspension parts for the axle are different from another axle in any way.
Springs• Check that leaf springs are not:
- Missing. - Shifted. - Cracked or broken. - If equipped, check for broken or distorted coil springs.
11-28
Mounts/Hangers• Check for cracked or broken spring hangers.• Check for missing or damaged bushings.• Check for other loose or broken axle-mounting parts.
U-Bolts• Check for cracked or broken U-bolts.• Check loose or missing U-bolts.
Shock absorbers• Check the shock absorbers are:
- Securely mounted with no loose or missing nuts/bolts. - Not leaking.
Air bags• If equipped, check the air-ride suspension:
- Has no cuts or bulges. - Are not deflated or leaking. - Are securely mounted with no loose or missing bolts.
Torque arm (radius rod/torque spring)• If equipped, check that torque arms, torsion bars, or other
types of suspension stabilizing parts are: - Not cracked or broken. - Securely mounted with no loose or missing bolts, or
mounting parts.
22. Trailer BrakesBrake drums/Rotors• Check brake drums or rotors for cracks, grooves or holes.• Check there are no signs of oil or grease on the brake drums.
If your vehicle has dust covers, explain this check to the tester.
Brake linings• Check that brake linings:
- Are at least 1/4 of an inch. - Have no loose or missing parts. - Are not cracked or broken. - Show no signs of oil or grease on the linings.
Brake chambers• Check the brake chambers:
- Have no cracks or dents.
11-29
- Are securely mounted, with no loose or missing nuts/bolts. - Have no loose or missing clamps. - Are not leaking.
Slack adjustors• Explain that you would check the brake adjustment and slack
adjustor pushrod stroke according to the manufacturers’ specifications.
• Check for broken, loose, or missing parts.
Brake hoses/lines• Check that hose couplings or fittings are securely connected
and not leaking.• Check that hoses are not:
- Leaking. - Cracked or worn. - Bulging, or showing signs of abrasive damage from rubbing
against other parts.
If the brakes are hydraulic, look for leaks; if they are air-powered, listen for leaks.
23. Remainder of TrailerTies/Straps/Chains• If applicable, check that ties, straps, or chains are not loose or
freely hanging.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) light• If equipped, check the ABS light on the rear driver’s side of the
trailer does not stay illuminated.• Inform the tester this check would be conducted with the
ignition key in the “on” or “battery charge” position.
If the ABS light stays illuminated, the ABS is not functioning properly and needs service.
Doors (rear & side)• Check trailer cargo door(s) are not damaged, opens, closes
and are securely latched.• Check that door hinges are secure with door seals intact.• If equipped with a tail or rear dump gate, check the gate:
- Hinges are not damaged. - Opens, closes, and is securely latched.
11-30
Cargo lift• If equipped, check the cargo lift:
- Is not leaking. - Has no damaged, or missing parts. - Is fully retracted and securely latched. - Explain how the lift is correctly operated.
24. External Inspection of Coach/Transit BusMake these checks in addition to all other inspections that apply
to your vehicle:
Entry lift• If equipped, check the power lift:
- Is not leaking. - Has no damaged, or missing parts. - Is fully retracted and securely latched. - Explain how the lift is correctly operated.
Doors & Mirrors• Check that entry doors are not damaged, operates smoothly
and closes securely from the inside. • Check that hinges are secure with seals intact. • Check that mirror brackets are:
- Not damaged. - Securely mounted with no loose fittings or missing parts.
Passenger entry• Check the entry handrails are secure and if equipped, the step
light(s) is working.• Check the entry steps are clear and that step treads are not
loose or excessively worn.• Check that nothing is blocking the aisle-way.
Emergency exit(s)• Identify the location of all emergency exits.• If equipped, check the entry/exit door release handle can be
operated from both inside and outside of the vehicle. • Check that hinges are secure with seals intact.• Demonstrate at least one emergency exit (other than primary
entrance) operates smoothly, closes securely and is not damaged.
• Explain how all other emergency exits operate.• If equipped, check the emergency exit warning device works.
11-31
Seating• Check for broken seat frames.• Check that seat frames are securely attached to the floor.• Check that seat cushions are securely attached to the seat
frames.
Compartments• Check that baggage doors and all other outside compartment
doors are: - Not damaged. - Working properly. - Securely latched.
25. External Inspection of School BusMake these checks in addition to all other inspections that apply
to your vehicle:
School bus lights• Check the following external lights:
- Alternately-flashing amber lights. - Alternately-flashing red lights.
Student mirrors• Check that all internal and external student mirrors:
- Are properly adjusted. - Are clean. - Have no cracks or other damage that impairs vision.
• Check that mirror brackets are: - Not damaged. - Securely mounted with no loose fittings or missing parts.
School bus emergency equipment• Check for an emergency first-aid kit.• Check for a body-fluid-cleanup kit.
Stop paddle• If equipped, check the stop paddle lights work.• Check the stop paddle for signs of damage.• Check that it is securely mounted to the side of the bus with
no loose or missing parts.
11-32
Crossing arm(s)• If equipped, check that the crossing arm fully extends when
operated.• Check the crossing arm for signs of damage.• Check that it is securely mounted to the front of the bus with
no loose or missing parts.
Grounds for Automatic DisqualificationYou will be automatically disqualified for any of the following:
• Air supply system checks – Failure to properly demonstrate any of the following air supply system checks: - Air leak check. - Low air warning check. - Parking brake and tractor protection valves–Class A only. - Parking brake valve–Class B/C only.
• Dangerous action: - Anytime the tester takes verbal or physical control of the
vehicle to prevent an accident or dangerous situation from occurring. For example, while positioning the vehicle before starting the test or moving the vehicle during the test-may also apply to other dangerous situations.
- Applies if you fail to put the vehicle in neutral/park and set the vehicle’s parking brake before exiting the vehicle to conduct exterior inspections.
- Applies if you repeatedly exit the vehicle in an unsafe manner.
• Failure to perform: - When you cannot comprehend or respond to instructions
given during any part of the Pre-trip Inspection test. - Repeated inability to properly demonstrate and/or
verbalize your vehicle’s inspection items during the Pre-trip Inspection test.
Other conditions for stopping the test• Equipment failure:
- Anytime your vehicle has been identified as unsafe, is not street legal, or is missing state required safety equipment.
12-1
Basic Controls
This section covers:• The Basic Controls Test• What the tester will look for
The Basic Controls Test is used to evaluate your skill at controlling your vehicle while backing, and your ability to judge your vehicle’s position in relation to other objects. This test is scored separate, and prior to taking your Road Test. You cannot get a CDL until you successfully complete this part of the test.
The judgment and skills these exercises require are used in many different driving situations and are essential to the safe control of your vehicle.
If you disqualify on the Basic Controls Test, you must wait three days to retest:
If retesting is required, you must successfully complete each backing exercise regardless of how well each exercise was performed during an earlier test attempt.
12.1 – The Basic Controls TestDuring this test, you must perform three separate exercises,
which includes:Straight-line backing.Offset back to the right.Alley dock at a 90-degree angle.
Backing boundaries are lined with cones. Treat the inside base of each cone as a vertical wall projecting upward. When any part of your vehicle–excluding mirrors–crosses over the base or between cones through this imaginary vertical wall, it will be scored as an error. If you stop your vehicle during an exercise, you must perform a vision check and sound the horn (if your vehicle does not have a backup alarm) before continuing the exercise.
12-2
To back safely, you must always check that the backing area is clear before you move your vehicle. Generally, you can do this by getting out of the vehicle to make sure the way is clear.
12.2 – Scoring The Basic Controls Test• Mirror use• Flashers• Warning devices• Crossing boundaries (encroachments)• Pull-ups• Vehicle exits (looks)• Final position
The tester will score the following:
Mirror Use: You must check both mirrors before backing and continue checking both mirrors during the entire exercise. Check both left and right mirrors at least once every ten seconds while backing.
Flashers: You must use your 4-way flashers before you begin each backing exercise.
Warning Devices: You must use your vehicle’s horn–unless your vehicle has a working backup alarm–before backing your vehicle.
Encroachments: You will be scored with an encroachment error each time any portion of your vehicle touches or crosses over an exercise boundary. Each encroachment is scored as a two point error.
Pull-ups: When you stop and reverse direction to get a better position, it “may” be scored as a pull-up. You will not be penalized for initial pull-ups. However, each excessive pull-up will count as a one point error.
Looks: You are allowed to stop and exit the vehicle to check the position of the rear of your vehicle (look) during each exercise. When doing so, you must place the vehicle in neutral, or park if equipped with an automatic transmission and set the parking brake. When exiting and reentering the vehicle, you must do so safely by facing the vehicle and maintaining a three point of contact method with the vehicle at all times. When exiting and reentering a bus, maintain a firm grasp on the entryway handrail at all times. If you do not safely secure the vehicle, or if you exit the vehicle in an unsafe manner, you will be disqualified.
12-3
Final position: It is important that you finish each exercise exactly as the tester has instructed. If you do not place the rear of your vehicle into the final position boundary, or if the front of your vehicle is not relatively straight with the rear of the vehicle as described by the tester, you will be penalized 10 points. This could result in a disqualification because of exceeding a qualifying score.
You must have a passing score of 18 points or less as a combined score for the three backing exercises. If more than 18 points are scored, you will not pass the Basic Controls Test. If 19 or more points/errors are scored, the test will be stopped.
12.3 – What The Tester Will Look For
Straight Line BackingYou will be instructed to back your vehicle in a straight line
between two rows of cones without touching or crossing over the exercise course. See Figure 12-1 at the end of this section.
You must put the back of your vehicle inside the final docking boundary. The tester will stop you and instruct you to return back into bounds if you encroach on or through any cones.
Offset Backing to the RightYou will be instructed to back into a lane that is to the right of
your vehicle. See Figure 12-2 at the end of this section.You will drive straight forward and then back your vehicle into
the lane to the right without encroaching on or through any areas marked by cones. You must put the back of your vehicle inside the final docking boundary. The tester will stop you and instruct you to return back into bounds if you encroach on or through any cones.
If a pull-up is needed, the entire back of your vehicle must cross over the exercises center boundary line (middle cone between both lanes) before a pull-up is allowed.
After completing the exercise, your entire vehicle must be relatively straight. If the front of the vehicle is positioned to the left or right (in front of the row of cones) of the backing lane, you have not successfully completed the exercise and a position error will be scored. See Figures 12-2 and 12-3a at the end of this section for examples of the vehicle ending the exercise out of position and the center line the vehicle must cross before making a pull-up for the Offset backing exercise.
12-4
Alley DockYou will be instructed to set your vehicle up at a 90 degree angle
and back your vehicle–sight side–into an alley dock. See Figures 12-3a 12-3b and at the end of this section.
You must put the back of your vehicle inside the final docking boundary. The tester will stop you and instruct you to return back into bounds if you encroach on or through any cones.
After completing this exercise, your entire vehicle must be relatively straight. If the back of your vehicle is not within the final position boundary, or the front of your vehicle is positioned to the left or right (in front of the row of cones) of the backing lane, you have not successfully completed the exercise and a position error will be scored. See Figure 12-3a at the end of this section, for an example of the vehicle ending the exercise out of position.
Grounds for Automatic DisqualificationYou will be automatically disqualified for any of the following:
Accident:• An accident, however slight. This includes contact with any
fixed object. • Striking exercise boundary cones will not be scored as an
accident.
Dangerous action:• Applies to situations that require the tester to intervene and
stop you from striking any fixed object. May also apply to other dangerous situations while positioning the vehicle or completing the backing exercises.
• Applies if you fail to put the vehicle in neutral/park and set the vehicle’s parking brake, prior to exiting the vehicle to perform a “look.”
• Applies if you exit the vehicle in an unsafe manner while performing a “look.”
Failure to perform:• Applies when you cannot comprehend or respond to
instructions given during any part of the Basic Controls Test.• Applies to the inability to perform any of the backing exercises.
12-5
Figure 12.1Straight line backing
10’Front of base
to front of base
100’
Straight Line Backing Course
3’
Docking Boundary
12’
12-6
Off-Set Backing Course
140’
from
fron
t of c
ours
e to
bar
rier
on ‘A
’ com
bina
tion
vehi
cles
12’
10’
40’Minimum
3’
100’
from
fron
t of c
ours
e to
bar
rier
on ‘B
/C’ s
ingl
e ve
hicl
es
33’ 33’
Docking Boundary
Entire rear ofvehicle needsto cross centerline before apull-up is allowed
Center line
Figure 12.2Offset backing to the right
12-7
Figure 12.3aAlley dock–’A’ vehicles
10’
20’
3’
Docking Boundary
Tractor cannot extendto either side of the
boundary line
90-Degree Alley Dock Course “A” Vehicles
20’
80’
70’ “
A” V
ehic
les
10’
12-8
Figure 12.3bAlley dock–’B/C’ vehicles
12’
20’
10’
3’
Docking Boundary
90-Degree Alley Dock Course “B/C” Vehicles
20’
80’
50’ “
B/C
” Veh
icle
s
10’ 10’
13-1
The Road Test
This section covers:• The Road Test• What the tester will look for
To get a CDL, you must pass the Road Test during daylight hours. This test will be used to evaluate your ability to safely and legally operate a commercial motor vehicle. You will drive on a test route that contains a variety of traffic situations. You must drive safely and responsibly at all times.
You will be scored as if other traffic were present during your test, even when there is none. Always follow commercial rules of the road by driving in, or moving to, the right-most lane on roadways with multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, unless the tester instructs you to do otherwise, or unless traffic conditions require requires you to change lanes.
You will be given instructions and plenty of time to perform what is required. You will not be told to drive in an illegal or unsafe manner. When you are asked to simulate certain traffic situations, perform the maneuver as if it is not simulated and tell the tester what you would do if you were in those situations.
You must have a passing Road Test score of 25 points or less if you are operating a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A score of 30 points or less is required if you are operating a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission.
If you disqualify on a Road Test, you must normally wait at least one week before you retest. If you have previously passed the Pre-trip Inspection test, you will be required to complete a vehicle safety inspection before taking your Road Test.
13-2
13.1 – The Road TestThe tester will score your performance on a state-certified road
test route.
You must correctly perform the following:• Left and right turns.• Stopping at and driving through intersections.• Driving on sections of urban and rural roads.• Performing lane changes.• Driving around curves.• Give the tester information from traffic signs.• Performing a roadside stop and reentering traffic.• Driving over a railroad crossing-this may be simulated.• Performing a simulated student stop-school buses only.• Driving on a highway or freeway.
The tester will also score your general driving skills during the test–you should:• Use the clutch properly.• Use the gears properly.• Use the brakes properly.• Control the steering wheel properly.• Remain within your lane of travel.• Stop at the proper point at crosswalks, stop signs, and at
stop lines.• Conduct regular traffic and mirror checks.• Use the turn signals properly.• Obey all traffic signs.• Obey all speed limits.• Operate your vehicle safely.
13-3
13.2 – What The Tester Will Look ForThis section describes the items the tester will score as you go
through your test. The tester will watch to see that you correctly perform each of these items and that your general driving skills meet licensing standards.
Left and Right TurnsWhen you have been directed to make a turn:• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks.• Signal at least 100 feet before the turn.• Slow down smoothly and change gears as needed to keep
your vehicle’s power up. - Don’t coast with your foot on the clutch.
• Move into the correct lane and position your vehicle to make the turn. Make your turns without needless stops.
If you must stop before the turn:• Come to a smooth stop without skidding.• If stopping behind another vehicle, leave a gap with enough
space to see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you.• Stop so that your vehicle is not in the traveled part of the
intersection, over the stop line, or in the crosswalk.• Keep the front wheels aimed straight ahead while stopped.• Stop completely–don’t allow your vehicle to roll.
While you are turning:• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks.
- Continue to check your mirrors to be sure that your vehicle does not hit anything.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel during the turn.• Don’t change gears during the turn.• Control your speed. Make your turns without needless stops.• Don’t turn into oncoming traffic and yield to pedestrians and • other traffic.• Don’t turn too wide or short, go over or rub the curb, or cause
other traffic to back up.
As you complete the turn:• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks.• Complete the turn in the correct lane.
- For left turns use the left lane and for right turns use the right lane.
13-4
• Cancel the turn signal after the rear of your vehicle has completed the turn.
• Accelerate smoothly. - After left turns, move into the right-most lane (if applicable),
when it is safe to do so.
IntersectionsAs you approach an intersection:• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks before
entering the intersection.• Slow down and brake smoothly.• If you need to shift gears, do so before entering the
intersection.• Don’t coast up to the intersection.• Move smoothly though the intersection and maintain your lane
position.• If necessary, stop so that your vehicle is not in the traveled
part of the intersection, over the stop line, or in the crosswalk.
When you are stopping at an intersection:• Brake smoothly and steadily.• If stopping behind another vehicle, leave a gap with enough
space to see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you.• Stop completely and don’t allow your vehicle to roll. • When starting from a stopped position and driving straight
ahead, shift gears through the intersection–up-shift as necessary if starting in lower gears.
When you are driving through an intersection:• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks before
entering the intersection. • Keep both hands on the steering wheel (unless shifting).• Accelerate smoothly–don’t lug or rev the engine.
- If gear changes are necessary after starting from a stopped position, don’t grind or clash gears or coast through the intersection.
• Decelerate and yield to pedestrians and other traffic in the intersection.
• Don’t change lanes while driving through an intersection.• Check traffic and clearance.
- Don’t drive into an intersection unless you can safely cross.
Once you are through the intersection:• Continue checking mirrors and traffic.
13-5
• Maintain your lane position.• Accelerate smoothly and change gears to maintain proper
speed.
Urban and Rural DrivingAs you drive down a city or county road:• Regularly check traffic.
- Watch for hazards, and look far enough ahead to adjust your speed accordingly.
• Cross traffic checks. - Upon approaching intersecting streets and roadways,
check cross traffic to the left and right. - Check both the left and right mirrors at least once every ten
seconds.• Select the proper lane.
- In normal traffic conditions, stay in the right-most lane unless instructed otherwise by the tester.
- Move to the left lane (if applicable), and when traffic allows, if the right-most lane is blocked by overhanging branches, road construction or other obstructions.
- Move to the left lane (if applicable), if driving in the right-most lane requires constant lane changes due to high volume of entering or exiting traffic.
• Maintain lane position. - Stay to the center of the lane without wandering back and
forth.• Maintain the correct speed and don’t slow down, stop, or
accelerate more than you need to.• Keep a proper following distance.
- Avoid having forward view blocked by other large vehicles. - If you need to stop, leave a gap with enough space to see
the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you.
Lane ChangesWhen you are changing lanes:• Check traffic to the front and use your mirrors to check traffic
to the sides and rear.• Signal your lane change at least 100 feet before changing
lanes.• Don’t tailgate while you wait to change lanes.• Make a smooth lane change and maintain your speed,
keeping a proper distance between all vehicles.• Cancel your turn signal after the rear of your vehicle
completes a lane change.
13-6
CurvesWhen you are driving in curves:• Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.• Reduce your speed before entering the curve.• Don’t brake or shift while in the curve.• Control your speed smoothly–you should not feel a strong pull
to the side.• Keep all of your vehicle’s wheels in your lane.• Regularly check traffic and use your mirrors to watch your
vehicle’s tracking.
Sign InformationThe tester may ask you to:• Give the posted weight limit for a bridge as you drive over it.• Give the posted clearance height for an underpass as you
drive under it.• Give information from a specific sign that relates to
commercial vehicles or road conditions.
Roadside Stop and StartThe tester will instruct you to pull over to the side of the road as if
you are making an emergency stop.
When you are stopping:• Check traffic conditions in all directions and perform mirror
checks before moving to your right.• Signal at least 100 feet before moving to the right.• Position your vehicle in the right-most lane before pulling off of
the road.• Slow down, shift gears as necessary, and brake smoothly. • Come to a complete stop without coasting.
Once you are stopped, the tester will check that you:• Did not hit any curb.• Have positioned your vehicle parallel to the curb or edge of
the roadway and out of the flow of traffic.• Did not block a driveway or fire hydrant, or park illegally.• Don’t let your vehicle roll forward or backward.• Canceled your turn signal and turned on your 4-way flashers.• Set your parking brake, put the gearshift in neutral or park,
and removed your feet from your foot brake and clutch pedals.
13-7
When you are instructed to reenter traffic, the tester will check that you:• Check traffic conditions in all directions, and perform mirror
checks before moving your vehicle.• Turn the 4-way flashers off and active your left turn signal
before moving your vehicle.• Release the parking brake, put your vehicle in gear, and pull
straight ahead. - Don’t turn the steering wheel before your vehicle moves.
• Don’t stall the engine or allow your vehicle to roll forward or backward.
• Accelerate smoothly and shift gears as necessary. - Don’t jerk, lurch, or turn sharply into the lane of travel. - Merge safely with other traffic.
• Cancel the turn signal after the rear of your vehicle is fully in the traffic lane.
Railroad CrossingsWhen you approach and cross railroad tracks:• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks.• Activate the 4-way flashers within 200 feet before reaching the
tracks. - Applies to passenger and Class C hazmat vehicles.
• Slow down and brake smoothly.• Shift gears down (if applicable) before reaching the tracks.• If you must stop, do so within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest
track.• Look left, look right, and listen.• Don’t brake, or stop on the tracks.• Don’t change gears while on the tracks.• Don’t make lane changes or pass on the tracks.• Don’t attempt to cross unless you have enough space to fully
cross over the tracks.• You will be automatically disqualified, if you stall or stop
while crossing railroad tracks with any part of your vehicle on or over the tracks. - This includes performing this maneuver at a simulated
railroad crossing.
Additional requirements for school bus vehicles:• Activate the 4-way flashers within 200 feet before reaching the
tracks.• Quiet students and turn off all noise making devices.
- For test purposes, a verbal explanation is acceptable.
13-8
• Open the service door and driver’s window.• Look left, look right and listen.• Close the service door.• Follow driving steps outlined above.• De-active the 4-way flashers after clearing the tracks.• After stopping and resuming into traffic, you will also be
automatically disqualified, if you begin to pull forward with the service door open.
If you are testing in any passenger bus, or a Class C vehicle that will be used to transport hazardous materials after licensure, you must activate your 4-way flashers and stop at every railroad crossing. Regardless, if the Class C vehicle used is not placarded for hazardous materials at the time of testing. You are not required to stop at a railroad crossing when the crossing is marked exempt. Drivers operating passenger and Class C hazmat vehicles for skills testing who fail to stop at any non-exempt crossing will be automatically disqualified.
- This includes performing this maneuver at a simulated railroad crossing.
Student Stop (School Bus Only)When you have been instructed to complete a simulated student
stop:• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks.• Activate alternating amber school bus flashers at:
- No less than 100 feet and no more than 300 feet before stopping, when traveling at or under a speed of 35 miles per hour.
- No less than 300 feet and no more than 500 feet before stopping, if traveling at a speed more than 35 miles per hour.
- If applicable, move into the right-most lane and position your bus to stop.
• Slow down and brake smoothly, don’t coast.
When you have stopped:• Activate alternating red school bus flashers, stop paddle and
crossing arm. - You must use the override switch on the instrument panel.
• Place the transmission in neutral or park and set the parking brake.
• Check traffic in all directions, including mirrors before opening the service door and then open service door.
13-9
When you reenter traffic:• Close the service door.• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks.• Inactivate alternating red flashers, stop paddle and crossing
arm by using the override switch on the instrument panel.• Make a final traffic check traffic in all directions and perform
mirror checks.• Place your foot on the service brake, put the vehicle in gear,
then release the parking brake and accelerate smoothly.
After stopping and resuming into traffic, you will be automatically disqualified, if you begin to pull forward with the service door open.
Freeway DrivingAs you move onto the freeway and merge with traffic:• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks.• Signal at least 100 feet before merging.• Accelerate to the traffic flow in the acceleration lane. • Merge smoothly without stopping and maintain a proper
following distance.• Move to the center of the driving lane and cancel your signal
as soon as the rear of your vehicle is centered in the new lane.
While you are driving on the freeway:• Regularly check traffic conditions. Check both the left and right
mirrors at least once every ten seconds.• Maintain a proper following distance.• Select the proper lane.
- Stay in the right-most lane unless you are told otherwise. - Stay to the center of the lane without wandering back and
forth.• Maintain the correct speed.
- Don’t slow down, stop, or accelerate more than you need to.
When you exit the freeway:• Check traffic in all directions and perform mirror checks.• Signal at least 100 feet before the exit lane.• Smoothly enter the deceleration lane at the start of the exit
lane.• Slow down gradually while in the deceleration lane.
13-10
• Don’t exceed the ramp speed, coast, or use too much brake while slowing down–you should not feel a noticeable pull to the side on the ramp curve.
• Don’t use a trailer hand valve to slow down your vehicle.• Maintain a proper following distance while exiting and don’t • tailgate on the ramp.• Cancel your turn signal when the rear of your vehicle is
completely in the exit lane.
General Driving SkillsThe tester will score your general driving skills throughout the
test–you should:• Use the clutch to shift.
- Don’t coast with the clutch in, ride or “snap” the clutch. - Always double clutch on non-synchronized transmissions.
• Select the correct gear without grinding or clashing gears. - Don’t lug or over-rev the engine.
• Use the brakes properly. - Brake smoothly and with steady pressure. - Don’t brake too hard, don’t fan the air brakes, or ride the
brakes. - Don’t use the trailer hand valve to brake.
• Operate the vehicle safely. - Keep both hands on the steering wheel. - Don’t palm the steering wheel or drive with your hands on
its spokes. - Don’t under- or over- control your steering.
• Stay within your traffic lane and don’t scrape curbs. - Move to the right-most lane–unless the tester tells you
otherwise, when traveling on a roadway with more than one lane going the same direction.
• Don’t stop beyond marked stop lines, in marked crosswalks, or into the traveled part of intersections.
• Conduct regular traffic checks. - Check traffic conditions in all directions, including mirrors
regularly. - Check mirrors and traffic before, while in and after an
intersection. - Scan and check traffic in high volume areas and areas
where pedestrians are expected to be present.
13-11
• Use turn signals properly. - Activate turn signals when required and at the appropriate
time. - Cancel turn signals after completing a turn or lane change.
• Obey all traffic signs and laws.• Obey all speed limits, including advisory and construction
zone signs. - Keep your speed to the posted speed limits or at no less
than ten mph below the posted limits when necessary because of traffic or road conditions.
Grounds for Automatic DisqualificationYou will be automatically disqualified for any of the following:• A seat belt violation:
- Anytime you drive a commercial vehicle without the seatbelt fastened.
• An accident, however slight. This includes contact with pedestrians, running off of the roadway, and contact with any fixed object.
• A dangerous action: - Whenever another driver must drive evasively, a pedestrian
must avoid your vehicle, or the tester must take physical or verbal control of your vehicle to prevent an accident or a dangerous act.
- Any part of your vehicle stalls or stops on railroad tracks. - If you begin to cross railroad tracks with the service door
open (school buses only). - Your vehicle speed is too fast for weather conditions. - Your vehicle speed is too fast for traffic conditions. - Operating the vehicle 15 mph or more under the posted
speed limit due to lack of driving skills.• Vehicle over a curb:
- When any of your vehicle’s wheels go up onto a curb or sidewalk during any part of your test.
• A violation of a traffic law or any act for which you could be cited. The most common violations are: - Speeding. - Failing to stop for a stop sign or signal. - Driving on the wrong side of the road. - Driving the wrong way on a one-way street. - Failing to stop at an actual or simulated railroad crossing
(HAZMAT or any passenger buses).
13-12
• Failure to perform: - When you refuse to try a maneuver, or say that you cannot
perform a required action. - When you cannot repeatedly comprehend or cannot
respond to instructions given during any part of the Road Test.
- If you are unable to properly operate your vehicle after going a short distance on the test route.
PUB-520-408 (R/7/12)WA
Please recycle. Bring this guide with you when you come
to test.