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

What things should you check during a trip?

Watch gauges for signs of trouble.

Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel).

Check critical items when you stop:

1. Tires, wheels and rims.
2. Brakes.
3. Lights and reflectors.
4. Brake and electrical connections to trailer.
5. Trailer coupling devices.
6. Cargo securement devices.

 Name some key steering system parts.

• Steering wheel
• Steering shaft
• Tie rod
• Steering arm
• Spindle
• Steering knuckle
• Drag link
• Pitman arm
• Gear box
• Hydralic fluid reservior

 Name some suspension system defects.

• Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position.
• Cracked or broken spring hangers.
• Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring.
• Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves .
• Leaking shock absorbers.
• Torque rod or arm, u-bolts, spring hangers, or other axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged, or missing.
• Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or leaking.
• Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame members.

 What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?

• Fire extinguisher(s).
• Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers).
• Warning devices for parked vehicles (for example, three reflective warning triangles).

What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?

At least 4/32 inch tread depth on front tires

At least 2/32 inch on other tires

Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk around inspection.

Front of vehicle and check-

low beams

four-way flashers.

high beams (Turn off after inspected)

parking lights

clearance lights

side-marker

identification lights.

right turn signal

Start walk-around inspection.

What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

How many red reflective triangles should you carry?

How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?

Pump brakes three times, apply firm pressure for five seconds

If brakes move, there may be a leak or other problem.

Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?

Why should you back toward the driver's side?

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

If you have a manual transmission vehicle-

partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake.

Put on the parking brake

Release the parking brake with enough engine power.

On a tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer brake hand valve-

the hand valve can be applied to keep from rolling back.

When backing, why is it important to use a helper?

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

 What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?

1. Before Starting Down a Hill
2. Before Entering a Curve

When should you downshift automatic

transmissions?

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

 What are the two ways to know when to shift?

Engine Speed (rpm)

Road Speed (mph)

How far ahead does the manual say you should look?

At least 12 to 15 seconds ahead-

• At lower speeds, that's about one block.
• At highway speeds it's about a quarter of a mile

What are two main things to look for ahead?

Traffic that maybe stopped ahead-

Sudden stops

Sudden lane changes

 What's the most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

• Checking mirrors regularly
• Checking more often in special situations

 What does "communicating" mean in safe driving?

Warn other drivers on the road such as:

Signaling-

turning corners 

changing lanes

Pump brakes lightly to flash lights-

slowing down

trouble ahead

Emergency flashers-

stop in the roadway to unload cargo

slow speed

stopped

 Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?

Place warning devices from end of vehicle-

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic

 What three things add up to total stopping distance?

 If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?

 Empty trucks have the best braking. True or False?

 What is hydroplaning?

 What is "black ice"?

• Indicate a clear landmark a vehicle passes infront of you.
• Then count off: "one thousand- and-one, one thousand-and-two" and so on, until you reach the same spot.
• Compare your count with the rule of one second for every ten feet of length

If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow

one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph, add one second for speeds above 40 MPH: 

Determine size of vehicle: 30-feet (3 seconds)

Determine speed of travel: 55 MPH (above 40 MPH +1)

Total seconds of following distance: 4 seconds 

False, opening room infront of you helps prevent having to make sudden speed or direction change

True,

Keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb. This will stop other drivers from passing you on the right

What are some tips to follow so you won’t become a distracted driver?

• Review and be totally familiar with all in-vehicle electronics:

cell phone

pre-program radio stations

pre-load you favorite CDs or cassette tapes

clear the vehicle of any unnecessary objects

• Review maps and plan your route
• Adjust all mirrors
• Don’t attempt to read or write while driving
• Avoid smoking, eating and drinking
• Don’t engage in complex or emotionally intense conversations

How do you recognize a distracted driver?

• Vehicles may drift into lane divider lines or within their own lane
• Vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds
• Drivers preoccupied with maps, food, cigarettes, cell phones, or other objects.
• Drivers involved in conversations with their passengers.

 What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?

Aggressive driving:

operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others.

Road rage:

operating a vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle.

 What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?

Confronted with an aggressive driver you should:

get out of their way

don't challenge them

avoid eye contact

ignore gestures and refuse to react to them

report aggressive drivers

If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road:

stop a safe distance from the crash scene

wait for the police to arrive

report the driving behavior that you witnessed

What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?

Some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive:

listen to "easy listening" music

give the drive your full attention

be realistic about your travel time

If you’re going to be later than you expected – deal with it:

take a deep breath and accept the delay

give other drivers the benefit of the doubt

slow down and keep reasonable following distance

don’t drive slowly in the left lane of traffic

avoid gestures

be a cautious and courteous driver

You should use low beams whenever you can. True or False?

What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?

What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?

Effects wet brakes cause:

lack of braking power

wheel lockups

pulling to one side or the other

jackknife if you pull a trailer

Avoid driving through:

deep puddles or flowing water

If not, you should:

slow down and place transmission in a low gear

gently put on the brakes (This presses linings against brake drums or discs and keeps mud, silt, sand, and water from getting in)

increase engine rpm and cross the water while keeping light pressure on the brakes

When out of the water:

maintain light pressure on the brakes for a short distance

make a test stop when safe to do so

You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal. True or False?

You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated. True or False?

What factors determine your selection of a "safe" speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?

Factors determine your selection of a "safe" speed when going down a long, steep downgrade:

total weight of the vehicle and cargo

length of the grade

steepness of the grade

road conditions

weather

Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?

Why you should be in the proper gear before starting down a hill:

wont be able to shift into a lower gear

may not even be able to get back into any gear

all engine braking effect will be lost

Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade

Proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade:

apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown

when your speed has been reduced to approximately five mph below, release the brakes. (This brake application should last for about three seconds.)

when your speed has increased to your "safe" speed, repeat steps 1 and 2

What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?

Type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing:

low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving van

possum-belly livestock trailer)

single axle tractor pulling a long trailer with its landing gear set to accommodate a tandum-axle tractor

How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?

Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency. True or False?

What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?

Advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle:

if the shoulder is clear, going right may be best

no one is likely to be driving on the shoulder but

If you are blocked on both sides, a move to the right may be best

What is an "escape ramp?"

Escape ramps are long bed of loose, soft materials built on many steep mountain downgrades and upgrades to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers.

If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly. True or False?

If your vehicle is involved in the accident, try to:

get it to the side of the road

If you're stopping to help:

park away from the accident (The area immediately around the accident will be needed for emergency vehicles.)

put on your flashers

set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic

(Make sure other drivers can see them in time to avoid the accident.)

Name two causes of tire fires.

What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for?

When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire. True or False?

Name some causes of vehicle fires.

Causes of vehicle fires:

after Accidents

spilled fuel

improper use of flares

Tires:

Under-inflated tires and duals that touch

Electrical System:

short circuits due to damaged insulation

loose connections

Fuel:

driver smoking

improper fueling

loose fuel connections

Cargo:

flammable cargo

improperly sealed or loaded cargo

poor ventilation

Keep Cool

Take Breaks

Recognize the Danger Signals of Drowsy Driving

Placards are signs put on the outside of a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo

They are at least 10 3/4 inches square, turned upright on a point, in a diamond shape

• Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves.
• You have trouble keeping your head up.
• You can’t stop yawning.
• You have wandering, disconnected thoughts.
• You don’t remember driving the last few miles.
• You drift between lanes, tailgate, or miss traffic signs.
• You keep jerking the truck back into the lane.
• You have drifted off the road and narrowly missed crashing.

What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?

• Inspecting cargo.
• Recognizing overloads and balanced weight.
• Cargo is properly secured and does not obscure your view ahead or to the sides.
• Cargo does not restrict your access to emergency equipment.

How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?

• Inspect the cargo and its securing devices before departing and again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip.
• After you have driven for 3 hours or 150 miles.
• After every break you take during driving.

How is Gross Combination Weight Rating different from Gross Combination Weight?

Gross Combination Weight (GCW).

The total weight of a powered unit, plus trailer(s), plus the cargo.

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).

The maximum GCW specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load.

Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe.

1. During bad weather
2. In mountains

What can happen if you don't have enough weight on the front axle?

• Can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely.
• Can cause poor traction.
• Front wheels may spin easily.
• During bad weather, the truck may not be able to stop properly

What is the minimum number of tiedowns for any flat bed load?

What is the minimum number of tiedowns for a 20-foot load?

Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.

1. To protect people from the cargo
2. To protect the cargo from the weather

What must you check before transporting a sealed load?

Air tanks must be drained to:

Keep oil and water build up in the air tanks which can freeze in cold weather and cause brake failure.

What is a dual air brake system?

What are the slack adjusters?

How can you check slack adjusters?

• Park on level ground and chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
• Release the parking brakes to move the slack adjusters.
• Use gloves and pull hard on each slack adjuster that you can reach.
• If a slack adjuster moves more than about one inch where the push rod attaches to it, it probably needs adjustment

How can you test the low pressure warning signal?

• Shut the engine off when you have enough air pressure so that the low pressure warning signal is not on.
• Turn the electrical power on and step on and off the brake pedal to reduce air tank pressure.
• The low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure drops to less than 60 psi in the air tank (or tank with the lowest air pressure, in dual

How can you check that the spring brakes come on automatically?

The spring brakes to come on:

• Fan off the air pressure by stepping on and off the brake pedal to reduce tank pressure.
• The tractor protection valve and parking brake valve should close (pop out)
• On a tractor-trailer combination vehicle and the parking brake valve should close (pop out)
• On other combination and single vehicle types when the air pressure falls to the manufacturer’s specification (20 – 40 psi).

What are the maximum leakage rates?

Maximum leakage rate:

• Apply 90 psi or more with the brake pedal
• After the initial pressure drop, if the air pressure falls more than three psi in one minute for single vehicles (more than four psi for combination vehicles), the air loss rate is too much

What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?

Heat can caused brakes to fade or fail by excessive use of the service brakes

The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine. True or False?

If you are away from your vehicle only a short time, you do not need to use the parking brake. True or False?

How often should you drain air tanks?

How do you brake when you drive a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?

• Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control.
• Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have ABS on the tractor, the trailer, or both.
• As you slow down, monitor your tractor and trailer and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control.

You still have normal brake functions if your ABS is not working. True or False?

What two things are important to prevent

rollover?

1. Keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible
2. Drive slowly around turns

When you back a trailer, you should position your vehicle so you can back in a curved path to the driver’s side. True or False?

Describe what the trailer air supply control does.

Red eight-sided knob:

• To control the tractor protection valve.
• You push it in to supply the trailer with air, and pull it out to shut the air off and put on the trailer emergency brakes

The service line (also called the control line or signal line):

• Carries air which is controlled by the foot brake or the trailer hand brake
• The service line is connected to relay valves
• These valves allow the trailer brakes to be applied more quickly than would otherwise be possible

The emergency line (also called the supply line) has two purposes:

• First, it supplies air to the trailer air tanks.
• Second, the emergency line controls the emergency brakes on combination vehicles.
• Loss of air pressure in the emergency line causes the trailer emergency brakes to come on.
• The pressure loss could be caused by a trailer breaking loose, thus tearing apart the emergency air hose.
• Or it could be caused by a hose, metal tubing, or other part breaking, letting the air out.
• When the emergency line loses pressure, it also causes the tractor protection valve to close (the air supply knob will pop out)

Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the left side, either on the front or rear corner.

Open the service line valve to check that

service pressure goes through all the trailers

How can you test the tractor protection valve?

• Charge the trailer air brake system. (That is, build up normal air ressure and push the "air supply" knob in.
• Shut the engine off.
• Step on and off the brake pedal several times to reduce the air pressure in the tanks.
• The trailer air supply control (also called the tractor protection valve control) should pop out (or go from "normal" to "emergency" position) when the air pressure falls into the pressure range specified by the manufacturer. (Usually within the range of 20 to 45 psi.)
• If the tractor protection valve doesn't work right, an air hose or trailer brake leak could drain all the air from the tractor.
• This would cause the emergency brakes to come on, with possible loss of control.

• Charge the trailer air brake system and check that the trailer rolls freely.
• Then stop and pull out the trailer air supply control (also called tractor protection valve control or trailer emergency valve), or place it in the "emergency" position.
• Pull gently on the trailer with the tractor to check that the trailer emergency brakes are on.

• Check for normal air pressure, release the parking brakes, move the vehicle forward slowly, and apply trailer brakes with the hand control (trolley valve), if so equipped.
• You should feel the brakes come on.
• This tells you the trailer brakes are connected and working. (The trailer brakes should be tested with the hand valve but controlled in normal operation with the foot pedal, which applies air to the service brakes at all wheels).