CDL Flashcards: Safety Checks and Regulations

Basic Vehicle Inspection and Safety

• Check critical components like tires, brakes, and cargo tie-downs during breaks.
• Perform e-route inspections to identify issues such as heat signs in tires, wheels, and truck body.

Use of Vehicle Lights

• High beams should be used legally and safely, and not within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
• Flash brake lights to warn following drivers of hazards or when slowing down.

Safety Equipment and Vehicle Operation

• The safety release valve in air tanks operates at pressures above 150 PSI, preventing excess pressure.
• Proper vehicle lighting includes turning on headlights in reduced visibility due to rain or snow.

Driving Techniques and Skills

• To prevent rolling backward when starting, engage the clutch, apply the trailer brake, and utilize the parking brake as needed.
• First-aid certification is NOT a basic skill required for operating commercial vehicles.

Vehicle Dynamics and Distances

• Average reaction distance is approximately 61 feet at 55 mph (0.75-1 second).
• At highway speeds, look ahead for about 1/4 mile (12-15 seconds).

Parking and Stopping Regulations

• When parked on a two-lane road, place three reflective triangles: one within 10 feet of the rear, one 100 feet behind, and one 100 feet ahead.
• A first offense DUI while driving a commercial vehicle typically results in a 1-year suspension of the CDL.

Cargo and Vehicle Structure

• Front-end header boards, or headache racks, shield drivers from cargo movement during collisions.
• Stopping distance with air brakes combines perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance.

Wind and Traffic Considerations

• Strong winds can significantly affect vehicle control, particularly for lighter vehicles coming out of tunnels.
• Heavier vehicles require larger gaps in traffic due to slower acceleration; ensure gap is sufficient for safe entry.

Defensive Driving Strategies

• If a vehicle remains in your blind spot, slow down to allow it to exit the area.
• Maintain a safe following distance of at least 5 seconds for vehicles at higher speeds.

Vehicle Weight and Regulations

• Axle weight refers to the weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or a set of axles.
• The legal BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%.

Brake Safety and Emergency Situations

• Heavier or faster vehicles generate more heat during braking, requiring careful brake management.
• In a traffic emergency, turning can often be quick than stopping.

Identifying Slow-Moving Vehicles

• A red triangle with an orange center indicates a slow-moving vehicle.

Vehicle Testing and Inspection

• Test parking brakes while parked to ensure they hold; if not, they may need repairs.
• A driver's log must be presented immediately upon request during inspections.

Load Management and Handling

• Under-loaded front axles can lead to poor traction and steering difficulties.
• To regain control during hydroplaning, release the accelerator and avoid using brakes.

Emergency Procedures

• In the event of brake failure while descending a hill, seek out escape ramps or routes marked on the road.
• Certain types of cargo, like hanging meat, require special driving caution due to stability issues on turns.

Test your knowledge on critical safety checks and legal regulations necessary for commercial driving. This quiz covers essential aspects such as vehicle inspections and proper use of high beams during trips. Perfect for those preparing for their Commercial Driver's License.