Questions and Answers
What is a conflict in driving?
When you have to change speed and/or direction to avoid hitting someone.
What should you always have while driving?
A plan.
Which of the following actions helps to avoid distractions while driving? (Select all that apply)
Aggressive driving refers to driving with regard for others' safety.
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What should you do when confronted by an aggressive driver?
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Driving at night is more hazardous because your range of visibility is limited by your ______.
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What are some driver factors that increase risk when driving at night? (Select all that apply)
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What should you do to improve visibility when driving in fog?
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What should you check before driving in hot weather?
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Match the following driving conditions with their appropriate safety measures:
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Buses at railroad crossings should always stop.
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What is the best approach to railroad-highway crossings?
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You must have a CDL to operate vehicles 26,001 lbs and any vehicle that transports hazardous material or waste.
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What types of traffic violations can get you suspended?
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How long will you lose your CDL for two serious traffic violations within three years involving a CMV?
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For how long will you lose your CDL for the first violation of an out of service order?
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What happens for your first Railroad-highway grade crossing violation?
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What are the disqualifications for getting a Hazardous Materials Endorsement?
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What happens if your personal vehicle license is revoked due to traffic control law violations?
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How long can you lose your CDL if your license was revoked due to drugs or alcohol?
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What is the penalty for having more than one CDL?
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How often should safety inspections on cargo be conducted during a trip?
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What should you do if you are feeling tired while driving a CDL vehicle?
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What are the steps for basic control of your vehicle?
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What is the recommended action when backing safely?
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What is the perception distance?
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What happens to stopping distance when speed is doubled from 20 to 40 mph?
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What should you do when driving in traffic regarding speed?
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You should reduce your speed on slippery surfaces down to 1/3 of the posted speed.
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What are signs of hazardous roads?
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What distance should you maintain for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph?
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Study Notes
CDL Permit Requirements
- A CDL is required to operate vehicles over 26,001 lbs or transport hazardous materials.
- Without a valid license for personal vehicles, CDL driving privileges are also revoked, suspended, or canceled.
Traffic Violations and CDL Suspension
- DUI-related offenses can lead to a loss of CDL for up to one year.
- Serious traffic violations involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) result in a minimum 60-day suspension for two violations, escalating to 120 days for three.
- First violation of 'out of service' orders results in a 90-day CDL suspension; subsequent violations escalate the duration.
Inspection Procedures
- Conduct vehicle inspections including pre-trip, after-trip, and cargo checks to ensure safety and compliance.
- Follow a seven-step inspection method covering vehicle overview, engine compartment, and signaling systems.
- Safety inspectors can issue an "out of order" tag if significant issues are found.
Driving Safety and Techniques
- Proper vehicle control includes accelerating without rolling back, maintaining firm steering, and understanding braking distance which can exceed 216 feet at 55 mph.
- Backing up requires starting correctly, using mirrors, and proceeding slowly while having a helper if possible.
- Use proper techniques for downshifting and adjusting speed according to road and vehicle conditions.
Managing Speed and Space
- Total stopping distance combines perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance, reaching 419 feet at 55 mph.
- Speed impacts: Doubling speed increases stopping distance by four times; expect increases in crash severity.
- Maintain safe distance from vehicles ahead, allowing at least one second for each ten feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph.
Handling Hazardous Conditions
- Identify slippery roads by observing shaded areas, bridges, and conditions like melting ice or hydroplaning risks starting as low as 30 mph.
- Adjust driving according to road surfaces, keeping speeds manageable in construction zones and during adverse weather.
Effective Communication and Awareness
- Always signal early and continuously and tap brakes to alert others when slowing down.
- Ensure to look far ahead (12-15 seconds) for ensuring traffic maneuverability.
- Stay vigilant for distracted drivers, manage space around the vehicle, and keep an eye on surrounding hazards.
Defensive Driving and Conflict Avoidance
- Anticipate potential conflicts at intersections and during lane changes.
- Maintain a plan to deal with hazards, reducing distracted driving by preparing beforehand.
- Aggressive driving should be avoided; practice patience and maintain a focus on safe driving practices.
Special Considerations
- Ensure overhead and side clearances are adequate before passing under bridges or maneuvering through tight spaces.
- Understand that heavy vehicles require larger gaps for entering traffic due to slow acceleration.
- Be aware of drivers who present hazards, including pedestrians and parked vehicles, and take proactive measures to avoid conflicts.### Aggressive Driving Responses
- Prioritize your safety by getting out of the way of aggressive drivers.
- Avoid confrontations; do not engage with them through eye contact or gestures.
- Report aggressive behavior to authorities using a cell phone.
- If witnessing an accident involving an aggressive driver, stay at a safe distance and inform the police of observed driving behaviors.
Night Driving Hazards
- Visibility is significantly reduced at night, increasing driving risks.
- Nighttime factors affecting drivers include vision impairment, glare from opposing headlights, and greater fatigue levels.
Roadway Challenges at Night
- Insufficient lighting on roadways can lead to dangerous confusion.
- Drunk drivers pose a heightened risk during nighttime.
Vehicle Maintenance for Night Driving
- Ensure headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors are in working condition for safe night driving.
Night Driving Best Practices
- Complete pre-trip checks and avoid dazzling other drivers with high beams.
- If tired, take breaks to prevent drowsiness while driving.
- Exercise caution in foggy conditions; use low beams and fog lights for improved visibility.
Headlight Regulations
- Low beams are effective up to 250 feet; high beams extend up to 350-500 feet.
Driving in Fog
- Avoid driving in fog; if necessary, adhere to fog warning signs and reduce speed.
- Utilize low beam headlights, fog lights, and four-way flashers for visibility.
- Be cautious of roadside vehicles and listen for unseen traffic.
Slippery Surface Driving Techniques
- Start slowly and check for icy conditions before driving on slick surfaces.
- Adjust speed, turning, and braking based on road conditions.
Winter Driving Preparations
- Inspect coolant levels, antifreeze, tires, lights, and mirrors before winter driving.
- Clear ice and snow from all vehicle surfaces and check for exhaust system leaks.
Hot Weather Vehicle Checks
- Regularly check tires, engine oil, coolant levels, and engine belts/hoses to avoid overheating.
Bleeding Tar Awareness
- Recognize that bleeding tar indicates high road temperatures; perform a hot weather vehicle check.
Desert Driving Considerations
- Monitor truck temperatures and tire conditions closely to prevent overheating.
Railroad-Crossing Safety
- Approach all railroad crossings anticipating the presence of trains.
- Passive crossings lack traffic control devices; active crossings feature signals like flashing lights and gates.
Warning Devices at Crossings
- Advanced warning signs direct drivers to slow down and prepare to stop.
- Pavement markings signal similar caution regarding upcoming railroad crossings.
Bus Protocol at Crossings
- Buses must always come to a complete stop at railroad crossings.
Safe Crossing Procedures
- Never race trains at crossings; decrease speed and remain alert.
- Double-check at locations with multiple tracks for potential oncoming trains.
Stopping Regulations at Crossings
- A full stop is legally required at grade crossings based on cargo types or as mandated by law.
Stopping Safely
- When stopping, ensure to check traffic behind and activate your four-way emergency flashers.
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