Driver Safety and Cargo Regulations

Questions and Answers

How many daily hours of sleep does an adult need to maintain alertness?

Eight to nine

The maximum amount of play that is safe on a 20-inch steering wheel is:

Two inches

When backing with a trailer, why is turning toward the driver's side encouraged?

The driver will have the best possible view

If you must stop on the side of a highway, how far behind your vehicle should warning devices be placed?

10, 100, and 200 feet Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring cargo is loaded properly?

The driver Signup and view all the answers

When loading cargo, what is important to know?

The weight capacity rating of the suspension system Signup and view all the answers

Why should cargo be covered?

To protect people from spillage Signup and view all the answers

During interstate travel, which law takes precedence regarding securing loads and regulating CMV weights?

The law of the state the vehicle is in takes precedence Signup and view all the answers

When loading cargo, where should weight be placed?

As low as possible Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for inspecting a vehicle's cargo?

The driver Signup and view all the answers

Loading cargo onto a vehicle may be done by whom?

A person other than the driver, but the driver is responsible for the safety of the cargo Signup and view all the answers

What is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?

The maximum permitted total weight of a vehicle and its cargo Signup and view all the answers

Cargo being transported should be checked when?

Before the trip and again within the first 50 miles of the trip Signup and view all the answers

If transporting 30 feet of cargo on a flatbed trailer, you should use a minimum of ____ to restrain the cargo.

Three tie-downs Signup and view all the answers

A poor balance of weight in a trailer can result in what?

Can make handling unsafe Signup and view all the answers

You should always use at least ____ to secure cargo on a flatbed trailer.

Two tie-downs Signup and view all the answers

Bracing is used to:

Prevent items from moving in a trailer Signup and view all the answers

An item that is 40 feet long placed on a flatbed trailer should be secured by at least ____ tie-down(s).

Four Signup and view all the answers

If transporting livestock, drivers should be concerned about:

The vehicle's weight shifting as the animals move Signup and view all the answers

A truck may need to be under the legal maximum weight limit when being driven:

On a mountainous road Signup and view all the answers

Too little weight on a steering axle can result in:

Poor traction Signup and view all the answers

Dry bulk tanks require special care because

They have high centers of gravity Signup and view all the answers

You should cover cargo:

To protect the cargo from weather Signup and view all the answers

When carrying a sealed load, what should the driver ensure?

The weight of the cargo does not violate weight limits Signup and view all the answers

Having ABS on only one axle will:

Allow the driver additional control over their vehicle when braking Signup and view all the answers

A second conviction of operating a CMV with a minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 percent will result in:

The loss of your CDL for life Signup and view all the answers

While still below the legal limit, a driver operating a CMV with a detectable amount of alcohol in their system will:

Result in an out-of-service order for 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

If you are disqualified from driving, you must notify your employer:

Within two business days Signup and view all the answers

While operating a CMV, you are always required to do what?

Wear a safety belt Signup and view all the answers

It is illegal to operate a CMV with a minimum blood alcohol content (BAC) of:

0.04 percent Signup and view all the answers

If asked by a law enforcement officer to take a test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), what will happen if you refuse?

You will lose your CDL if you refuse to take the test Signup and view all the answers

Your CDL will be revoked if:

Your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked Signup and view all the answers

If convicted of a traffic violation, you must inform your employer:

Within 30 days Signup and view all the answers

While driving a CMV, you may not hold a cell phone to make a call.

True Signup and view all the answers

During the steering box portion of the vehicle inspection test, you should not:

Assume all cotter keys are present Signup and view all the answers

During a vehicle inspection, ensure that the landing gear is:

Fully raised Signup and view all the answers

When performing a pre-trip inspection and looking into the fifth wheel gap, what should you ensure?

The locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin Signup and view all the answers

Move over laws require:

All vehicles to vacate the lane closest to an emergency vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing Signup and view all the answers

Emergency equipment in a vehicle is:

Required Signup and view all the answers

Mirror adjustment can only be checked properly when:

The trailer is straight Signup and view all the answers

If unable to tell if the road is becoming icy and slippery, a driver may do what?

Open their window and feel the front of the side mirror for ice Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a vehicle hydroplanes?

The tires lose contact with the road Signup and view all the answers

A cardboard box on the roadway may contain what?

A heavy object that could damage your vehicle Signup and view all the answers

A stopped bus is a concern, whether what?

Passengers are visible or not Signup and view all the answers

Headlights should be on what setting whenever possible?

The high beam setting Signup and view all the answers

What is road rage?

Operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others Signup and view all the answers

Black ice is:

A thin layer of ice on the road Signup and view all the answers

Before entering a curve, what should you do?

Downshift Signup and view all the answers

When driving, it is important to:

Look to the front, sides, and rear of your vehicle Signup and view all the answers

When making a turn, when should you cancel your turn signal?

After the turn is completed Signup and view all the answers

If you identify a distracted driver on the road, you should:

Give them plenty of room Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a pre-drive inspection, what should be reviewed?

The previous inspection report should be reviewed, if applicable Signup and view all the answers

In low temperatures, bridges usually freeze when?

Before other parts of the roadway Signup and view all the answers

If being tailgated, you should:

Increase the amount of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you Signup and view all the answers

If a vehicle is equipped with power steering, the hoses should be checked for:

Leaks Signup and view all the answers

When approaching bridges and overpasses, what should you assume?

The posted clearance height is inaccurate Signup and view all the answers

A ramp's posted speed limit is suitable for what?

Some vehicles, but may be too fast for a large CMV Signup and view all the answers

Parked delivery trucks may be hazardous because:

People are often in a hurry when exiting such trucks and may not look for other vehicles Signup and view all the answers

How do ice cream trucks become hazardous to other drivers?

Children often run toward an ice cream truck without looking for other traffic Signup and view all the answers

When a vehicle is started, what should happen to warning lights and buzzers?

Should turn off within a few seconds Signup and view all the answers

After two violations of any state law regarding hand-held mobile phone use:

Your CDL will be disqualified Signup and view all the answers

One way to avoid becoming an aggressive driver is to:

Set realistic expectations regarding travel time Signup and view all the answers

When passing another vehicle, what should you assume?

The other driver doesn't see you Signup and view all the answers

A tread depth of ____ should be in every major groove of a front tire.

4/32 of an inch Signup and view all the answers

One way to prevent drowsiness while driving is to:

Get adequate sleep the night before the trip Signup and view all the answers

A tread depth of ____ should be in every major groove of a tire that is not in the front of a commercial motor vehicle.

2/32 of an inch Signup and view all the answers

If driving so slowly that you could impede other drivers, you should:

Drive while using your four-way flashers Signup and view all the answers

If driving through flowing water or a large puddle, what should you do?

Gently apply the brakes Signup and view all the answers

If one-fourth of the leaves in a leaf spring are missing when a vehicle is inspected, what happens?

The vehicle will be put out-of-service until it is fixed Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to stop if your brakes fail while you are driving downhill?

Steer onto an escape ramp Signup and view all the answers

A broken exhaust system can allow what?

Poisonous fumes to enter the cabin Signup and view all the answers

What are placards?

Signs placed on a vehicle to identify cargo hazards Signup and view all the answers

A pre-trip inspection should be done how?

In the same way every time Signup and view all the answers

Distracted driving can be avoided by:

Not engaging in complex conversations while driving Signup and view all the answers

If a driver has stopped on the road and is placing triangles to warn other motorists, where should the triangles be held?

Between the driver and oncoming traffic Signup and view all the answers

When approaching a vehicle for a pre-trip inspection, what should a driver look for?

To see if there are any fresh fluids on the ground Signup and view all the answers

What is reaction distance?

The distance you will travel between realizing you must brake and when you physically hit the brakes Signup and view all the answers

A pre-trip inspection should include what?

A check of the engine oil level Signup and view all the answers

When starting the engine of a truck with a trailer, how can you tell that your vehicle's ABS is not working?

The yellow light on the left rear of the trailer stays on Signup and view all the answers

When starting an engine, oil pressure should come up to a normal level:

Within seconds Signup and view all the answers

How can you check for a leak in hydraulic brakes?

Pump the brake pedal three times, then hold down the pedal for five seconds. If the pedal moves, there may be a problem Signup and view all the answers

When passing a row of parked vehicles, what should a driver watch for?

Signs of a person exiting a vehicle Signup and view all the answers

In very hot weather, why should tires be checked regularly?

Air pressure may increase with the temperature Signup and view all the answers

When stopping a manual transmission vehicle, what should you do?

Push the clutch in when the engine is close to idle Signup and view all the answers

When backing with a trailer, should you begin by turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite of the turn?

Yes Signup and view all the answers

When backing up, how should you follow a turning trailer?

By changing the direction of the steering wheel Signup and view all the answers

The most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip is:

To ensure safety Signup and view all the answers

If you remain in neutral for too long while switching gears, what may happen?

You may have trouble putting the vehicle into the next gear Signup and view all the answers

Scan the road ____ ahead of your vehicle.

12 to 15 seconds Signup and view all the answers

In an emergency, if you must leave the roadway to drive on the shoulder, what should you do?

Stop safely before returning to the road, if possible Signup and view all the answers

You should check and adjust your mirrors:

Before driving Signup and view all the answers

When inspecting a power steering-equipped vehicle, what should you be sure of?

The fluid is at the proper level Signup and view all the answers

When adjusting your mirrors before a trip, what should be visible?

Part of your vehicle should be visible in the mirrors Signup and view all the answers

To warn drivers behind you that you will be slowing down, what should you do?

Tap your brake pedal a few times to illuminate your brake lights Signup and view all the answers

When it is difficult to see and you are traveling near other drivers, what should you do?

Use low beam lights Signup and view all the answers

When driving on a wet road, how much should you reduce your speed?

About one-third Signup and view all the answers

When driving on packed snow, how much should you reduce your speed?

One-half or more Signup and view all the answers

You should maintain at least ____ of following distance per every 10 feet of your vehicle when you are traveling more slowly than 40 mph.

One second Signup and view all the answers

Accelerating roughly is:

Discouraged, as it may cause damage to the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

When stopping, how should the brake pedal be pressed?

The brake pedal should be pressed down gradually Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sleep and Alertness

Adults require eight to nine hours of sleep daily to maintain optimal alertness.

Vehicle Control and Backing

Two inches is the maximum safe play for a 20-inch steering wheel.
Backing toward the driver's side improves visibility for the driver.

Safety on Highways

Warning devices must be placed 10, 100, and 200 feet behind a vehicle stopped on the highway.

Cargo Responsibility

The driver is accountable for ensuring cargo is loaded properly and secured adequately.
Weight should be loaded as low as possible in the vehicle for stability.

Load Securing Regulations

Securing loads is governed by state laws; the prevailing law applies during interstate travel.
Three tie-downs are required for 30 feet of cargo on a flatbed trailer.

Cargo Inspection and Weights

Cargo must be checked both before the trip and within the first 50 miles.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) indicates the maximum allowed total weight of the vehicle and cargo.

Legal and Regulatory Responsibilities

Drivers must notify employers of disqualifications or traffic violations within two business days and 30 days, respectively.
A BAC of 0.04 percent is the legal limit for operating a CMV.

Safety Measures

Always wear a safety belt while driving a CMV.
Emergency equipment in a vehicle is required.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

Perform a pre-trip inspection consistently, including checking the engine oil, air pressure, and the braking system for leaks.
A broken exhaust system can lead to harmful fumes in the vehicle cabin.

Driving Techniques

In low temperatures, bridges freeze before road surfaces.
When driving in heavy rain or flowing water, gently apply brakes to maintain control.

Handling Traffic Situations

Move over laws require vacating lanes near stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
When passing parked vehicles, be alert for exiting passengers.

Reaction and Attention

Reaction distance refers to the distance traveled from when a driver realizes to brake until they apply the brakes.
Distracted driving can be minimized by avoiding complex conversations while driving.

Weather and Road Conditions

Tires should be regularly checked in hot weather as air pressure can rise with temperature.
On packed snow, reduce speed by at least one-half.

Emergency Situations

In the event of brake failure while driving downhill, use an escape ramp for safety.
If you must drive on the shoulder in an emergency, ensure to stop safely before re-entering the road.

Best Practices

To warn others you are slowing, tap the brake pedal to illuminate lights.
Adjust mirrors before driving, ensuring part of the vehicle is visible.

Additional Key Points

Keep a following distance of one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph.
Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road surface due to water.
Always check for leaks in hydraulic brakes during inspections.

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Description

Test your knowledge on driver safety, cargo responsibility, and important regulations regarding vehicle control and alertness. This quiz covers essential aspects such as sleep requirements for optimal alertness and load securing laws. Perfect for all drivers aiming to enhance their safety skills.