Questions and Answers
What should a driver do before making a turn?
You should always maintain a following distance when driving a truck.
True
Name one common hazard that truck drivers should watch for on the road.
Pedestrians
Truck drivers should check their _____ and fuel level frequently.
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Match the following driving actions with their respective focuses:
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What should a driver do if they are merging into traffic?
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It is safe to drive at full speed in a school zone.
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What speed must truck drivers usually limit themselves to in construction zones?
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When making a hook turn, the driver should inch forward until the shoulder reaches the _____ before starting the turn.
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Which of the following is NOT a tip for city driving?
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What is the recommended speed for driving in rain conditions?
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What should a driver do when getting cut off while using cruise control?
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In congested traffic, what is the ideal speed range for a truck driver?
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What should a truck driver do to maintain a safe following distance?
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What is the correct action when driving out of control during rain?
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What is the first step to ensure safe truck driving?
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Which of the following is a common hazard truck drivers should be prepared for?
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What should drivers do when approaching turns?
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During city driving, what is an important action to maintain safety?
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When merging into a lane, what should a driver do first?
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What is a recommended speed when making turns in city driving?
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What is an important consideration when driving downhill?
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Which action is NOT recommended for lane changes?
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Study Notes
Safe Truck Driving Guidelines
- Stay aware and maintain a broad perspective while driving. Take time to make decisions.
- Familiarize yourself with your route and utilize navigation tools; adhere to Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
- Look ahead and maintain a safe following distance to react to traffic conditions.
- Be vigilant for potential hazards such as curbs, yield signs, merging lanes, and weight stations.
Common Hazards
- Objects on the shoulder and pedestrian crossings require caution.
- Yield at merging lanes and slow down in construction zones (25 mph).
- Be alert for police, fire, ambulances, school buses, bicycles, and pedestrians.
- Exercise caution in school zones (25 mph), tunnels, railroads, gravel roads, and intersections.
Traffic Controls
- Observe signs and traffic lights to guide safe driving.
- Monitor speed and fuel levels continually throughout the journey.
- Regularly check mirrors to ensure awareness of surroundings.
Turning and Lane Changes
- Slow down before making turns and approach curves cautiously.
- Use turn signals, account for following distance, and remain smooth in maneuvers.
- Approach turns under 10 mph and “inch” forward into intersections if needed.
- Hug sidewalks for wide turns, utilize outer lanes, and monitor the trailer and front end.
City Driving Tips
- Keep an eye on speed, following distance, and sign compliance.
- Be proactive in watching for hazards and adjusting as necessary.
- Always check mirrors before executing turns or lane changes.
Downhill Driving
- Manage speed carefully on downhill slopes.
- Maintain an appropriate following distance and know your route.
Handling Traffic Conditions
- Utilize engine brakes on highways but avoid them in congested traffic.
- In heavy traffic, keep speeds consistent (25-35 mph) and avoid large gaps.
- In turns, adjust speed to around 55 mph for big curves; be ready to cancel cruise if cut off.
Driving in Rain
- Turn off cruise control and maintain control with careful pedal application.
- Stay in the right lane and drive 55-60 mph, or reduce speed by 10 mph under posted limits.
- If conditions worsen, reduce speed to 50 mph or less; activate hazards at lower speeds (45-35 mph).
- Increase following distance to 4-5 truck lengths for added safety in wet conditions.
Safe Truck Driving Steps
- Prioritize awareness and maintain a comprehensive view of surroundings.
- Take time to ensure safe driving practices are followed.
Navigation and Planning
- Familiarize yourself with the route, using GPS and understanding Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
- Anticipate and plan for stops and rest breaks.
Distance and Hazards
- Look ahead consistently and keep a safe following distance to react timely.
- Be vigilant for potential hazards:
- Objects on the shoulder, yield signs, merging lanes, and weight stations.
- Adjust speed to 25 mph in construction zones, and remain alert for police, pedestrians, cyclists, and school zones.
- Recognize the significance of various zones: tunnels, railroads, gravel roads, and intersections.
Sign and Light Awareness
- Always observe road signs and traffic lights for compliance and safety.
Speed and Fuel Management
- Monitor your speed and ensure it aligns with road conditions and regulations.
- Keep an eye on fuel levels to avoid running out during transit.
Mirror Checks
- Regularly check mirrors to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic and potential dangers.
Turn and Curve Management
- Decelerate before turning and maneuvering around curbs.
- Execute turns at less than 10 mph where feasible.
- Position yourself accurately during turns to avoid blocking lanes unnecessarily.
Lane Changes
- Use turn signals and maintain a safe following distance when changing lanes.
- Execute lane changes smoothly and avoid sudden movements.
City Driving Techniques
- Stay within speed limits, maintain appropriate following distance, and remain vigilant for hazards and signs.
- Familiarize yourself with designated routes and traffic patterns in urban environments.
Managing Downgrades
- Monitor speed carefully while descending hills and maintain safe following distances.
Adverse Conditions
- Use engine brakes effectively on highways; avoid them in congested city traffic.
- During rain, deactivate cruise control and reduce speed by at least 10 mph from posted limits.
- Increase following distance to 4-5 truck lengths in wet conditions for enhanced safety.
Emergency Situations
- When cut off, cancel cruise control, lightly brake, and resume speed as safe conditions allow.
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Description
This quiz focuses on essential safety measures for truck driving, including awareness during driving, navigation, and hazard recognition. It also covers traffic controls and best practices for maintaining safety on the roads. Test your knowledge on how to drive safely and responsibly as a truck driver.
