Vehicle Inspection and Safety Guide

Questions and Answers

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

Safety

What things should you check during a trip?

Instruments, air pressure gauge, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, ammeter/voltmeter, mirrors, tires, cargo, lights, etc.

What are the key steering system parts?

Steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, steering arm, power steering cylinder

Name some suspension system defects.

Spring hangers allowing axle movement, cracked/broken spring hangers, missing/broken leaves, broken leaves in multi-leaf springs, leaking shock absorbers, cracked/missing axle positioning parts Signup and view all the answers

What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?

Fire extinguisher(s), spare electrical fuses, warning devices (like reflective warning triangles) Signup and view all the answers

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

Front 4/32, Other 2/32 Signup and view all the answers

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

Condition of the front axle, condition of the windshield, lights and reflectors Signup and view all the answers

What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

Leaks Signup and view all the answers

How many red reflective triangles should you carry?

Three Signup and view all the answers

How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?

Pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure and hold for five seconds. Signup and view all the answers

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

For your safety Signup and view all the answers

Why should you back toward the driver's side?

So that you can see better Signup and view all the answers

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

Partly engage the clutch before taking your right foot off the brake. Signup and view all the answers

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

Stop Signup and view all the answers

What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?

Before starting down a hill; before entering a curve Signup and view all the answers

When should you downshift automatic transmissions?

When going down grades Signup and view all the answers

Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two ways to know when to shift?

RPM and road speed Signup and view all the answers

How far ahead does the manual say you should look?

12-15 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What are two main things to look for ahead?

Traffic and road conditions Signup and view all the answers

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

Mirrors Signup and view all the answers

What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?

Signaling your intentions Signup and view all the answers

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

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic Signup and view all the answers

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

10 feet and 100 feet behind vehicle and 100 feet in front Signup and view all the answers

What three things add up to total stopping distance?

Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

Empty trucks have the best braking.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is hydroplaning?

When tires lose contact with the road and have little or no traction Signup and view all the answers

What is 'black ice'?

A patch of clear ice that makes the road look wet Signup and view all the answers

How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?

Find a stationary object and count seconds Signup and view all the answers

You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely.

False Signup and view all the answers

If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazard?

A hazard is any condition that makes a trip unsafe. Signup and view all the answers

Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?

To avoid a collision Signup and view all the answers

What are some tips to follow so you will not become a distracted driver?

Familiarize with in-vehicle electronics, pre-program radio stations, clear unnecessary objects, adjust mirrors, avoid reading/writing while driving. Signup and view all the answers

How do you use in-vehicle equipment cautiously?

Pull off the road when making/receiving calls, avoid use while driving, and keep conversations short. Signup and view all the answers

How do you recognize a distracted driver?

Vehicles drifting, inconsistent speeds, preoccupied drivers, passengers involved in conversation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?

Aggressive driving is bold behavior without regard for safety; road rage involves intent to harm. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?

Let them pass and do not engage; note the vehicle and call police if safe. Signup and view all the answers

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

Listen to easy listening music Signup and view all the answers

You should use low beams whenever you can.

False Signup and view all the answers

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

Sleep before you drive Signup and view all the answers

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

Wet brakes can be weak, apply unevenly, grab, or cause lack of braking power. Avoid driving through standing water. Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine is not overheated.

False Signup and view all the answers

What 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. Signup and view all the answers

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

Because you will not be able to shift once started down the hill. Signup and view all the answers

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

Apply brakes just hard enough to feel a slowdown, then release when speed is around five mph below safe speed. Signup and view all the answers

Who must have a CDL?

<ol> <li>Operate a vehicle with a GVWR more than 26,000 lbs; 2. Trailers with GVWR more than 10,000 lbs if gross comb weight rating is over 26,000 lbs; 3. More than 15 persons including driver; 4. Vehicles with hazardous materials placards.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How long do you have to notify your employer of a conviction of a traffic violation?

30 days except for parking Signup and view all the answers

What are considered serious traffic violations?

Excessive speeding (+15 mph), reckless driving, improper lane changes, following too closely, fatal traffic accidents, driving CMV without a CDL. Signup and view all the answers

Can radial and bias-ply tires be used together?

False Signup and view all the answers

What are signs of suspension system defects?

Spring hangers, leaves, shock absorbers, torque rod or arm, u-bolts Signup and view all the answers

What is your responsibility if cargo contains hazardous materials?

Inspect for proper papers and placarding; make sure cargo is balanced and secure. Signup and view all the answers

What are the seven steps in a pre-trip inspection?

<ol> <li>Vehicle overview; 2. Check engine compartment; 3. Start engine and inspect inside cab; 4. Check lights; 5. Do walk-around inspection; 6. Check signal lights; 7. Start engine and check brake system.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How do you check hydraulic brakes?

Pump brake pedal 3 times, then apply firm pressure and hold for 5 seconds. The pedal should not move. Signup and view all the answers

How often does an in-trip check need to occur?

Within the first 25 miles of the trip and every 150 miles or every three hours. Signup and view all the answers

When should you downshift?

Before starting down a hill; before entering a curve. Signup and view all the answers

What is a multi-speed rear axle and auxiliary transmission?

Used to provide extra gears, usually controlled by a selector knob. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if driving slowly?

Turn on emergency flashers if it's legal. Signup and view all the answers

How long do you have to put out emergency warning devices if stopped on the road?

10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Where do you place warnings if stopped beyond any hill, curve, or obstruction that prevents seeing within 500'?

10' of the rear corner, 100' ahead, 100'-500' behind Signup and view all the answers

How often should you check the tires in hot weather?

Every two hours or 100 miles. Signup and view all the answers

What guidelines are important if you have to go off the road?

Avoid braking until speed drops to about 20 mph; keep one set of wheels on the pavement if possible; stay on the shoulder until you come to a stop. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vehicle Inspection and Safety

Vehicle inspection is crucial for ensuring safety for both the driver and other road users.
Instruments to check during a trip include air pressure gauges, temperature gauges, mirrors, tires, and cargo securement.
Key parts of the steering system: steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, steering arm, power steering cylinder.
Common suspension system defects include cracked spring hangers, missing leaf springs, broken shock absorbers, and damaged axle positioning parts.

Emergency Equipment Requirements

Essential emergency equipment includes fire extinguishers, spare electrical fuses, and reflective warning devices such as triangles.

Tire Specifications

Minimum tread depth is 4/32 inch for front tires and 2/32 inch for other tires.
Front vehicle checks during a walkaround include inspecting the condition of the front axle, windshield, lights, and reflectors.

Driving Techniques and Safety Protocols

Regularly check wheel bearing seals for leaks to ensure proper function.
Carry three red reflective triangles for emergency signaling.
Test hydraulic brakes by pumping the pedal and holding it to check for leaks.
Always keep the starter switch key in your pocket during inspections for personal safety.

Vehicle Maneuvering Strategies

Backing should be done toward the driver’s side for better visibility.
When starting on a hill, partially engage the clutch to avoid rolling back.
It’s important to communicate hand signals, with "stop" being the most crucial.

Transmission and Braking

Downshift before descending hills and entering curves to maintain control.
Automatic transmissions should also be downshifted on steep declines.
Retarders help slow the vehicle; they do not prevent skidding on slippery roads.

Situational Awareness and Hazard Recognition

Maintain a forward-looking distance of 12-15 seconds to anticipate traffic and road conditions.
Use mirrors as the primary means to monitor the sides and rear of the vehicle.
Communicating intentions on the road is vital for safety.

Proper Emergency Procedures

Place warning devices strategically when stopped on divided and non-divided highways to alert oncoming traffic.
Total stopping distance comprises perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance, which increases significantly at higher speeds.

Handling Adverse Conditions

Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with wet roads, and black ice refers to translucent ice that creates a slick surface.
For following distance assessments, count the seconds to a stationary object; maintaining distance is essential, even when tailgated.

Aggressive Driving and Stress Management

Understand the distinction between aggressive driving (selfish behavior) and road rage (intent to harm).
To mitigate stress while driving, listen to calming music and avoid distractions like mobile devices.

Maintenance and Vehicle Operation

Wet brakes can lead to uneven braking; avoid driving through water and apply brakes lightly when necessary.
Do not remove radiator caps from overheated engines and avoid releasing air from hot tires.
Safe speed on steep downgrades depends on vehicle weight, grade length and steepness, and weather conditions.

Legal and Regulatory Responsibilities

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required for operating heavy vehicles and those transporting hazardous materials.
Serious traffic violations and timely reporting of traffic convictions to employers are critical elements of safe driving practices.

Emergency Preparedness

In case of emergency, activate flashers when driving slowly and set out warning devices within 10 minutes if stopped on the road.
If forced off the road, reduce speed, avoid abrupt braking, and remain on the shoulder until stopping completely.

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Description

Test your knowledge on essential vehicle inspection and safety protocols. This quiz covers critical components such as tire specifications, emergency equipment, and driving techniques to ensure optimal performance and safety on the road. Make sure you are aware of the necessary checks to maintain vehicle safety.