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.
Signup and view all the answers
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?
Signup and view all the answers
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walkaround inspection.
Signup and view all the answers
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
Signup and view all the answers
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
Signup and view all the answers
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Signup and view all the answers
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
Signup and view all the answers
Why should you back toward the driver's side?
Signup and view all the answers
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
Signup and view all the answers
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
Signup and view all the answers
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
Signup and view all the answers
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
Signup and view all the answers
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
Signup and view all the answers
What are two main things to look for ahead?
Signup and view all the answers
What is your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
Signup and view all the answers
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
Signup and view all the answers
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a non-divided highway?
Signup and view all the answers
What three things add up to total stopping distance?
Signup and view all the answers
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
Signup and view all the answers
Empty trucks have the best braking.
Signup and view all the answers
What is hydroplaning?
Signup and view all the answers
What is 'black ice'?
Signup and view all the answers
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
Signup and view all the answers
You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely.
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.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a hazard?
Signup and view all the answers
Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
Signup and view all the answers
What are some tips to follow so you will not become a distracted driver?
Signup and view all the answers
How do you use in-vehicle equipment cautiously?
Signup and view all the answers
How do you recognize a distracted driver?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
Signup and view all the answers
What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?
Signup and view all the answers
You should use low beams whenever you can.
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
Signup and view all the answers
What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
Signup and view all the answers
You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal.
Signup and view all the answers
You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine is not overheated.
Signup and view all the answers
What factors determine your selection of a 'safe' speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
Signup and view all the answers
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
Signup and view all the answers
Who must have a CDL?
Signup and view all the answers
How long do you have to notify your employer of a conviction of a traffic violation?
Signup and view all the answers
What are considered serious traffic violations?
Signup and view all the answers
Can radial and bias-ply tires be used together?
Signup and view all the answers
What are signs of suspension system defects?
Signup and view all the answers
What is your responsibility if cargo contains hazardous materials?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the seven steps in a pre-trip inspection?
Signup and view all the answers
How do you check hydraulic brakes?
Signup and view all the answers
How often does an in-trip check need to occur?
Signup and view all the answers
When should you downshift?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a multi-speed rear axle and auxiliary transmission?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do if driving slowly?
Signup and view all the answers
How long do you have to put out emergency warning devices if stopped on the road?
Signup and view all the answers
Where do you place warnings if stopped beyond any hill, curve, or obstruction that prevents seeing within 500'?
Signup and view all the answers
How often should you check the tires in hot weather?
Signup and view all the answers
What guidelines are important if you have to go off the road?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.