2024 Facts for Drivers PDF

threshold of 0.35 g. In other words, the vehicle will roll over when the lateral force reaches 0.35 g. Vehicles traveling at a speed of about 40 mph ona ramp posted for 25 mph can produce a lateral force up to about 0.5 g. If the load isn't centered or the slope of the curve is areater, the potentia...

threshold of 0.35 g. In other words, the vehicle will roll over when the lateral force reaches 0.35 g. Vehicles traveling at a speed of about 40 mph ona ramp posted for 25 mph can produce a lateral force up to about 0.5 g. If the load isn't centered or the slope of the curve is areater, the potential for rollover increases. In 13% of large-truck/ two-vehicle fatal crashes, either the truck or other vehicle was negoti- ating a curve. Negotiating Slopes: Another potentially hazardous situation for the professional truck driver is negotiating steep downgrades. The primary reason for loss of control going downhill is brake failure and improper control techniques. A good maintenance record and pre-trip inspection will hopefully avert brake failure; however, if a driver notices any braking issues, the driver should pull off the road and stop as soon as it Is safe to do so, and then call for service. Here are a few tips that good defensive drivers use to avoid accidents on downgrades: - Test the brakes before entering a long and/or steep grade. « The gear selected for a downgrade should never be higher than that which a driver would use to ascend the same grade. *« In emergency braking scenarios, use “stab braking,” a method in which the driver applies the brake fully, then releases it once the wheels lock up. Once the wheels begin spinning, apply full brakes again. IMPORTANT: fully braking does not imply jamming on the brakes all at once. This will cause a skid and consequently, loss of control of the vehicle. « Don’t use the hand lever to apply only the trailer brakes because it can overheat them creating the conditions for a fire and/or brake failure. Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions: Protessional truck drivers must be fully prepared to drive in almost any weather condition. When driving in adverse weather, drivers should understand that stopping distances increase while the ability to take quick, evasive action decreases. It is imperative that a driver adjust to road condi- tions enough to compensate for their lessened traction, stopping ability, and visibility, as well as the potential for errors by other drivers. Good defensive driving can reduce the risk of an accident. Two of the most important defensive driving techniques in bad weather are to reduce speed and increase following distance. 47