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Section 2
DRIVING SAFELY
This Section Covers
• Vehicle Inspection
• Basic Control of Your Vehicle
• Shifting Gears
• Seeing
• Communicating
• Space Management
• Controlling Your Speed
• Seeing Hazards
• Distracted Driving
• Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage
• Night Driving & Driver Fatigue
• Driving in Fog
• Winter Driving
• Hot Weather Driving
• Railroad-highway Crossings
• Mountain Driving
• Driving Emergencies
• Antilock Braking Systems
• Skid Control and Recovery
• Accident Procedures
• Fires
• Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving
• Hazardous Materials Rules
This section contains knowledge and safe driving
information that all commercial drivers should know.
You must pass a test on this information to get a
CDL. This section does not have specific
information on air brakes, combination vehicles,
doubles, or passenger vehicles. When preparing for
the Vehicle Inspection Test, you must review the
material in Section 11 in addition to the information
in this section. This section does have basic
information on hazardous materials (HazMat) that
all drivers should know. If you need a HazMat
endorsement, you should study Section 9.
2.1 – Vehicle Inspection
2.1.1 – Why Inspect
Safety is the most important reason you inspect
your vehicle, safety for yourself and for other road
users.
A vehicle defect found during an inspection could
save you problems later. You could have a
breakdown on the road that will cost time and
dollars, or even worse, a crash caused by the
defect.
Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect
their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also
may inspect your vehicles. If they judge the vehicle
to be unsafe, they will put it "out of service" until it is
fixed.
2.1.2 – Types of Vehicle Inspection
Vehicle Inspection. A Vehicle inspection will help
you find problems that could cause a crash or
breakdown.
During a Trip. For safety you should:
Watch gauges for signs of trouble.
Use your senses to check for problems (look,
listen, smell, feel).
Check critical items when you stop:
Tires, wheels and rims.
Brakes.
Lights and reflectors.
Brake and electrical connections to trailer.
Trailer coupling devices.
Cargo securement devices.
After-trip Inspection and Report. You should do
an after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day, or
tour of duty on each vehicle you operated. It may
include filling out a vehicle condition report listing
any problems you find. The inspection report helps
a motor carrier know when the vehicle needs
repairs.
2.1.3 – What to Look For
Tire Problems
Too much or too little air pressure.
Bad wear. You need at least 4/32-inch tread depth
in every major groove on front tires. You need 2/32
inch on other tires. No fabric should show through
the tread or sidewall.
Cuts or other damage.
Tread separation.
Dual tires that come in contact with each other or
parts of the vehicle.
Mismatched sizes.
Radial and bias-ply tires used together.
Cut or cracked valve stems.
Re-grooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on the
front wheels of a bus are prohibited.
Wheel and Rim Problems
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Damaged rims.
Rust around wheel nuts may mean the nuts are
loose--check tightness. After a tire has been
changed, stop a short while later and re-check
tightness of nuts.
Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs means
danger.
Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are
dangerous.
Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are
not safe.
Bad Brake Drums or Shoes
Cracked drums.
Shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on
them.
Shoes worn dangerously thin, missing, or broken.
Steering System Defects
Missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, or other parts.
Bent, loose, or broken parts, such as steering
column, steering gear box, or tie rods.
If power steering equipped, check hoses, pumps,
and fluid level; check for leaks.
Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees
(approximately 2 inches movement at the rim of a
20-inch steering wheel) can make it hard to steer.
Figure 2.1
Suspension System Defects. The suspension
system holds up the vehicle and its load. It keeps
the axles in place. Therefore, broken suspension
parts can be extremely dangerous. Look for:
Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from
proper position. See Figure 2.2.
Figure 2.2
Cracked or broken spring hangers.
Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If one-
fourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle
"out of service", but any defect could be
dangerous. See Figure 2.3.
Figure 2.3
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Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that
have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part.
Leaking shock absorbers.
Torque rod or arm, u-bolts, spring hangers, or
other axle positioning parts that are cracked,
damaged, or missing.
Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or
leaking. See Figure 2.4.
Figure 2.4
Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame
members.
Exhaust System Defects. A broken exhaust
system can let poison fumes into the cab or sleeper
berth. Look for:
Loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers,
tailpipes, or vertical stacks.
Loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets,
clamps, bolts, or nuts.
Exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system
parts, tires, or other moving parts of vehicle.
Exhaust system parts that are leaking.
Emergency Equipment. Vehicles must be
equipped with emergency equipment. Look for:
Fire extinguisher(s).
Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit
breakers).
Warning devices for parked vehicles: three
reflective triangles or at least 6 fusees or 3 liquid
burning flares).
Cargo (Trucks). You must make sure the truck is
not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and
secured before each trip. If the cargo contains
hazardous materials, you must inspect for proper
papers and placarding.
2.1.4 – CDL Vehicle Inspection Test
In order to obtain a CDL you will be required to pass
a Vehicle inspection test. You will be tested to see if
you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You
will be asked to do a Vehicle inspection of your
vehicle. You must point to/touch and name the item
you are inspecting and explain to the examiner what
you would inspect and why. The following seven-
step inspection method should be useful.
2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method
Method of Inspection. You should do a Vehicle
inspection the same way each time so you will learn
all the steps and be less likely to forget something.
Approaching the Vehicle. Notice general
condition. Look for damage or vehicle leaning to one
side. Look under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant,
grease, or fuel leaks. Check the area around the
vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement (people,
other vehicles, objects, low-hanging wires, limbs,
etc.).
Vehicle Inspection Guide
Step 1: Vehicle Overview
Review Last Vehicle Inspection Report. Drivers
may have to make a vehicle inspection report in
writing each day. The motor carrier must repair any
items in the report that affect safety and certify on
the report that repairs were made or were
unnecessary. You must sign the report only if
defects were noted and certified to be repaired or
not needed to be repaired.
Step 2: Check Engine Compartment
Check That the Parking Brakes Are On and/or
Wheels Chocked.
You may have to raise the hood, tilt the cab (secure
loose things so they don't fall and break something),
or open the engine compartment door.
Check the following:
Engine oil level.
Coolant level in radiator; condition of hoses.
Power steering fluid level; hose condition (if so
equipped).
Windshield washer fluid level.
Battery fluid level, connections and tie downs
(battery may be located elsewhere)
Automatic transmission fluid level (may require
engine to be running).
Check belts for tightness and excessive wear
(alternator, water pump, air compressor)--learn
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how much "give" the belts should have when
adjusted right, and check each one.
Leaks in the engine compartment (fuel, coolant, oil,
power steering fluid, hydraulic fluid, battery fluid).
Cracked, worn electrical wiring insulation.
Lower and secure hood, cab, or engine
compartment door.
Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab
Get In and Start Engine
Make sure parking brake is on.
Put gearshift in neutral (or "park" if automatic).
Start engine; listen for unusual noises.
If equipped, check the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) indicator lights. Light on dash should come
on and then turn off. If it stays on the ABS is not
working properly. For trailers only, if the yellow
light on the left rear of the trailer stays on, the ABS
is not working properly.
Look at the Gauges
Oil pressure. Should come up to normal within
seconds after engine is started. See Figure 2.5
Air pressure. Pressure should build from 50 to 90
psi within 3 minutes. Build air pressure to governor
cut-out (usually around 120 – 140 psi. Know your
vehicle’s requirements.
Ammeter and/or voltmeter. Should be in normal
range(s).
Coolant temperature. Should begin gradual rise to
normal operating range.
Engine oil temperature. Should begin gradual rise
to normal operating range.
Warning lights and buzzers. Oil, coolant, charging
circuit warning, and antilock brake system lights
should go out right away.
Check Condition of Controls. Check all of the
following for looseness, sticking, damage, or
improper setting:
Steering wheel.
Clutch.
Accelerator ("gas pedal").
Brake controls.
Foot brake.
Trailer brake (if vehicle has one).
Parking brake.
Retarder controls (if vehicle has them).
Transmission controls.
Interaxle differential lock (if vehicle has one).
Horn(s).
Windshield wiper/washer.
Lights.
Headlights.
Dimmer switch.
Turn signal.
Four-way flashers.
Parking, clearance, identification, marker
switch(es).
Figure 2.5
Check Mirrors and Windshield. Inspect mirrors
and windshield for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or
other obstructions to seeing clearly. Clean and
adjust as necessary.
Check Emergency Equipment
Check for safety equipment:
Spare electrical fuses (unless vehicle has circuit
breakers).
Three red reflective triangles, 6 fusees or 3 liquid
burning flares.
Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
Check for optional items such as:
Chains (where winter conditions require).
Tire changing equipment.
List of emergency phone numbers
Accident reporting kit (packet).
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Check Safety Belt. Check that the safety belt is
securely mounted, adjusts; latches properly and is
not ripped or frayed.
Step 4: Turn Off Engine and Check Lights
Make sure the parking brake is set, turn off the
engine, and take the key with you. Turn on
headlights (low beams) and four-way emergency
flashers, and get out of the vehicle.
Step 5: Do Walk-around Inspection
Go to front of vehicle and check that low beams
are on and both of the four-way flashers are
working.
Push dimmer switch and check that high beams
work.
Turn off headlights and four-way emergency
flashers.
Turn on parking, clearance, side-marker, and
identification lights.
Turn on right turn signal, and start walk-around
inspection.
General
Walk around and inspect.
Clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you go
along.
Left Front Side
Driver's door glass should be clean.
Door latches or locks should work properly.
Left front wheel.
Condition of wheel and rim--missing, bent, broken
studs, clamps, lugs, or any signs of misalignment.
Condition of tires--properly inflated, valve stem and
cap , no serious cuts, bulges, or tread wear.
Use wrench to test rust-streaked lug nuts, indicating
looseness.
Hub oil level, no leaks.
Left front suspension.
Condition of spring, spring hangers, shackles,
u-bolts.
Shock absorber condition.
Left front brake.
Condition of brake drum or disc.
Condition of hoses.
Front
Condition of front axle.
Condition of steering system.
No loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts.
Must grab steering mechanism to test for
looseness.
Condition of windshield.
Check for damage and clean if dirty.
Check windshield wiper arms for proper spring
tension.
Check wiper blades for damage, "stiff" rubber, and
securement.
Lights and reflectors.
Parking, clearance, and identification lights clean,
operating, and proper color (amber at front).
Reflectors clean and proper color (amber at front).
Right front turn signal light clean, operating, and
proper color (amber or white on signals facing
forward).
Right Side
Right front: check all items as done on left front.
Primary and secondary safety cab locks engaged
(if cab-over-engine design).
Right fuel tank(s).
Securely mounted, not damaged, or leaking.
Fuel crossover line secure.
Tank(s) contain enough fuel.
Cap(s) on and secure.
Condition of visible parts.
Rear of engine--not leaking.
Transmission--not leaking.
Exhaust system--secure, not leaking, not touching
wires, fuel, or air-lines.
Frame and cross members--no bends or cracks.
Air-lines and electrical wiring--secured against
snagging, rubbing, wearing.
Spare tire carrier or rack not damaged (if so
equipped).
Spare tire and/or wheel securely mounted in rack.
Spare tire and wheel adequate (proper size,
properly inflated).
Cargo securement (trucks).
Cargo properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, etc.
Header board adequate, secure (if required).
Side boards, stakes strong enough, free of damage,
properly set in place (if so equipped).
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