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another slow vehicle unless you can get around
quickly and safely.
Dealing with Tailgaters Safely. In a large vehicle,
it's often hard to see whether a vehicle is close
behind you. You may be tailgated:
When you are traveling slowly. Drivers trapped
behind slow vehicles often follow closely.
In bad weather. Many car drivers follow large
vehicles closely during bad weather, especially
when it is hard to see the road ahead.
If you find yourself being tailgated, here are some
things you can do to reduce the chances of a crash:
Avoid quick changes. If you have to slow down or
turn, signal early, and reduce speed very gradually.
Increase your following distance. Opening up
room in front of you will help you to avoid having to
make sudden speed or direction changes. It also
makes it easier for the tailgater to get around you.
Don't speed up. It's safer to be tailgated at a low
speed than a high speed.
Avoid tricks. Don't turn on your taillights or flash
your brake lights. Follow the suggestions above.
2.7.3 – Space to the Sides
Commercial vehicles are often wide and take up
most of a lane. Safe drivers will manage what little
space they have. You can do this by keeping your
vehicle centered in your lane, and avoid driving
alongside others.
Staying Centered in a Lane. You need to keep
your vehicle centered in the lane to keep safe
clearance on either side. If your vehicle is wide, you
have little room to spare.
Traveling Next to Others. There are two dangers
in traveling alongside other vehicles:
Another driver may change lanes suddenly and
turn into you.
You may be trapped when you need to change
lanes.
Find an open spot where you aren't near other
traffic. When traffic is heavy, it may be hard to find
an open spot. If you must travel near other vehicles,
try to keep as much space as possible between you
and them. Also, drop back or pull forward so that
you are sure the other driver can see you.
Strong Winds. Strong winds make it difficult to stay
in your lane. The problem is usually worse for lighter
vehicles. This problem can be especially bad
coming out of tunnels. Don't drive alongside others
if you can avoid it.
2.7.4 – Space Overhead
Hitting overhead objects is a danger. Make sure you
always have overhead clearance.
Don't assume that the heights posted at bridges
and overpasses are correct. Re-paving or packed
snow may have reduced the clearances since the
heights were posted.
The weight of a cargo van changes its height. An
empty van is higher than a loaded one. That you
got under a bridge when you were loaded does not
mean that you can do it when you are empty.
If you doubt you have safe space to pass under an
object, go slowly. If you aren't sure you can make
it, take another route. Warnings are often posted
on low bridges or underpasses, but sometimes
they are not.
Some roads can cause a vehicle to tilt. There can
be a problem clearing objects along the edge of
the road, such as signs, trees, or bridge supports.
Where this is a problem, drive a little closer to the
center of the road.
Before you back into an area, get out and check
for overhanging objects such as trees, branches,
or electric wires. It's easy to miss seeing them
while you are backing. (Also check for other
hazards at the same time.)
2.7.5 – Space Below
Many drivers forget about the space under their
vehicles. That space can be very small when a
vehicle is heavily loaded. This is often a problem on
dirt roads and in unpaved yards. Don't take a
chance on getting hung up. Drainage channels
across roads can cause the ends of some vehicles
to drag. Cross such depressions carefully.
Railroad tracks can also cause problems,
particularly when pulling trailers with a low
underneath clearance. Don’t take a chance on
getting hung up halfway across.
2.7.6 – Space for Turns
The space around a truck or bus is important in
turns. Because of wide turning and off-tracking,
large vehicles can hit other vehicles or objects
during turns.
Right Turns. Here are some rules to help prevent
right-turn crashes:
Turn slowly to give yourself and others more time
to avoid problems.
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
If you are driving a truck or bus that cannot make
the right turn without swinging into another lane,
turn wide as you complete the turn. Keep the rear
of your vehicle close to the curb. This will stop
other drivers from passing you on the right.
Don't turn wide to the left as you start the turn. A
following driver may think you are turning left and
try to pass you on the right. You may crash into the
other vehicle as you complete your turn.
If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make a
turn, watch out for vehicles coming toward you.
Give them room to go by or to stop. However, don't
back up for them, because you might hit someone
behind you. See Figure 2.13.
Figure 2.13
Left Turns. On a left turn, make sure you have
reached the center of the intersection before you
start the left turn. If you turn too soon, the left side
of your vehicle may hit another vehicle because of
off-tracking.
If there are two turning lanes, always take the right
turn lane. Don't start in the inside lane because you
may have to swing right to make the turn. Drivers on
your left can be more readily seen. See Figure 2.14.
Figure 2.14
2.7.7 – Space Needed to Cross or Enter Traffic
Be aware of the size and weight of your vehicle
when you cross or enter traffic. Here are some
important things to keep in mind.
Because of slow acceleration and the space large
vehicles require, you may need a much larger gap
to enter traffic than you would in a car.
Acceleration varies with the load. Allow more room
if your vehicle is heavily loaded.
Before you start across a road, make sure you can
get all the way across before traffic reaches you.
2.8 – Seeing Hazards
2.8.1 – Importance of Seeing Hazards
What Is a Hazard? A hazard is any road condition
or other road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) that
is a possible danger. For example, a car in front of
you is headed toward the freeway exit, but his brake
lights come on and he begins braking hard. This
could mean that the driver is uncertain about taking
the off ramp. He might suddenly return to the
highway. This car is a hazard. If the driver of the car
cuts in front of you, it is no longer just a hazard; it is
an emergency.
Seeing Hazards Lets You Be Prepared. You will
have more time to act if you see hazards before they
become emergencies. In the example above, you
might make a lane change or slow down to prevent
a crash if the car suddenly cuts in front of you.
Seeing this hazard gives you time to check your
mirrors and signal a lane change. Being prepared
reduces the danger. A driver who did not see the
hazard until the slow car pulled back on the highway
in front of him would have to do something very
suddenly. Sudden braking or a quick lane change is
much more likely to lead to a crash.
Learning to See Hazards. There are often clues
that will help you see hazards. The more you drive,
the better you can learn to see hazards. This section
will talk about hazards that you should be aware of.
2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads
Move-Over Laws
The incidents of law enforcement officers,
emergency medical services, fire department
personnel and people working on the road are
being struck while performing duties at the
roadside are increasing at a frightening pace. To
lessen the problem, move-over laws have been
enacted, which require drivers to slow and change
lanes when approaching a roadside incident or
emergency vehicle. Signs are posted on roadways
in states that have such laws.
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
When approaching an authorized emergency
vehicle stopped on the roadside or a work zone,
you should proceed with caution by slowing and
yielding the right-of-way by making a lane change
into a lane not next to that of the authorized
emergency vehicle or work zone if safety and
traffic conditions permit. If a lane change is
unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution while
maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions.
Slow down and be very careful if you see any of the
following road hazards.
Work Zones. When people are working on the road,
it is a hazard. There may be narrower lanes, sharp
turns, or uneven surfaces. Other drivers are often
distracted and drive unsafely. Workers and
construction vehicles may get in the way. Drive
slowly and carefully near work zones. Use your four-
way flashers or brake lights to warn drivers behind
you.
Drop Off. Sometimes the pavement drops off
sharply near the edge of the road. Driving too near
the edge can tilt your vehicle toward the side of the
road. This can cause the top of your vehicle to hit
roadside objects (signs, tree limbs). Also, it can be
hard to steer as you cross the drop off, going off the
road, or coming back on.
Foreign Objects. Things that have fallen on the
road can be hazards. They can be a danger to your
tires and wheel rims. They can damage electrical
and brake lines. They can be caught between dual
tires and cause severe damage. Some obstacles
that appear to be harmless can be very dangerous.
For example, cardboard boxes may be empty, but
they may also contain some solid or heavy material
capable of causing damage. The same is true of
paper and cloth sacks. It is important to remain alert
for objects of all sorts, so you can see them early
enough to avoid them without making sudden,
unsafe moves.
Off Ramps/On Ramps. Freeway and turnpike exits
can be particularly dangerous for commercial
vehicles. Off ramps and on ramps often have speed
limit signs posted. Remember, these speeds may
be safe for automobiles, but may not be safe for
larger vehicles or heavily loaded vehicles. Exits that
go downhill and turn at the same time can be
especially dangerous. The downgrade makes it
difficult to reduce speed. Braking and turning at the
same time can be a dangerous practice. Make sure
you are going slowly enough before you get on the
curved part of an off ramp or on ramp.
2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards
In order to protect yourself and others, you must
know when other drivers may do something
hazardous. Some clues to this type of hazard are
discussed below.
Blocked Vision. People who can't see others are a
very dangerous hazard. Be alert for drivers whose
vision is blocked. Vans, loaded station wagons, and
cars with the rear window blocked are examples.
Rental trucks should be watched carefully. Their
drivers are often not used to the limited vision they
have to the sides and rear of the truck. In winter,
vehicles with frosted, ice-covered, or snow-covered
windows are hazards.
Vehicles may be partly hidden by blind intersections
or alleys. If you only can see the rear or front end of
a vehicle but not the driver, then he or she can't see
you. Be alert because he/she may back out or enter
into your lane. Always be prepared to stop.
Delivery Trucks Can Present a Hazard. Packages
or vehicle doors often block the driver’s vision.
Drivers of step vans, postal vehicles, and local
delivery vehicles often are in a hurry and may
suddenly step out of their vehicle or drive their
vehicle into the traffic lane.
Parked Vehicles Can Be Hazards, especially
when people start to get out of them. Or, they may
suddenly start up and drive into your way. Watch for
movement inside the vehicle or movement of the
vehicle itself that shows people are inside. Watch
for brake lights or backup lights, exhaust, and other
clues that a driver is about to move.
Be careful of a stopped bus. Passengers may cross
in front of or behind the bus, and they often can't see
you.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists Can Also Be
Hazards. Walkers, joggers, and bicyclists may be
on the road with their back to the traffic, so they can't
see you. Sometimes they wear portable stereos
with headsets, so they can't hear you either. This
can be dangerous. On rainy days, pedestrians may
not see you because of hats or umbrellas. They may
be hurrying to get out of the rain and may not pay
attention to the traffic.
Distractions. People who are distracted are
hazards. Watch for where they are looking. If they
are looking elsewhere, they can't see you. But be
alert even when they are looking at you. They may
believe that they have the right of way.
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Children. Children tend to act quickly without
checking traffic. Children playing with one another
may not look for traffic and are a serious hazard.
Talkers. Drivers or pedestrians talking to one
another may not be paying close attention to the
traffic.
Workers. People working on or near the roadway
are a hazard clue. The work creates a distraction for
other drivers and the workers themselves may not
see you.
Ice Cream Trucks. Someone selling ice cream is a
hazard clue. Children may be nearby and may not
see you.
Disabled Vehicles. Drivers changing a tire or fixing
an engine often do not pay attention to the danger
that roadway traffic is to them. They are often
careless. Jacked up wheels or raised hoods are
hazard clues.
Accidents. Accidents are particularly hazardous.
People involved in the accident may not look for
traffic. Passing drivers tend to look at the accident.
People often run across the road without looking.
Vehicles may slow or stop suddenly.
Shoppers. People in and around shopping areas
are often not watching traffic because they are
looking for stores or looking into store windows.
Confused Drivers. Confused drivers often change
direction suddenly or stop without warning.
Confusion is common near freeway or turnpike
interchanges and major intersections. Tourists
unfamiliar with the area can be very hazardous.
Clues to tourists include car-top luggage and out-of-
state license plates. Unexpected actions (stopping
in the middle of a block, changing lanes for no
apparent reason, backup lights suddenly going on)
are clues to confusion. Hesitation is another clue,
including driving very slowly, using brakes often, or
stopping in the middle of an intersection. You may
also see drivers who are looking at street signs,
maps, and house numbers. These drivers may not
be paying attention to you.
Slow Drivers. Motorists who fail to maintain normal
speed are hazards. Seeing slow moving vehicles
early can prevent a crash. Some vehicles, by their
nature, are slow and seeing them is a hazard clue
(mopeds, farm machinery, construction machinery,
tractors, etc.). Some of these will have the "slow
moving vehicle" symbol to warn you. This is a red
triangle with an orange center. Watch for it.
Drivers Signaling a Turn May Be a Hazard.
Drivers signaling a turn may slow more than
expected or stop. If they are making a tight turn into
an alley or driveway, they may go very slowly. If
pedestrians or other vehicles block them, they may
have to stop on the roadway. Vehicles turning left
may have to stop for oncoming vehicles.
Drivers in a Hurry. Drivers may feel your
commercial vehicle is preventing them from getting
where they want to go on time. Such drivers may
pass you without a safe gap in the oncoming traffic,
cutting too close in front of you. Drivers entering the
road may pull in front of you in order to avoid being
stuck behind you, causing you to brake. Be aware
of this and watch for drivers who are in a hurry.
Impaired Drivers. Drivers who are sleepy, have
had too much to drink, are on drugs, or who are ill
are hazards. Some clues to these drivers are:
Weaving across the road or drifting from one side
to another.
Leaving the road (dropping right wheels onto the
shoulder, or bumping across a curb in a turn).
Stopping at the wrong time (stopping at a green
light, or waiting for too long at a stop).
Open window in cold weather.
Speeding up or slowing down suddenly, driving too
fast or too slow.
Be alert for drunk drivers and sleepy drivers late at
night.
Driver Body Movement as a Clue. Drivers look in
the direction they are going to turn. You may
sometimes get a clue from a driver's head and body
movements that a driver may be going to make a
turn, even though the turn signals aren't on. Drivers
making over-the-shoulder checks may be going to
change lanes. These clues are most easily seen in
motorcyclists and bicyclists. Watch other road users
and try to tell whether they might do something
hazardous.
Conflicts. You are in conflict when you have to
change speed and/or direction to avoid hitting
someone. Conflicts occur at intersections where
vehicles meet, at merges (such as turnpike on
ramps) and where there are needed lane changes
(such as the end of a lane, forcing a move to another
lane of traffic). Other situations include slow moving
or stalled traffic in a traffic lane, and accident
scenes. Watch for other drivers who are in conflict
because they are a hazard to you. When they react
to this conflict, they may do something that will put
them in conflict with you.
Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 2-20
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
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