What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
Safety
What things should you check during a trip?
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.
Name some key steering system parts.
Steering wheel
Tie Rod
Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir
Gear Box
Drag Link
Steering Knuckle
Spindle
Steering Arm
Power Steering Cylinder
Steering Shaft
Name some suspension system defects.
Spring hangers that allow, movement of axel from proper position.
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.
Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that have shift so they might hit a tire or other part.
Leaking shock absorbers.
Torque rod or arm, u-bolts, spring hangers, or other axel positioning parts that are cracked, damaged and/or leaking.
Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or leaking
Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame members.
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
Spare electrical fuses
Three red reflective triangles, 6 fusees, or 3 liquid burning flares.
Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?
At least 4/32-inch tread depth on front tires. 2/32-inch on other tires.
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk around inspection.
Low beams are on and both of the four-way flashers are working.
Push dimmer switch and check that high beams work.
Turn on parking, clearance, side-marker, and identification lights. Proper color.
Condition of windshield.
Windshield wiper arms.
Windshield wiper blades, stiff rubber, and securement.
Lights and reflectors. Proper color amber
Turn on right turn signal, and start walk-around inspection.
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
Not leaking
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
Three red reflective triangles
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump brakes pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there maybe a leak or other problem.
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump brakes pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there maybe a leak or other problem.
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the Vehicle inspection?
So no one moves the vehicle while you are inspecting underneath it.
Why should you back toward the driver's side?
So that you can see better. You can watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out of the side window.
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake. Put on the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling back. Release the parking brake only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back.
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
They can direct you & see the blind spots you cannot.
What's the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
Agree on a signal for “stop”.
What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
Before Starting Down Hill. Before Entering a Curve.
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
Before starting downgrades (downhill)
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery. True or False?
False
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
Engine Speed (rpm). Road Speed (mph).
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
12-15 Seconds
What are two main things to look for ahead?
Traffic and road conditions
What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
Checking you mirrors
What does "communicating" mean in safe driving?
Signal your intentions (horn/turn signal/flasher)
Where should you place reflectors when stopped on a divided highway?
Reflectors should be placed 10ft, 100ft & 200ft towards approaching traffic.
What three things add up to total stopping distance?
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
Will increase by 4
Empty trucks have the best braking. True or False?
False, because empty trucks have less traction
What is hydroplaning?
When tires lose contact with the road & have little or no traction.
What is "black ice"?
A thin layer of ice clear enough that you can see the road underneath it.
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph & Over 40 mph add a second per 10 feet.
If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?
3 seconds + 1second for safety = 4 seconds
You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely. True or False?
True
If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right. True or False?
True
What is a hazard?
A hazard is any road condition or other road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) that is a possible danger.
Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
To be prepared if you have to take action in an emergency. So that you will be prepared and improve yours and others safety.
What are some tips to follow so you won’t become a distracted driver?
Turn off all communication devices. If you must use a mobile phone, make sure it is within close proximity, that it is operable while you are restrained, use an earpiece or the speaker phone function, use voice-activated dialing; or use the hands-free feature. Drivers are not in compliance if they unsafely reach for a mobile phone, even if they intend to use the hands-free function. Do not type or read a text message on a mobile device while driving. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's features and equipment, before you get behind the wheel. Adjust all vehicle controls and mirrors to your preferences prior to driving. Preprogram radio stations and pre-load your favorite CDs. Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary objects and secure cargo. Review maps, program the GPS and plan your route before you begin driving. Don't attempt to read or write while you drive. Avoid smoking, eating and drinking while you drive. Leave early to allow yourself time to stop to eat. Don't engage in complex or emotionally intense conversations with other occupants. Secure commitment from other occupants to behave responsibly and to support the driver in reducing distractions.
How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?
When possible, pull off the road in a safe, legal place when making/ receiving a call on communication equipment. If possible, turn the cell phone off until your destination is reached. Position the cell phone within easy reach. Pre-program cell phones with commonly called numbers. If you have to place a call, find a safe place to pull off the road. Do not place a call while driving. Some jurisdictions require that only hands-free devices can be used while driving. Even these devices are unsafe to use when you are moving down the road. If you must use your cell phone, keep conversations short. Develop ways to get free of long-winded friends and associates while on the road. Never use the cell phone for social visiting. Hang up in tricky traffic situations. Do not use the equipment when approaching locations with heavy traffic, road construction, heavy pedestrian traffic, or severe weather conditions. Do not attempt to type or read messages on your satellite system while driving.
How do you recognize a distracted driver?
Watch for: Vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or within their own lane. Vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds. Drivers who are preoccupied with maps, food, cigarettes, cell phones, or other objects. Drivers who appear to be involved in conversations with their passengers.
What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?
Aggressive driving is operating a vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regards for others rights/safety.
Road rage is operating a vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others physically or assaulting a driver or their vehicle.
What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
Attempt to get out of their way. Avoid eye contact, ignore gestures and refuse to react to them.
What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?
Reduce your stress before and while you drive. Listen to "easy listening"music. Give the drive your full attention. Don't allow yourself to become distracted by talking on your cell phone, eating, etc. Be realistic about your travel time. Expect delays because of traffic, construction, or bad weather and make allowances. If you're going to be later than you expected -deal with it. Take a deep breath and accept the delay. Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Try to imagine why he or she is driving that way. Whatever their reason, it has nothing to do with you. Slow down and keep your following distance reasonable. Don't drive slowly in the left lane of traffic. Avoid gestures. Keep you hands on the wheel. Avoid making any gestures that might anger another driver, even seemingly harmless expressions of irritation like shaking your head. Be a cautious and courteous driver. If another driver seems eager to get in front of you, say, "Be my guest." This response will soon become a habit and you won't be as offended by other drivers' actions.
You should use low beams whenever you can. True or False?
False. Use high beams whenever you can and because it cuts down on the ability to see
What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
Get adequate sleep – adults need 8 to 9 hours to maintain alertness
Prepare route carefully to identify total distance, stopping points and other logistic considerations
Schedule trips for the hours you are normally awake, not the middle of the night
Drive with a passenger
Avoid medications that cause drowsiness
If you are drowsy, the only safe cure is to get off the road and get some sleep.
What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
weak brakes, breaks apply unevenly, or to grab.
Avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water if possible.
You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal. True or False?
False. Air pressure increases with temperature.
You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated. True or False?
False, never remove the cap from a pressurized system until the system is completely cooled.
What factors determine your selection of a "safe" speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
Your most important consideration is to select a speed that is not too fast for the:
total weight of the vehicle and cargo
length of the grade
steepness of the grade
road conditions
weather
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
Shift the transmission to a low gear before starting down the grade.
Do not try to downshift after your speed has already built up.
You will not be able to shift into a lower gear.
You may not even be able to get back into any gear and all engine braking effect will be lost.
Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
1) apply brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slow down 2) when speed is reduced 5 mph below safe speed, release brakes. 3) when speed increased to your safe speed, repeat steps 1 & 2
What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?
Low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving van, possum-belly livestock trailer).
Single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer with its landing gear set to accommodate a tandem-axle tractor.
How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?
More than 15 seconds
Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency. True or False?
True
What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
At least you won't force anyone into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head- on collision.
What is an "escape ramp?"
Escape ramps have been built on many steep mountain downgrades and are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers.
If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly. True or False?
False. Stay off the brake. Braking when a tire has failed could cause loss of control.
How do you know if your vehicle has antilock brakes?
Tractors, trucks, and buses will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the instrument panel.
Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the left side, either on the front or rear corner.
What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?
Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have ABS on the bus, tractor, the trailer, or both.
How do antilock brakes help you?
ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain control.
What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?
Protect the area.
Notify authorities.
Care for the injured.
Name two causes of tire fires
Under-inflated tires and duals that touch.
What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for?
Wood, paper and cloth.
When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?
No. When using the extinguisher, stay as far away from the fire as possible. Aim at the source or base of the fire, not up in the flames.
Name some causes of vehicle fires.
The following are some causes of vehicle fires:
After Accidents. Spilled fuel, improper use of flares.
Tires. Under-inflated tires and duals that touch.
Electrical System. Short circuits due to damaged insulation, loose connections.
