Safety Questions & Answers
Q. What are the three license classes designated by the federal standards? A. The federal standard requires that states issue a CDL to drivers according to these license classifications:
1. Class A - Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,001 pounds. 2. Class B - Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. 3. Class C- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73.
Q. What are the qualities of a professional truck driver? A. A professional driver is one who:
1. Is physically, mentally and emotionally in control on the job 2. Is well informed about his/her motor vehicle, the highway and traffic laws 3. Has a sound grasp of safe driving techniques 4. Has sufficient experience to have formed good driving habits and skills 5. Is conscientious, compliant, courteous, and puts safety first
Q. What parts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations must the driver have knowledge of? A. Although a commercial vehicle driver does not have to be equally familiar with all parts, he or she must have a working knowledge of:
1. Part 382, Controlled Substances and Alcohol, Use and Testing; 2. Part 383, Commercial Driver's License Standards; Requirements and Penalties; 3. Part 391, Qualifications of Drivers; 4. Part 392, Driving Rules; 5. Part 393, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; 6. Part 395, Hours of Service; 7. Part 396, Inspection and Maintenance; and, 8. Part 397 (if hauling hazardous materials) The driver mist pay particular attention to the requirements of Parts 392 and 395. The driver should know enough about Parts 393 and 396 to ascertain that the equipment meets the requirements of the regulations and is in safe operating condition. He or she should know the basic requirements of Part 391 so that he/she can remain qualified to drive. Drivers of hazardous materials should also be familiar with Parts 100-185.
Q. What other factors must be taken into consideration when operating a vehicle? A. A driver should always take into consideration:
1. The condition of vehicle 2. Types of roads and road conditions 3. Light and weather conditions 4. His/her own mental and physical condition
Q. What is the driver's responsibility to the employer if his/her driving privileges are suspended?
1. The driver must notify the carrier that his/her driving privileges are suspended, canceled or revoked by the next business day following receipt of the notice of suspension, cancellation of revocation. The driver cannot drive in interstate commerce until his/her privilege is restored.
Q. When is a driver subject to "reasonable suspicion" testing for alcohol or drug abuse?
A driver is subject to testing whenever a trained company representative has reason to belleve that the driver has violated the regulations based on specific, current observations of the driver's appearance, behavior, speech, or body odor. A written record shall be made of the observations leading to a drug test, and signed by the company official who made the observations.
Q. What other types of violations can result in driver disqualification?
A subsequent offense of any combination of these violations results in a lifetime disqualification. - Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substance - Driving while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more - Refusal to undergo an alcohol test - Leaving the scene of an accident - Commission of a felony involving the use of a commercial vehicle - Driving a CMV when driver's CLP or DL is revoked, suspended, or cancelled, or the driver is disqualified from operating a CMV - Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV - Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance (lifetime disqualification). A driver can be disqualified for 60 days for a conviction of any combination of two of the following serious violations in 3 years, or for 120 days if convicted of three of the following in 3 years: - Speeding 15 mph or more in excess of the posted limit - Following too closely - Improper or erratic lane-changing - Driving recklessly - Violating State or local law related to motor vehicle traftic control resulting in a fatal crash - Driving a CMV without obtaining a CLP or CDL - Driving a CMV without a CLP or CDL in the driver's possession - Driving a CMV without the proper class of CLP or CDL and/or endorsements for the specific vehicle group being operated - Violating a State or local law prohibiting texting and/or handheld mobile phone, while operating a CMV.
Q. How should the brakes be used to control speed on a long downgrade?
A. A driver should never forget that the use of brakes on a long downgrade is only a supplement to primary reliance on the braking effect of the engine. When applying the brakes, a driver should apply them hard enough to feel a definite slowdown. When the vehicle's speed has been brought well below the desired speed for the grade, the driver should release the brakes and apply the brakes in the same way when the truck's speed again reaches the safe speed or the posted speed for the grade.
Q. What protection is there for a CDL driver in the drug testing program?
A. A driver who tests "positive" on an initial test is entitled to a confirmation test using a more sophisticated procedure. If the confirmation test is "positive," the results must be reviewed by a Medical Review Officer to determine whether the findings have a legitimate basis such as prescription drug use, or are due to illegal use of a controlled substance. The driver may also request that the second half of his/her urine sample (the split) be sent to another lab to be retested.
Q. How does the professional driver avoid being blinded by the glare of oncoming headlights?
A. A professional driver avoids looking into the approaching lights and directs his/her eyes toward the right hand edge of the pavement and uses that edge as a guideline.
Q. According to the FMCSR, what is the definition of a recordable crash?
A. A recordable crash is defined as an occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle, operating in interstate or intrastate commerce, which results in any of the following; 1) a fatality; or 2) an injury, treated away from the scene; or 3) one or more vehicles is/are towed from the scene for damage.
Q. What action may be taken if a vehicle is inspected on the highway and found to be in unsatisfactory mechanical condition?
A. A vehicle may be placed "out of service" if it is in such poor condi- ton that it is likely to break down or cause an accident. It may not be moved until necessary repairs have been made or until it is towed to where repairs can be made.
Q. Can ABS provide shorter stopping distances?
A. ABS cannot necessarily shorten stopping distance. The purpose of ABS is to help the driver maintain control during braking by avoiding wheel lock-up and an out-of-control skid. ABS is not designed to offset the risks of driving too fast for conditions.
Q. What is the purpose of an anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
A. ABS is intended to reduce the likelihood of wheel lock-up, especially on slippery pavement, and reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the brakes are applied too hard for conditions. ABS takes advantage of the fact that maximum braking at any wheel occurs just before the wheel starts to lock-up and slide. With ABS, the system automatically releases the brake when the wheel starts to lock-up and reapplies it when sufficient traction is again available. ABS can do this faster and more accurately than the driver can "fan" the brakes.
Q. What is the position of the trucking industry on the use of CB radios by its drivers?
A. All such use of CB radios must be in compliance with federal regulations and the driver's employer policy.
Q. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, what is meant by "on-duty time"?
A. As per FMCSRs Part 395.2, "On duty time means all time from the time a driver begins to work or is required to be in readiness to work until the time the driver is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work. On-duty time shall include: 1. All time at a plant, terminal, facility, or other property of a motor carrier or shipper, or on any public property, waiting to be dispatched, unless the driver has been relieved from duty by the motor carrier; 2. All time inspecting, servicing, or conditioning any CMV at any time; 3. All driving time as defined in the term driving time; 4. All time, other than driving time, in or upon any CMV except time spent resting in a sleeper berth*: 5. All time loading or unloading a CMV, supervising, or assisting in the loading or unloading, attending a CMV being loaded or unloaded, remaining in readiness to operate the CMV, or in giving or receiving receipts for shipments loaded or unloaded; 6. All time repairing, obtaining assistance, or remaining in attendance upon a disabled CMV; 7. All time spent providing a breath sample or urine specimen, including travel time to and from the collection site, in order to comply with the random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, or follow-up testing required by Part 382 of this subchapter when directed by a motor carrier; 8. Performing any other work in the capacity, employ, or service of, a motor carrier; and, 9. Performing any compensated work for a person who is not a motor carrier. * Current Hours of Service rules also exclude from the definitionof on duty time, time spent resting in a parked CMV, or up to two hours in the passenger seat immediately before or after eight consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.
Q. What should a driver do if a rear tire fails?
A. Because dual tires are the rule for non-front tires, and because of the extensive use of tandem axles, non-front tire failures are generally less dangerous. However, a driver should always be alert for any change in the ride, handling or sound of the unit, and should check for a possible tire failure by pulling off the road at a safe place.
Q. What do the FMCSRs require before a person can resume driving a commercial vehicle after the first regulation violation involving alcohol or drug misuse/use?
A. Before a CDL driver can resume driving a CMV (after his/her first DOT alcohol or drug violation), he/she must be evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and comply with the recommended treatment. The driver must then pass a return-to- duty test with a negative result. If treatment was recommended, then the driver is subject to unannounced follow-up tests. In the first year, the person must be tested at least 6 times. The SAP may require additional unannounced follow-up tests for up to 5 years.
Q. How can the driver measure the proper distance for setting out the emergency warning signals?
A. By pacing off the distances. One pace equals roughly 2 1/2 feet; thus, 10 feet equals 4 paces; 100 feet equals 40 paces; 200 feet equals 80 paces; 500 feet equals 200 paces.
Q. Why is the presence of carbon monoxide in a motor vehicle so dangerous?
A. Carbon monoxide, which is produced when an engine burns carbon- based fuels, is a deadly poison when inhaled in excessive amounts and is virtually impossible to detect because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Carbon monoxide is formed at lower concentrations by diesel engines than by gasoline engines.
Q. Can a unit that is equipped with a retarder be safely driven down a long grade at a higher speed than a unit without a retarder?
A. Definitely not. A vehicle equipped with a retarder cannot be driven faster down a long grade than a vehicle without one. Even with a retarder, the driver must select the appropriate transmission gear to maintain control and save the brakes for use in emergencies or to make a full stop.
Q. According to FMCSA, how may a motor carrier keep informed of each driver's driving performance?
A. Every 12 months, each driver must submit a list of all traffic violations of which he/she has been convicted, Or must certify that he/she has no such convictions. The motor carrier must keep any other information it receives relative to a driver's actions, such as road observation reports; letters from customers or the public; records of disciplinary action; accidents; etc. Finally, the carrier must request a copy of each driver's motor vehicle record from the state of issuance annually. With the full roll-out of CSA motor carriers now have much greater access to driver profiles from providers that analyze CSA scores and create a "driver profile"
Q. How does today's diesel engine differ from those of just a few years ago?
A. Every diesel engine has an r.p.m. range within which it must be operated to generate the necessary torque and power to move the vehicle and load and to operate with maximum efficiency. Today's diesel engines generate torque and power over a much wider range of engine r.p.m. than was formerly the case. A professional driver always follows the engine manufacturer's recommendations for the proper engine speed at which to shift up or down.
Q. When may the four-way flashers be in operation on a moving vehicle?
A. Federal regulations permit the driver of a slow moving vehicle to use the four-way flashers to warn of a potential hazard if such use is permitted by state or local regulations.
Q. What does the professional driver need to remember about checking the mirrors of his/her vehicle?
A. First, before each trip, a driver should make sure the mirrors are properly adjusted, and allow adequate time to check and adjust the mirrors. Studies have shown that it takes approximately three quarters of a second to check the mirror(s) on the driver's side and about twice that long to check the mirrors on the opposite side.
Q. What restrictions are prescribed in the FMCSRs on front-facing red lights on an interstate truck or combination?
A. Front-facing red lights are prohibited except for emergency or service vehicles which are authorized by state laws to have such lights. The restriction does not apply to the rear-facing lens of a front-mounted double-faced turn signal.
Q. What causes the most accidents?
A. Human error
Q. What happens to the driver who violates the preceding rule?
A. If a driver is found operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.02 or greater but less than 0.04, the driver is placed "out of service" for 24 hours. The regulations also require that the driver notify the motor carrier, and the state in which the driver is licensed, of any instance of being placed "out of service" for this reason.
Q. What should the driver do if a front tire fails suddenly?
A. If a front tire fails, the driver should accelerate to stabilize the vehicle's front end; and reduce speed gradually. The driver should concentrate on steering to keep control, and avoid using the brakes which will only cause the vehicle to pull harder toward the side of the failure and thus result in loss of control. If braking is necessary, the driver should apply the brakes as lightly as possible and release them as necessary to maintain steering control.
Q. For how long may a driver use the four-way flashers as an emergency warning when stopped for reasons other than disablement or a required traffic stop?
A. If a vehicle stop will not exceed 10 minutes, the driver may use the four-way flashers, only. If the vehicle stop exceeds 10 minutes, the driver must place other emergency warning devices as required by the regulations.
Q. What procedure should the interstate driver follow if he/she is involved in a crash?
A. If an interstate driver is involved in a crash, he/she should: 1. Take all reasonable precautions to prevent further accidents at the scene 2. Render all possible assistance to the injured when safe to do so (according to company policy) 3. Notify the police and call his/her company (or have someone do it for him/her if a telephone is not readily available) 4. Fill out a preliminary crash report and get the names of all witnesses 5. Be polite; and give his/her name and company name and show his/her CDL) to the police or anyone involved in the crash, as requested 6. Make no statements as to who was at fault and no statements to the press 7. Stay at the scene until instructed by his/her company to leave 8. Follow company policy on after crash reporting
Q. What should a driver do when he/she becomes drowsy while on the road?
A. If drowsy, the driver should stop in a safe place, such as a truck stop or rest area, and take a short nap or get out and walk around the vehicle a couple of times (if it is safe to do so). While looking for a safe place to nap, the driver should open the window to get fresh air into the cab
Q. Will ABS prevent jackknifing?
A. If the driver has adjusted speed to the road conditions, ABS should be helpful in preventing jackknifing. Tests have shown that jackknifing occurs most rapidly when the tractor drive wheels lock- up. To the extent that ABS reduces drive wheel lock-up, it has the potential to reduce jackknifing.
Q. At what point may further evaluation of a driver's blood pressure be necessary?
A. If the driver's blood pressure remains consistently above 140/90, further evaluation of that driver's blood pressure may be necessary.
Q. What happens to the CDL driver whose illegal use of controlled substances is confirmed?
A. If the illegal use of a controlled substance is detected during a routine testing, the driver is considered medically unqualified and must be referred to a SAP for evaluation and possible treatment. The driver cannot drive a CMV until he/she passes another test and the SAP has approved the driver's return to duty.
Q. What are the special requirements of the FMCSRs for marking loads that project beyond the sides or rear of a motor vehicle?
A. If the load is more than 4 inches wider than the vehicle (projects more than 4 inches beyond the side of the vehicle), the front projection must be marked with an amber lamp visible from the front and side, and the rear projection must be marked with a red lamp visible from the rear and side. A load extending 4 feet or more beyond the rear of a vehicle must be marked with a red lamp. In daylight, a red flag is required at each point where a light is required.
Q. What is required if a small part of the load projects beyond the side?
A. If the side projection is three feet long or less, it may be marked with a single lamp. If the projection is near the front of the vehicle the lamp must be amber. If the projection is near the rear, the lamp must be red
Q. What is the second step that a driver should take to protect his/her disabled, stopped or parked vehicle?
A. If the vehicle is disabled, or if the driver intends to remain parked for more than 10 minutes, he/she should immediately place emergency warning devices in compliance with the FMCSRs.
Q. Why is it so important to slow down before entering a curve rather than braking while in the curve?
A. In a curve, centrifugal force is already pulling the vehicle toward the outside of the curve, If the driver applies the brakes, especially if one or more wheels become(s) locked, then directional stability is reduced and the chances of skidding or jackknifing are increased.
Q. What penalties apply to the driver who violates an out of service order?
A. In addition to any other applicable penalties, the driver may be dis- qualified as a CMV driver for a period of not less than 180 days and up to one year for the first offense. For a second violation within 10 years, the penalty is disqualification for not less than 2 years and no more than 5 years.
Q. What precautions should be taken when it is not possible to stay close to the right curb when turning right?
A. In addition to signaling and slowing down, a driver should keep the unit straight as long as possible to get the best view of traffic through the mirrors. When it appears safe, the driver should start the right turn, turning his/her head and making maximum use of the view available to him/her through the right side window and the back window (if there is one). If the driver hears a horn, he/she should stop because he/she may be about to collide with a vehicle on the right.
Q. What are the consequences of failure to bleed sludge and moisture from the brake system?
A. In cold weather, accumulated moisture in the brake system will freeze and obstruct the brake lines, preventing the brakes from functioning. Sludge which often contains oily material and dirt may be blown through the brake system causing deterioration of vital parts and malfunctioning.
Q. What precautions must be observed if a guide provides assistance when backing?
A. It is important to remember that the driver has sole control of the vehicle and has the final responsibility for safely backing the vehicle. If possible, the driver should ask another truck driver who knows the handling characteristics of trucks to serve as a guide. Both the driver and the guide should agree on the signals to be used during the back-up. The driver should make sure the guide is visible at all times and is in a position to observe any hazardous conditions. Statistics suggest that one out of every four trucking accidents can be blamed on poor backing techniques.
Q. Next to compliance, what is the driver's most important responsibility with respect to the hours of service regulations?
A. It is vitally important that the driver gets rest during his/her off- duty period regardless of what time of day it is.
Q. What is the FMCSA safety regulation concerning the transportation of hitchhikers or passengers on property-carrying vehicles?
A. No person, other than the motor carrier's employee assigned to the vehicle, shall be transported in any vehicle that is not designed or adapted to transport passengers, unless specifically authorized in writing by the motor carrier (provided, however, that nothing contained in this rule shall be construed to prohibit transporting any person in case of an accident or other emergency) Authorization shall state the name of the person to be transported, the points where the transport is to begin and end, and the date upon which such authority expires.
Q. What is the driver's responsibility after completion of a roadside safety inspection?
A. Per the FMCSRs, after a roadside inspection, the driver will be given a copy of the inspection report which he/she must submit to the carrier. If the driver will reach a carrier facility within 24 hours, the report may be turned in at that time. If not, the driver must immediately mail the report to the carrier.
Q. When is a driver subject to post-accident drug or alcohol testing?
A. Post-accident testing is required following any crash resulting in a fatality. Testing is required if the driver is involved in a crash, as defined in the FMCSs, and receives a citation for a moving violation in connection with the crash
Q. What types of FMCS drug and alcohol tests is a driver subject to?
A. Required drug and alcohol tests include post-accident, random, reasonable suspicion, follow-up, and return to duty. A pre-employment test is required for drug use only.
Q. A driver should maintain a following distance of how much on the open highway?
A. Safety experts recommend at least a 4 second following distance when driving under 40 mph, with following distance increasing as speed increases, In addition, many states have laws regulating the minimum distance at which a truck may follow another vehicle, although these distances are rarely posted (the driver is always responsible for knowing these state laws).
Q. How do smoke emissions effect engine operations?
A. Smoke emissions can increase operating costs, lower fuel economy, increase maintenance costs, and shorten engine life.
Q. How may the misuse of a CB radio create hazardous conditions?
A. Some of the hazards that have resulted from misuse of CB radios include: 1. Abuse of equipment because of the driver's unwillingness to stop talking and take some needed action such as shifting gears 2. Such a high degree of inattention from talking that the driver fails to take the necessary action to avoid an accident 3. A fire resulting from an improper CB hook-up 4. Personal injury sustained while installing the antenna or other CB equipment
Q. What is meant by "speed too fast for conditions'?
A. Speed too fast for conditions means operating the vehicle at a speed that will not permit it to be properly controlled or stopped between the time the driver perceives a hazard and the time the hazard is reached. On a straight, dry, level road in daylight, 50 mph might not be "too fast for conditions" but 25 mph on the same road when it is icy or slippery would be "too fast for conditions" because the vehicle could not be brought to a stop quickly.
Q. How does a bumpy or choppy road surface affect stopping distance?
A. Stopping is controlled by friction, When the vehicle is traveling over an uneven surface, some tires may yet momentarily overloaded and others momentarily underloaded; some will have traction, some will not. Either condition causes the brakes to operate at less than maximum efficiency.
Q. Is there a rule of thumb by which a professional driver can judge the safe speed for a ramp?
A. Studies have shown that the speed of a truck navigating a ramp should be at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit. Inclement weather requires even further speed reduction. On some ramps, a separate advisory speed for trucks may be posted and that should be a driver's guideline for a safe speed.
Q. What are the undesirable effects of tampering with the engine?
A. Tampering with the engine's governor setting can increase fuel consumption by allowing the engine to exceed its design speed. This could result in engine failure and leave the driver stranded. Tampering with the engine's rack setting can cause over-fueling of the engine, which in turn increases fuel consumption and causes the engine to smoke, as does restricting the fuel return line. This practice is hazardous because it interferes with the deceleration of the engine (and the truck) when the driver backs off the throttle. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can also fine companies up to $45,268 per noncompliant vehicle or engine. $4,527 per tampering event or sale of defeat device, and $45,268 per day for reporting and record keeping violations.
Q. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" specifies certain basic shapes for all types of traffic signs. What are the shapes specified and what do they mean?
A. The "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" specifies the following traffic sign shapes and meanings: 1. Octagonal (eight-sided) - Used only for stop signs 2. Rectangular - Used for posting information or regulations 3. Diamond - Used to warn of danger 4. Triangular - Used to indicate that drivers facing it should yield the right-of-way to drivers on an intersecting road 5. Round - Used as the advance warning of a railroad crossing 6. Crossbuck - Used at the crossing of railroad tracks and the highway
Q. What are the consequences for a CDL driver who refuses to submit to a FMCSA mandated drug or alcohol test?
A. The consequences of refusing to submit to a required alcohol test are the same as if the driver had tested at 0.04 BAC or greater. A driver's refusal to submit to a pre-employment or return-to- duty test does not trigger the need for a SAP evaluation, however. The consequences of refusing to submit to a FMCSA mandated controlled substances test are the same as if the driver had tested positive.
Q. What happens if a driver is convicted of operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC level of 0.04 or higher?
A. The driver is subject to disqualification which may range from a one year to lifetime disqualification. See section addressing Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, See 49 CFR 383.51.
Q. Why is "depth perception" important to the professional truck driver?
A. The driver needs good depth perception to judge relative sizes and distances of objects and spaces ahead and to judge distances in making turns, in overtaking and passing other vehicles, and in parking and backing.
Q. What is the first step a driver should take when his/her vehicle is stopped on the highway or shoulder for any cause other than traffic stops?
A. The driver should immediately activate the vehicle's four-way flashers.
Q. What should the driver do if the wheels on one side of his/her vehicle go off the pavement?
A. The driver should let off on the throttle, concentrate on steering and avoid using the brakes. Once the vehicle has slowed down on its own, the driver can then more safely steer it back onto the pavement
Q. What are the first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
A. The first obvious symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are drowsiness, lightheadedness and/or headache.
Q. What emergency equipment is required by FMCSA regulations?
A. The following items are required on interstate vehicles: one fire extinguisher, one set of prescribed emergency warning devices for stopped vehicles; and, one spare fuse for each type on the vehicle (unless the vehicle is equipped with circuit breakers).
Q. If a roadside inspector determines that a driver is in violation of the driving or on-duty limitations, what can the inspector do?
A. The inspector can place the driver in an "out of service" status until such time as the driver is again in compliance with regulations. While "out of service," the driver should contact his/her dispatcher/ supervisor and get rest.
Q. What do FMCSA safety regulations require for the distribution and securing of a load?
A. The load on every motor vehicle transporting property shall be properly distributed and, if necessary, secured in order to prevent unsafe shifting of the load or unsafe operation of the vehicle.
Q. What additional items must be inspected by the driver of a "'twin-trailer" or "triples" combination?
A. The second and additional trailers must be checked to be sure that: 1. The eye of the draw-bar is properly secured within the pintle hook 2. The safety devices required for use in case of accidental disconnection of the draw-bar are properly positioned and secured 3. The hook-up of the converter unit (dolly) to the following semi-trailer(s) is secure 4. If the trailer is equipped with landing gear to prevent nose- over, be sure that the device is fully raised and secured [A driver should check the front of each trailer.]
Q. What are the signs of drowsiness?
A. There are several indicators of drowsiness. A person's eyes close involuntarily, his/her head nods, or he/she yawns repeatedly. If driving, a drowsy person may have difficulty staying in his/her lane, might not remember driving the last few miles, and may miss his/her exit.
Q. What can the professional driver do to minimize the noise created by the unit?
A. There are several things which can help to minimize vehicle noise, including: 1. Avoiding jackrabbit starts with full-throttle acceleration to maximum engine speed in each gear 2. Making sure that ramps, skids, blocks, or any other special equipment is properly secured so that it will not rattle and bang 3. If driving a vehicle equipped with an engine brake, avoiding the use of that engine brake in populated areas 4. When driving an empty unit, slowing down on rough pavement to minimize the reverberation of the empty cargo space excessively noisy tires 6. Obeying speed limits
Q. What does the professional driver rely on as the principal control of the unit when descending a grade?
A. To control his/her vehicle, the driver utilizes the braking effect of the engine and selects a lower gear which will enable speed to be held at a safe level for the downgrade with minimum use of the service brakes.
Q. What can a professional driver do to get the most mileage from every gallon of fuel?
A. To help conserve fuel and contribute to safety, a driver can: 1. Drive smoothly and keep an even pace; avoid the need for maximum acceleration and hard braking 2. Use the transmission properly so that the truck's engine operates within its proper range 3. Not tamper with any part of the engine or its fuel system 4. Never bleed tires to get a softer ride because soft tires waste fuel and create other problems 5. Avoid unnecessary idling
Q. What should a driver do in order to hold a parked unit in place?
A. To hold a parked vehicle, the driver should: 1) apply the parking brakes; and, 2) place the transmission in a lower gear.
Q. How does the professional driver keep traction on slippery streets?
A. To keep traction on a slippery street, the driver should drive at a low rate of speed with gradual application of accelerator and brakes and no abrupt turning, Adequate tread depth on the tires is a must.
Q. How does a driver attempt to recover from a skid?
A. To recover from a skid, the driver should release the brakes and regain control by steering. The driver should steer in the direction that the rear of the vehicle is sliding, in order to bring the vehicle back to a straight line of travel. The driver should avoid acceleration which could cause wheel spin and woven the skid.
Q. What rear-facing lights on an interstate truck might not be red?
A. Turn signals may be red or amber.
Q. What is the driver required to do if his/her vehicle strikes an unattended vehicle on the highway?
A. When a driver's vehicle strikes an unattended vehicle on the highway, he/she should make every reasonable effort to locate the custodian of the vehicle. If this is not possible, the driver must leave a conspicuous note stating the name and address of the driver and motor carrier.
Q. What effect does prolonged idling have on fuel consumption?
A. When a truck is standing still with the engine running, it is getting zero miles per gallon. When idling, a diesel engine consumes about one gallon of fuel per hour. Needlessly letting an engine idle wastes both fuel and money. Since the diesel fuel is also a coolant for the injectors, the injector tips can be burned if the engine idles at low r.p.m's.
Q. Where should emergency warning signals be placed when a vehicle is disabled or otherwise stopped or parked on the shoulder or traveled portion of a divided highway?
A. When a vehicle is stopped on the shoulder or traveled portion of a divided or one-way highway, all signals are placed to the rear of the vehicle. The prescribed distances are 10 feet, 100 feet and 200 feet to the rear.
Q. When driving in fog, should a driver use high or low headlight beams?
A. When driving in fog, it is preferable to use the vehicle's low headlight beams because the drops of fog reflect the light back at a lower level and there is, therefore, less reflection into the driver's eyes.
Q. What basic precautions should be taken when making a safe right turn in any vehicle?
A. When making a right turn, the driver should: 1) signal well in advance; 2) approach the intersection slowly; and 3) try to stay not more than four feet out from the right-hand curb or pavement's edge to discourage impatient drivers from attempting to pass on the right.
Q. What papers must the interstate driver have in his/her possession when on duty?
A. When on duty, the interstate driver must have his/her Commercial Driver's License; his/her driver log for the current day plus previous seven days. If hazardous materials are being transported, the driver must have documents showing what is in the load and meeting the hazardous materials paper requirements for identifying hazardous materials by Emergency Response Personnel. Note: Although the driver is not required to carry a copy of his/her last vehicle condition report, he/she must have reviewed and signed the report if defects were noted and repaired. That signed copy is kept on file by the carrier for 90 days. Also, it is advised that a driyer carry his/her medical certificate at least until all states are capable of receiving "them electronically from the medical examiner.
Q. What are the three points to remember when reporting an emergency?
A. When reporting an emergency, a driver should report the "who, what and where" of the incident, making sure his/her message is understood: 1. WHO - The driver should give his/her name, the place and phone number from which he/ she is calling, and where he/ she will be. If the driver was not involved in the accident emergency and knows that he/she must leave the scene, the driver should report that. 1. WHAT - When known, the driver should report whether it is an accident, illness, fire, or other emergency. He/she should give enough information to permit the person receiving the call to judge the type and extent of help needed. 2. WHERE - Whenever possible, the driver should indicate the route number or street name, or names of intersecting routes or streets; address of a nearby building; and direction and approximate distance from a nearby point. The driver should describe any nearby landmark(s).
Q. What are the two principal safety concerns associated with making a right turn in any vehicle but especially in a truck?
A. When turning right, all drivers must be alert to the possibility that there may be another vehicle trying to pass on the right. Secondly, if the rear of the unit cuts in close, especially if the wheels go up on the curb or sidewalk, there is danger of striking a stationary object or a pedestrian.
Q. What miscellaneous parts and accessories are required on all interstate vehicles by FMCS safety regulations?
A. Windshield wiping and washing systems, defroster device, rear vision mirrors, speedometer, and horn.
Q. Is a professional driver disqualified following a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWD) if the violation occurred in the driver's personal car?
A. Yes, a driver convicted of DWI while driving a non-commercial motor vehicle will have his/her DL suspended according to applicable regulatory requirements/laws.
Q. May a motor carrier require a more rigid physical examination than what is required by FMCSA safety regulations?
A. Yes, motor carriers may require an additional or more rigid examination
Q. Does the load affect the stability of the vehicle?
A. Yes, the load will affect the stability of the vehicle. Except for drop-frame vehicles, the floor of a trailer is about 4 feet aboveground making an empty trailer's center of gravity nearly equal to the height of a car. As the trailer is loaded, the center of gravity rises making it less stable. The nature of the load also affects stability. Freight must be secured against movement or it may shift front and back or side-ways and contribute to diminished control of the vehicle or overturning.
Q. If the motor vehicle is disabled within 500 feet of a curve, crest of a hill or other obstruction to view, does the FMCSR provide for a different placement of emergency signals?
A. Yes. If the motor vehicle is disabled within 500 feet of a curve, crest of a hill or other obstruction, the signal shall be placed in the direction of the obstruction so as to afford ample warning to other drivers. In no case shall the warning signal be more than 500 feet or less than 100 feet from the disabled vehicle.
Q. To what extent do the FMCSRs prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages by drivers?
Drivers are prohibited from consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages when on duty. They cannot consume or be under the influence of alcohol within four hours of going on duty
Q. May the interstate driver be dispatched while ill or fatigued?
No. A driver may not drive or operate a vehicle in interstate commerce while the driver's ability or alertness is impaired by illness or any other cause that may make it unsafe to drive.
Q. Under what circumstances may a driver take drugs when on-duty?
Only when such drugs are being taken under the direction of a physician and the driver has been advised that they will not adversely affect the driver's ability to drive safely. Any other use or possession of drugs is prohibited except for drugs legally transported as a part of the cargo.
Q. How can a driver's ability to make quick, correct decisions be improved?
The ability to make quick, correct driving decisions can be improved by acquiring: 1. Good driving habits 2. Experience 3. Good mental and emotional habits 4. Good physical condition and adequate rest 5. Training
Q. What types of emergency warning devices do the FMCSRs prescribe for stopped vehicles?
The following types of devices are authorized: 1. Three red reflective triangles; 2. Minimum of three liquid-burning flares; or 3. Minimum of six fuses
Q. What action must be taken if the driver has a positive test for use of drugs or tests with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or above?
Under the FMCSRs, if the driver tests positive for drug uSe Or tests with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher, then he/she must be restricted from performing a safety-sensitive function, including not only driving, but also loading, unloading, and servicing or repairing vehicles. In addition, the regulations require the company to notify drivers of its own specific policies with respect to misuse of alcohol or use of controlled substances.
