If you are in a minor accident where there is not serious injury, one of the items that need to be taken care of are:

A.  Checking deadlines to make sure you are not late for your next stop

1. Protecting the Area
2. Making sure there are no scratches on the cab

Answer:  B.  Protecting the Area

The number one thing to do after a minor accident (when no one is seriously hurt) is to protect the area.  This is important so that no one else has an accident in the same location.  First, move all vehicles out of the traffic flow.  Move all vehicles to the side of the road to allow traffic to drive by without any debris on the road.

For those that help in a minor accident, park to the side of the road and away from the accident to allow for emergency vehicles to come in and take care of the accident.  Always turn on your flashers for safety precautions.  Place the orange reflective triangles around the scene so that other travelers are aware there is an accident and can avoid it.

The next item on the list in a minor accident is to contact authorities.  Whether you have a cell phone or a CB, contact 911.  Make sure to give your location.

Number three is to make sure everyone is all right.  If you are certified in CPR, assist those who are hurt.  If you do not have a certification, do your best to help the injured.  Make sure not to move anyone severely hurt unless the victim is close to a fire or danger.  If there is heavy bleeding, apply direct pressure to a wound.  And always, keep the victim warm.

If there is a fire, keep it from spreading.  If it is an engine fire, turn off the engine immediately and don’t open the hood.  If it’s a cargo fire, keep the trailer doors shut, especially if hazardous waste is involved.

http://publicsafety.utah.gov/dld/documents/2010CDLDRIVERMANUAL-Draft.pdf

A.      Friction

B.         Connection

C.     What steers you

Answer:  A.  Friction

According to publicsafety.utah.gov guidelines, traction is what steer’s or brakes the vehicle.  In fact, traction is friction between the tires and the road.

This friction calls for different driving procedures for different road surfaces, whether wet, icy, dry, rough, or other type of road situations.

If the road is slippery, it takes longer for your vehicle to stop.  Slippery roads also allow for more skidding and wet roads can actually double your stopping distance.  To drive safely on slippery and wet roads, reduce your speed by one third and by half or more on packed snow roads.  Icy roads need drivers to slow down to a crawl to stop driving as soon as it is safe.

To identify a slippery surface, look for the signs.  There will be shaded areas on the road.  Some areas that have melted along with the icy areas create dangerous areas as well.  Bridges under freezing temperatures are icy before the roads on solid ground are.

Wet ice is more dangerous than dry ice.  It is slippery and the traction from the road to the tire is much less.

A good way to tell if the road is icy is by checking to see if your truck and trailer has ice on it.  If there is ice on your front mirror, mirror support, or antenna, chances are that there is ice on the road.

In rain, at the beginning of a rainstorm, it is more slippery also.  The rain mixes with build up of oil on the road and it creates a slippery situation.  As the rain continues, it washes off the oil, and it becomes safer, but still not as safe as a dry road.

You can the material used for this question here : http://publicsafety.utah.gov/dld/documents/2010CDLDRIVERMANUAL-Draft.pdf

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Failure to perform all three components of the air brake check correctly will result in:

A. Automatic failure of the vehicle inspection test.

B. An increase in time on the road.

C. A don’t know, won’t hurt me attitude.

Answer: A. Automatic failure of the vehicle inspection test.

Safety is not only smart, it’s the law.  To quote the publicsafety.utah.gov/dld/documents/2010CDLDRIVERMANUAL:

Air Brake Check (Air Brake Equipped Vehicles Only) Failure to perform all three components of the air brake check correctly will result in an automatic failure of the vehicle inspection test. Air brake safety devices vary. However, this procedure is designed to see that any safety device operates correctly as air pressure drops from normal to a low air condition. For safety purposes, in areas where an incline is present, you will use wheel chocks during the air brake check. The proper procedures for inspecting the air brake system are as follows:

Shut off the engine, chock your wheels, if necessary, release the tractor protection valve and parking brake (push in), fully apply the foot brake and hold it for one minute. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than three pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or four pounds in one minute (combination vehicle).

Begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the foot brake. Low air warning devices (buzzer, light, flag) should activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi.

Continue to fan off the air pressure. At approximately 40 psi on a tractor-trailer combination vehicle, the tractor protection valve and parking brake valve should close (pop out). On other combination vehicle types and single vehicle types, the parking brake valve should close (pop out).

http://publicsafety.utah.gov/dld/documents/2010CDLDRIVERMANUAL-Draft.pdf

http://www.crengland.com/truckdrivingschools/index.jsp?page=timeline

You have stopped on the shoulder.  When you get back on the road, what should you do?

A.     Slowly move back into the traffic

B.     Gradually steer back on the road

C.     Increase speed and steer straight and go into the correct lane.

Answer:  C. Increase speed and steer straight and go into the correct lane.

According to Utah.Gov’s public safety documents for the 2010 CDL Driver Manual, do the following,

1.      Check for traffic by using your mirrors completely and in all directions.

2.      Make sure the four-way flashers are turned off.

3.      Turn on the left hand turning signal.

4.      Once traffic allows, release the parking brake and then pull straight ahead.

5.      Keep the wheel straight before you move.

6.      Check again from all directions for traffic, especially from the left.

7.      Increase speed and steer straight and go into the correct lane.

8.      Once you are back in the lane, cancel left turn signal.

Another Question of the Day:

Before reaching the railroad crossings, all commercial drivers should:

A.     Speed up to beat the train

B.     Look both ways as crossing

C.     Decelerate, brake smoothly, and shift gears as necessary. Look and listen for the presence of trains. Check traffic in all directions.

Answer:   C.  Decelerate, brake smoothly, and shift gears as necessary. Look and listen for the presence of trains. Check traffic in all directions.

According to http://publicsafety.utah.gov:

“Before reaching the crossing, all commercial drivers should:

Decelerate, brake smoothly, and shift gears as necessary. Look and listen for the presence of trains. Check traffic in all directions.

Do not stop, change gears, pass another vehicle, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is in the crossing.

If you are driving a bus, a school bus, or a vehicle displaying placards, you should be prepared to observe the following procedures at every railroad crossing (unless the crossing is exempt):

As the vehicle approaches a railroad crossing, activate the four-way flashers. Stop the vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail.

Listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals           indicating the approach of a train. If operating a bus, you may also be required to open the      and door prior to crossing tracks.

Keep hands on the steering wheel as the vehicle crosses the tracks. Do not stop, change gears, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is proceeding across the tracks.

Four-way flashers should be deactivated after the vehicle crosses the tracks. Continue to check mirrors and traffic.

Not all driving road test routes will have a railroad crossing. You may be asked to explain and demonstrate   the   proper   railroad   crossing procedures to the examiner at a simulated location.”

http://publicsafety.utah.gov/dld/documents/2010CDLDRIVERMANUAL-Draft.pdf

When uncoupling twin trailers, first:

A.     Release the dolly brakes

B.     Disconnect the air and electric lines

C.     Park the rig in a straight line on flat and solid ground.

According to the Utah Commercial Driver License Handbook, here is the order:

“Park rig in a straight line on firm level ground.

Apply parking brakes so rig won’t move.

Choke wheels of second trailer if it doesn’t have spring brakes.

Lower landing gear of second semitrailer enough to remove some weight from dolly.

Close air shut-offs at rear of first semitrailer (and on dolly if so needed.)

Disconnect all dolly air and electric lines and secure them.

Release dolly brakes.

Release converter dolly fifth wheel latch.

Slowly pull tractor, first semitrailer, and dolly forward to pull dolly out from under rear semitrailer.”

To Uncouple the Converter Dolly:

“Lower dolly landing gear.

Disconnect safety chains.

Apply converter gear spring brakes or chock wheels.

Release pintle hook on first semi-trailer.

Slowly pull clear of dolly.

Never unlock the pintle hook with the dolly still under the rear trailer.  The dolly tow bar may fly up, possibly causing injury, and making it very difficult to re-couple.”

Utah Commercial Driver License Handbook, State of Utah Department of Public Safety Driver License Division.  http://driverlicense.utah.gov, Section 7 – Doubles and Triples, page 7-2,3.

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A cargo load must be loaded and unloaded with:

A:  A qualified person always watching.

B:  A forklift

C:  Back support

Answer:  A.  A qualified person always watching.

The man or woman who is in charge of loading and unloading a cargo tank has to have a qualified person viewing the load or unload.  According to the publicsafety.utah.gov, drivers manual, this qualified person must have the following rules placed upon them: (And I quote.)

1.  Be alert.

2.  Have a clear view of the cargo tank.

3.  Be within 25 feet of the tank.

4.  Know the hazards of the materials involved.

5.  Know the procedures to follow in an emergency.

6.  Be authorized to move the cargo tank.

7.  Be able to move the cargo tank.

For cargo tanks that are moving propane and anhydrous ammonia, the following stipulations are in place.  (And I quote again.)

“Close all manholes and valves before moving a tank of hazardous materials, no matter how small the amount in the tank or how short the distance. Manholes and valves must be closed to prevent leaks. It is illegal to move a cargo tank with open valves or covers unless it is empty according to 49 CFR 173.29.”

Flammable liquids have these stipulations:

“Turn off your engine before loading or unloading any flammable liquids. Only run the engine if needed to operate a pump. Ground a cargo tank correctly before filling it through an open filling hole. Ground the tank before opening the filling hole, and maintain the ground until after closing the filling hole.”

Compressed Gas:

“Keep liquid discharge valves on a compressed gas tank closed except when loading and unloading. Unless your engine runs a pump for product transfer, turn it off when loading or unloading. If you use the engine, turn it off after product transfer, before you unhook the hose. Unhook all loading/unloading connections before coupling, uncoupling, or moving a cargo tank. Always chock trailers and semi-trailers to prevent motion when uncoupled from the power unit.”

http://publicsafety.utah.gov/dld/documents/2010CDLDRIVERMANUAL-Draft.pdf

http://www.crengland.com/truckingjobs/index.jsp

Too much use of the service brakes create:

A.     Swerving

B.     Overheating

C.     Erratic Driving

Answer: B.  Overheating

Too much use of the service brakes create overheating, which in turn, creates brake fading.  Brake fading is caused by a chemical change in the brake lining from heat.  This reduces the friction needed to stop the truck.  It also expands the brake drum, making it farther away in distance from the brake shoes, slowing down the speed of deceleration.  The longer the wear from the overheating, the less the brake pads will function properly until the vehicle cannot be stopped.

Brake shoes (or pads) were created to rub up against the brake drum (or disk) to decelerate the truck.  This causes heat in itself, but too much heat is the problem.  Depending on the engine brake or using the brake too much will wear down the drum or disk quickly, creating a hazardous situation if not watched carefully.

When properly braking:

A.     Push the brakes down hard to get an immediate reaction.

B.     Pump the brakes to slowly come to a stop at all times.

C.     Apply brakes just firm enough to come to a significant slowdown.

When properly braking:  C. Apply brakes just firm enough to come to a significant slowdown.

Brakes are only an addition to the braking effect of the engine.  Place the vehicle into the appropriate low gear, then press on the brakes.  Then apply the brakes just firm enough to come to a significant slowdown.

Once you have slowed down to at least 5 miles per hour below your speed that’s safe, let go of the brakes with your foot.  Then when your speed is back to your safe speed, do it again.  Keep doing this until the tractor and trailer are at the end of the downgrade.

Utah Commercial Driver License Handbook, State of Utah Department of Public Safety Driver License Division.  http://driverlicense.utah.gov, Section 2 – Driving Safely, page 2-27.

Overloading can negatively affect:

A:      Steering

B:      Braking

C:     Speed Control

D:     All of the Above

Answer:  D.  All of the Above

Overloading can negatively affect steering, braking, and speed control.

Steering:  The steering axle, if weighted down to heavy, can create “hard steering”.  Then the steering axle and tires can be damaged.

Braking:  Brakes can only take so much pressure.  They will fail if pushed too hard.

Speed Control:  Trailers with loads too heavy must go upgrades at a very slow speed.  When going on downgrades, the speed is decreased to a point of loosing control.

Next Question of the Day:

Why is height of the vehicle’s center of gravity important?

A.                  To climb to the top

B.                   For gas mileage

C.                  For Safe Handling

Answer:  C.  For Safe Handling

If the center of gravity is too high, there is higher risk to tip over.  This is especially true in curves and quick swerves in avoiding a hazardous situation while on the road.  To prevent this from happening, the heaviest cargo must be placed under the lightest parts.  Spread out the cargo to lower it.  This will create a safer scenario in turns and swerves.

Handling will be safer.  The steering axle will not create “hard steering” and the tires and steering axle will not be at a higher risk of damage.

On the opposite scenario, if the load is too light on the front axels, the heavier cargo on the back will create the problem of making the steering unsafe.  This is done by poor traction.  Driving in bad weather is dangerous and the truck may not be able to keep moving.  Flat bed trailers have a higher risk of shifting of the load, or even the load falling off.

http://publicsafety.utah.gov/dld/documents/2010CDLDRIVERMANUAL-Draft.pdf

Section 3 – Transporting Cargo Safely, Page 3-2

When doing a normal pre-trip inspection on tires, check the tire mounting and air pressure how often in very hot weather?

A.     Every two hours or every 100 miles.

B.     Every day

C.     Every 15 minutes or 10 miles

D.     Every month

Answer:  A.  Every two hours or every 100 miles.

“Check the tire mounting and air pressure.  Inspect he tires every two hours or eery 100 miles when driving in very hot weather.  Air pressure increases with temperature.  Do not let air out or the pressure will be too low when the tires cool off.  If a tire is too hot to touch, remain stopped until the tire cools off.  Otherwise the tire may blow out or catch fire.”

When doing a normal pre-trip inspection of the engine oil, check the oil temperature gauge for what?

A.     If it is dirty?

B.     If it is the right kind of oil?

C.     If it is within the proper range.

Answer: C.  If it is within the proper range.

“The engine oil helps keep the engine cool, as well as lubricating it.  Make sure there is enough engine oil.  If you have an oil temperature gauge, make sure the temperature is within the proper range while you are driving.”

When doing a normal pre-trip inspection of the engine coolant, before starting out, make sure the engine cooling system ____________?

A.     Does not have oil in it.

B.     Is not frozen.

C.     Has enough water and antifreeze.

Answer:  C.  Has enough water and antifreeze.

“Before starting out, make sure the engine cooling system has enough water and antifreeze according to the engine manufacturer’s directions.  (Antifreeze helps the engine under hot as well as cold conditions.)  When driving, check the water temperature or coolant temperature gauge from time to time.  Make sure that it remains in the normal range.  If the gauge goes above the highest safe temperature, there may be something wrong that could lead to engine failure and possibly fire.  Stop driving as soon as safely possible and try to find out what is wrong.”

Utah Commercial Driver License Handbook, Revised: Octover 2007,  http://driverlicesne.utah.gov, Section 2 – driving Safely, Page 2-27

When a driver sees fire in his engine, the first step is:

A.     Call 911

B.     Pull Off The Road

C.     Tell your Team Member there’s a Fire

Answer:  B.  Pull off the road

“Knowing how to fight fires is important.  Drivers who didn’t know what to do have made fires worse.  Know how the fire extinguisher works.  Study the instructions printed on the extinguisher before you need it.  Here are some procedures to follow in case of fire.

Pull Off the Road. The first step is to get the vehicle off the road and stop.  In doing so:

Park in an open area, away from buildings, trees, brush, other vehicles, or anything that might catch fire.  Don’t pull into a service station!  Notify emergency services of your problem and your location.

Keep the Fire from Spreading. Before trying to put out the fire, make sure that it doesn’t spread any further.   With an engine fire, turn off the engine as soon as you can.  Don’t open the hood if you can avoid it.  Shoot foam through louvers, radiator, or from the vehicle’s underside.

For cargo fire in a van or box trailer, keep the doors shut, especially if your cargo contains hazardous materials.  Opening the van doors will supply the fire with oxygen and can cause it to burn very fast.

Extinguish the Fire. Here are some rules to follow in putting out a fire:

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.

Use the Right Fire Extinguisher

Class A is for wood, paper, and ordinary combustibles.

Class B is for Gasoline, Oil, Grease, Other Greasy Liquids

Class C is for Electrical Equipment Fires

Class D is for Combustible Metals

Utah Commercial Driver License Handbook, Revised: October 2007,  http://driverlicesne.utah.gov, Section 2 – driving Safely, Page 2-37/38