Truck Fires

Posted on 09/15/2010 by BIGrigdave

Knowing hoe to properly handle truck fires is a very important part of trucking jobs. Handling fires properly can protect you and the motoring public.

If your vehicle catches fire while you are driving, you should:

  1. Park in an open area.
  2. Park where a building or trees shelter your vehicle from the wind.
  3. Increase your speed to put out your flames.
  4. Drive to the nearest service station.

Answer:  A.  Park in an open area.

It is important to learn about the cause of truck fires and how to prevent them.  There are several causes of truck fires.  Some of these include:

  • Spilled fuel
  • Improper use of flares
  • Under-inflated tires and duals that touch
  • Short circuits due to damaged insulation
  • Loose fuel connections
  • Flammable cargo or poor ventilation

As a precaution to prevent truck fires make inspections of your vehicle before, during and after drives.  Be sure to have a charged fire extinguisher close by and always follow safety procedures.  If a fire does occur the first step is to get the vehicle off the road.  Do not keep driving, this will you put and others at risk for accident or injury.

Once you have pulled off of the road park in an open area away from trees or buildings or anything that may catch fire.  Do not pull into a service station and notify emergency services of your situation.  The next step is to keep the fire from spreading if possible.  Turn off the engine and avoid opening the hood or cargo area.  Doing this will supply the fire with oxygen and cause it to spread.

When using a fire extinguisher to put out the flames stay as far away from the fire as possible and aim at the source.  Be aware of the different types of fire extinguishers and which type best suits your needs.  When dealing with a fire always remember that the absence of smoke or flames does not mean that the fire cannot return.

STATE OF UTAH, Department of Public Safety Driver License Division.  March 2009.  Section 2 – Fires, Page 2-27

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Truck Drivers Properly Looking Ahead

Posted on 09/14/2010 by BIGrigdave

So when your out on the road the process you follow to look ahead can help keep you and the public safe. Properly looking ahead can be an important key to safe truck driving safe.

When looking ahead of your vehicle while driving you should look:

  1. To the right side of the road.
  2. To the left side of the road.
  3. Back and Forth, near and far.
  4. At the cars bumper in front of you.

Answer: C.  Back and Forth, near and far.

Major accidents are caused every year by drivers’ inability to look ahead properly.  To be a safe and effective driver you need to be aware of what is going on around the vehicle you are operating.  Since large vehicles require a lot of distance to stop or change lanes, knowing what the traffic is doing around you is very important.  Looking ahead provides time to react promptly to any situation that presents itself.  Most good drivers always look ahead 12 to 15 seconds.

This means that their eyes are scanning the distance that they will travel in the next 12 to 15 seconds.  While driving in the city this is about one block and on an open highway it is about a quarter mile.  If you are not looking ahead you may have to stop too quickly or make quick lane changes, which are never a good thing.

Looking ahead does not mean that you can ignore what is going on closer to your vehicle; all of your surroundings need to be taken into account.  Good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far.  Always be ready to slow down or stop in case of an emergency. Looking ahead not only improves your safety but the safety of all those around you and your vehicle.

When looking ahead some things to look for are:

  • Vehicles coming onto the highway
  • Brake lights from slowing vehicles
  • Traffic lights
  • Turning vehicles
  • Vehicles coming into your lane

STATE OF UTAH, Department of Public Safety Driver License Division.  March 2009.  Section 2 – Seeing, Page 2-11

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Help With Brakes

Posted on 09/13/2010 by BIGrigdave

If the low air pressure warning comes on:

A.     Stop and safely park your vehicle as soon as possible.

B.     Keep an eye on the gadges in case the tractor heats up.

C.     Check your brakes when you get to the next stop.

Answer:  A.  Stop and park your vehicle as soon as safely possible.

If the low air pressure warning comes on, stop and park your vehicle as soon safely possible. There is a possibility of an air leak in the system and controlled braking is only an option when there is enough air in the air tanks.

If the air pressure drops down between 20 and 45 psi, the spring brakes will come on.  But spring breaks do not function on all axles and heavy-laden loads on trailers will cause the stop to take a longer distance.  And lighter loads or those loads on slippery roads could skid when spring breaks come on.

It is better to stop you vehicle as soon a safely possible and while there is still enough air in the tanks to use the foot brakes.

Another Question of the Day:

Use the parking brakes anytime you park except:

A.     Brakes are hot

B.     Brakes are wet in freezing temperatures

C.     Both A and B

Answer:  C.  Both A and B

When parking, always use your parking brakes except when your brakes are hot or when your brakes are wet in temperatures below freezing.   They can be damaged or frozen in such conditions.

To use the parking brakes, pull the yellow, diamond shaped parking brake control knob that is marked “parking brakes” on newer tractors, out to apply the parking brakes.  Push the parking brake control knob in to release.

If your a truck driving school student or just getting ready to test for your class A license, check out CR England’s Advanced Training program for additional training and job opportunities.

Answers for the questions above were taken from:

Utah Commercial Driver License Handbook, revised March 2009.  Section 5 – Air Brakes, pages 4-10 and 5-10.

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Proper Steering & Tie Down Usage

Posted on 09/09/2010 by BIGrigdave

What is the proper way to hold a steering wheel?

  1. With both hands close together, near the top of the wheel.
  2. With both hands close together, near the bottom of the wheel.
  3. With both hands placed on opposite sides of the wheel.
  4. With one hand while the other does something else.

Answer: With both hands place on opposite sides of the wheel.

Your hands should be placed on opposite sides of the steering wheel.  Both hands should grip the steering wheel firmly.  If you hit a hole, an unexpected turn or curb a firm hold on the steering wheel will prevent it from pulling away from your hands.  A correct grip on the steering wheel also allows for more control of your vehicle in both speed and direction.

To prevent a load from shifting, there should be at least one tie down for every ____ feet of cargo.

  1. 10
  2. 15
  3. 20
  4. 5

Answer: 10

Tie-downs can be used with either flatbed trailer, trailers without sides, or closed vans to prevent cargo from shifting.  Proper tie-down equipment such as ropes, straps, chains and tensioning devices (winches, ratchets, clinching components) must be used.

The proper type and strength of tie-down must be used and they must be attached to the vehicle correctly. Cargo should have at least one tie-down for each 10 feet of cargo.  Make sure to be prepared and carry enough tie-downs to meet the needs of your load.

Remember that every load, no matter how small the cargo, should use at least two tie-downs.  Before using tie-downs every load should be inspected for poor balance, obscurity of view, and restricted access to emergency equipment.

It is also important to know that there are special requirements for securing different types of heavy metal pieces.  If you are transporting these loads find out what the specific requirements are.

Answers for these question s taken from :

STATE OF UTAH, Department of Public Safety Driver License Division.  March 2009.  Section 2 – Basic Control of your Vehicle, Page 2-8. Section 3- Transporting Cargo Safety, Page 3-1

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Proper High Beam Usage

Posted on 09/07/2010 by BIGrigdave

High beams should be:

  1. Used when it is safe and legal to do so.
  2. Turned on when an oncoming driver does not dim his or her lights.
  3. Dimmed at the time that you get within 100 feet of another vehicle.
  4. In really thick fog to help you see well.

Answer: Used when it is safe and legal to do so.

Using high beams when it is safe and legal to do so improves the driver’s ability to see ahead.  Using only low beams can limit vision and create potentially dangerous situations.  Although high beams improve ability to see they must be dimmed within 500 feet of any approaching vehicle.  The glare from your headlights can cause problems for drivers coming toward you so be considerate.  Your lights should also be dimmed when following another vehicle within 500 feet.  If another driver does not put their low beams on when approaching you do not try to “get back at them” by putting your high beams on.

This will only increase the chances of an accident.  Fog is another factor to consider when deciding which lights to use.  Fog can occur at any time and can be extremely dangerous.  When approaching fog the best option is to pull over and wait for it to clear however if you must drive it is important to remember that along with slowing down you should use low-beam headlights for best visibility even in daytime.  Each situation should be considered carefully and high beam lights should be used only when deemed appropriate.

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Alchohol Related CDL Test Questions

Posted on 08/19/2010 by BIGrigdave

Here are a couple of test questions related to alcohol. A lot of students should really take a look at these CDL Test questions.  Alcohol and commercial driving doesn’t mix. Have a look.

Which of these statements about drinking alcohol is true?

  1. A few beers have the same effect on driving as a few shots of whiskey or a few glasses of wine.
  2. Coffee and fresh air will help a drinker sober up.
  3. Not everyone who drinks is affected by alcohol.
  4. Alcohol makes driving easier and more enjoyable.

Answer: A few beers have the same effect on driving as a few shots of whiskey or a few glasses of wine.

Drinking and driving is a very serious problem that every driver should be aware of.  Traffic accidents results from a drunk driver kill 20,000 people every year.  Alcohol affects the body in a number of ways including impairment of muscle coordination, reaction time, depth perception, and night vision.  Different parts of the brain are affected as different amounts of alcohol are consumed.  Often times the part of the brain that controls judgment and inhibition is the first to go.  Alcohol is carried into the blood stream and directed to the brain.  After the brain a large majority is then carried to the liver.  The liver can only process alcohol at a fixed rate of one-third an ounce per hour.  With this fixed rate it is impossible for a cup of black coffee or fresh air to sober you up.  The more alcohol you have in your body the more affected your driving will be.

All of the following drinks contain the same amount of alcohol:

A 120-ounce glass of 5% beer.

A 5-ounce glass of 12% wine.

A 1 ½-ounce shot of 80 proof liquor.

When a person has a high Blood Alcohol Concentration (determined by the amount of alcohol you drink, how fast you drink it, and your weight) the effects on driving may be:

Straddling lanes

Quick, jerky starts

Not signaling, failure to use lights

Running stop signs and red lights

Improper passing

STATE OF UTAH, Department of Public Safety Driver License Division.  March 2009.  Section 2 – Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving, Page 2-39

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CDL Retarders

Posted on 08/09/2010 by BIGrigdave

Truck Skid Marks
Retarders:
A. Cause extra brake wear.
B. Allow you to disconnect the steering axle brakes.
C. Can cause the drive wheels to skid when they have poor traction.
D. Work only with vehicles that have manual transmissions.

Answer: Can cause the drive wheels to skid when they have poor traction.

Some vehicles have “retarders.” These devices help slow the vehicle down by reducing brake wear and giving you another way to slow down. Overall it reduces the need to use brakes. Exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric are the four types of retarders and all types can be turned on and off by the driver. When turned on retarders apply their breaking power whenever you let up on the accelerator pedal all the way. While these devices provide breaking help they can be very noisy so be sure and verify where their use is permitted. One of the most important things to remember about retarders is that when your drive wheels have poor traction, the retarder may cause them to skid. As a result you should always turn your retarder off when the roads are wet, icy or snow covered.

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Stab Breaking Help

Posted on 08/09/2010 by BIGrigdave

Stab braking:
A. Should never be used.
B. Involves releasing the brakes only after the wheels lock up.
C. Involves steady pressure on the brake pedal without locking the wheels.
D. Skids are never possible while performing this maneuver.

Answer: Involves releasing the brakes only after the wheels lock up.

When someone pulls out in front of you your natural response it to hit the brakes. This is a good response if the brakes are used correctly and there is enough distance to safely stop. You should always break in a way that will keep the struck in a straight line and allow you to turn if it becomes necessary. One method is the “stab breaking.” In this method you should apply the brakes all the way until the wheels lock up. When the wheels lock release the brakes and then as the wheels start to roll again reapply the brakes fully. This will help your vehicle to straighten out as you stop.

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Transporting Passengers Safely

Posted on 07/02/2010 by truckerj

Bus drivers must have a commercial drier license if they drive a vehicle to seat more than ______ or more persons, including the driver.

  1. 5
  2. 12
  3. 16
  4. 21

Answer: 16

Commercial driver licenses are required for bus drivers if transporting 16 or more passengers, driver included.  The bus driver needs a passenger endorsement on the commercial driver license.  To receive this endorsement, the driver needs to pass the knowledge test as well as on air brakes.  Plus, the skills tests required for the class of vehicle driven is needed.

Before driving a passenger bus, a vehicle inspection is needed.  First, review the inspection report written by the previous driver.  Verify any documented defects have been certified as repaired or not need to be repaired before signing the report.  This certifies that any hazards have been repaired.

Verify all systems are functioning before driving:

Service brakes

Parking brake

Steering mechanism

Lights and reflections

Tires

Horn

Windshield wipers

Rear-Vision mirrors

Coupling devices

Wheels and rims

Emergency equipment

Check the exterior of the bus.  Close any emergency exits and access panels.  The interior checklist includes:

Cleaning of Aisles and stairwells

Check:

Railings

Floor covering

Signaling devises,

Restroom emergency buzzer

Emergency exit handles

Security of seats to the floor

Roof hatches, though bring in fresh air, could be a hazard for higher clearance.  Check your route if you decide to raise the hatch.

Riders cannot leave carry-on baggage in an aisle or doorway, due to the fact that there should not be any items in these locations for tripping reasons.  Secure the baggage and freight in areas that allow passengers to walk freely without tripping.

STATE OF UTAH, Department of Public Safety Driver License Division.  March 2009.  Section 4 – Transporting Passengers Safely, Page 4-1

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Question About Night Driving

Posted on 06/13/2010 by truckerj

Most Accidents happen during what hours?

  1. 6 p.m. to midnight
  2. 8 a.m. to noon
  3. 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Answer:             12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Driving tired can be hazardous to you as well as others on the road.  If you get drowsy, stop and rest at the nearest and safe location.

Drive rested and alert.  If you feel drowsy, take a nap before starting your trip.  Don’t wear sunglasses at night.

To protect the drivers around you, dim your lights when you are within 500 feet of oncoming traffic or 500 feet when following traffic.  The glare from your headlights can be an obstruction to other drivers around you.

For your own safety, look slightly to the right or edge markings when lights are directly in your eyes from oncoming vehicles.  And don’t try paying back those who drive with their lights on bright by doing the same to them.  This will only create a dangerous situation for others on the road.

Do use the high beams whenever possible, safe for other drivers, and legal as high beams give you the ability to see ahead better.  Do not use your interior light as it is hard to see the road with the light brighter inside than outside your cab.  And adjust your instrument lights as low as you are able to read them to keep the light low within the cab.

STATE OF UTAH, Department of Public Safety Driver License Division.  March 2009.  Section 2 – Transporting Cargo Safely, Page 2-25

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