Wisconsi Commercial Driver’s Manual July 2021
COVER 1 CONTENTS CONTENTS PART ONE 24
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION 5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION 24 Wisconsin information 5 1.1 Commercial driver license tests 24 Federal information 5 1.2 Medical documentation requirements 26 What should I study in this manual? 6 1.3 CDL disqualifications 28 What CDL do I need? 7 1.4 Other CDL rules 28 What are the CMV classifications? 7 1.5 International Registration Plan Who is exempt from CDL (IRP) and International Fuel Tax licensing in Wisconsin? 10 Agreement (IFTA) 29 What are endorsements? 11 SECTION 2: DRIVING SAFELY 30 What is a CDL restriction? 11 2.1 Vehicle inspection 30 Social Security number requirement 12 2.2 Basic control of your vehicle 40 Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status requirement 12 2.3 Shifting gears 42 What is interstate commerce? 12 2.4 Seeing 44 What is intrastate commerce? 12 2.5 Communicating 46 Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) 12 2.6 Controlling speed 48 Skills testing 13 2.7 Managing space 52 School bus “S” endorsement 14 2.8 Seeing hazards 59 Hazardous materials “H” endorsement 15 2.9 Distracted driving 63 Farm service CDL 16 2.10 Aggressive drivers/road rage 67 Commercial driver 2.11 Night driving and driver fatigue 68 license medical requirements 17 2.12 Driving in fog 73 Who was grandfathered from 2.13 Driving in winter 73 federal medical standards? 18 2.14 Driving in very hot weather 76 Who is exempt from federal medical standards? 18 2.15 Railroad-highway crossings 77 Federal medical standards 2.16 Mountain driving 80 frequently asked questions 19 2.17 Driving emergencies 82 Warnings and penalties 21 2.18 Antilock braking systems (ABS) 85 Identifying human trafficking 22 2.19 Skid control and recovery 87 2.20 Crash procedures 89 2.21 Fires 90
COVER 2 CONTENTS 2.22 Alcohol, other drugs and driving 92 SECTION 7: DOUBLES AND TRIPLES 137 2.23 Hazardous materials rules for all 7.1 Pulling double/triple trailers 137 commercial drivers 93 7.2 Coupling and uncoupling 138
SECTION 3: TRANSPORTING 7.3 Inspecting doubles and triples 140 CARGO SAFELY 96 7.4 Doubles/triples air brake check 141 3.1 Inspecting cargo 96 SECTION 8: TANK VEHICLES 143 3.2 Weight and balance 96 8.1 Inspecting tank vehicles 143 3.3 Securing cargo 98 8.2 Driving tank vehicles 143 3.4 Cargo needing special attention 99 8.3 Safe driving rules 145 PART TWO 100 SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 147 SECTION 4: TRANSPORTING 9.1 The intent of the regulations 148 PASSENGERS SAFELY 100 9.2 Hazardous materials 4.1 Vehicle inspection 100 transportation—Who does what 149 4.2 Loading and trip start 101 9.3 Communication rules 150 4.3 On the road 102 9.4 Loading and unloading 161 4.4 After-trip vehicle inspection 104 9.5 Bulk packaging marking, loading and unloading 164 4.5 Prohibited practices 104 9.6 Driving and parking rules 166 4.6 Use of brake-door interlocks 104 9.7 Hazardous materials—emergencies 168 SECTION 5: AIR BRAKES 105 9.8 Hazardous materials glossary 174 5.1 The parts of an air brake system 105 SECTION 10: SCHOOL BUSES 178 5.2 Dual air brakes 111 Wisconsin license requirements 178 5.3 Inspecting air brake systems 111 General school bus rules 179 5.4 Using air brakes 114 10.1 Danger zones and use of mirrors 179 SECTION 6: COMBINATION VEHICLES 118 10.2 Loading and unloading 182 6.1 Driving combination vehicles safely 118 10.3 Emergency exit and evacuation 188 6.2 Combination vehicle air brakes 122 10.4 Railroad-highway crossings 191 6.3 Antilock brake systems 125 10.5 Student management 194 6.4 Coupling and uncoupling 126 10.6 Antilock braking systems 195 6.5 Inspecting a combination vehicle 134 10.7 Special safety considerations 196 Vehicle inspection for school bus 198
COVER 3 CONTENTS PART THREE 199
SECTION 11: VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST 199 11.1 All Vehicles 199 11.2 External Inspection (All Vehicles) 202 11.3 School Bus Only 206 11.4 Trailer 207 11.5 Coach/Transit Bus 208 11.6 Taking the CDL Vehicle Inspection Test 209 CDL Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid 210
SECTION 12: BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL SKILLS TEST 212 12.1 Scoring 212 12.2 Exercises 213
SECTION 13: ON ROAD DRIVING TEST 214 13.1 How You Will Be Tested 214
COVER 4 CONTENTS PRELIMINARY Federal information INFORMATION Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Wisconsin information at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ for: Visit wisconsindmv.gov for: • Cargo Securement Rules • CDL An Overview • Driver Medical Exemption Programs • CDL How to Apply • Federal Regulations, • CDL Vehicle Inspection Rules and Notices and Road Tests • Frequently Asked Questions about • Change Your Mailing Address Driver Medical Requirements • Commercial Driving Schools • Find a Certified Medical Examiner • Disqualifications • FMCSA Registration Process • DMV Online Services • HAZMAT Information • Endorsements • Hours of Service • Federal Medical Certificate • Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Fed Med) and Your CDL (FedMed Card) • Find an Authorized Third Party • Medical Requirements for Drivers Examiner for Your CDL Skills Test • Safety Resources • Hazardous Materials • Veteran Drivers • Medical Requirements for CDL • and more at www.fmcsa.dot.gov! • Motor Carriers and Trucking • Oversize/Overweight Permits • and more at wisconsindmv.gov!
DMV General Telephone (608) 264-7447
Wisconsin State Patrol office locations and contacts
COVER 5 CONTENTS What should I study For a CDL to drive the following in this manual? type of vehicle, study: For a CDL to drive the following type of vehicle, study:
Section 1: Introduction Section 2: Driving Safely Section 3: Cargo Section 4: Passengers Section 1: Introduction Section 5: Air Brakes (if needed) Section 2: Driving Safely Section 10: School Bus Section 3: Cargo Section 5: Air Brakes For a CDL to drive the following Section 6: Combination Vehicles type of vehicle, study: Section 7: Doubles and Triples Section 9: Haz Mat (if needed)
For a CDL to drive the following type of vehicle, study:
Section 1: Introduction Section 2: Driving Safely Section 3: Cargo Section 5: Air Brakes Section 1: Introduction Section 6: Combination Vehicles (if needed) Section 2: Driving Safely Section 9: Haz Mat (if needed) Section 3: Cargo Section 5: Air Brakes CDL is required when the following Section 6: Combination Vehicles vehicles transport hazardous Section 9: Haz Mat (if needed) materials. In that case, study:
Section 1: Introduction Section 2: Driving Safely Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely Section 9: Haz Mat Study Section 8 if you want a tank vehicle endorsement.
COVER 6 CONTENTS What CDL do I need? CLASS B—Heavy straight vehicle with The commercial driver license (CDL) a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), you need depends on the class of actual gross weight or registered commercial motor vehicle (CMV) you weight of over 26,000 pounds. plan to drive. To determine the class of CMV, use the greater of the: • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or • actual gross weight, or • registered weight, or CLASS C—Small vehicle with a Gross • Gross Combination Weight Rating Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), actual (GCWR) when the towed unit has a gross weight or registered weight of GVWR, registered weight or actual 26,000 pounds or less that either: gross weight of over 10,000 pounds. • is designed to carry 16 or more persons including the driver What are the CMV • is of any size and is used in the classifications? transportation of hazardous materials CLASS A—Combination vehicle with a as defined by 49 CFR 383.5. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), actual gross weight or registered weight of over 26,000 pounds, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a Gross Vehicle Weight You must have a valid CDL to operate Rating (GVWR), actual gross weight or a commercial motor vehicle. registered weight of over 10,000 pounds.
COVER 7 CONTENTS Flow Chart to Determine CDL Class Needed
GVWR (Power Unit) + GVWR (Trailer) = GCWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - weight of single vehicle Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) - weight of combined vehicles
Is the power Is the GCWR Is the trailer’s unit’s GVWR 26,001 pounds GVWR 10,001 Class “A” YES 26,001 pounds YES YES or more? pounds or more? or more?
NO NO NO Class “B”
Class “A” Is the trailer’s (combination weight GVWR 10,001 YES must be 26,001 pounds or more? pounds or more)
NO
Is the vehicle transporting hazardous YES materials in a Class “C” placardable quantity?
NO
Is the vehicle designed to transport 16 or YES more passengers Class “C” including the driver?
NO No CDL required
COVER 8 CONTENTS Vehicle Examples of CMV classifications
Is Designed Tractor To Transport Or Carries 16 Or More School Do I What Which Single Trailer Hazmat Passengers Bus Need A Class? Endorsement? Unit Including CDL? Truck The Driver
1 18,000# 12,000# X Yes A H 2 8,000# 20,000# Yes A 3 26,500# Yes B 4 27,000# 10,000# Yes B 5 27,000# X X Yes B P and S 6 29,000# X Yes B P 7 12,000# X Yes C H 8 25,000# X Yes C P 9 25,000# X X Yes C P and S 10 5,000# X Yes C H 11 16,000# 10,000# No D 12 26,000# 8,000# No D 13 10,000# X No D S 14 6,000# 20,000# No D Tank Truck 15 26,000# No D 16 26,010# Yes B N 17 26,000# 10,000# No D 18 26,000# 10,000# X Yes C H–N 19 20,000# 10,500# Yes A N
COVER 9 CONTENTS Who is exempt from CDL 16 or more passengers must have a licensing in Wisconsin? CDL with proper endorsements. Federal law allows States the option • Back-up (substitute or replacement) to waive certain kinds of drivers from snowplow drivers (includes the requirement to obtain a CDL. snow or ice removal by plowing, In Wisconsin, the following drivers salting or sanding) for local units of are not required to hold a CDL: government (defined as a county, city, • Firefighters and rescue squad village, town, school district, county members are not required to hold utility district, sanitary district, a CDL to drive properly equipped metropolitan sewage district, or other emergency or fire fighting vehicles. public body created by or pursuant to However, you may be required to state law) are not required to hold a obtain a CDL if you have a Wisconsin CDL if they meet all of the following: driver license and operate a fire ◊ Are an employee of a local fighting vehicle in another State. unit of government with a • Recreational vehicle operators population of 3,000 or less. (owned or leased motor home, ◊ Hold a valid Class D license. fifth wheel mobile home or ◊ Are operating within the touring mobile home, provided boundaries of the local it isn’t longer than 45 feet) not unit of government engaged in commercial activity ◊ Is one of the following: are not required to hold a CDL. » Substituting for or replacing, • A farmer, the farmer’s family a regular employee who members, and/or the farmer’s ordinarily operates the vehicle. employees are not required to hold » An additional employee a CDL to drive a commercial motor because a snow emergency vehicle owned or leased by the farmer, exists as determined by the provided the vehicle is not used in local unit of government. ‘for hire’ carriage, is transporting farm supplies, produce or machinery to or from the farm and is within 150 miles of a farm in Wisconsin, Minnesota or Iowa. The farm supplies that a farmer may transport without obtaining a CDL may include hazardous materials. However, a farmer driving a commercial motor vehicle with double or triple trailers or designed to carry or actually carrying
COVER 10 CONTENTS What are endorsements? Wisconsin issues endorsements for specific types of operation. Endorsements require additional knowledge testing. Some endorsements require skills tests, proof of meeting medical standards or a background check. An endorsement is evidence that you have passed the tests and have the information you need for special operation. You must pass tests and receive an endorsement to operate a: S—School bus P—Passenger vehicle: designed to transport or actually transporting 16 or more passengers including the driver H—Hazardous materials N—Tank vehicles: commercial vehicles equipped with a cargo tank T—Double or triple trailers: towing double or triple trailers F—Farm service: restricted to farm service operation
Endorsement Requirements
T F S P H N Doubles & Farm School Bus Passenger HAZMAT Tanker Triples Service
Knowledge Test Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Skills Test Yes Yes — — — —
Background Check Yes — Yes — — — Only if resident of Finger- other state — Yes — — — printing in previous 2 years Every 2 yrs. Medical until 70; 1 Yes, applicant — — — — yr. after 70 self certifies
What is a CDL restriction? equipped with air brakes. If you choose not A restriction is a limitation on your CDL. to take the air brake tests, you will have a If you want to drive a vehicle with air commercial license restriction of “No air brakes, for example, you must pass a brake equipped CMV.” With this restriction knowledge test on air brake systems. You on your CDL, you may not legally operate must also pass a skills test in a vehicle a commercial vehicle with air brakes.
COVER 11 CONTENTS CDL restrictions are: or restriction. See the list of acceptable K—CDL intrastate only documents to prove U.S. citizenship or legal 51—CDL intrastate only in status at wisconsindmv.gov/DL-docs. excepted industry Under federal law effective March 1, 2015 V—CMV medical variance required temporary visitors from Canada and Mexico L—No air brake equipped CMV may no longer renew or change classes or endorsements on their Wisconsin CDL. Z—No full airbrake equipped CMV (Skills test was taken in vehicle If you are a temporary visitor from Canada with partial air brakes.) or Mexico and wish to continue driving a commercial vehicle in the U.S., you must E—No manual transmission equipped obtain a qualifying commercial driver CMV (Skills test was taken in an license from Canada or Mexico before automatic transmission vehicle.) your current Wisconsin CDL expires. O—No tractor/trailer CMV (Skills test was not taken in a tractor-trailer combination.) What is interstate commerce? M—No Class A passenger vehicle Interstate commerce is any trade, traffic or N—No Class A/B passenger vehicle transportation in the U.S. between a place X—No cargo in CMV tank vehicle in a State and a place outside of such State To lift restrictions Z, E, O, N, or to add OR is between two places in a State through an S or P endorsement you must hold a another State or place outside of the U.S. Commercial Learner Permit for at least Note: Transportation with a CMV 14 days before taking a skills test. within State lines is considered interstate commerce if the origin and/or destination Social Security number of the cargo crosses State lines. requirement Applicants for a commercial driver What is intrastate commerce? license are required to show their Social Intrastate commerce is any trade, traffic Security card. The Social Security or transportation in any State which is not number will not appear on the driver described in the term ‘interstate’ commerce. license document but will be used to identify driver records between States. Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) Proof of U.S. citizenship or New commercial drivers must obtain legal status requirement a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) to Commercial drivers must present proof practice driving a commercial motor of legal status upon original (first time) vehicle (CMV) and prepare for the CDL issuance of their CDL, renewal, when skills test. To obtain a CLP you must: transferring an out-of-state CDL or when adding or removing a class, endorsement
COVER 12 CONTENTS • Be at least 18 years of age Skills testing • Hold a valid Wisconsin driver license You must have a CLP for 14 days before • Pass the knowledge tests for the you are allowed to take a skills test. All type of vehicle you will be driving applicants for a commercial driver license must pass a skills test in the type of vehicle • Have a valid federal medical they plan to drive. You must pass all three card. Persons who do not segments of the skills test on the same CLP. have a valid federal medical card will be restricted to: Any vehicle considered illegal for highway use or for use on a skills test route, will ◊ CDL intrastate only not be allowed for skills test purposes. ◊ CDS intrastate only in excepted industry The license endorsements for driving a school bus or other CMV carrying A Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) is passengers, require that the applicant valid only to operate a CMV. The permit pass a skills test in a school bus or is valid for 180 days and will list the type passenger-carrying vehicle. of vehicles and endorsements for which DMV authorizes third party examiners you have qualified. Certain restrictions to administer CDL skills tests. Contact will apply to your operation with a CLP: an authorized third party examiner to • You must have a qualified driving schedule your CDL skills test. It is best instructor or a person who is to schedule a skills test appointment licensed to operate that type of well in advance. You will have a CMV and who is at least 21 years minimum two-day waiting period. old, sitting next to you at all times. In addition to following the link above, • You may not transport passengers. you can find the list of authorized However, if the accompanying driver third party examiners by going to is a qualified instructor, 3 other wisconsindmv.gov and searching “third persons with commercial learner party examiners” using the search bar. permits may also ride along. Licensed commercial drivers are • Unless you are restricted, you may subject to retesting by Wisconsin DMV transport property in a CMV while and Federal Motor Carrier Safety you are driving with a CLP. Administration CDL examiners. • You may not operate in interstate Military service CDL commerce with a CLP unless you are skills test waiver at least 21 years old and have a federal You may qualify for a CDL skills test medical certificate (Fed Med card). waiver if you obtained a military license Drivers who upgrade class, restrictions issued by a military facility that allowed or endorsements will need a CLP if you to operate a military commercial the upgrade requires a skills test. vehicle. You also avoid the fee for the skills test when you qualify for this waiver.
COVER 13 CONTENTS Complete WisDOT form MV3588 and identify the type of vehicle operated. Include the vehicle weight, capacity (trailer weight, number of passengers, tanker size, etc.) and whether the vehicle had air brakes. This information will help a DMV staff person determine the appropriate classes and endorsements for a Wisconsin CDL. WisDOT form MV3588 must be signed by your commanding officer or a training officer. You must still pass the knowledge test(s). You must be a Wisconsin resident to be eligible for this waiver. This waiver does not include the skills test for the school bus “S” endorsement.
School bus “S” endorsement Applicants for a school bus “S” endorsement must: • Be at least 18 years of age. • Have a valid Wisconsin driver license of the appropriate class. • Present either a valid federal medical card or a completed Medical Examination Report MV3030B to fulfill commercial driver license medical requirements. • Have no conviction for any offense on the list of school bus disqualifications. • Pass knowledge, road signs, vision and skills tests. School bus disqualifications A driver applying for, renewing or transferring a school bus endorsement will undergo a criminal background check. A conviction for any offense on the list of school bus disqualifications will result in from two years to a lifetime disqualification from driving a school bus. In addition to following the link above, you can find the list of school bus disqualifications by going to wisconsindmv.gov and searching “school bus disqualifications” using the search bar.
Requirement School Bus “S” Endorsement
Special application (in addition to form MV3001) Yes, self-certification form MV3740)
Only required of those who have been a resident Fingerprinting of another state in the past two years.
Have no conviction for any Applicant self-certifies on form MV3740. Background offense on the list of school check is conducted for original issuance, each renewal, bus disqualifications issuance of a duplicate and every 4 years.
Yes, at original issuance and renewal, plus biennial Medical exam proof of physical fitness. If 70 or older, annual physical fitness reports are required.
Testing at renewal Yes, knowledge test, signs test and abbreviated skills test.
COVER 14 CONTENTS Renewal of school bus before you make an appointment to “S” endorsement have your fingerprints collected. Wisconsin school bus drivers must Applicants for an “H” endorsement pass the knowledge test, road signs, are also subject to a name-based FBI vision and an abbreviated skills test at criminal history records check and a renewal (if 70 or older, every 2 years) check of federal databases. You will to retain their “S” endorsement. not be permitted to obtain, renew or School bus drivers must also file a new transfer an “H” endorsement if you: medical report every 2 years and upon • Have been convicted or found renewal of their “S” endorsement (if 70 or not guilty by reason of insanity older, every year). Section 10 in this manual of certain crimes on the list of informs about driving a school bus. hazardous materials disqualifications School bus or during the 7 years prior to the alternative vehicle date of your application. The publication School Bus or Alternative • Have been in prison for any of those Vehicle gives the definition of a school certain crimes during the 5 years bus, gives the definition of an alternative prior to the date of your application. vehicle for transport of students and • Are wanted or under indictment certain other people, and informs of for any of those certain crimes. driver requirements for both vehicles. • Have been adjudicated as In addition to following the link above, lacking mental capacity or have you can find this publication by going to been involuntarily committed wisconsindmv.gov and searching “school bus to a mental health facility as or alternative vehicle” using the search bar. specified in 49 CFR 1572.109. In addition to following the link above, you Hazardous materials can find the list of hazardous materials “H” endorsement disqualifications by going to wisconsindmv. Applicants for a hazardous materials gov and searching “hazardous materials (HazMat) “H” endorsement must present disqualifications” using the search bar. proof of citizenship or legal status in the If you hold an “H” endorsement and U.S. upon application for knowledge testing, are disqualified at any time, you must original issuance and all renewals. surrender the “H” endorsement. When applying for, renewing or Section 9 in this manual informs about transferring an “H” endorsement transporting hazardous materials. on a CDL, you will need to provide your fingerprints for an FBI criminal background check. You should complete licensing requirements with the Wisconsin DMV for a CDL and “H” endorsement
COVER 15 CONTENTS Requirement Hazmat “H” Endorsement
Yes, application for “H” Special application (in addition to form MV3001) endorsement form MV3735
Assessment includes fingerprints, criminal history records check, proof of U.S. citizenship Fingerprinting/Threat Assessment or lawful permanent residence in the U.S. and military service information including branch, date and type of discharge. Applicant self-certifies on form MV3735. Have no conviction for any offense on the list Background check is conducted for original of Hazardous Materials Disqualifications issuance, each renewal and for out-of-state transfer applicants for H endorsement.
Testing at renewal Yes, knowledge test.
Present proof of citizenship or Yes, upon application for knowledge testing, legal status in the U. S. original issuance and all renewals.
Renewal of “H” endorsement DMV will coordinate the expiration date of your first “H” endorsement with the expiration date of your CDL. This means your first “H” endorsement could be valid for up to five years depending on when your CDL expires. All subsequent renewals of your “H” endorsement will be valid for four years. Fingerprinting and background checks must be completed for issuance of your first “H” endorsement, at your first renewal and every four years thereafter even though your commercial driver license may be valid for eight years. You must also pass a knowledge test for the “H” endorsement, have a valid federal medical card and present proof of citizenship or legal status in the U.S. at the same intervals.
Farm service CDL A special, restricted Farm Service CDL is available for persons employed by a farm service industry for 180 days or less per calendar year. The publication Wisconsin Farm Service CDL explains what ‘farm service industry’ means, informs about the restrictions of a Farm Service CDL and lists requirements to obtain it. In addition to following the link above, you can find this publication by going to wisconsindmv.gov and searching “farm service CDL” using the search bar.
COVER 16 CONTENTS Commercial driver license obtain a Fed Med card because you do medical requirements not currently meet the diabetes, hearing, To drive in intrastate or interstate non- seizure and/or vision standards. excepted commerce, you must have passed a Does Wisconsin offer any State federal medical examination within the past waivers to commercial drivers? 2 years, in accordance with Federal Motor Yes, Wisconsin offers two State Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) waivers for commercial drivers: regulations. FMCSA 49 CFR 391, Subpart • A diabetes waiver can help drivers E details the physical qualifications needed who are insulin-dependent and do to operate a commercial motor vehicle. not operate in an excepted industry. What is acceptable proof • A vision waiver can help drivers of examination? who have less than 20/40 vision in Acceptable proof of examination is either eye or less than 70-degree a completed Medical Examiner’s field of vision in either eye and do Certificate (also called a Fed Med card). not operate in an excepted industry. A certified medical examiner completes A Wisconsin State waiver (for intrastate and provides the Medical Examiner’s commerce) is not the same as a Federal Certificate to you upon completion your exemption (for interstate commerce). medical examination and the FMCSA A Wisconsin waiver can be used Medical Examination Report. Only a for intrastate commerce only. certified medical examiner may perform your federal medical examination. In addition to following the link above, you can find more information (including How can I find a certified how to apply) at wisconsindmv.gov medical examiner? and searching “Wisconsin State waiver You can find a certified medical examiner by information for CDL drivers.” searching the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. A Medical Examiner’s What if I don’t hold Certificate (Fed Med card) must include the a Fed Med card? medical examiner’s federal registry number. You will be issued a restricted CDL if you do not hold a Fed Med card and are Are there federal exemptions not grandfathered. The license would from any physical only be valid if you are a school bus impairments or diseases? driver or are employed by a political A person may apply for a federal exemption subdivision (village, town, city, state). (waiver) from the diabetes, hearing, seizure and/or vision standards through Refer to Federal Medical Standards the FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs. Frequently Asked Questions for answers These programs have specific requirements. to common questions about federal You might qualify if you want to drive in medical standards and grandfathering. interstate commerce and are unable to
COVER 17 CONTENTS Direct other questions regarding standards and obtain a CDL corresponding federal medical standards to: to the vehicle they plan to drive. U.S. DOT Office of Motor Carriers School bus drivers employed by a school 1 Point Place, Suite 101 district and driving a school bus owned Madison, WI 53719-2809 by the district are exempt from the federal Phone: (608) 662-2010 medical standards. They may cross State lines to transport students between home Website: www.fmcsa.gov and school or when driving for curricular or (Federal medical standard extracurricular activities and charter trips. questions only please) School bus drivers employed by a Who was grandfathered from commercial contractor and driving a school federal medical standards? bus owned by the contractor are exempt Drivers issued a Wisconsin CDL prior to from the federal standards while operating July 29, 1996 were grandfathered from within Wisconsin. They may also cross the federal medical standards that took State lines to transport students between effect on that date. Grandfathered drivers home and school. But they are required are not required to have a federal medical to have a valid federal medical card to exam or fulfill federal medical standards drive across State lines for curricular or to drive in intrastate (within Wisconsin extracurricular activities and charter trips. only) commerce. These drivers lose their Drivers who do not have a federal medical grandfathered status if their CDL is ever card and are not grandfathered will be revoked. Grandfathered status cannot be issued a CDL or Commercial Learner Permit transferred from one State to another. (CLP) with the following two restrictions: Grandfathered drivers must still meet • CDL intrastate only Wisconsin medical standards such as • CDL intrastate only in visual acuity of 20/60 in the best eye. excepted industry Grandfathered drivers may also appeal These two restrictions limit a to the Medical Review Board if they do driver with a CDL or CLP to: not meet Wisconsin medical standards. • Operate a CMV for a political subdivision provided they are an Who is exempt from federal employee of the political subdivision medical standards? and the CDL has the proper class and Drivers employed by a political subdivision endorsement for the CMV operated. (federal, state, county, city, township or • Operate a school bus if they meet village) and operating a CMV owned by the State medical standards for the political subdivision are exempt from a school bus endorsement and the federal medical standards. These the CDL has the proper class and drivers must still meet Wisconsin medical endorsement for the CMV operated.
COVER 18 CONTENTS Note: Drivers who have a Commercial Federal medical standards Learner Permit (CLP) with both frequently asked questions restrictions may not practice operating Since July 29, 1996 drivers of commercial a CMV with a commercial driving motor vehicles operating in intrastate school. Wisconsin residents who take a commerce must meet the federal commercial driving course to operate medical standards and present a valid a CMV through a Wisconsin Technical federal medical card when they apply College, however, may practice operating for a commercial driver license unless with the technical school because it is they have been grandfathered or are a political subdivision and exempt. exempt by federal or state law.
If you do not meet the federal visual acuity What is interstate commerce? Any standard of 20/40 in both eyes but have a trade, traffic or transportation in the U.S. federal medical card, you will be referred which is between a place in a State and a to a vision or other appropriate medical place outside of such State, or is between specialist. If you are issued a CLP or CDL, two places in a State through another you will have the “CDL intrastate only” State, or a place outside of the U.S. restriction. You will also have the “CDL Note: Transportation with a CMV within intrastate only in excepted industry” State lines is considered interstate restriction if you are not grandfathered. commerce if the origin and/or destination If you are 18, 19 or 20 years of age and are of the cargo crosses State lines. not exempt by federal or state law, you will need a federal medical card if you wish to What is intrastate commerce? operate a CMV in intrastate commerce. If Any trade, traffic or transportation you have a federal medical card, DMV will in any State that is not described in issue your CDL with the “CDL intrastate the term “interstate commerce.” only” restriction because federal law Is there a simple definition of does not allow a person under age 21 to commerce? Every driver of a CMV is operate a CMV in interstate commerce. considered to be in commerce unless You can appeal to the Medical Review they are exempt, i.e. driving for a political Board for intrastate driving if you subdivision or driving a school bus. have been grandfathered. You also can Do CMV drivers employed by a appeal to the board if you are a new political subdivision need a federal driver who plans to drive for exempt medical card? No. Drivers employed by groups (political subdivision or school any political subdivision (federal, state, district). The Medical Review Board, county, city, township or village) operating however, cannot make exceptions a CMV owned by the political subdivision to the federal standards. Therefore, are exempt from the federal standards. no driver required to have a federal medical card can appeal to the board.
COVER 19 CONTENTS Do school bus drivers employed by a the type of operation in which they will school district or private contractor be involved to determine if they will be need the federal medical card? Drivers required to have a federal medical card. employed by a school district and driving a May a driver who holds a bus owned by the district are exempt from Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) the federal standards. They may cross State with a “P” endorsement, practice lines to transport students between home operating a school bus? No. A and school or when driving for curricular or driver must have an “S” endorsement extracurricular activities and charter trips. on their CLP to operate a school bus. Drivers employed by a private contractor May a driver who holds a CLP and driving a bus owned by the contractor practice operating a truck are exempt from the federal standards without a federal medical card? while operating within Wisconsin and It depends on who owns the vehicle. when crossing State lines to transport students between home and school. A valid No, not if the vehicle is owned by a federal medical card is required when commercial driving school or an employer operating across State lines for curricular or that is not a political subdivision. extracurricular activities and charter trips. Yes, if the vehicle is owned by a Wisconsin Technical College or an Are CMV drivers operating a employer that is a political subdivision. passenger bus exempt from federal medical standards? No. Drivers What happens to drivers who needing a “P” endorsement who do not don’t pass a vision test, yet have a have the federal medical card and are not federal medical card? They will be grandfathered will be issued a license with referred to a vision or other appropriate two restrictions: “CDL intrastate only” and medical specialist. If issuance continues, “CDL intrastate only in excepted industry. the license will have the “CDL interstate These two restrictions do not cause a only” restriction and, if the driver is problem for a driver with a “P” endorsement not grandfathered, the “CDL intrastate who, for example, drives a bus owned only in excepted industry” restriction. by a municipality (which is exempt). What type of driving may drivers The restrictions cause a problem for perform if they are not grandfathered other drivers with a “P” endorsement and do not have a federal medical who, for example, drive bus for a private card? They may drive for exempt human service agency (not exempt). groups (a political subdivision or school They must present a federal medical district) if they meet the Wisconsin card (unless grandfathered) to prevent school bus driver standards or are having these two restrictions on their approved by the Medical Review Board. CDL. Applicants for a CDL must know
COVER 20 CONTENTS Do drivers age 18, 19, or 20 years old In addition to following the link above, need a federal medical card? Yes, if you can find State Patrol office locations they wish to operate a CMV in intrastate and contact information by going commerce and are not exempt by federal or to wisconsindot.gov and searching state law. If they present a federal medical “State Patrol office locations”. card, their CDL will be issued with the “CDL Penalty for operating intrastate only” restriction because federal without a CDL (for drivers) law does not permit a person under age 21 1st Offense: $200–$600 fine or not to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. more than 6 months in jail; 3 points Who may appeal to the Medical 2nd within 3 years: $300–$1,000 fine Review Board? Drivers who are or 5 days to 6 months in jail; 3 points grandfathered may appeal to the Medical Review Board for intrastate driving. 3rd or more within 3 years: Additionally, a driver who plans to drive $1,000–$2,000 fine and 10 days for an exempt group (i.e. a political to 6 months in jail; 3 points subdivision or school district) may appeal Penalty for operating without to the Board. The Medical Review Board, a CDL (for employers) however, cannot make any exceptions The penalty for employers who place to the federal standards. Therefore, unqualified drivers on the road is no driver required to have a federal a $2,500–$10,000 fine or not more medical card may appeal to the Board. than 90 days in jail; or both. If not grandfathered, may a person Wisconsin’s Implied with insulin-dependent diabetes get Consent law a CDL for intrastate driving? Yes, If a law enforcement officer asks you if they present two satisfactory medical to submit to testing to determine a reports from two physicians to the DMV concentration of alcohol or other drugs Medical Review and Fitness Unit. They in your system, Wisconsin’s Implied will be issued a CDL with the restrictions Consent law requires you to do so. If you “CDL intrastate only” and “CDL intrastate refuse to take a test requested by the only in excepted industry.” They will officer, your operating privilege will be also receive a letter to carry with them revoked for a minimum of one year and while operating a CMV, that confirms you will be subject to other penalties. they have qualified for this exemption. Oversize-overweight permits You need to obtain a special permit to Warnings and penalties move an oversize and/or overweight If you drive a vehicle over 10,000 pounds vehicle. The web page Oversize-Overweight in interstate commerce, you may be Permits provides information to help you subject to Federal Motor Carrier safety determine when a permit is required, how regulations under 49 CFR 390.5. Contact to apply for a permit and much more. a State Patrol office for details.
COVER 21 CONTENTS In addition to following the link above, • Notice someone not properly you can find this web page by going to dressed for the season, bruises or wisconsindmv.gov and searching “oversize- marks on their person, not making overweight permits” using the search bar. sense when speaking or not knowing where they are or going, not in Additional notes control of their own identification • You must renew your CDL documents (ID/passport), every 8 years. The 8-year communicating they are endangered. period cannot be extended; the license must be renewed. • Call law enforcement. Do not • If you move (change your address), approach traffickers. The victims you must apply for a duplicate may already be in danger. Do nothing CDL with your new address to make the situation worse. within 10 days of moving. Apply • Tell law enforcement “actionable at any DMV Service Center. information” and as many • Wisconsin law requires issuance of details as you can provide. only one license to each driver. ◊ Description of cars (make, model, • Wisconsin law requires enforcement color, license plate number, etc.) of CDL disqualifications for alcohol and people (age, height, weight, and other serious traffic violations. hair color, eye color, clothes, etc.) Take a picture if you can. Identifying human trafficking ◊ Specific time and dates. (What date did you see the event in As a professional driver, you are in a question take place? What time?) unique position to identify potential ◊ Address and locations where cases of human trafficking. suspicious activity took place. Human trafficking is a form of modern- ◊ Direction in which the vehicle left. day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control victims for the • National Human Trafficking purpose of engaging in paid sex acts or Resource Center working against their will. This includes ◊ 1 (888) 373-7888 situations of forced labor, debt bondage, ◊ Call for help or to report a tip and involuntary child labor. People of all 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ages can be involved. Minors under the age of 18 engaging in commercial sex are considered to be victims of human trafficking, regardless of how they got involved. Make a difference. Identify victims so they can be rescued and help bring their perpetrators to justice.
COVER 22 CONTENTS Human Trafficking (Wis. Stat. § 940.302) DONE BY ANY OF ACTION THE FOLLOWING FOR THE PURPOSE OF Causing or threatening to cause bodily harm to any individual or Causing or threatening to cause financial harm to any individual or Restraining or threatening to restrain any individual or Violating or threatening to violate a law or Destroying, concealing, Recruiting removing, confiscating or or possessing, or threatening Enticing to destroy, conceal, remove, or confiscate or possess Harboring any actual or purported or passport or any other Labor Transporting actual or purported official or or identification document of Services Providing any individual or or or A commercial sex act Obtaining Extortion …an individual- or -OR-- Fraud or deception Attempting to do so or Debt bondage or Controlling any individual’s access to an addictive- controlled substance or Using any scheme, pattern or other means to directly or indirectly, coerce, threaten or intimidate any individual or Causing or threatening to cause any individual to do any act against the individual’s will or without the individual’s consent
COVER 23 CONTENTS PART ONE • Small vehicle (Class C) with a Gross Section 1: Introduction Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), actual Section 2: Driving safely gross weight or registered weight of Section 3: Transporting cargo safely 26,000 pounds or less that either: Part one is for all commercial drivers. ◊ is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ◊ is of any size and is used This section covers: in the transportation of • Commercial Driver License Tests hazardous materials as • Medical Documentation defined by 49 CFR 383.5. Requirements Any vehicle for which a CDL is • Driver Disqualifications required is considered a Commercial • Other CDL Rules Motor Vehicle (CMV). • IRP and IFTA To get a CDL, you must pass knowledge and skills tests. This manual will help you There is a federal requirement that each prepare for the tests. This manual is not state have minimum standards for the a substitute for a truck driver training licensing of commercial drivers. class or program. Formal training is This manual provides driver license the most reliable way to learn the many testing information for Wisconsin drivers special skills required for safely driving a who wish to obtain a Commercial Driver large commercial vehicle and becoming a License (CDL). This manual does not professional driver in the trucking industry. provide information on all federal and state requirements needed before you can drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). 1.1 Commercial driver license tests You must have a CDL to operate: 1.1.1 Knowledge tests • Combination vehicle (Class A) You will have to take one or more with a Gross Combination Weight knowledge tests, depending on what class Rating (GCWR), actual gross of license and what endorsements you weight or registered weight of need. The CDL knowledge tests include: over 26,000 pounds, inclusive • The General Knowledge of a towed unit(s) with a Gross Test, taken by all applicants. Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), actual gross weight or registered • The Passenger Transport Test, weight of over 10,000 pounds. taken by all bus driver applicants. • Heavy straight vehicle (Class B) with a • The Air Brakes Test, which Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), you must take if your vehicle actual gross weight or registered has air brakes, including air weight of over 26,000 pounds. over hydraulic brakes.
COVER 24 CONTENTS • The Combination Vehicles or labeled cannot be used for the Vehicle Test, which is required if you want Inspection Test. For CDL testing purposes: to drive combination vehicles. • The manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle • The Hazardous Materials Test, Weight Rating determines whether required if you want to transport a vehicle is eligible to be used; hazardous materials as defined in • A Class A tractor from a Class A 49 CFR 383.5. In order to obtain tractor-trailer combination vehicle this endorsement you are also cannot be used for Class B testing. required to pass a Transportation Vehicle inspection Security Administration You will be tested to see if you know (TSA) background check. whether your vehicle is safe to drive. • The Tank Vehicle Test, required if You will be asked to do a inspection you want to haul any liquid or gaseous of your vehicle and explain to the materials in a tank or tanks having an examiner what you would inspect and individual rated capacity of more than why. Section 11 of this manual tells you 119 gallons and an aggregate rated what to inspect and how to inspect it. capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that Basic vehicle control is either permanently or temporarily You will be tested on your skill to control attached to the vehicle or chassis. the vehicle. You will be asked to move • The Doubles/Triples Test, your vehicle forward, backward and required if you want to pull turn it within a defined area. These double or triple trailers. areas may be marked with traffic lanes, • The School Bus Test, required cones, barriers or something similar. The if you want to drive a school bus. examiner will tell you how each control 1.1.2 Skills tests test is to be done. Section 12 of this After you have passed the required manual explains more about this test. knowledge test(s), you must have your On-road test Commercial Learner Permit for 14 days You will be tested on your skill to safely before you are allowed to take a skills drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic test. There are three types of general situations. The situations may include skills that will be tested. They must left and right turns, intersections, be taken in the following order: railroad crossings, curves, up and down • Vehicle inspection. grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets • Basic vehicle control. or highways. The examiner will tell • On-road driving. you where to drive. Section 13 of this manual explains more about this test. You must take these tests in a representative vehicle for the CDL you wish to obtain. Any vehicle that has components marked
COVER 25 CONTENTS 1.2 Medical documentation • From one State to another requirements State or a foreign country; When you apply for a CDL or Commercial • Between two places within a Learner Permit (CLP); or renew, upgrade, State, but during part of the trip, add endorsements to or transfer a CDL the CMV crosses into another from another state, you are required to State or foreign country; or provide information to your State Driver • Between two places within a State, License Agency (SDLA) regarding the type but the cargo or passengers are part of commercial motor vehicle operation you of a trip that began or will end in drive in or expect to drive in with your another State or foreign country. CDL. Drivers operating in certain types Intrastate commerce is when you of commerce will be required to submit a drive a CMV within a state and you current medical examiner’s certificate and/ do not meet any of the descriptions or any medical variance documents that above for interstate commerce. you have been issued (i.e. Vision, Skills Performance or Diabetic waivers, or other • If you operate in both intrastate exemptions) to your SDLA to obtain a commerce and interstate commerce, “certified” medical status as part of your you must choose interstate commerce. driving record. You must contact your State 1.2.2 Inter/intrastate Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) to obtain commerce: Status non- information regarding the requirement excepted or excepted? for submitting these documents. Once you decide whether you will operate If you are required to have a “certified” in interstate commerce or intrastate medical status and fail to provide commerce, you must decide whether you and keep up-to-date your medical will operate (or expect to operate) in a examiner’s certificate you become “not- non-excepted or excepted status. This certified” and may lose your CDL. decision will tell you to which of the four types of commerce you must self-certify. For the purpose of complying with the requirements for medical certification, Interstate commerce it is important to know how you will use You operate in excepted interstate the CMV. The following information will commerce when you drive a CMV help you decide how to self-certify: in interstate commerce only for the following excepted activities: 1.2.1 Interstate or • To transport school children and/or intrastate commerce school staff between home and school; Do you, or will you, use a CDL to operate a CMV in interstate or intrastate commerce? • As Federal, State or local government employees; Interstate commerce is when you drive a CMV: • To transport human corpses or sick or injured persons;
COVER 26 CONTENTS • Fire truck or rescue vehicle If you answered no to all of the above drivers during emergencies activities, you operate in non-excepted and other related activities; interstate commerce and are required • Primarily in the transportation of to provide a current medical examiner’s propane winter heating fuel when certificate (49 CFR 391.45),commonly responding to an emergency condition referred to as a medical certificate or requiring immediate response DOT card, to your State Driver Licensing such as damage to a propane gas Agency (SDLA). Most CDL holders who system after a storm or flooding; drive CMVs in interstate commerce are • In response to a pipeline non-excepted interstate commerce drivers. emergency condition requiring If you operate in both excepted immediate response such as interstate commerce and non-excepted a pipeline leak or rupture; interstate commerce, you must choose • In custom harvesting on a farm non-excepted interstate commerce or to transport farm machinery to be qualified to operate in both and supplies used in the custom types of interstate commerce. harvesting operation to and from Intrastate commerce a farm or to transport custom You operate in excepted Intrastate harvested crops to storage or market; commerce when you drive a CMV • Beekeeper in the seasonal only in intrastate commerce only for transportation of bees; the following excepted activities: • Controlled and operated by a farmer, • To transport school children and/or but is not a combination vehicle school staff between home and school; (power unit and towed unit), and • As Federal, State or local is used to transport agricultural government employees; products, farm machinery or farm • To transport human corpses supplies (no placardable hazardous or sick or injured persons; materials) to and from a farm and • Fire truck or rescue vehicle within 150 air-miles of the farm; drivers during emergencies • As a private motor carrier and other related activities; of passengers for non- • Primarily in the transportation of business purposes ; or propane winter heating fuel when • To transport migrant workers. responding to an emergency condition If you answered yes to one or more of the requiring immediate response above activities as the only operation in such as damage to a propane gas which you drive, you operate in excepted system after a storm or flooding; interstate commerce and do not need a Federal medical examiner’s certificate.
COVER 27 CONTENTS • In response to a pipeline If you operate in both excepted intrastate emergency condition requiring commerce and non-excepted intrastate immediate response such as commerce, you must choose non- a pipeline leak or rupture; excepted intrastate commerce. • In custom harvesting on a farm 1.2.3 Self-certification or to transport farm machinery statements and supplies used in the custom When completing an application for harvesting operation to and from your CDL, you will need to select a tier a farm or to transport custom of operation. Please see Commercial harvested crops to storage or market; Driver Certification: Tier of Operation • Beekeeper in the seasonal MV3230 for detailed information and transportation of bees; how to determine your commercial • Controlled and operated by a farmer, motor vehicle tier of operation. but is not a combination vehicle (power unit and towed unit), and 1.3 CDL disqualifications is used to transport agricultural See list of CDL disqualifications online. products, farm machinery or farm In addition to following the link above, you supplies (no placardable hazardous can find the list of CDL disqualification materials) to and from a farm and at wisconsindmv.gov and searching "CDL within 150 air-miles of the farm; disqualifications" using the search bar. • As a private motor carrier of passengers for non-business purposes 1.4 Other CDL rules • To transport migrant workers. There are other federal and state rules • Tow Trucks (if requested by Federal, that affect drivers operating CMVs State, or local officer to move in all States. Among them are: wrecked or disabled vehicle) • You cannot have more than one • Grandfathered (held valid WI license. If you break this rule, a CDL since July 29, 1996 that court may fine you up to $5,000 or has not been revoked) put you in jail, keep your home state • Wisconsin diabetes exemption license and return any others. to Fed Med card • You must notify your employer • Wisconsin vision exemption within 30 days of a conviction to the Fed Med card for any traffic violations (except parking). This is true no matter what You operate in non-excepted intrastate type of vehicle you were driving. commerce when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce and are required • You must notify your motor to meet your State of licensure’s medical vehicle licensing agency within certification requirements (contact your thirty days if you are convicted SDLA about their requirements). in any other jurisdiction of any traffic violation (except parking).
COVER 28 CONTENTS This is true no matter what type • All states are connected to one of vehicle you were driving. computerized system to share • You must notify your employer information about CDL drivers. within 2 business days if your The states will check the system driving privilege is suspended, to be sure that drivers do not revoked or canceled, or if you have more than one CDL. are disqualified from driving. • You are not allowed to hold a • You must give your employer mobile telephone to conduct a voice information on all driving jobs communication or dial a mobile you have held for the past 10 years. telephone by pressing more than You must do this when you apply a single button when driving. for a commercial driving job. • You are not allowed to send or read • No one can drive a commercial text messages while driving. motor vehicle without a CDL. A court • You must be properly restrained by a may fine you up to $5,000 or put safety belt at all times while operating you in jail for breaking this rule. a commercial motor vehicle. The • If you have a hazardous materials safety belt design holds the driver endorsement, you must notify and securely behind the wheel during a surrender your hazardous materials crash, helping the driver to control endorsement to the state that issued the vehicle and reduces the chance your CDL within 24 hours of any of serious injury or death. If you do conviction or indictment in any not wear a safety belt, you are 4 times jurisdiction, civilian or military, for or more likely to be fatally injured if found not guilty by reason of insanity, you are thrown from the vehicle. of a disqualifying crime listed in 49 1.5 International Registration CFR 1572.103; who is adjudicated Plan (IRP) and International as lacking mental capacity or has Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) been involuntarily committed to a If you operate a CMV in interstate mental health facility as specified in commerce, the vehicle, with few 49 CFR 1572.109; or who renounces exceptions, is required to be registered his or her U.S. citizenship. under the International Registration • Your employer may not let you drive a Plan (IRP) and the International commercial motor vehicle if you have Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). more than one license or if your CDL is suspended or revoked. A court may In addition to following the two links above, fine the employer up to $5,000 or put you can find the IRP and IFTA information him/her in jail for breaking this rule. at wisconsindmv.gov and searching “IRP” and “IFTA” using the search bar.
COVER 29 CONTENTS SECTION 2: DRIVING When preparing for the Vehicle SAFELY Inspection Test, you must review the This section covers: material in Section 11 in addition to • Vehicle Inspection the information in this section. • Basic Control of Your Vehicle This section does have basic information on hazardous materials (HazMat) that all • Shifting Gears drivers should know. If you need a HazMat • Seeing endorsement, you should study Section 9. • Communicating • Space Management 2.1 Vehicle inspection • Controlling Your Speed 2.1.1 Why inspect? • Seeing Hazards Safety for yourself and for other • Distracted Driving road users is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle. • Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage A vehicle defect found during an inspection • Night Driving and Driver Fatigue could save you problems later. You • Driving in Fog could have a breakdown on the road • Winter Driving that will cost time and money or, even • Hot Weather Driving worse, a crash caused by the defect. • Railroad-Highway Crossings Federal and state laws require that drivers • Mountain Driving inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. • Driving Emergencies If they judge the vehicle to be unsafe, they • Antilock Braking Systems will put it “out of service” until it is fixed. • Skid Control and Recovery 2.1.2 Types of vehicle inspection • Accident Procedures Vehicle inspection • Fires A vehicle inspection will help • Alcohol, Other Drugs and Driving you find problems that could • Hazardous Materials Rules cause a crash or breakdown. During a trip This section contains knowledge and safe For safety you should: driving information that all commercial • Watch gauges for signs of trouble. drivers should know. You must pass a test on this information to get a CDL. • Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel). This section does not have specific information on air brakes, combination • Check critical items when you stop: vehicles, doubles or passenger vehicles. ◊ Tires, wheels and rims. ◊ Brakes. ◊ Lights and reflectors.
COVER 30 CONTENTS ◊ Brake and electrical changed, stop a short while later connections to trailer. and re-check tightness of nuts. ◊ Trailer coupling devices. • Missing clamps, spacers, studs ◊ Cargo securement devices. or lugs means danger. • Mismatched, bent or cracked After-trip inspection and report lock rings are dangerous. You should do an after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day or tour of duty • Wheels or rims that have had on each vehicle you operated. It may welding repairs are not safe. include filling out a vehicle condition Bad brake drums or shoes report listing any problems you find. The • Cracked drums. inspection report helps the motor carrier • Shoes or pads with oil, grease know when the vehicle needs repairs. or brake fluid on them. 2.1.3 What to look for • Shoes or pads worn dangerously Tire problems thin, missing or broken. • Too much or too little air pressure. Steering system defects • Bad wear. You need at least 4/32-inch • Missing nuts, bolts, cotter tread depth in every major groove keys or other parts. on front tires. You need 2/32-inch • Bent, loose or broken parts, on other tires. No fabric should show such as steering column, through the tread or sidewall. steering gear box or tie rods. • Cuts or other damage. • If power steering equipped, • Tread separation. check hoses, pumps and fluid • Dual tires that come in contact with level; check for leaks. each other or parts of the vehicle. • Steering wheel play of more • Mismatched sizes. than 10 degrees (approximately • Radial and bias-ply tires 2 inches movement at the rim used together. of a 20-inch steering wheel) • Cut or cracked valve stems. can make it hard to steer. • Regrooved, recapped or retreaded tires on the front wheels of a bus. These are prohibited. Wheel and rim problems • Damaged rims. • Rust around lug nuts may mean the nuts are loose—check tightness. After a tire has been
COVER 31 CONTENTS Figure 2-1: Steering System • Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or Steering Wheel leaking. See Figure 2-4. Tie Rod Steering Shaft • Any loose, cracked, broken or missing frame members.
Figure 2-2: Key Suspension Parts Steering Arms Hydraulic Shock Abosorber
Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir
Drag Link Steering Gear Box Pitman Arm Spindle Leaf Spring Steering Knuckle Vehicle Frame Front Axle Bearings Plate Frame Hanger Suspension system defects Auxiliary Spring The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load. It keeps the axles in place. Therefore, broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous. Look for: Spring Shackle Torque Rod Main Spring • Spring hangers that allow Axle movement of the axle from the proper position. See Figure 2-2. Figure 2-3: Safety Defect: • Cracked or broken spring hangers. Broken Leaf in Leaf Spring • Missing or broken leaves in any leaf Broken Leaf spring. If one-fourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle “out of service,” but any defect could be dangerous. See Figure 2-3. • Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part. • Leaking shock absorbers. Main Spring • Torque rod or arm, U-bolts, spring hangers or other axle Axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged or missing.
COVER 32 CONTENTS Figure 2-4: Air Suspension Parts Test your knowledge 1. What is the most important reason Height Control Valve Shock Absorber for doing a vehicle inspection? Frame Reinforcement Upper Bellows Support Spacer 2. What things should you check during a trip? U Bolt Bracket Clamp Bellows Bolt 3. Name some key steering system parts. Eye Bolt Control Axel Arm Lower Bellows 4. Name some suspension system defects. Anchor Plate Axel Seat Support 5. What three kinds of emergency FRONT equipment must you have? 6. What is the minimum tread Exhaust system defects depth for front tires? A broken exhaust system can 7. What is the minimum tread let poison fumes into the cab or depth for other tires? sleeper berth. Look for: • Loose, broken or missing These questions may be on your test. exhaust pipes, mufflers, If you are unable to answer them all, tailpipes or vertical stacks. re-read subsections 2.1.1 to 2.1.3. • Loose, broken or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts or nuts. 2.1.4 CDL vehicle inspection test • Exhaust system parts rubbing In order to obtain a CDL you will be against fuel system parts, tires or required to pass a vehicle inspection other moving parts of the vehicle. test. You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You • Exhaust system parts that are leaking. will be asked to do a vehicle inspection Emergency equipment of your vehicle. You must point to, touch Vehicles must be equipped with and name the item you are inspecting emergency equipment. Look for: and explain to the examiner what you • Fire extinguisher(s). would inspect and why. Section 11 of this • Spare electrical fuses (unless manual tells you what to inspect and how equipped with circuit breakers). to inspect it. The guides shown in Section • Warning devices for parked 11 may be used as a memory aid when vehicles: three reflective warning taking your test. The following seven-step triangles or at least six fusees or inspection method should be useful. three liquid burning flares. 2.1.5 Seven-step Cargo (trucks) inspection method You must make sure the truck is not Method of inspection overloaded and the cargo is balanced You should do a vehicle inspection the same and secured before each trip. If the cargo way each time so you will learn all the steps contains hazardous materials, you must and be less likely to forget something. inspect for proper papers and placarding.
COVER 33 CONTENTS Please refer to section 11 of this manual • Automatic transmission for additional guidance regarding fluid level (may require the the methods of vehicle inspection engine to be running). during the CDL skills exam. • Check belts for tightness and excessive wear (alternator, water pump, air Step 1: Vehicle overview compressor). Learn how much “give” Approaching the Vehicle. Notice general the belts should have when adjusted condition. Look for damage or vehicle correctly and check each one. leaning to one side. Look under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease or • Leaks in the engine compartment fuel leaks. Check the area around the (fuel, coolant, oil, power steering vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement fluid, hydraulic fluid, battery fluid). (people, other vehicles, objects, low • Cracked, worn electrical hanging wires, tree limbs, etc.). wiring insulation. Review Last Vehicle Inspection Report. Lower and secure the hood, cab Drivers may have to make a vehicle or engine compartment door. inspection report in writing each day. The Step 3: Start engine and motor carrier must repair any items in inspect inside the cab the report that affect safety and certify on Get In and Start Engine the report that repairs were made or were • Make sure the parking brake is on. unnecessary. You must sign the report only • Put the gearshift in neutral if defects were noted and certified to be (or “park” if automatic). repaired or not needed to be repaired. • Start engine; listen for unusual noises. Step 2: Check engine compartment • If equipped, check the Anti-lock Make sure the parking brakes are on Braking System (ABS) indicator and/or the wheels are chocked. You lights. Light on dash should come may have to raise the hood, tilt the cab on and then turn off. If it stays on, (secure loose things so they don’t fall and the ABS is not working properly. For break something) or open the engine trailers only, if the yellow light on compartment door. Check the following: the left rear of the trailer stays on, • Engine oil level. Coolant level in the ABS is not working properly. radiator; condition of hoses. • Power steering fluid level; hose Look at the Gauges condition (if so equipped). • Oil pressure. Should come up to normal within seconds • Windshield washer fluid level. after the engine is started. • Battery fluid level, connections • Air pressure. Pressure should build and tie downs (battery may from 50 to 90 psi within 3 minutes. be located elsewhere). Build air pressure to governor cut-
COVER 34 CONTENTS out (usually around 120–140 psi). • Brake controls. Know your vehicle’s requirements. ◊ Service (Foot) brake. • Ammeter and/or voltmeter. ◊ Trailer brake (if the Should be in normal range(s). vehicle has one). • Coolant temperature. Should ◊ Parking brake. begin a gradual rise to ◊ Retarder controls (if the normal operating range. vehicle has them). • Engine oil temperature. • Transmission controls. Should begin a gradual rise to • Interaxle differential lock normal operating range. (if the vehicle has one). • Warning lights and buzzers. Oil, • Horn(s). coolant, charging circuit warning • Windshield wipers/washers. and antilock brake system lights • Lights. should go out right away. ◊ Headlights. Figure 2-5 ◊ Dimmer switch. ◊ Turn signal. ◊ Four-way flashers. ◊ Parking, clearance, identification, marker switch(es).
Check Mirrors and Windshield Inspect the mirrors and windshield for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers or other vision obstructions. Clean and adjust as necessary. Check Emergency Equipment OIL PRESSURE • Check for safety equipment: Idling: 5–20 PSI ◊ Spare electrical fuses (unless the Operating: 35–75 PSI vehicle has circuit breakers). O RO N CT T N STOP IMMEDIATELY! ◊ Three red reflective triangles, 6 Without oil the engine fusees or 3 liquid burning flares. can be destroyed rapidly ◊ Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher(s). Check Condition of Controls • Check for optional items such as: Check all of the following for looseness, ◊ Tire chains (where winter sticking, damage or improper setting: conditions require them). • Steering wheel. ◊ Tire changing equipment. • Clutch. ◊ List of emergency phone numbers. • Accelerator (“gas pedal”). ◊ Accident reporting kit (packet).
COVER 35 CONTENTS Check Safety Belt ◊ Condition of tires: properly Check that the safety belt is securely inflated, proper tread depth, mounted, adjusts, latches properly valve stem and cap OK, no serious and is not ripped or frayed. cuts, bulges or tread wear. Step 4: Turn off engine ◊ Use a wrench to test rust-streaked and check lights lug nuts, indicating looseness. Make sure the parking brake is set, ◊ Hub oil level OK, no leaks. turn off the engine and take the key • Left front suspension. with you. Turn on the headlights ◊ Condition of the springs, spring (low beams) and four-way emergency hangers, shackles, U-bolts. flashers and get out of the vehicle. ◊ Shock absorber condition. Step 5: Do walk-around inspection • Left front brake. • Go to the front of the vehicle and ◊ Condition of the brake check that low beams are on and both drum or disc. of the four-way flashers are working. ◊ Condition of the hoses. • Push the dimmer switch and Front check that high beams work. • Condition of the front axle. • Turn off the headlights and four- • Condition of the steering system. way emergency flashers. ◊ No loose, worn, bent, • Turn on the parking, clearance, side- damaged or missing parts. marker and identification lights. ◊ Must grab the steering mechanism • Turn on the right turn signal and to test for looseness. start the walk-around inspection. • Condition of the windshield. General ◊ Check for damage and • Walk around and inspect. clean if dirty. • Clean all lights, reflectors ◊ Check the windshield wiper and glass as you go along. arms for proper spring tension. Left Front Side ◊ Check the wiper blades for damage, • Driver’s door glass should be clean. “stiff” rubber and securement. • Door latches or locks • Lights and reflectors. should work properly. ◊ Parking, clearance and • Left front wheel. identification lights are clean, operating and the proper ◊ Condition of wheel and color (amber at front). rim—missing, bent, broken studs, clamps, lugs or any ◊ Reflectors are clean and the signs of misalignment. proper color (amber at front). ◊ Right front turn signal light is clean, operating and is the
COVER 36 CONTENTS proper color (amber or white ◊ Side boards, stakes are strong on signals facing forward). enough, free of damage, properly set in place (if so equipped). Right Side ◊ Canvas or tarp (if required) • Right front: check all items is properly secured to as done on left front. prevent tearing, billowing • Primary and secondary safety or blocking of mirrors. cab locks engaged (if cab- ◊ If oversize, all required signs over-engine design). (flags, lamps and reflectors) • Right fuel tank(s). must be safely and properly ◊ Securely mounted, not mounted and all required permits damaged or leaking. are in driver’s possession. ◊ Fuel crossover line is secure. ◊ Curbside cargo compartment ◊ Tank(s) contain enough fuel. doors are in good condition, ◊ Cap(s) are on and secure. securely closed, latched/locked and • Condition of visible parts. required security seals are in place. ◊ Rear of engine—not leaking. Right Rear ◊ Transmission—not leaking. • Condition of wheels and rims— ◊ Exhaust system—secure, no missing, bent or broken not leaking, not touching spacers, studs, clamps or lugs. wires, fuel or air lines. • Condition of tires—properly ◊ Frame and cross members— inflated, proper tread depth, no bends or cracks. valve stems and caps are okay, no ◊ Air lines and electrical wiring— serious cuts, bulges, tread wear, secured against snagging, tires not rubbing each other and rubbing or wearing. nothing is stuck between them. ◊ Spare tire carrier or rack is not • Tires are of the same type, e.g., damaged (if so equipped). not mixed radial and bias types. ◊ Spare tire and/or wheel is • Tires evenly matched (same sizes). securely mounted in rack. • Wheel bearing/seals are not leaking. ◊ Spare tire and wheel is adequate (proper size, properly inflated). • Suspension. • Cargo securement (trucks). ◊ Condition of spring(s), spring ◊ Cargo is properly blocked, hangers, shackles and U-bolts. braced, tied, chained, etc. ◊ Axle is secure. ◊ Header board is adequate ◊ Powered axle(s) is not and secure (if required). leaking lube (gear oil). ◊ Condition of the torque rod arms, bushings.
COVER 37 CONTENTS ◊ Condition of the shock absorber(s). dragging on the ground or rubbing ◊ If retractable axle equipped, tires. Cargo secure (trucks). check the condition of ◊ Cargo is properly blocked, the lift mechanism. If air braced, tied, chained, etc. powered, check for leaks. ◊ Tailboards are up and ◊ Condition of air suspension properly secured. components (if equipped). ◊ End gates are free of • Brakes. damage and are properly ◊ Brake adjustment. secured in stake sockets. ◊ Condition of the brake ◊ Canvas or tarp (if required) drum(s) or discs. is properly secured to prevent ◊ Condition of the hoses—look tearing or billowing that may for any wear due to rubbing. block your view in mirrors • Lights and reflectors. or cover the rear lights. ◊ Side-marker lights are clean, ◊ If over-length or over-width, make operating and are the proper sure all signs and/or additional color (red at rear, others amber). lights/flags are safely and properly ◊ Side-marker reflectors are mounted and all required permits clean and are the proper color are in the driver’s possession. (red at rear, others amber). ◊ Rear doors are securely closed, latched/locked. Rear • Lights and reflectors. Left Side • Check all items same as ◊ Rear clearance and identification right side, plus: lights are clean, operating and are the proper color (red at rear). ◊ Battery(ies) (if not mounted ◊ Reflectors are clean and are in engine compartment). the proper color (red at rear). ◊ Battery box(es) securely ◊ Taillights are clean, operating and mounted to vehicle. are the proper color (red at rear). ◊ Box has secure cover. ◊ Right rear turn signal is operating ◊ Battery(ies) secured and is the proper color (red, against movement. yellow or amber at rear). ◊ Battery(ies) not broken or leaking. • License plate(s) are present, ◊ Fluid in battery(ies) is at clean and secured. the proper level (except maintenance-free type). • Splash guards are present, not damaged, properly fastened, not
COVER 38 CONTENTS ◊ Cell caps are present and are five seconds. The pedal should not move. securely tightened (except If it does, there may be a leak or other maintenance-free type). problem. Get it fixed before driving. ◊ Vents in cell caps are free If the vehicle has air brakes, do of foreign material (except the checks described in Section 5 maintenance-free type). and Section 6 of this manual.
Step 6: Check signal lights Test Parking Brake(s) Get In and Turn Off Lights • Fasten safety belt • Turn off all lights. • Set parking brake (power unit only). • Turn on the stop lights (apply • Release trailer parking trailer hand brake or have a brake (if applicable). helper put on the brake pedal). • Place vehicle into a low gear. • Turn on the left turn signal lights. • Gently pull forward against Get Out and Check Lights parking brake to make sure • Left front turn signal light is the parking brake holds. clean, operating and is the • Repeat the same steps for the proper color (amber or white trailer with trailer parking brake on signals facing the front). set and power unit parking • Left rear turn signal light and brakes released (if applicable). both stop lights are clean, • If it doesn’t hold vehicle, it operating and are the proper is faulty; get it fixed. color (red, yellow or amber). Test Service (Foot) Brake Stopping Action Get In Vehicle • Go about five miles per hour. • Turn off any lights not needed for driving. • Push the brake pedal firmly. • Check for all required papers, • “Pulling” to one side or the other trip manifests, permits, etc. can mean brake trouble. • Secure all loose articles in the cab • Any unusual brake pedal (they may interfere with operation of “feel” or delayed stopping the controls or hit you in a crash). action can mean trouble. • Start the engine. This completes the vehicle inspection.
Step 7: Start the engine and If you find anything unsafe during the check brake system vehicle inspection, get it fixed. Federal and Test For Hydraulic Leaks state laws forbid operating an unsafe vehicle. If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for
COVER 39 CONTENTS 2.1.6 Inspection during a trip Test your knowledge Check vehicle operation regularly 1. Name some things you should check You should check: on the front of your vehicle during • Instruments. the walk-around inspection. • Air pressure gauge (if you 2. What should wheel bearing have air brakes). seals be checked for? • Temperature gauges. 3. How many red reflective • Pressure gauges. triangles should you carry? • Ammeter / Voltmeter. 4. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks? • Mirrors. 5. Can you bring the “vehicle inspection • Tires. memory aide” with you to the test? • Cargo, cargo covers. 6. Why put the starter switch key in your • Lights. pocket during the vehicle inspection? • Any other item required for safe These questions may be on your operation of your vehicle. test. If you are unable to answer If you see, hear, smell or feel anything them all, re-read subsection 2.1. that might mean trouble, check it out. Safety inspection Drivers of trucks and truck tractors when 2.2 Basic control of your vehicle transporting cargo must inspect the securement of the cargo within the first 50 To drive a vehicle safely, you must be miles of a trip and every 150 miles or every able to control its speed and direction. 3 hours (whichever comes first) after. Safe operation of a commercial vehicle requires skill in: 2.1.7 After-trip inspection • Accelerating. and report • Steering. You may have to make a written report each day on the condition of the vehicle(s) you • Stopping. drove. Report anything affecting safety or • Backing safely. possibly leading to a mechanical breakdown. Fasten your seat belt when on the The vehicle inspection report tells the motor road. Apply the parking brake carrier about problems that may need fixing. when you leave your vehicle. Keep a copy of your report in the vehicle 2.2.1 Accelerating for one day. That way, the next driver can Don’t roll back when you start. You may learn about any problems you have found. hit someone behind you. If you have a manual transmission vehicle, partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake. Put on the parking brake
COVER 40 CONTENTS whenever necessary to keep from rolling you leave. When you have to back, back. Release the parking brake only here are a few simple safety rules: when you have applied enough engine • Start in the proper position. power to keep from rolling back. On a • Look at your path. tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer • Use mirrors on both sides. brake hand valve, the hand valve can • Back slowly using the be applied to keep from rolling back. 4-way hazard lights. Speed up smoothly and gradually • Back and turn toward the driver’s so the vehicle does not jerk. Rough side whenever possible. acceleration can cause mechanical damage. When pulling a trailer, rough • Use a helper whenever possible. acceleration can damage the coupling. • Get out and look. Speed up very gradually when traction is These rules are discussed poor, as in rain or snow. If you use too much in more detail below. power, the drive wheels may spin. You could Start in the Proper Position. Put the lose control. If the drive wheels begin to vehicle in the best position to allow you spin, take your foot off the accelerator. to back safely. This position will depend 2.2.2 Steering on the type of backing to be done. Hold the steering wheel firmly with Look at Your Path. Look at your line both hands. Your hands should be of travel before you begin. Get out and on opposite sides of the wheel. If you walk around the vehicle. Check your hit a curb or a pothole (chuckhole), clearance to the sides and overhead, in the wheel could pull away from your and near the path your vehicle will take. hands unless you have a firm hold. Use Mirrors on Both Sides. Check 2.2.3 Stopping the outside mirrors on both sides Push the brake pedal down gradually. frequently. Get out of the vehicle and The amount of brake pressure you need check your path if you are unsure. to stop the vehicle will depend on the Back Slowly. Activate four-way hazard speed of the vehicle and how quickly you lights before backing. Always back need to stop. Control the pressure so the as slowly as possible. Use the lowest vehicle comes to a smooth, safe stop. If reverse gear. That way you can more you have a manual transmission, push the easily correct any steering errors. You clutch in when the engine is close to idle. can also stop quickly if necessary. 2.2.4 Backing safely Back And Turn Toward The Driver’s Side Because you cannot see everything So You Can See Better. Backing toward behind your vehicle, backing is always the right side is very dangerous because dangerous. Avoid backing whenever you can’t see as well. If you back and you can. When you park, try to park so turn toward the driver’s side, you can you will be able to pull forward when
COVER 41 CONTENTS watch the rear of your vehicle by looking G.O.A.L. Get out and look if you out the side window. Use driver-side are unsure what is behind you. backing even if it means going around the block to put your vehicle in this Test your knowledge position. The added safety is worth it. 1. Why should you back toward the driver’s side? Use a Helper When You Can. There are blind spots you can’t see. That’s 2. What is a pull-up? why a helper is important. 3. If stopped on a hill, how can you The helper should stand near the back start moving without rolling back? of your vehicle where you can see the 4. When backing, why is it helper. Before you begin backing, work important to use a helper? out a set of hand signals that you both 5. What is the most important hand signal understand. Agree on a signal for “stop.” that you and the helper should agree on? Backing with a trailer These questions may be on your When backing a car, straight truck or bus, test. If you are unable to answer you turn the top of the steering wheel them all, re-read subsection 2.2. toward the direction you want to go. When backing a trailer, you turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction. Once the 2.3 Shifting gears trailer starts to turn, you must turn the Correct shifting of gears is important. If wheel the other way to follow the trailer. you can’t get your vehicle into the right gear while driving, you will have less control. Whenever you back with a trailer, try to position your vehicle so you can back in a 2.3.1 Manual transmissions straight line. If you must back on a curved basic method for shifting up path, back to the driver’s side so you can see. Most heavy vehicles with unsynchronized manual transmissions require Back Slowly. This will let you make double clutching to change gears. If corrections before you get too far off course. equipped with a synchronized manual Use the Mirrors. The mirrors will transmission, double clutching is NOT help you see whether the trailer is required. This is the basic method: drifting to one side or the other. 1. Release the accelerator, push in the clutch Correct Drift Immediately. As soon as and shift to neutral at the same time. you see the trailer getting off the proper 2. Release the clutch. path, correct it by turning the top of the 3. Let the engine and gears slow steering wheel in the direction of the drift. down to the RPM required for the next gear (this takes practice). Pull Forward (pull up). When backing a trailer, straighten and reposition your 4. Push in the clutch and shift to the vehicle by pulling forward as needed. higher gear at the same time. This action is called a pull-up.
COVER 42 CONTENTS 5. Release the clutch and press the Downshifting, like upshifting, requires accelerator at the same time. knowing when to shift. Use either the Shifting gears using double clutching tachometer or the speedometer and requires practice. If you remain too long downshift at the right RPM or road speed. in neutral, you may have difficulty putting Special conditions where you the vehicle into the next gear. If so, don’t should downshift are: try to force it. Return to neutral, release Before Starting Down a Hill. Slow the clutch, increase the engine speed to down and shift down to a speed that match the road speed and try again. you can control without using the Knowing when to shift up brakes hard. Otherwise the brakes can There are two ways of overheat and lose their braking power. knowing when to shift: Downshift before starting down the hill. • Use Engine Speed (RPM). Study Make sure you are in a low enough gear, the owner’s manual for your vehicle usually lower than the gear required to and learn the operating RPM range. climb the same hill. Gear selection should Watch your tachometer and shift up be based on the steepness of the grade, when your engine reaches the top of weather, road conditions and your load. the range. (Some newer vehicles use Before Entering a Curve. Slow down to a “progressive” shifting: the RPM at safe speed and downshift to the correct which you shift becomes higher as you gear before entering the curve. This move up in the gears. Find out what’s lets you use some power through the right for the vehicle you will operate.). curve to help the vehicle be more stable • Use Road Speed (MPH). Learn while turning. It also lets you speed up what speeds each gear is good for. as soon as you are out of the curve. Then, by using the speedometer, 2.3.2 Multi-speed rear axles you’ll know when to shift up. and auxiliary transmissions With either method, you may learn to use Multi-speed rear axles and auxiliary engine sounds to know when to shift. transmissions are used on many vehicles Basic procedures for shifting down to provide extra gears. You usually 1. Release the accelerator, push in the clutch control them by a selector knob or and shift to neutral at the same time. switch on the gearshift lever of the main 2. Release the clutch. transmission. There are many different 3. Press the accelerator, increase shift patterns. Learn the right way to the engine and gear speed to the shift gears in the vehicle you will drive. RPM required in the lower gear. 2.3.3 Automatic transmissions 4. Push in the clutch and shift to a Some vehicles have automatic lower gear at the same time. transmissions. You can select a low range 5. Release the clutch and press the to get greater engine braking when going accelerator at the same time. down grades. The lower ranges prevent the
COVER 43 CONTENTS transmission from shifting up beyond the 2.4 Seeing selected gear (unless the governor RPM is To be a safe driver you need to know what’s exceeded). It is very important to use this going on all around your vehicle. Not braking effect when going down grades. looking properly is a major cause of crashes. 2.3.4 Retarders 2.4.1 Seeing ahead Some vehicles have retarders which help All drivers look ahead; but many slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using don’t look far enough ahead. your brakes. They reduce brake wear Importance of looking and give you another way to slow down. far enough ahead There are four basic types of retarders Because stopping or changing lanes can take (exhaust, engine, hydraulic, electric). All a lot of distance, knowing what the traffic is retarders can be turned on or off by the doing on all sides of you is very important. driver. On some vehicles, the retarding You need to look well ahead to make sure power can be adjusted. When turned “on,” you have room to make these moves safely. retarders apply their braking power (to the drive wheels only) whenever you let How far ahead to look up on the accelerator pedal all the way. Most good drivers look 12 to 15 seconds Because these devices can be noisy, be sure ahead. That means looking ahead the you know where their use is permitted. distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. At lower speeds, that’s about Caution. When your drive wheels have one block. At highway speeds it’s about poor traction, the retarder can cause a quarter of a mile. If you’re not looking them to skid. Therefore, you should that far ahead, you may have to stop turn the retarder off whenever the too quickly or make quick lane changes. road is wet, icy or snow covered. Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead doesn’t mean not paying attention to things Test your knowledge. that are closer. Good drivers shift their 1. What are the two special conditions attention back and forth, near and far. where you should downshift? 2. When should you downshift Figure 2-6: How Far Ahead to Look. automatic transmissions? 3. True or False? Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery. 4. What are the two ways to know when to shift? These questions may be on your test. If you are unable to answer them all, re-read subsection 2.3.
COVER 44 CONTENTS Look for traffic Check your vehicle Look for vehicles coming onto the highway, Use the mirrors to keep an eye on your into your lane or turning. Watch for tires. It’s one way to spot a tire fire. If brake lights from slowing vehicles. By you’re carrying open cargo, you can seeing these things far enough ahead, use the mirrors to check it. Look for you can change your speed or change loose straps, ropes or chains. Watch lanes, if necessary, to avoid a problem. for a flapping or ballooning tarp. Look ahead to traffic signals and signs. If a Special situations light has been green for a long time, it will Special situations require more than regular probably change before you get there. mirror checks. These are lane changes, Start slowing down and be ready to stop. turns, merges and tight maneuvers. 2.4.2 Seeing to the Lane changes sides and rear You need to check your mirror to make It is important to know what’s going sure no one is alongside you or about on behind and to the sides. Check to pass you. Check your mirrors: your mirrors regularly. Check more • Before you change lanes to make often in special situations. sure there is enough room. Mirror adjustment • After you have signaled to Mirror adjustment should be checked prior make sure no one has moved to the start of any trip and can only be into your blind spot. checked accurately when the trailer(s) are • Right after you start the straight. You should check and adjust each lane change to double-check mirror to show some part of the vehicle. that your path is clear. This will give you a reference point for • After you complete the lane change. judging the position of the other images. Turns Regular checks In turns, check your mirrors to make sure You need to make regular checks of the rear of your vehicle will not hit anything. your mirrors to be aware of traffic and to check your vehicle. Merges When merging, use your mirrors to Traffic make sure the gap in traffic is large Check your mirrors for vehicles on either enough for you to enter safely. side and behind you. In an emergency, you may need to know whether you can make Tight maneuvers a quick lane change. Use your mirrors to Any time you are driving in close spot overtaking vehicles. There are “blind quarters check your mirrors often. Make spots” that your mirrors cannot show you. sure you have enough clearance. Check your mirrors regularly to know How to use mirrors where other vehicles are around you and Use mirrors correctly by checking them to see if they move into your blind spots. quickly and understanding what you see.
COVER 45 CONTENTS • Checking quickly. When you use 2.5 Communicating your mirrors while driving on the Other drivers can’t know what you road, check quickly. Look back are going to do until you tell them. and forth between the mirrors and 2.5.1 Signal your intentions the road ahead. Don’t focus on the Signaling what you intend to do is mirrors for too long. Otherwise, you important for safety. Here are some will travel quite a distance without general rules for signaling. knowing what’s happening ahead. • Understanding what you see. Turns Many large vehicles have curved There are three good rules (convex, “fish eye,” “spot,” “bug eye”) for using turn signals: mirrors that show a wider area than 1. Signal early. Signal well before flat mirrors. This is often helpful. you turn. It is the best way to keep But everything appears smaller others from trying to pass you. in a convex mirror than it would 2. Signal continuously. You need if you were looking at it directly. both hands on the wheel to turn Things also seem farther away than safely. Don’t cancel the signal until they really are. It’s important to you have completed the turn. realize this and to allow for it. 3. Cancel your signal. Don’t forget to turn off your turn signal after you’ve turned Figure 2-7: Field of Vision (if you don’t have self-canceling signals). Using a Convex Mirror Lane changes FIELD OF VISION USING Put your turn signal on before A CONVEX MIRROR changing lanes. Change lanes slowly and smoothly. That way a driver you didn’t see may have a chance to honk Driver his/her horn or avoid your vehicle. Slowing down Warn drivers behind you when you see you’ll need to slow down. A few light taps on the brake pedal—enough to flash the brake lights—should warn following drivers. Use the four-way emergency flashers for times when you are driving very slowly or are stopped. Warn other drivers in any of the following situations: Convex Plane Blind Plane Convex • Trouble Ahead. The size of your Mirror Mirror Spot Mirror Mirror View View Area View View vehicle may make it hard for drivers behind you to see hazards
COVER 46 CONTENTS ahead. If you see a hazard that see you. They could suddenly move in front will require slowing down, of you. Drive carefully enough to avoid a warn the drivers behind you by crash even if they don’t see or hear you. flashing your brake lights. When it’s hard to see • Tight Turns. Most car drivers don’t At dawn or dusk or in rain or snow, you know how slow you have to go to need to make yourself easier to see. If you make a tight turn in a large vehicle. are having trouble seeing other vehicles, Give drivers behind you warning by other drivers will have trouble seeing you. braking early and slowing gradually. Turn on your lights. Use the headlights, not • Stopping on the Road. Truck and bus just the identification or clearance lights. drivers sometimes stop in the road Use the low beams; high beams can bother to unload cargo or passengers or to people in the daytime as well as at night. stop at a railroad crossing. Warn When parked at the side of the road following drivers by flashing your When you pull off the road and stop, brake lights. Don’t stop suddenly. be sure to turn on the four-way • Driving Slowly. Drivers often do not emergency flashers. This is important realize how fast they are catching at night. Don’t trust the taillights to give up to a slow vehicle until they are warning. Drivers have crashed into the very close. If you must drive slowly, rear of a parked vehicle because they alert following drivers by turning thought it was moving normally. on your emergency flashers if it If you must stop on a road or the is legal. (Laws regarding the use shoulder of any road, you must put of flashers differ from one state out your emergency warning devices to another. Check the laws of the within ten minutes. Place your warning states where you will drive.). devices at the following locations: Don’t direct traffic • If you stop on a two-lane road Some drivers try to help out others by carrying traffic in both directions signaling when it is safe to pass. You or on an undivided highway, place should not do this. You could cause a warning devices within 10 feet of crash. You could be blamed and it could the front or rear corners to mark the cost you many thousands of dollars. location of the vehicle and 100 feet behind and ahead of the vehicle, on 2.5.2 Communicating your presence the shoulder or in the lane in which Other drivers may not notice your vehicle you are stopped. See Figure 2-8. even when it’s in plain sight. Let them know • If you stop close to any hill, curve or you’re there to help prevent accidents. other obstruction that prevents other drivers from seeing the vehicle within When passing 500 feet, move the rear-most triangle Whenever you are about to pass a vehicle, to a point back down the road so pedestrian or bicyclist, assume they don’t warning is provided. See Figure 2-9.
COVER 47 CONTENTS • If you must stop on or by a one-
way or divided highway, place 100' to HILL warning devices 10 feet, 100 feet and 500' 200 feet toward the approaching 10' traffic. See Figure 2-10. 100' When putting out the triangles, 100' to 500' hold them between yourself and the CURVE oncoming traffic for your own safety so other drivers can see you. 10' Use your horn when needed Your horn can let others know you’re 100' there. It can help to avoid a crash. Use your horn when needed. However, it can startle others and could be Figure 2-10: Warning Device Placement: dangerous when used unnecessarily. One Way or Divided Highway
Figure 2-8: Warning Device Placement: Two Lane (traffic in both directions) or Undivided Highway
Two Lane or Undivided Highway
10'
100' 100'
100'
2.6 Controlling speed Driving too fast is a major cause of fatal crashes. You must adjust 10' your speed depending on driving 100' conditions. These include traction, curves, visibility, traffic and hills. 2.6.1 Stopping distance There are three things that add Figure 2-9: Warning Device up to total stopping distance: Placement: Obstructed View
COVER 48 CONTENTS Perception Distance The effect of speed on + Reaction Distance stopping distance + Braking Distance The faster you drive, the greater the impact or striking power of your vehicle. When = Total Stopping Distance you double your speed from 20 to 40 mph Perception distance the impact is 4 times greater. The braking The distance your vehicle travels in ideal distance is also 4 times longer. Triple the conditions from the time your eyes see speed from 20 to 60 mph and the impact a hazard until your brain recognizes it. and braking distance is 9 times greater. At Keep in mind certain mental and physical 60 mph, your stopping distance is greater conditions can affect your perception than the length of a football field. Increase distance. It can be affected greatly the speed to 80 mph and the impact and depending on visibility and the hazard braking distance are 16 times greater than itself. The average perception time for at 20 mph. High speeds greatly increase an alert driver is 1¾ seconds. At 55 mph the severity of crashes and stopping this accounts for 142 feet traveled. distances. By slowing down, you can Reaction distance gain a lot in reduced braking distance. The distance traveled from the time The effect of vehicle weight your brain tells your foot to move on stopping distance from the accelerator until your foot is The heavier the vehicle, the more work actually pushing the brake pedal. The the brakes must do to stop it and the more average driver has a reaction time of ¾ heat they absorb. But the brakes, tires, second to 1 second. This accounts for an springs and shock absorbers on heavy additional 61 feet traveled at 55 mph. vehicles are designed to work best when Braking distance the vehicle is fully loaded. Empty trucks The distance it takes to stop in ideal require greater stopping distances, conditions once the brakes are applied. because an empty vehicle has less traction. At 55 mph on dry pavement with good 2.6.2 Matching speed brakes it can take about 216 feet to stop. to the road surface Total stopping distance You can’t steer or brake a vehicle unless The total minimum distance your vehicle you have traction. Traction is friction has traveled, in ideal conditions; with between the tires and the road. There everything considered, including perception are some road conditions that reduce distance, reaction distance and braking traction and call for lower speeds. distance, until you can bring your vehicle Slippery surfaces to a complete stop. At 55 mph, your vehicle It will take longer to stop and it will be will travel a minimum of 419 feet. harder to turn without skidding when the road is slippery. You must drive slower to be able to stop in the same distance as on a dry road. Wet roads can double stopping
COVER 49 CONTENTS distance. Reduce speed by about one • Hydroplaning. In some weather, third (e.g., slow from 55 to about 35 mph) water or slush collects on the road. on a wet road. On packed snow, reduce When this happens, your vehicle can speed by a half or more. If the surface hydroplane. It’s like water skiing; is icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop the tires lose their contact with the driving as soon as you can safely do so. road and have little or no traction. Identifying slippery surfaces You may not be able to steer or brake. Sometimes it is hard to know You can regain control by releasing if the road is slippery. Here are the accelerator and pushing in the some signs of slippery roads: clutch. This will slow your vehicle • Shaded areas. Shady parts of the and let the wheels turn freely. If road will remain icy and slippery the vehicle is hydroplaning, do not long after open areas have melted. use the brakes to slow down. If the drive wheels start to skid, push in • Bridges. When the temperature the clutch to let them turn freely. drops, bridges will freeze before the road will. Be especially careful It does not take a lot of water to cause when the temperature is close hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur at to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. speeds as low as 30 mph if there is a lot of water. Hydroplaning is more likely if tire • Melting ice. Slight melting will pressure is low or the tread is worn. (The make ice wet. Wet ice is much more grooves in a tire carry away the water; if slippery than ice that is not wet. they aren’t deep, they don’t work well.) • Black ice. Black ice is a thin layer that Road surfaces where water can collect can is clear enough that you can see the create conditions that cause a vehicle to road underneath it. It makes the road hydroplane. Watch for clear reflections, look wet. Any time the temperature tire splashes and raindrops on the road. is below freezing and the road These are indications of standing water looks wet, watch out for black ice. often deep enough to cause hydroplaning. • Vehicle icing. An easy way to check for ice is to open the window and 2.6.3 Speed and curves feel the front of the mirror, mirror Drivers must adjust their speed for curves support or antenna. If there’s in the road. If you take a curve too fast, ice on these, the road surface is two things can happen. The tires can probably starting to ice up, too. lose their traction and continue straight ahead, so you skid off the road. Or the tires • Just after rain begins. Right may keep their traction and the vehicle after it starts to rain, the water rolls over. Tests have shown that trucks mixes with oil left on the road by with a high center of gravity can roll over vehicles. This makes the road very at the posted speed limit for a curve. slippery. If the rain continues, it will wash the oil away.
COVER 50 CONTENTS Slow to a safe speed before you enter a 2.6.6 Speed on downgrades curve. Braking in a curve is dangerous Your vehicle’s speed will increase on because it is easier to lock the wheels downgrades because of gravity. Your and cause a skid. Slow down as needed. most important objective is to select and Don’t ever exceed the posted speed maintain a speed that is not too fast for the: limit for the curve. Be in a gear that • Total weight of the vehicle and cargo. will let you accelerate slightly in the • Length of the grade. curve. This will help you keep control. • Steepness of the grade. 2.6.4 Speed and distance ahead • Road conditions. You should always be able to stop within • Weather. the distance you can see ahead. Fog, rain or If a speed limit is posted or there is a other conditions may require that you slow sign indicating “Maximum Safe Speed,” down to be able to stop within the distance never exceed the speed shown. Look you can see. At night, you can’t see as far for and heed warning signs indicating with low beams as you can with high beams. the length and steepness of the grade. When you must use low beams, slow down. You must use the braking effect of the 2.6.5 Speed and traffic flow engine as the principal way of controlling When you’re driving in heavy traffic, the your speed on downgrades. The braking safest speed is the speed of other vehicles. effect of the engine is greatest when Vehicles going the same direction at the it is near the governed RPMs and the same speed are not likely to run into one transmission is in the lower gears. Save another. Drive at the speed of the traffic, if your brakes so you will be able to slow you can, without going at an illegal or unsafe or stop as required by road and traffic speed. Keep a safe following distance. conditions. Shift your transmission to a The main reason drivers exceed speed low gear before starting down the grade limits is to save time. But anyone trying and use the proper braking techniques. to drive faster than the speed of traffic Carefully read Section 2.16: will not be able to save much time. The Mountain Driving on going down risks involved are not worth it. If you go long, steep downgrades safely. faster than the speed of other traffic, you will need to keep passing other vehicles. 2.6.7 Roadway work zones This increases the chance of a crash Speeding traffic is the number one cause and it is more tiring. Fatigue increases of injury and death in roadway work zones. the chance of a crash. Going with the Observe the posted speed limits at all times flow of traffic is safer and easier. when approaching and driving through a work zone. Watch your speedometer, and don’t allow your speed to creep up as you drive through long sections of road construction. Decrease your speed
COVER 51 CONTENTS for adverse weather or road conditions. 2.7.1 Space ahead Decrease your speed even further when Of all the space around your vehicle, it is a worker is close to the roadway. the area ahead of the vehicle—the space you’re driving into—that is most important. Test your knowledge The need for space ahead 1. How far ahead should you look? You need space ahead in case you must 2. What are two main things suddenly stop. According to crash reports, to look for ahead? the vehicle that trucks and buses most 3. What’s your most important way to see often run into is the one in front of them. the sides and rear of your vehicle? The most frequent cause is following 4. What does “communicating” too closely. Remember, if the vehicle mean in safe driving? ahead of you is smaller than yours, it can 5. Where should your reflectors be placed probably stop faster than you can. You may when stopped on a divided highway? crash if you are following too closely. 6. What three things add up to How much space? total stopping distance? How much space should you keep in front 7. If you go twice as fast, will your stopping of you? One good rule says you need at distance increase by two or four times? least one second for each 10 feet of vehicle 8. True or False? Empty trucks length at speeds below 40 mph. At greater have the best braking. speeds, you must add one second for safety. For example, if you are driving a 40-foot 9. What is hydroplaning? vehicle, you should leave 4 seconds between 10. What is “black ice?” you and the vehicle ahead. In a 60-foot These questions may be on your test. rig, you’ll need 6 seconds. Over 40 mph, If you are unable to answer them all, you’d need 5 seconds for a 40-foot vehicle re-read subsections 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6. and 7 seconds for a 60-foot vehicle. To know how much space you have, wait until the vehicle ahead passes a shadow 2.7 Managing space on the road, a pavement marking or To be a safe driver, you need space some other clear landmark. Then count all around your vehicle. When off the seconds like this: “one thousand- things go wrong, space gives you and-one, one thousand-and-two” and time to think and take action. so on, until you reach the same spot. To have space available when something Compare your count with the rule of goes wrong, you need to manage space. one second for every 10 feet of length. While this is true for all drivers, it is If you are driving a 40 foot truck and only very important for large vehicles. They counted up to 2 seconds, you’re too close. take up more space and they require Drop back a little and count again until more space for stopping and turning. you have 4 seconds of following distance
COVER 52 CONTENTS (or 5 seconds, if you’re going over 40 mph). should not pass another slow vehicle unless After a little practice, you will know how you can get around it quickly and safely. far back you should be. Remember to add Dealing with tailgaters safely one second for speeds above 40 mph. Also In a large vehicle, it’s often hard to remember that when the road is slippery, see whether a vehicle is close behind you need much more space to stop. you. You may be tailgated: • When you are traveling slowly. Figure 2-11: Heavy Vehicle Formula Drivers trapped behind slow vehicles often follow closely. HEAVY VEHICLE FORMULA • In bad weather. Many car drivers For timed interval following distance. follow large vehicles closely during • 1 second required for each 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds under 40 MPH. bad weather, especially when it • Above 40 MPH use same formula, then is hard to see the road ahead. add 1 second for the additional speed. If you find yourself being tailgated, here are some things you can do to reduce the chances of a crash: • Avoid quick changes. If you have 40 foot truck = 4 seconds (under 40 MPH) to slow down or turn, signal early and reduce speed gradually. • Increase your following distance. Opening up room in front of you 50 foot truck = 5 seconds will help you avoid having to (under 40 MPH) make sudden speed or direction changes. It also makes it easier for the tailgater to get around you. • Don’t speed up. It’s safer to 60 foot truck = 6 seconds (under 40 MPH) be tailgated at a low speed than a high speed. • Avoid tricks. Don’t turn on your 2.7.2 Space behind taillights or flash your brake lights. You can’t stop others from following Follow the suggestions above. you too closely. But there are things 2.7.3 Space to the sides you can do to make it safer. Commercial vehicles are often wide and take Stay to the right up most of a lane. Safe drivers will manage Heavy vehicles are often tailgated when they what little space they have. You can do this can’t keep up with the speed of traffic. This by keeping your vehicle centered in your often happens when you’re going uphill. If lane and avoiding driving alongside others. a heavy load is slowing you down, stay in the right lane if you can. Going uphill, you
COVER 53 CONTENTS Staying centered in a lane If you doubt you have safe space to pass You need to keep your vehicle centered under an object, go slowly. If you aren’t in the lane to keep safe clearance on sure you can make it, take another route. either side. If your vehicle is wide, Warnings are often posted on low bridges or you have little room to spare. underpasses, but sometimes they are not. Traveling next to others Some roads can cause a vehicle to tilt. There There are two dangers in traveling can be a problem clearing objects along alongside other vehicles: the edge of the road, such as signs, trees or • Another driver may change lanes bridge supports. Where this is a problem, suddenly and turn into you. drive a little closer to the center of the road. • You may be trapped when Before you back into an area, get out and you need to change lanes. look for overhanging objects, such as trees, Find an open spot where you aren’t near branches or electric wires. It’s easy to miss other traffic. When traffic is heavy, it may be seeing them while you are backing. Also hard to find an open spot. If you must travel check for other hazards at the same time. near other vehicles, try to keep as much 2.7.5 Space below space as possible between you and them. Many drivers forget about the space under Also, drop back or pull forward so that their vehicles. That space can be very you are sure the other driver can see you. small when a vehicle is heavily loaded. Strong winds This is often a problem on dirt roads and Strong winds make it difficult to stay in in unpaved yards where the surface can your lane. The problem is usually worse wear away. Don’t take a chance on getting for lighter vehicles. This problem can be hung up. Drainage channels across roads especially bad coming out of tunnels. Don’t can cause the end of some vehicles to drive alongside others if you can avoid it. drag. Cross such depressions carefully. Railroad tracks can also cause problems, 2.7.4 Space overhead particularly when pulling trailers with a Hitting overhead objects is a danger. Make low underneath clearance. Don’t take a sure you always have overhead clearance. chance on getting hung up halfway across. Don’t assume that the heights posted at bridges and overpasses are correct. Re- 2.7.6 Space for turns paving or packed snow may have reduced The space around a truck or bus is the clearances since the heights were posted. important in turns. Because of wide turning and offtracking, large vehicles can hit The weight of a cargo van changes its other vehicles or objects during turns. height. An empty van is higher than a loaded one. If you got under a bridge when Right turns you were loaded, that does not necessarily Here are some rules to help mean you can do it when you are empty. prevent right-turn crashes: • Turn slowly to give yourself and others more time to avoid problems.
COVER 54 CONTENTS • If you are driving a truck or bus Figure 2-13: Incorrect that cannot make the right turn without swinging into another lane, turn wide as you complete the turn, as shown in Figure 2-12. Keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb. This will stop other drivers from passing you on the right. • Don’t turn wide to the left as you start the turn, as shown in Figure 2-13. A following driver may think you are turning left and try to pass you on the right. You may crash into the other Left turns vehicle as you complete your turn. On a left turn, make sure you have reached • If you must cross into the oncoming the center of the intersection before lane to make a turn, watch out for you start the left turn. If you turn too vehicles coming toward you. Give soon, the left side of your vehicle may hit them room to go by or to stop. Don’t another vehicle because of offtracking. back up for them, because you After you have completed your turn, might hit someone behind you. move into the right most traffic lane when traffic is clear. See Figure 2-14. Figure 2-12: Correct If there are two turning lanes, always take the right-hand turn lane, as shown in Figure 2-15. Don’t start in the inside lane because you may have to swing right to make the turn. Drivers on your left can be more readily seen.
COVER 55 CONTENTS Figure 2-14: Turn into the lane closest to • Single-lane entry is the simplest the lane from which you came. Allow for type, consisting of just one lane. offtracking if your vehicle is long. Return • Truck aprons are often part of to right-most traffic lane when safe and single-lane entries to accommodate traffic permits. Don’t return to the right off-tracking of turning trucks or to lane at or near other intersections. allow oversize-overweight vehicles. Generally, there are two types of pavement marking at the approach to a two- lane roundabout. (Figures 2.16 a-f) Large traffic circles or rotaries. Long V eh ic Typically found in the eastern part le s (Trai of the U.S., these larger circles are ler Of f T ra c usually 600 to 800 feet in diameter. k in g ) Typical features: • Signed and marked to require vehicles on the circle to yield to those entering the circle. • Allow speeds of 35–50 mph. • Allow large trucks easier entry and Figure 2-15: If there are two left turn navigation around the circle. lanes, use the right-hand lane. • There may be a large park area in the center with some parking allowed
on the inside edge of the circle. ONLY Since they were originally installed, traffic volume has increased greatly, and large
(Trai ler Of traffic circles have become more of a safety f T ra c k i hazard. Some are being replaced with n g ) other types of intersection control like the smaller, safer, more efficient roundabout. ONLY Small mini traffic circles. These are typically found in residential areas (neighborhoods) of a community. Circular intersections Typical features: Roundabouts. Depending on the number • Rather small raised curb islands, of lanes, roundabouts are designed with 10–50 feet in diameter found in the an average outside diameter of 120′–250′. middle of a 4-legged intersection. Roundabouts are designed to keep speeds • Stop signs usually found low at all times: on entry, when circulating on two or possibly all four around the roundabout and when exiting. legs of the intersection.
COVER 56 CONTENTS • Very unfriendly for large • A large truck is expected trucks to make turns or go to stay in its lane when through the intersection or approaching the roundabout. for full-sized snowplows. • Trucks turning right ◊ Should keep the tractor to the Figure 2-16a: Single white pavement left of the double white lines and marking separating entry lanes. WIS 30 straddle the double white lines and Thompson Drive in Madison. without crossing into the left lane. This allows off-tracking to the right side as the turn is completed. • Trucks turning left ◊ Should keep the tractor to the far left side of the left lane and double white lines. As the tractor moves forward, the trailer will off-track to the right and use the space between the white lines. • A large truck is expected to straddle Moving into the roundabout, the lanes to make a right turn, a the tractor should stay in the left turn or a through movement. left lane while the trailer will • Generally, truckers will protect off-track onto the truck apron. the right side of their vehicle by • Trucks making a through not allowing other autos to drive movement from the right lane on their right (blind) side. ◊ Should keep the tractor to the left side of the double white Figure 2-16b: Occasional entry with double lines at entry. As the truck pulls white lines separating entry lanes. STH forward, drive the tractor to the 35 and Hanley Road near Hudson. far right or outside of the circle. • Trucks making a through movement from the left lane ◊ Should keep the tractor to the left side of the left lane and allow the trailer to off- track into the double white line area at entry. As the truck pulls forward, keep the tractor within the inside lane and allow the trailer to off- track onto the truck apron.
COVER 57 CONTENTS 3 Figure 2-16c: Lane separation, ◊ The semi trailer uses the area single line, left turn between the double white lines for off-tracking at entry; it uses the truck apron for off-tracking while driving through the roundabout.
Figure 2-16e: Lane separation, wide gore, right turn 5
Legend front tractor tires rear trailer tires Legend front tractor tires rear trailer tires
• Semi is traveling from right to left with a single white line between the lanes at entry. ◊ The semi makes a left turn by straddling the lanes or encroaching into the adjacent lane on the right. • Semi is traveling from right to left; double white lines ◊ It does so at the entry and separate the lanes at entry. also while driving through the roundabout, using the truck • Semi is making a right turn by 4 apron for off-tracking. driving to the left side of the double white lines, staying in-lane to swing Figure 2-16d: Lane separation, wide and make the turn without wide gore, left turn running over the outside of the curb. Figure 2-16f: Lane separations, 6 wide gore, through movement.
Legend front tractor tires rear trailer tires
Legend front tractor tires rear trailer tires
• Semi is traveling from right to left with double white lines between the lanes at entry. ◊ The semi makes a left turn by driving the tractor to the far left while staying in-lane.
COVER 58 CONTENTS • Semi is traveling from the right and he begins braking hard. This could toward the left; double white lines mean the driver is uncertain about taking separate the lanes at entry. the off-ramp. He might suddenly return • Semi is making a through movement to the highway. This car is a hazard. If the from the right lane, so it must drive driver of the car cuts in front of you, it is no to the left side of the double white longer just a hazard; it is an emergency. lines at entry, while staying in-lane. Seeing hazards lets you be prepared • As the semi pulls forward, the You will have more time to act if you see driver should drive to the far right— hazards before they become emergencies. In outside of the circle. This will reduce the example above, you might make a lane off-tracking into the left lane. change or slow down to prevent a crash if • Some roundabout designs have the car suddenly cuts in front of you. Seeing an outside lane wide enough to this hazard gives you time to check your allow the truck to stay in-lane. mirrors and signal a lane change. Being prepared reduces the danger. A driver who 2.7.7 Space needed to did not see the hazard until the slow car cross or enter traffic pulled back on the highway in front of him Be aware of the size and weight of your would have to do something very suddenly. vehicle when you cross or enter traffic. Here Sudden braking or a quick lane change are some important things to keep in mind: is much more likely to lead to a crash. • Because of slow acceleration and the space large vehicles require, you Learning to see hazards may need a much larger gap to enter There are often clues that will help you traffic than you would in a car. see hazards. The more you drive, the • Acceleration varies with the better you can get at seeing hazards. load. Allow more room if your This section will talk about hazards vehicle is heavily loaded. of which you should be aware. • Before you start across a road, Move-over laws make sure you can get all the way The incidents of law enforcement across before traffic reaches you. officers, emergency medical services, fire department personnel and people 2.8 Seeing hazards working on the road are being struck while performing duties at the roadside 2.8.1 Importance of seeing hazards are increasing at a frightening pace. To What is a hazard? lessen the problem, move-over laws have A hazard is any road condition or other been enacted that require drivers to slow road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) and change lanes when approaching a that is a possible danger. For example, a roadside incident. Signs are posted on car in front of you is headed towards the roadways in states that have such laws. freeway exit, but his brake lights come on
COVER 59 CONTENTS When approaching law enforcement or dual tires and cause severe damage. Some other emergency vehicles stopped on or obstacles which appear to be harmless can near a roadway in Wisconsin and using be very dangerous. For example, cardboard flashing emergency lights, you must proceed boxes may be empty, but they may also with caution and yield the right of way contain some solid or heavy material by making a lane change into a lane not capable of causing damage. The same is true next to that of the emergency vehicle(s) of paper and cloth sacks. It is important to until you have safely passed the stopped remain alert for objects of all sorts, so you vehicle(s), if safety and traffic conditions can see them early enough to avoid them permit. If a lane change is unsafe, slow without making sudden, unsafe moves. down and proceed with caution until you Off-ramps/on-ramps have safely passed the stopped vehicle(s). Freeway and turnpike exits can be 2.8.2 Hazardous roads particularly dangerous for commercial Slow down and be very careful if you vehicles. Off-ramps and on-ramps often see any of the following road hazards: have speed limit signs posted. Remember, these speeds may be safe for automobiles, Work zones but may not be safe for larger vehicles When people are working on the road, or heavily loaded vehicles. Exits it is a hazard. There may be narrower that go downhill and turn at the same lanes, sharp turns or uneven surfaces. time can be especially dangerous. The Other drivers are often distracted and downgrade makes it difficult to reduce drive in an unsafe manner. Workers and speed. Braking and turning at the same construction vehicles may get in the way. time can be dangerous. Make sure you are Drive slowly and carefully near work going slow enough before you get on the zones. Use your four-way flashers or curved part of an off-ramp or on-ramp. brake lights to warn drivers behind you. Drop-off 2.8.3 Drivers who are hazards Sometimes the pavement drops off sharply In order to protect yourself and others, near the edge of the road. Driving too you must know when other drivers may near the edge can tilt your vehicle toward do something hazardous. Some clues to this type of hazard are discussed below: the side of the road. This can cause the top of your vehicle to hit roadside Blocked vision objects (signs, tree limbs). Also, it can be People who can’t see others are dangerous. hard to steer as you cross the drop-off, Be alert for drivers whose vision is going off the road or coming back on. blocked. Vans, loaded station wagons Foreign objects and cars with the rear window blocked Things that have fallen on the road can be are examples. Rental trucks should be hazards. They can be a danger to your tires watched carefully. Their drivers are often and wheel rims. They can damage electrical not used to the limited vision they have and brake lines. They can be caught between to the sides and rear of the truck. In
COVER 60 CONTENTS winter, vehicles with frosted, ice-covered Distractions or snow-covered windows are hazards. People who are distracted are hazards. Vehicles may be partly hidden by blind Watch where they are looking. If they intersections or alleys. If you can only see are looking elsewhere, they can’t the rear or front end of a vehicle but not see you. But be alert even when they the driver, then he or she can’t see you. Be are looking at you. They may believe alert because he/she may back out or enter that they have the right of way. into your lane. Always be prepared to stop. Children Delivery trucks can present a hazard Children tend to act quickly without The driver’s vision is often blocked by checking traffic. Children playing packages or vehicle doors. Drivers of step with one another may not look for vans, postal vehicles and local delivery traffic and are a serious hazard. vehicles often are in a hurry and may Talkers suddenly step out of their vehicle or Drivers or pedestrians talking to drive their vehicle into the traffic lane. one another may not be paying Parked vehicles can be hazards close attention to the traffic. People may start to get out. Or the vehicle Workers may suddenly start up and drive into People working on or near the roadway your way. Watch for movement inside the are a hazard clue. The work creates a vehicle or movement of the vehicle itself distraction for other drivers and the that shows people are inside. Watch for workers themselves may not see you. brake lights or backup lights, exhaust and Ice cream truck other clues that a driver is about to move. Someone selling ice cream is a Be careful of a stopped bus hazard clue. Children may be Passengers may cross in front of or behind nearby and may not see you. the bus and they often can’t see you. Disabled vehicle Pedestrians and bicyclists Drivers changing a tire or fixing an engine can be hazards often do not pay attention to roadway Walkers, joggers and bicyclists may be traffic. They are often careless. Jacked up on the road with their back to traffic, wheels or raised hoods are hazard clues. so they can’t see you. Sometimes they Crashes wear head-phones so they can’t hear Accidents are particularly hazardous. you either. This can be dangerous. On People involved in the crash may not rainy days, pedestrians may not see look for traffic. Passing drivers tend you because of hats or umbrellas. They to look at the crash. People often may be hurrying to get out of the rain run across the road without looking. and may not pay attention to traffic. Vehicles may slow or stop suddenly.
COVER 61 CONTENTS Shoppers or other vehicles, they may need to stop People in and around shopping on the roadway. Vehicles turning left may areas are often not watching traffic need to stop for oncoming vehicles. because they are looking for stores Drivers in a hurry or looking into store windows. Drivers may feel your commercial vehicle Confused drivers is preventing them from getting where they Confused drivers often change direction want to go on time. Such drivers may pass suddenly or stop without warning. you without a safe gap in the oncoming Confusion is common near freeway traffic, cutting too close in front of you. or turnpike interchanges and major Drivers entering the road may pull in front intersections. Tourists unfamiliar with the of you in order to avoid being stuck behind area can be hazardous. Clues to tourists you, causing you to brake. Be aware of this include car-top luggage and out-of-state and watch for drivers who are in a hurry. license plates. Unexpected actions (stopping Impaired drivers in the middle of a block, changing lanes Drivers who are sleepy, have had too much for no apparent reason, backup lights to drink, are on drugs or who are ill are suddenly going on) are clues to confusion. hazards. Some clues to these drivers are: Hesitation is another clue, including driving • Weaving across the road or drifting very slowly, using brakes often or stopping from one side to another. in the middle of an intersection. You may • Leaving the road (dropping the also see drivers who are looking at street right wheels onto the shoulder or signs, maps and house numbers. These bumping across a curb in a turn). drivers may not be paying attention to you. • Stopping at the wrong time Slow drivers (stopping at a green light or Motorists who fail to maintain normal speed waiting too long at a stop sign). are hazards. Seeing slow-moving vehicles • An open window in cold weather. early can prevent a crash. Some vehicles, by their nature, are slow and seeing them • Speeding up or slowing is a hazard clue (mopeds, farm machinery, down suddenly, driving construction machinery, tractors, etc.) too fast or too slowly. Some of these will have the “slow-moving Be especially alert for drunk drivers vehicle” symbol to warn you. This is a red and sleepy drivers late at night. triangle with an orange center. Watch for it. Driver body movement as a clue Drivers signaling a turn Drivers look in the direction they are may be a hazard going to turn. You may sometimes get They may slow more than expected or a clue from a driver’s head and body stop. If they are making a tight turn into movements that the driver may be going an alley or driveway, they may go very to make a turn even though the turn slowly. If they are blocked by pedestrians signals aren’t on. Drivers making over-the-
COVER 62 CONTENTS shoulder checks may be going to change Test your knowledge lanes. These clues are most easily seen 1. How do you find out how many seconds in motorcyclists and bicyclists. Watch of following distance space you have? other road users and try to tell whether 2. If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle they might do something hazardous. at 55 mph, how many seconds of Conflicts following distance should you allow? You are in conflict when you need to change 3. True or False? You should decrease speed and/or direction to avoid hitting your following distance if somebody someone. Conflicts occur at intersections is following you too closely. where vehicles meet, at merges (such 4. True or False? If you swing wide to the as turnpike on-ramps) and where there left before turning right, another driver are needed lane changes (such as the may try to pass you on the right. end of a lane, forcing a move to another 5. What is a hazard? lane of traffic). Other situations include 6. Why make emergency plans slow moving or stalled traffic in a traffic when you see a hazard? lane and crash scenes. Watch for other drivers who are in conflict because they These questions may be on your test. are a hazard to you. When they react If you are unable to answer them all, to this conflict, they may do something re-read subsections 2.7 and 2.8. that will put them in conflict with you. 2.8.4 Always have a plan 2.9 Distracted driving You should always be looking for hazards. A driver distraction is anything that Continue to learn to see hazards on takes your attention away from driving. the road. Don’t forget why you are Whenever you are driving a vehicle looking for hazards—they may turn into and your full attention is not on the emergencies. You look for hazards in driving task, you are putting yourself, order to have time to plan a way out your passengers, other vehicles, and of any emergency. When you see a pedestrians in danger. Distracted hazard, think about the emergencies that driving can cause collisions, resulting could develop and figure out what you in injury, death or property damage. would do. Always be prepared to take Activities inside of the vehicle that can action based on your plans. In this way, distract your attention include: talking to you will be a prepared, defensive driver passengers; adjusting the radio, CD player who will improve not only your own safety or climate controls; eating, drinking or but also the safety of all road users. smoking; reading maps or other literature; picking up something that fell; talking on a cell phone or CB radio; reading or sending text messages; using any type of electronic device (such as navigation systems, pagers, personal digital assistant, computers, etc.);
COVER 63 CONTENTS day dreaming or being occupied with other can cause you to be delayed in taking the mental distractions; and many others. proper action or make incorrect inputs Possible distractions that could occur to the steering, accelerator or brakes. outside a moving vehicle: outside 2.9.3 Types of distractions traffic, vehicles or pedestrians; outside There are many causes of distraction, events such as police pulling someone all with the potential to increase risk. over or a crash scene; sunlight/sunset; • Physical distraction—one that objects in roadway; road construction; causes you to take your hands off reading billboards or other road the wheel or eyes off the road, advertisements; and many others. such as reaching for an object. 2.9.1 The distracted • Mental distraction—activities driving crash problem that take your mind away from The Large Truck Crash Causation the road, such as engaging in Study (LTCCS) reported that 8 percent conversation with a passenger or of large-truck crashes occurred when thinking about something that Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers happened during the day. were externally distracted and 2 percent • Both physical and mental of large truck crashes occurred when distraction—even greater chance the driver was internally distracted. a crash could happen, such as Approximately 5,500 people are killed each talking on a cell phone; or sending year on U.S. roadways and an estimated or reading text messages. 448,000 are injured in motor vehicle crashes 2.9.4 Cell/mobile phones involving distracted driving (NHTSA 49 CFR Part 383, 384, 390, 391 and Traffic Safety Facts: Distracted Driving). 392 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Research indicates that the burden Regulations (FMCSRs) and the Hazardous of talking on a cell phone—even if it’s Materials Regulations (HMR) restricts hands-free—saps the brain of 39% of the use of hand-held mobile telephones the energy it would ordinarily devote by drivers of commercial motor vehicles to safe driving. Drivers who use a (CMVs); and implements new driver hand-held device are more likely to get disqualification sanctions for drivers of into a crash serious enough to cause CMVs who fail to comply with this Federal injury. (NHTSA distracted driving) restriction; or who have multiple convictions 2.9.2 Effects of for violating a State or local law or ordinance distracted driving on motor vehicle traffic control that restricts Effects of distracted driving include slowed the use of hand-held mobile telephones. perception, which may cause you to be Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited delayed in perceiving or completely fail to from requiring or allowing drivers of CMVs perceive an important traffic event; delayed to use hand-held mobile telephones. decision making and improper action, which
COVER 64 CONTENTS The use of hand-held mobile telephones seconds. At 55 mph (or 80.7 feet per second), means, “using at least one hand to hold this equates to a driver traveling 306 a mobile telephone to conduct a voice feet, the approximate length of a football communication”; “dialing a mobile field, without looking at the roadway. telephone by pressing more than a single Your primary responsibility is to operate a button”; or “moving from a seated driving motor vehicle safely. To do this, you must position while restrained by a seat belt to focus your full attention on the driving task. reach for a mobile telephone.” If you choose Note that hands-free devices are no to use a mobile phone while operating a less likely than hand-held cell phones CMV, you may only use a hands free mobile to cause you to become distracted. phone that is located close to you and that Attention is diverted from the driving can be operated in compliance with the task while using either device. rule to conduct a voice communication. Your CDL will be disqualified after two or 2.9.5 Texting more convictions of any state law on hand- 49 CFR Part 383, 384, 390, 391, 392, the held mobile telephone use while operating Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations a CMV. Disqualification is 60 days for the (FMCSR) prohibits texting by commercial second offense within 3 years and 120 motor vehicle (CMV) drivers while operating days for three or more offenses within in interstate commerce; and implements 3 years. In addition, the first and each new driver disqualification sanctions for subsequent violation of such a prohibition drivers of CMVs who fail to comply with are subject to civil penalties imposed on this Federal prohibition; or who have such drivers, in an amount up to $2,750. multiple convictions for violating a State Motor carriers must not allow nor require or local law or ordinance on motor vehicle drivers to use a hand-held mobile telephone traffic control that prohibits texting while while driving. Employers may also be driving. Additionally, motor carriers are subject to civil penalties in an amount prohibited from requiring or allowing their up to $11,000. There is an emergency drivers to engage in texting while driving. exception that allows you to use your Texting means manually entering text hand-held mobile telephones if necessary into, or reading text from, an electronic to communicate with law enforcement device. This includes, but is not limited to, officials or other emergency services. short message service, e-mailing, instant Research shows that the odds of being messaging, a command or request to access involved in a safety-critical event (e.g., a World Wide Web page, or engaging in any crash, near-crash, unintentional lane other form of electronic text retrieval or deviation) is 6 times greater for CMV entry, for present or future communication. drivers who engage in dialing a mobile Electronic device includes, but is not telephone while driving than for those who limited to, a cellular telephone; personal do not. Dialing drivers took their eyes off digital assistant; pager; computer; the forward roadway for an average of 3.8 or any other device used to enter, write, send, receive, or read text.
COVER 65 CONTENTS Your CDL will be disqualified after two or • Developing a preventative plan to more convictions of any state law on texting reduce/eliminate possible distractions while operating a CMV. Disqualification • Expecting distractions to occur is 60 days for the second offense within • Discussing possible scenarios 3 years and 120 days for three or more before getting behind the wheel offenses within 3 years. In addition, the Based on the assessment of potential first and each subsequent violation of such distractions, you can formulate a prohibition are subject to civil penalties a preventative plan to reduce/ imposed on such drivers, in an amount eliminate possible distractions. up to $2,750. No motor carrier shall allow or require its drivers to engage in texting If drivers react a half-second slower because while driving. There is an emergency of distractions, crashes double. Some tips exception that allows you text if necessary to follow so you won’t become distracted: to communicate with law enforcement • Turn off all communication devices. officials or other emergency services. • If you must use a mobile phone, make Evidence suggests that text messaging is sure it is within close proximity that it even riskier than talking on a cell phone is operable while you are restrained, because it requires you to look at a small use an earpiece or the speaker phone screen and manipulate the keypad with function, use voice-activated dialing, one’s hands. Texting is the most alarming use the hands-free feature. Drivers distraction because it involves both physical are not in compliance if they reach for and mental distraction simultaneously. a mobile phone, even if they intend to use the hands-free function. Research shows that the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event (e.g., crash, • Do not type or read a text message near-crash, unintentional lane deviation) on a mobile device while driving. is 23.2 times greater for CMV drivers who • Familiarize yourself with your engage in texting while driving than for vehicle’s features and equipment, those who do not. Sending or receiving text before you get behind the wheel. takes your eyes from the road for an average • Adjust all vehicle controls and mirrors of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, you would travel to your preferences prior to driving. 371 feet, or the length of an entire football • Pre-program radio stations and field—without looking at the roadway. pre-load your favorite CDs. 2.9.6 Don’t drive distracted • Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary Your goal should be to eliminate all in- objects and secure cargo. vehicle distractions before driving begins. • Review maps, program the Accomplishing this goal can be done by: GPS and plan your route • Assessing all potential in-vehicle before you begin driving. distractions before driving • Don’t attempt to read or write while you drive.
COVER 66 CONTENTS • Avoid smoking, eating and drinking and tight schedules are the norm, more while you drive. Leave early to and more drivers are taking out their allow yourself time to stop to eat. anger and frustration in their vehicles. • Don’t engage in complex or Crowded roads leave little room for error, emotionally intense conversations leading to suspicion and hostility among with other occupants. drivers and encouraging them to take • Secure commitment from other personally the mistakes of other drivers. occupants to behave responsibly Aggressive driving is the act of operating and to support the driver in a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy reducing distractions. manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others (i.e. changing lanes 2.9.7 Watch out for other distracted drivers frequently and abruptly without notice). You need to be able to recognize other Road rage is operating a motor drivers who are engaged in any form vehicle with the intent of doing harm of driving distraction. Not recognizing to others or physically assaulting other distracted drivers can prevent you a driver or their vehicle. from perceiving or reacting correctly in 2.10.2 Don’t be an time to prevent a crash. Watch for: aggressive driver • Vehicles that may drift over the lane How you feel before you start your divider lines or within their own lane. vehicle has a lot to do with how stress • Vehicles traveling at will affect you while driving. inconsistent speeds. • Reduce your stress before • Drivers who are preoccupied and while you drive. Listen with maps, food, cigarettes, cell to “easy listening” music. phones, or other objects. • Give the drive your full attention. • Drivers who appear to be involved in Don’t allow yourself to become conversations with their passengers. distracted by talking on your Give a distracted driver plenty of room and cell phone, eating, etc. maintain your safe following distance. • Be realistic about your travel Be very careful when passing a driver time. Expect delays because who seems to be distracted. The other of traffic, construction, or bad driver may not be aware of your presence, weather and make allowances. and may drift in front of you. • If you’re going to be later than you expected—deal with it. Take a deep 2.10 Aggressive breath and accept the delay. drivers/road rage • Give other drivers the benefit of the 2.10.1 What is it? doubt. Try to imagine why they are Aggressive driving and road rage are not driving that way. Whatever their new problems. However, in today’s world, reason, it has nothing to do with you. where heavy and slow-moving traffic
COVER 67 CONTENTS • Slow down and keep your to arrive, and report the driving following distance reasonable. behavior that you witnessed. • Don’t drive slowly in the left lane of traffic. Test your knowledge 1. What are some tips to follow so you • Avoid gestures. Keep your hands on won’t become a distracted driver? the wheel. Avoid making any gestures that might anger another driver, even 2. How do you use in-vehicle seemingly harmless expressions of communications equipment cautiously? irritation like shaking your head. 3. How do you recognize a • Be a cautious and courteous driver. distracted driver? If another driver seems eager to 4. What is the difference between get in front of you, say, “Be my aggressive driving and road rage? guest.” This response will soon 5. What should you do when confronted become a habit and you won’t be as with an aggressive driver? offended by other drivers’ actions. 6. What are some things you can 2.10.3 What you should do to reduce your stress before do when confronted by and while you drive? an aggressive driver These questions may be on the test. • First, make every attempt If you can’t answer them all, re- to get out of their way. read subsections 2.9 and 2.10. • Put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your- 2.11 Night driving and own in your travel lane. driver fatigue • Avoid eye contact. 2.11.1 It’s more dangerous You are at greater risk when you drive • Ignore gestures and refuse at night. Drivers can’t see hazards as to react to them. soon as in daylight, so they have less • Report aggressive drivers to time to respond. Drivers caught by the appropriate authorities by surprise are less able to avoid a crash. providing a vehicle description, The problems of night driving involve the license number, location and, if driver, the roadway and the vehicle. possible, direction of travel. • If you have a cell phone, and can 2.11.2 Driver factors do it safely, call the police. Vision Good vision is critical for safe driving. • If an aggressive driver is involved Your control of the brake, accelerator, and in a crash farther down the road, steering wheel is based on what you see. stop a safe distance from the If you cannot see clearly, you will have crash scene, wait for the police trouble identifying traffic and roadway
COVER 68 CONTENTS conditions, spotting potential trouble or right lane or edge marking when someone responding to problems in a timely manner. coming toward you has very bright lights. Because seeing well is so critical to safe Fatigue and lack of alertness driving, you should have your eyes checked Fatigue is physical or mental tiredness regularly by an eye specialist. You may never that can be caused by physical or mental know you have poor vision unless your eyes strain, repetitive tasks, illness or lack are tested. If you need to wear glasses or of sleep. Just like alcohol and drugs, it contact lenses for driving, remember to: impairs your vision and judgment. • Always wear them when driving, Fatigue causes errors related to speed even if driving short distances. and distance, increases your risk of being If your driver license says in a crash, causes you to not see and corrective lenses are required, react to hazards as quickly; and affects it is illegal to move a vehicle your ability to make critical decisions. without using corrective lenses. When you are fatigued, you could fall • Keep an extra set of corrective asleep behind the wheel and crash, lenses in your vehicle. If your injuring or killing yourself or others. normal corrective lenses are Fatigued or drowsy driving is one of the broken or lost, you can use the leading causes of traffic collisions. NHTSA spare lenses to drive safely. estimates that 100,000 police-reported • Avoid using dark or tinted corrective crashes a year are the result of drowsy lenses at night, even if you think they driving. According to the National Sleep help with glare. Tinted lenses cut Foundation’s Sleep in America poll, 60% of down the light that you need to see Americans have driven while feeling sleepy clearly under night driving conditions. and more than one third (36 percent or 103 Glare million people) admit to having actually Drivers can be blinded for a short time by fallen asleep at the wheel. Drivers may bright light. It takes time to recover from experience short bursts of sleep lasting this blindness. Older drivers are especially only a few seconds or fall asleep for longer bothered by glare. Most people have been periods of time. Either way, the chance temporarily blinded by camera flash units or of a collision increases dramatically. by the high beams of an oncoming vehicle. At risk groups It can take several seconds to recover from The risk of having a crash due to drowsy glare. Even two seconds of glare blindness driving is not uniformly distributed can be dangerous. A vehicle going 55 mph across the population. Crashes tend to will travel more than half the distance of a occur at times when sleepiness is most football field during that time. Don’t look pronounced, for example, during the night directly at bright lights when driving. Look and in the mid-afternoon. Most people at the right side of the road. Watch the are less alert at night, especially after midnight. This is particularly true if you
COVER 69 CONTENTS have been driving for a long time. Thus • Trouble remembering the last individuals who drive at night are much few miles driven; missing more likely to have fall-asleep crashes. exits or traffic signs Research has identified young males, • Trouble keeping head up shift workers, commercial drivers, • Drifting from your lane, especially long-haul drivers and people following too closely or hitting with untreated sleep disorders or with a shoulder rumble strip short-term or chronic sleep deprivation • Feeling restless and irritable as being at increased risk for having When you are tired trying to “push a fall-asleep crash. At least 15% of all on” is far more dangerous than most heavy truck crashes involve fatigue. drivers think. It is a major cause of A congressionally-mandated study of fatal crashes. If you notice any signs of 80 long-haul truck drivers in the United fatigue, stop driving and go to sleep for States and Canada found that drivers the night or take a 15–20 minute nap. averaged less than 5 hours of sleep per day (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Are you at risk? Administration, 1996). It is no surprise Before you drive, consider whether you are: then that the National Transportation • Sleep-deprived or fatigued (6 hours Safety Board (NTSB) reported that drowsy of sleep or less triples your risk) driving was probably the cause of more • Suffering from sleep loss (insomnia), than half of crashes leading to a truck poor quality sleep, or a sleep debt driver’s death. (NTSB, 1990) For each • Driving long distances without truck driver fatality, another three to proper rest breaks four people are killed (NHTSA, 1994). • Driving through the night, mid- Warning sign of fatigue afternoon or when you would According to the National Sleep normally be asleep. Many heavy Foundation’s Sleep in America poll, 60% motor vehicle crashes occur of Americans have driven while feeling between midnight and 6 a.m. sleepy and 36% admit to actually having • Taking sedating medications fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year. (antidepressants, cold However, many people cannot tell if or when tablets, antihistamines) they are about to fall asleep. Here are some • Working more than 60 hours a signs that should tell you to stop and rest: week (increases your risk by 40%) • Difficulty focusing, frequent • Working more than one job, and blinking or heavy eyelids your main job involves shift work • Yawning repeatedly or rubbing eyes • Driving alone or on a long, • Daydreaming, wandering and rural, dark or boring road disconnected thoughts • Flying, changing time zone
COVER 70 CONTENTS Preventing drowsiness before a trip • Avoid drugs. While they may • Get adequate sleep—adults need 8 keep you awake for a while, to 9 hours to maintain alertness they won’t make you alert. • Prepare route carefully to identify If you are drowsy, the only safe cure is to get total distance, stopping points and off the road and get some sleep. If you don’t, other logistic considerations you risk your life and the lives of others. • Schedule trips for the hours 2.11.3 Roadway factors you are normally awake, not Poor lighting the middle of the night In the daytime there is usually enough • Drive with a passenger light to see well. This is not true at night. • Avoid medications that Some areas may have bright street lights, cause drowsiness but many areas will have poor lighting. • Consult your physician if you On most roads you will probably need suffer from daytime sleepiness, to depend entirely on your headlights. have difficulty sleeping at Less light means you will not be able to see night or take frequent naps hazards as well as in daytime. Road users • Incorporate exercise into your who do not have lights are hard to see. daily life to give you more energy There are many crashes at night involving pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists and animals. Maintaining alertness while driving Even when there are lights, the • Protect yourself from glare and road scene can be confusing. Traffic eyestrain with sunglasses signals and hazards can be hard to • Keep cool by opening the window see against a background of signs, or using the air conditioner shop windows and other lights. • Avoid heavy foods Drive slower when lighting is poor • Be aware of down time during the day or confusing. Drive slowly enough • Have another person ride with to be sure you can stop in the you, and take turns driving distance you can see ahead. • Take periodic breaks—about every 100 Drunk drivers miles or 2 hours during long trips Drunk drivers and drivers under the • Stop driving and get some influence of drugs are a hazard to rest or take a nap themselves and to you. Be especially • Caffeine consumption can increase alert around the closing times for bars awareness for a few hours, but and taverns. Watch for drivers who do not drink too much. It will have trouble staying in their lane or eventually wear off. Do not rely maintaining speed, stop without reason on caffeine to prevent fatigue or show other signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
COVER 71 CONTENTS 2.11.4 Vehicle factors to do. Make sure you have clean, Headlights working turn signals and stop lights. At night your headlights will usually be the Windshield and mirrors main source of light for you to see and for It is more important at night than in the others to see you. You can’t see nearly as daytime to have a clean windshield and much with your headlights as you can see clean mirrors. Bright lights at night can in the daytime. With low beams you can see cause dirt on your windshield or mirrors ahead about 250 feet and with high beams to create a glare of its own, blocking about 350–500 feet. You must adjust your your view. Most people have experienced speed to keep your stopping distance within driving toward the sun just as it has risen your sight distance. This means going slow or is about to set and found that they enough to be able to stop within the range of can barely see through a windshield that your headlights. Otherwise, by the time you seemed to look okay in the middle of the see a hazard, you will not have time to stop. day. Clean your windshield on the inside Night driving can be more dangerous if and outside for safe driving at night. you have problems with your headlights. 2.11.5 Night driving procedures Dirty headlights may give only half the Vehicle procedures light they should. This cuts down your Make sure you are rested and alert. If ability to see and makes it harder for you are drowsy, sleep before you drive! others to see you. Make sure your lights Even a nap can save your life or the lives are clean and working. Headlights can of others. If you wear eyeglasses, make be out of adjustment. If they don’t point sure they are clean and unscratched. Don’t in the right direction, they won’t give wear sunglasses at night. Do a complete you a good view and they can blind inspection of your vehicle. Pay attention other drivers. Have a qualified person to checking all lights and reflectors make sure they are adjusted properly. and cleaning those you can reach. Other lights Avoid blinding others In order for you to be seen easily, Glare from your headlights can cause the following must be clean problems for drivers coming towards and working properly: you. It can also bother drivers going in • Reflectors. the same direction you are, when your • Marker lights. lights shine in their rearview mirror. • Clearance lights. Dim your lights before they cause glare • Taillights. for other drivers. Dim your lights within • Identification lights. 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and when following another vehicle within 500 feet. Turn signals and brake lights At night your turn signals and brake Avoid glare from oncoming vehicles lights are even more important for Do not look directly at lights of oncoming telling other drivers what you intend vehicles. Look slightly to the right at a
COVER 72 CONTENTS right lane or edge marking, if available. The best advice for driving If other drivers don’t put their low beams in fog is don’t. Pull off the road on, don’t try to “get back at them” by into a rest area or truck stop until putting your own high beams on. This visibility is better. If you must drive, increases glare for oncoming drivers be sure to consider the following: and increases the chance of a crash. • Obey all fog-related warning signs. Use high beams when you can • Slow before you enter fog. Some drivers make the mistake of always • Use low-beam headlights and fog using low beams. This seriously cuts lights for best visibility even in down on their ability to see ahead. Use daytime, and be alert for other high beams when it is safe and legal to drivers who may have forgotten do so. Use them when you are not within to turn on their lights. 500 feet of an approaching vehicle. • Turn on your 4-way flashers. This Don’t let the inside of your will give vehicles approaching cab get too bright you from behind a quicker This makes it harder to see outside. opportunity to notice your vehicle. Keep the interior light off and adjust • Watch for vehicles on the side of your instrument lights as low as you can the roadway. Seeing taillights or and still be able to read the gauges. headlights in front of you may not If you get sleepy, stop driving be a true indication of where the at the nearest safe place road is ahead of you. The vehicle People often don’t realize how close they may not be on the road at all. are to falling asleep even when their • Use roadside highway reflectors eyelids are falling shut. If you can safely as guides to determine how the do so, look at yourself in a mirror. If you road may curve ahead of you. look sleepy or you just feel sleepy, stop • Listen for traffic you cannot see. driving! You are in a very dangerous • Avoid passing other vehicles. condition. The only safe cure is to sleep. • Don’t stop along the side of the road, unless absolutely necessary. 2.12 Driving in fog Fog can occur at any time. Fog on 2.13 Driving in winter highways can be extremely dangerous. 2.13.1 Vehicle checks Fog is often unexpected, and visibility Make sure your vehicle is ready before can deteriorate rapidly. You should watch driving in winter weather. You should for foggy conditions and be ready to make a regular vehicle inspection, paying reduce your speed. Do not assume that extra attention to the following items: the fog will thin out after you enter it. • Coolant level and antifreeze amount. Make sure the cooling system is full and there is enough anti-freeze
COVER 73 CONTENTS in the system to protect against • Tire chains. You may find yourself freezing. This can be checked in conditions where you can’t drive with a special coolant tester. without chains, even to get to a place • Defrosting and heating equipment. of safety. Carry the right number of Make sure the defrosters work. chains and extra cross links. Make They are needed for safe driving. sure they will fit your drive tires. Make sure the heater is working Check the chains for broken hooks, and that you know how to operate worn or broken cross links and it. If you use other heaters and bent or broken side chains. Learn expect to need them (e.g., mirror how to put the chains on before heaters, battery box heaters, fuel you need to do it in snow and ice. tank heaters), check their operation. • Lights and reflectors. Make sure • Wipers and washers. Make sure the lights and reflectors are clean. the windshield wiper blades are in Lights and reflectors are especially good condition. Make sure the wiper important during bad weather. blades press against the window Check from time to time during hard enough to wipe the windshield bad weather to make sure they clean. Otherwise they may not sweep are clean and working properly. off snow properly. Make sure the • Windows and mirrors. Remove any windshield washer works and there is ice, snow, etc., from the windshield, washing fluid in the washer reservoir. windows and mirrors before starting. • Use windshield washer antifreeze to Use a windshield scraper, snow brush prevent freezing of the washer fluid. and windshield defroster as necessary. If you can’t see well enough while • Hand holds, steps and deck plates. driving (for example, if your wipers Remove all ice and snow from hand fail), stop safely and fix the problem. holds, steps and deck plates (cat walk) • Tires. Make sure you have enough which you must use to enter the cab tread on your tires. The drive tires or to move about the vehicle. This must provide traction to push the will reduce the danger of slipping. rig over wet pavement and through • Radiator shutters and winterfront. snow. The steering tires must have Remove ice from the radiator traction to steer the vehicle. Enough shutters. Make sure the winterfront tread is especially important in winter is not closed too tightly. If the conditions. You must have at least shutters freeze shut or the 4/32-inch tread depth in every major winterfront is closed too much, the groove on front tires and at least 2/32- engine may overheat and stop. inch on other tires. More would be • Exhaust system. Exhaust system better. Use a gauge to determine if you leaks are especially dangerous when have enough tread for safe driving. cab ventilation may be poor (windows
COVER 74 CONTENTS rolled up, etc.) Loose connections ice begins to melt, the road becomes could permit poisonous carbon even more slippery. Slow down more. monoxide to leak into your vehicle. • Adjust space to conditions. Don’t Carbon monoxide gas will cause drive alongside other vehicles. Keep you to be sleepy. In large enough a longer following distance. When amounts it can kill you. Check the you see a traffic jam ahead, slow exhaust system for loose parts and down or stop to wait for it to clear. for sounds and signs of leaks. Try hard to anticipate stops early 2.13.2 Driving and slow down gradually. Watch for Slippery surfaces snowplows, as well as salt and sand Drive slowly and smoothly on slippery trucks, and give them plenty of room. roads. If it is very slippery, you shouldn’t • Wet brakes. When driving in drive at all. Stop at the first safe place. heavy rain or deep standing water, The following are some safety guidelines: your brakes will get wet. Water • Start gently and slowly. When in the brakes can cause them to first starting, get the feel of be weak, to apply unevenly or the road. Don’t hurry. to grab. This can cause lack of • Check for ice. Check for ice on braking power, wheel lockups, the road, especially bridges and pulling to one side or the other and overpasses. A lack of spray from other jackknifing if you pull a trailer. vehicles indicates ice has formed on Avoid driving through deep puddles the road. Check your mirrors and or flowing water if possible. If wiper blades for ice. If they have ice, you can’t, you should: the road likely will be icy as well. • Slow down. • Adjust turning and braking to • Place transmission in a low gear. conditions. Make turns as gently • Gently put on the brakes. This as possible. Don’t brake any harder presses linings against brake than necessary and don’t use the drums or discs and keeps mud, silt, engine brake or speed retarder. sand and water from getting in. (They can cause the driving wheels • Increase engine RPM and cross to skid on slippery surfaces.). the water while keeping light • Adjust speed to conditions. Don’t pass pressure on the brakes. slower vehicles unless necessary. Go • When out of the water, maintain slowly and watch far enough ahead to light pressure on the brakes keep a steady speed. Avoid having to for a short distance to heat slow down and speed up. Take curves them up and dry them out. at slower speeds and don’t brake • Make a test stop when safe to do so. while in curves. Be aware that as the Check behind to make sure no one temperature rises to the point where is following, then apply the brakes
COVER 75 CONTENTS to be sure they work properly. If not, range. If the gauge goes above the highest dry them out further as described safe temperature, there may be something above. (CAUTION: Do not apply too wrong that could lead to engine failure and much brake pressure and accelerator possibly fire. Stop driving as soon as safely at the same time or you can overheat possible and try to find out what is wrong. brake drums and linings.) Some vehicles have sight glasses, see- through coolant overflow containers or 2.14 Driving in very coolant recovery containers. These permit hot weather you to check the coolant level while the 2.14.1 Vehicle checks engine is hot. If the container is not part of Do a normal vehicle inspection, but pay the pressurized system, the cap can be safely special attention to the following items. removed and coolant added even when the engine is at operating temperature. Tires Check the tire mounting and air pressure. Never remove the radiator cap or Inspect the tires every 2 hours or every any part of the pressurized system 100 miles when driving in very hot until the system has cooled. Steam weather. Air pressure increases with and boiling water can spray under pressure temperature. Do not let air out or the and cause severe burns. If you can touch pressure will be too low when the tires the radiator cap with your bare hand, cool off. If a tire is too hot to touch, remain it is probably cool enough to open. stopped until it cools off. Otherwise If coolant has to be added to a the tire may blow out or catch fire. system without a recovery tank or Engine oil overflow tank, follow these steps: The engine oil helps keep the engine • Shut the engine off. cool, as well as lubricating it. Make • Wait until the engine has cooled. sure there is enough engine oil. If you • Protect your hands (use have an oil temperature gauge, make gloves or a thick cloth). sure the temperature is within the • Turn the radiator cap slowly proper range while you are driving. to the first stop, which Engine coolant releases the pressure seal. Before starting out, make sure the • Step back while the pressure is engine cooling system has enough water released from the cooling system. and antifreeze according to the engine • When all the pressure has been manufacturer’s directions. (Antifreeze released, press down on the cap helps the engine under hot conditions as and turn it further to remove it. well as cold conditions.). When driving, • Visually check the level of coolant check the water temperature or coolant and add more coolant if necessary. temperature gauge from time to time. Make sure that it remains in the normal • Replace the cap and turn it all the way to the closed position.
COVER 76 CONTENTS Engine belts These questions may be on your test. If Learn how to check V-belt tightness on you are unable to answer them all, re-read your vehicle by pressing on the belts. subsections 2.11, 2.12, 2.13 and 2.14. Loose belts will not turn the water pump and/or fan properly. This will result in overheating Check belts for 2.15 Railroad- highway crossings cracking or other signs of wear. Railroad-highway grade crossings are Hoses a special kind of intersection where the Make sure coolant hoses are in good roadway crosses train tracks. These condition. A broken hose while driving crossings are always dangerous. Every can lead to engine failure and even fire. such crossing must be approached with 2.14.2 Driving the expectation that a train is coming. It Watch for bleeding tar is extremely difficult to judge the distance Tar in the road pavement frequently rises to of the train from the crossing as well as the surface in very hot weather. Spots where the speed of an approaching train. tar “bleeds” to the surface are very slippery. 2.15.1 Types of crossings Go slowly enough to Passive crossings prevent overheating This type of crossing does not have any type High speeds create more heat for tires of traffic control device. The decision to and the engine. In desert conditions the stop or proceed rests entirely in your hands. heat may build up to the point where it is Passive crossings require you to recognize dangerous. The heat will increase chances of the crossing, search for any train using tire failure or even fire and engine failure. the tracks and decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross safely. Passive crossings Test your knowledge have yellow circular advance warning 1. True or False? You should use signs, pavement markings and crossbucks low beams whenever you can. to assist you in recognizing a crossing. 2. What should you do before you Active crossings drive if you are drowsy? This type of crossing has a traffic 3. What effects can wet brakes cause? control device installed at the crossing How can you avoid these problems? to regulate traffic at the crossing. 4. True or False? You should let air These active devices include flashing out of hot tires so the pressure red lights, with or without bells and goes back to normal. flashing red lights with bells and gates. 5. True or False? You can safely 2.15.2 Warning signs remove the radiator cap as long and devices as the engine isn’t overheated. Advance warning signs The round, black-on-yellow warning sign is placed ahead of a public railroad-
COVER 77 CONTENTS highway crossing. The advance warning Crossbuck signs sign tells you to slow down, look and This sign marks the grade crossing. It listen for the train, and be prepared to requires you to yield the right of way to stop at the tracks if a train is coming. All the train. If there is no white stop line passenger and hazmat carrying vehicles painted on the pavement, vehicles that are required to stop. See Figure 2.17. are required to stop must stop no closer than 15 feet or more than 50 feet from the Figure 2.17 Round Yellow Warning Sign nearest rail of the nearest track. When the road crosses over more than one set of tracks, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks. See Figure 2.19. R R Figure 2.19 Multiple Tracks R A IL
RO A Pavement markings CROSSINGD Pavement markings mean the same as the 3 advance warning sign. They consist of an TRACKS “X” with the letters “RR” and a no-passing marking on two-lane roads. See Figure 2.18. YIELD
Figure 2.18 Pavement Markings
Flashing red light signals At many highway-rail grade crossings, the crossbuck sign has flashing red lights and There is also a no passing zone sign on bells. When the lights begin to flash, stop! two-lane roads. There may be a white A train is approaching. You are required to stop line painted on the pavement yield the right of way to the train. If there is before the railroad tracks. The front more than one track, make sure all tracks of the bus must remain behind this are clear before crossing. See Figure 2.20. line while stopped at the crossing. Gates Many railroad-highway crossings have gates with flashing red lights and bells. Stop when the lights begin to flash and
COVER 78 CONTENTS before the gate lowers across the road vehicle may also prevent you from lane. Remain stopped until the gates go hearing the train horn until the train up and the lights have stopped flashing. is dangerously close to the crossing. Proceed when it is safe. See Figure 2.20. Don’t Rely on Signals You should not rely solely upon the presence Figure 2.20 Gates/Lights of warning signals, gates or flagmen to warn of the approach of trains. Be especially alert at crossings that do not R A have gates or flashing red light signals. IL Double tracks require a double check R O Remember that a train on one track may A CROSSINGD hide a train on the other track. Look both 3 ways before crossing. After one train has TRACKS cleared a crossing, be sure no other trains are near before starting across the tracks. Yard areas and grade crossings in cities and towns are just as dangerous as rural grade crossings. Approach them with as much caution. 2.15.4 Stopping safely at railroad-highway crossings A full-stop is required at grade 2.15.3 Driving procedures crossings whenever: Never Race a Train to a Crossing • The nature of the cargo makes Never attempt to race a train to a a stop mandatory under state crossing. It is extremely difficult to judge or federal regulations. the speed of an approaching train. • Such a stop is otherwise Reduce Speed required by law. Speed must be reduced in accordance with When stopping be sure to: your ability to see approaching trains in • Check for traffic behind you any direction and speed must be held to a while stopping gradually. Use point which will permit you to stop short a pullout lane, if available. of the tracks in case a stop is necessary. • Turn on your four-way Don’t Expect to Hear a Train emergency flashers. Trains may not or are prohibited from sounding horns when approaching 2.15.5 Crossing the tracks some crossings. Public crossings where Railroad crossings with steep approaches trains do not sound horns should be can cause your unit to hang up on the tracks. identified by signs. Noise inside your • Never permit traffic conditions to trap you in a position where you have to
COVER 79 CONTENTS stop on the tracks. Be sure you can get plan ahead and obtain information about all the way across the tracks before any long steep grades along your planned you start across. It takes a typical route of travel. If possible, talk to other tractor-trailer unit at least 14 seconds drivers who are familiar with the grades to clear a single track and more than to find out what speeds are safe. 15 seconds to clear a double track. You must go slowly enough so your brakes • Do not shift gears while can hold you back without getting too hot. crossing railroad tracks. If the brakes become too hot, they may start to “fade.” This means you have to 2.15.6 Special situations apply them harder and harder to get the Be aware! These trailers can get same stopping power. If you continue to stuck on raised crossings: use the brakes hard, they can keep fading • Low slung units (lowboy, car until you cannot slow down or stop at all. carrier, moving van, possum- belly livestock trailer). 2.16.1 Select a safe speed Your most important consideration is to • Single-axle tractor pulling a long select a speed that is not too fast for the: trailer with its landing gear set to • Total weight of the vehicle and cargo. accommodate a tandem-axle tractor. • Length of the grade. If for any reason you get stuck on the tracks, get out of the vehicle and away • Steepness of the grade. from the tracks. Check signposts or signal • Road conditions. housing at the crossing for emergency • Weather. notification information. Call 911 or other If a speed limit is posted or there is a emergency number. Give the location of the sign indicating “Maximum Safe Speed,” crossing using all identifiable landmarks, never exceed the speed shown. Look for especially the DOT number, if posted. and heed warning signs indicating the length and steepness of the grade. 2.16 Mountain driving You must use the braking effect of the In mountain driving, gravity plays a engine as the principal way of controlling major role. On any upgrade, gravity your speed. The braking effect of the slows you down. The steeper the grade, engine is greatest when it is near the the longer the grade, and/or the heavier governed RPMs and the transmission the load — the more you will need to use is in the lower gears. Save your brakes lower gears to climb hills or mountains. so you will be able to slow or stop as In coming down long, steep downgrades, required by road and traffic conditions. gravity causes the speed of your vehicle to 2.16.2 Select the right gear increase. You must select an appropriate before starting down the grade safe speed, then use a low gear and use Shift the transmission to a low gear based proper braking techniques. You should on the steepness of the grade, weather, road conditions and your load before
COVER 80 CONTENTS starting down the grade. Do not try to faster when they are hot. Therefore, brake downshift after your speed has already adjustment must be checked frequently. built up. You will not be able to shift into a 2.16.4 Proper braking technique lower gear. You may not even be able to get Remember: The use of brakes on a back into any gear and all engine braking long and/or steep downgrade is only effect will be lost. Forcing an automatic a supplement to the braking effect transmission into a lower gear at high speed of the engine. Once the vehicle is in could damage the transmission and also the proper low gear, the following lead to loss of all engine braking effect. is a proper braking technique: With older trucks, a rule for choosing 1. Apply the brakes just hard enough gears is to use the same gear going down a to feel a definite slowdown. hill that you would need to climb the hill. 2. When your speed has been reduced However, new trucks have low friction parts to approximately 5 mph below your and streamlined shapes for fuel economy. “safe” speed, release the brakes. They may also have more powerful engines. (This brake application should This means they can go up hills in higher last for about three seconds.) gears and have less friction and air drag to 3. When your speed has increased to your hold them back going down hills. For that “safe” speed, repeat steps 1 and 2. reason, drivers of modern trucks may have to use lower gears going down a hill than For example, if your “safe” speed is would be required to go up the hill. You 40 mph, you would not apply the brakes should know what is right for your vehicle. until your speed reaches 40 mph. You now apply the brakes hard enough to 2.16.3 Brake fading or failure gradually reduce your speed to 35 mph Brakes are designed so brake shoes or pads and then release the brakes. Repeat this rub against the brake drum or disks to slow as often as necessary until you have the vehicle. Braking creates heat, but brakes reached the end of the downgrade. are designed to take a lot of heat. However, brakes can fade or fail from excessive heat Escape ramps caused by using them too much and not Escape ramps have been built on many relying on the engine braking effect. steep mountain downgrades. They are made to stop runaway vehicles safely Brake fade is also affected by adjustment. without injuring drivers and passengers. To safely control a vehicle, every brake Escape ramps use a long bed of loose must do its share of the work. Brakes out soft material to slow a runaway vehicle, of adjustment will stop doing their share sometimes in combination with an upgrade. before those that are in adjustment. The other brakes can then overheat and fade and Know escape ramp locations on your route. there will not be enough braking available Signs show drivers where ramps are located. to control the vehicle. Brakes can get out of Escape ramps save lives, equipment and adjustment quickly, especially when they cargo. Use them if you lose your brakes. are used a lot; also, brake linings wear
COVER 81 CONTENTS Test your knowledge Keep both hands on the 1. What factors determine your steering wheel selection of a “safe” speed when going In order to turn quickly, you must have a down a long, steep downgrade? firm grip on the steering wheel with both 2. Why should you be in the proper hands. The best way to have both hands gear before starting down a hill? on the wheel, if there is an emergency, is to keep them there all the time. 3. Describe the proper braking technique when going down How to turn quickly and safely a long, steep downgrade. A quick turn can be made safely, 4. What type of vehicles can get stuck if it’s done the right way. Here are on a railroad-highway crossing? some points that safe drivers use: • Do not apply the brakes while you 5. How long does it take for a are turning. It’s very easy to lock typical tractor-trailer unit to your wheels while turning. If that clear a double track? happens, you can skid out of control. These questions may be on your test. • Do not turn any more than needed If you are unable to answer them all, to clear whatever is in your way. The re-read subsections 2.15 and 2.16. more sharply you turn, the greater the chances of a skid or rollover. 2.17 Driving emergencies • Be prepared to “countersteer,” that Traffic emergencies occur when two is, to turn the wheel back in the vehicles are about to collide. Vehicle other direction, once you’ve passed emergencies occur when tires, brakes or whatever was in your path. Unless other critical parts fail. Following the safety you are prepared to countersteer, you practices in this manual can help prevent won’t be able to do it quickly enough. emergencies. But if an emergency does You should think of emergency happen, your chances of avoiding a crash steering and countersteering as depend upon how well you take action. two parts of one driving action. Actions you can take are discussed below. Where to steer 2.17.1 Steering to avoid a crash If an oncoming driver has drifted Stopping is not always the safest thing to into your lane, a move to your right is do in an emergency When you do not have best. If that driver realizes what has enough room to stop, you may need to happened, the natural response will steer away from what’s ahead. Remember, be to return to his or her own lane. you can almost always turn to miss an If something is blocking your obstacle more quickly than you can stop. path, the best direction to steer However, top-heavy vehicles and tractors will depend on the situation. with multiple trailers can flip over.
COVER 82 CONTENTS • If you have been using your • Hold the wheel tightly. Turn sharply mirrors, you’ll know which lane is enough to get right back on the road empty and can be safely used. safely. Don’t try to edge gradually • If the shoulder is clear, going right back on the road. If you do, your may be best. No one is likely to tires might grab unexpectedly be driving on the shoulder but and you could lose control. someone may be passing you • When both front tires are on the on the left. You will know if you paved surface, countersteer have been using your mirrors. immediately. The two turns • If you are blocked on both sides, a should be made as a single “steer- move to the right may be best. At countersteer” movement. least you won’t force anyone into 2.17.2 How to stop an opposing traffic lane, possibly quickly and safely resulting in a head-on collision. If somebody suddenly pulls out in front Leaving the road of you, your natural response is to hit In some emergencies, you may have to the brakes. This is a good response drive off the road. It may be less risky than if there’s enough distance to stop facing a collision with another vehicle. and you use the brakes correctly. Most shoulders are strong enough to support You should brake in a way that will keep the weight of a large vehicle and, therefore, your vehicle in a straight line and allow offer an available escape route. Here are you to turn if it becomes necessary. some guidelines, if you do leave the road: You can use the “controlled braking” • Avoid braking. If possible, avoid method or the “stab braking” method. using the brakes until your speed Controlled braking has dropped to about 20 mph. With this method, you apply the brakes Then brake very gently to avoid as hard as you can without locking the skidding on a loose surface. wheels. Keep steering wheel movements • Keep one set of wheels on the very small while doing this. If you need pavement if possible. This to make a larger steering adjustment or helps to maintain control. if the wheels lock, release the brakes. Re- • Stay on the shoulder. If the apply the brakes as soon as you can. shoulder is clear, stay on it until Stab braking your vehicle has come to a stop. • Apply your brakes all the way. Signal and check your mirrors • Release the brakes when before pulling back onto the road. your wheels lock up. Returning to the road • As soon as the wheels start rolling, If you are forced to return to the road before apply the brakes fully again. (It can you can stop, use the following procedure: take up to one second for the wheels to start rolling after you release the
COVER 83 CONTENTS brakes. If you re-apply the brakes you use the emergency brake so you before the wheels start rolling, the can adjust the brake pressure and vehicle won’t straighten out.). keep the wheels from locking up. Don’t jam on the brakes • Find an escape route. While slowing Emergency braking does not mean pushing the vehicle, look for an escape route— down on the brake pedal as hard as you an open field, side street or escape can. That will only keep the wheels locked ramp. Turning uphill is a good way up and cause a skid. If the wheels are to slow and stop the vehicle. Make skidding, you cannot control the vehicle. sure the vehicle does not start rolling backward after you stop. Put it in Note: If you drive a vehicle with anti- low gear, apply the parking brake, lock brakes, you should read and follow and, if necessary, roll back into some the directions found in the Vehicle obstacle that will stop the vehicle. Owners Manual for stopping quickly. Brake failure on downgrades 2.17.3 Brake failure Going slowly enough, selecting the Brakes kept in good condition rarely proper gear and braking properly will fail. Most hydraulic brake failures almost always prevent brake failure on occur for one of two reasons: long downgrades. Once the brakes have • Loss of hydraulic pressure. failed, you will need to look outside • Brake fade on long downgrades. your vehicle for something to stop it. Air brakes are discussed in Section 5. Your best hope is an escape ramp. If there is one, there will be signs telling you Loss of hydraulic pressure about it. Use it. Escape ramps are usually When the system won’t build up pressure, located a few miles from the top of the the brake pedal will feel spongy or go to the downgrade. Every year, hundreds of drivers floor. Here are some things you can do: avoid injury to themselves or damage to • Downshift. Putting the their vehicles by using escape ramps. Some vehicle into a lower gear will escape ramps use soft gravel that resists the help to slow the vehicle. motion of the vehicle and brings it to a stop. • Pump the brakes. Sometimes Others turn uphill, using the hill to stop the pumping the brake pedal will vehicle and soft gravel to hold it in place generate enough hydraulic Any driver who loses brakes going downhill pressure to stop the vehicle. should use an escape ramp if it’s available. • Use the parking brake. The parking If you don’t use it, your chances of having or emergency brake is separate from a serious crash may be much greater. the hydraulic brake system. It can If no escape ramp is available, take the least be used to slow the vehicle. Be sure hazardous escape route you can—such as to press the release button or pull an open field or a side road that flattens the release lever at the same time out or turns uphill. Make the move as soon as you know your brakes are not working.
COVER 84 CONTENTS The longer you wait, the faster the vehicle • Stay off the brake. It’s natural to want will go and the harder it will be to stop to brake in an emergency. However, braking when a tire has failed could 2.17.4 Tire failure cause loss of control. Unless you’re Recognize tire failure about to run into something, stay Quickly knowing you have a tire failure off the brake until the vehicle has will let you have more time to react. slowed down. Then brake very Having just a few seconds to remember gently, pull off the road and stop. what it is you’re supposed to do can help you. The major signs of tire failure are: • Check the tires. After you’ve come to • Sound. The loud “bang” of a blowout a stop, get out and check all the tires. is an easily recognized sign. Because Do this even if the vehicle seems to be it can take a few seconds for your handling all right. If one of your dual vehicle to react, you might think tires goes, the only way you may know it was some other vehicle. But any it is by getting out and looking at it. time you hear a tire blow, you’d be safest to assume it was yours. 2.18 Antilock braking • Vibration. If the vehicle thumps systems (ABS) or vibrates heavily, it may be ABS is a computerized system that a sign that one of the tires has keeps your wheels from locking up gone flat. With a rear tire, that during hard brake applications. may be the only sign you get. ABS is an addition to your normal brakes. It • Feel. If the steering feels “heavy,” does not decrease or increase your normal it is probably a sign that one of the braking capability. ABS only activates front tires has failed. Sometimes, when wheels are about to lock up. failure of a rear tire will cause ABS does not necessarily shorten the vehicle to slide back and forth your stopping distance but it does or “fishtail.” However, dual rear help you keep the vehicle under tires usually prevent this. control during hard braking. Respond to tire failure 2.18.1 How antilock When a tire fails, your vehicle is in braking systems work danger. You must immediately: Sensors detect potential wheel • Hold the steering wheel firmly. If lock up. An electronic control unit a front tire fails, it can twist the (ECU) will then decrease brake steering wheel out of your hands. pressure to avoid wheel lockup. The only way to prevent this is to Brake pressure is adjusted to provide the keep a firm grip on the steering maximum braking without danger of lockup. wheel with both hands at all times.
COVER 85 CONTENTS ABS works far faster than the driver If the lamp stays on after the bulb can respond to potential wheel check or goes on once you are under lockup. At all other times the brake way, you may have lost ABS control. system will operate normally. In the case of towed units manufactured 2.18.2 Vehicles required to before it was required by the Department have antilock braking systems of Transportation, it may be difficult The Department of Transportation to tell if the unit is equipped with requires that ABS be on: ABS. Look under the vehicle for the • Truck tractors with air brakes ECU and wheel speed sensor wires built on or after March 1, 1997. coming from the back of the brakes. • Other air brake vehicles, (trucks, 2.18.4 How ABS helps you buses, trailers, and converter dollies) When you brake hard on slippery surfaces built on or after March 1, 1998. in a vehicle without ABS, your wheels • Hydraulically braked trucks and may lock up. When your steering wheels buses with a gross vehicle weight lock up, you lose steering control. When rating of 10,000 pounds or more your other wheels lock up, you may skid, built on or after March 1, 1999. jackknife or even spin the vehicle. Many commercial vehicles built ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up before these dates have been and maintain control. You may or voluntarily equipped with ABS. may not be able to stop faster with ABS but you should be able to steer 2.18.3 How to know if your vehicle is equipped with ABS around an obstacle while braking and Tractors, trucks and buses will have avoid skids caused by over braking. yellow ABS malfunction lamps 2.18.5 ABS on the tractor on the instrument panel. only or only on the trailer Trailers will have yellow ABS Having ABS on only the tractor, only malfunction lamps on the left side, the trailer or even on only one axle still either on the front or rear corner. gives you more control over the vehicle during braking. Brake normally. Dollies manufactured on or after March 1, 1998 are required to When only the tractor has ABS, you have a lamp on the left side. should be able to maintain steering control and there is less chance of As a system check on newer vehicles, the jackknifing. But keep your eye on the malfunction lamp comes on at start-up trailer and let up on the brakes (if you can for a bulb check and then goes out quickly. safely do so) if it begins to swing out. On older systems, the lamp could stay on until you are driving over 5 mph. When only the trailer has ABS, the trailer is less likely to swing out. But if you lose steering control or start a tractor jackknife, let up on the brakes (if you can safely do so) until you regain control.
COVER 86 CONTENTS 2.18.6 Braking with ABS 2.18.8 Safety reminders When you drive a vehicle with • ABS won’t allow you to drive ABS, you should brake as you faster, follow more closely always have. In other words: or drive less carefully. • Use only the braking force necessary • ABS won’t prevent power or turning to stop safely and stay in control. skids. ABS should prevent brake- • Brake the same way, regardless induced skids or jackknifes but not of whether you have ABS on the those caused by spinning the drive bus, tractor, the trailer, or both. wheels or going too fast in a turn. • As you slow down, monitor • ABS won’t necessarily shorten your tractor and trailer and stopping distance. ABS will help back off the brakes (if it is safe maintain vehicle control but not to do so) to stay in control. always shorten stopping distance. There is only one exception to this • ABS won’t increase or decrease procedure. If you drive a straight truck ultimate stopping power. ABS is an or combination with working ABS “add-on” to your normal brakes, on all axles, in an emergency stop, not a replacement for them. you can fully apply the brakes. • ABS won’t change the way you 2.18.7 Braking if ABS normally brake. Under normal is not working brake conditions, your vehicle Without ABS you still have will stop as it always stopped. normal brake functions. Drive and ABS only comes into play when a brake as you always have. wheel would normally have locked Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction up because of over braking. lamps to tell you if something isn’t working. • ABS won’t compensate for bad As a system check on newer vehicles, the brakes or poor brake maintenance. malfunction lamp comes on at start-up The best vehicle safety feature for a bulb check and then goes out quickly. is still a safe driver. On older systems, the lamp could stay on until you are driving over 5 mph. Drive so you never need to use your ABS. If the lamp stays on after the bulb If you need it, ABS could help check or goes on once you are to prevent a serious crash. under way, you may have lost ABS control on one or more wheels. 2.19 Skid control Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you and recovery still have regular brakes. Drive normally A skid happens whenever the tires but get the system serviced soon. lose their grip on the road. This is caused in one of four ways:
COVER 87 CONTENTS • Over-braking. Braking too hard Figure 2-21: Tractor Jackknife and locking up the wheels. Skids can also occur when using the speed retarder when the road is slippery. • Over-steering. Turning the Line of Travel wheels more sharply than the vehicle can turn. • Over-accelerating. Supplying Direction of Slide too much power to the drive wheels, causing them to spin. • Driving too fast. Most serious skids result from driving too fast for road conditions. Drivers who adjust their driving to conditions don’t over-accelerate and don’t Rear Tractor Wheels have to over-brake or over- locked-up or spinning steer from too much speed. 2.19.1 Drive-wheel skids By far the most common skid is one in which the rear wheels lose traction through excessive braking or acceleration. Skids caused by acceleration usually happen on 2.19.2 Correcting a drive- ice or snow. They can be easily stopped wheel braking skid by taking your foot off the accelerator. Do the following to correct a (If it is very slippery, push the clutch in. drive-wheel braking skid: Otherwise, the engine can keep the wheels • Stop braking. This will let the from rolling freely and regaining traction.) rear wheels roll again and keep Rear wheel braking skids occur when the the rear wheels from sliding any rear drive wheels lock. Because locked further. If on ice, push in the clutch wheels have less traction than rolling to let the wheels turn freely. wheels, the rear wheels usually slide • Steer. When a vehicle begins sideways in an attempt to catch up with to slide sideways, quickly steer the front wheels. In a bus or straight in the direction you want the truck, the vehicle will slide sideways in a vehicle to go—down the road. You spin out. With vehicles towing trailers, a must turn the wheel quickly. drive-wheel skid can let the trailer push • Countersteer. As a vehicle turns the towing vehicle sideways, causing a back on course, it has a tendency to sudden jackknife. See Figure 2-21. keep right on turning. Unless you turn the steering wheel quickly the other way, you may find yourself sliding in the opposite direction.
COVER 88 CONTENTS Learning to stay off the brake, turn the 2.20 Crash procedures steering wheel quickly, push in the clutch When you’re in a crash and not seriously and counter-steer in a skid takes a lot of hurt, you need to act to prevent further practice. The best place to get this practice damage or injury. The basic steps is on a large driving range or “skid pad.” to be taken at any crash are to: 2.19.3 Front-wheel skids • Protect the area. Most front-wheel skids are caused by • Notify authorities. driving too fast for conditions. Other causes • Care for the injured. are lack of tread on the front tires and cargo 2.20.1 Protect the area loaded so not enough weight is on the front The first thing to do at a crash scene is to axle. In a front-wheel skid, the front end keep another crash from happening at the tends to go in a straight line regardless of same spot. To protect the crash area: how much you turn the steering wheel. • If your vehicle is involved in the On a very slippery surface, you may not crash, try to get it to the side of the be able to steer around a curve or turn. road. This will help prevent another When a front-wheel skid occurs, the crash and allow traffic to move. only way to stop the skid is to let the • If you’re stopping to help, park vehicle slow down. Stop turning and/ away from the crash. The area or braking so hard. Slow down as immediately around the crash will quickly as possible without skidding. be needed for emergency vehicles. Test your knowledge • Put on your flashers. 1. True or False? Stopping is not always • Set out reflective triangles to warn the safest thing to do in an emergency. other traffic. Make sure they can 2. What are some advantages of going right be seen by other drivers in time instead of left around an obstacle? for them to avoid the crash. 3. What is an “escape ramp”? 2.20.2 Notify authorities— 4. True or False? If a tire blows CB or phone (Dial 911) out, you should put the brakes If you have a cell phone or CB, call for on hard to stop quickly. assistance before you get out of your 5. How do you know if your vehicle vehicle. If not, wait until after the crash has antilock brakes? scene has been properly protected, then phone or send someone to phone the 6. What is the proper braking police. Try to determine where you are technique when driving a vehicle so you can give the exact location. with antilock brakes? 7. How do antilock brakes help you? 2.20.3 Care for the injured If a qualified person is at the crash and These questions may be on your test. If helping the injured, stay out of the way you are unable to answer them all, re- unless asked to assist. Otherwise, do read subsections 2.17, 2.18 and 2.19. the best you can to help any injured
COVER 89 CONTENTS parties. Here are some basic steps • Follow safe procedures. Follow to follow in giving assistance: correct safety procedures for • Don’t move a severely injured fueling the vehicle, (stay with the person unless the danger of fire or vehicle and watch the nozzle while passing traffic makes it necessary. fueling to prevent spills), using • Stop heavy bleeding by applying brakes, handling flares and other direct pressure to the wound. Keep activities that can cause a fire. the injured person warm. • Monitoring. Check the instruments and gauges often for signs of 2.21 Fires overheating and use the mirrors Truck fires can cause damage and injury. to look for signs of smoke Learn the causes of fires and how to prevent from tires on the vehicle. them. Know what to do to extinguish fires. • Use caution. Use normal caution in handling anything flammable. 2.21.1 Causes of fire The following are some 2.21.3 Fire fighting causes of vehicle fires: Knowing how to fight fires is important. • After crashes. Spilled fuel, Fires have been made worse by drivers improper use of flares. who didn’t know what to do. Know how • Tires. Under-inflated tires the fire extinguisher works. Study the and duals that touch. instructions printed on the extinguisher before you need it. Here are some • Electrical system. Short circuits procedures to follow in case of fire: due to damaged insulation, loose connections. Pull off the road • Fuel. Driver smoking, improper The first step is to get the vehicle off fueling, loose fuel connections. the road and stop. In doing so: • Park in an open area, away from • Cargo. Flammable cargo, improperly buildings, trees, brush, other vehicles sealed or loaded, poor ventilation. or anything that might catch fire. 2.21.2 Fire prevention • Don’t pull into a service station! Pay attention to the following: • Notify emergency services of your • Vehicle inspection. Make a complete problem and your location. inspection of the electrical, fuel Keep the fire from spreading and exhaust systems, tires and Before trying to put out the fire, make cargo. Be sure to check that the sure that it doesn’t spread any further. fire extinguisher is charged. • With an engine fire, turn off • En route inspection. Check the tires, the engine as soon as you can. wheels and truck body for signs of Don’t open the hood if you can heat whenever you stop during a trip. avoid it. Shoot extinguishers
COVER 90 CONTENTS through louvers, radiator or from Figure 2-22. Class/Type of Fires the underside of the vehicle. • For a cargo fire in a van or box CLASS TYPE trailer, keep the doors shut, especially Wood, Paper, Ordinary if your cargo contains hazardous A Combustibles: Extinguish by materials. Opening the van doors Cooling and Quenching Using Water or Dry Chemicals will supply the fire with oxygen and can cause it to burn very fast. Gasoline, Oil, Grease, Other Greasy Liquids: Extinguish Extinguish the fire B by Smothering, Cooling or Heat Shielding using Carbon Here are some rules to follow Dioxide or Dry Chemicals in putting out a fire: Electrical Equipment Fires: • When using the extinguisher, stay as Extinguish with Nonconducting C Agents such as Carbon far away from the fire as possible. Dioxide or Dry Chemicals. • Aim at the source or base of the DO NOT USE WATER. fire, not up in the flames. Fires in Combustible Metals: Use the right fire extinguisher D Extinguish by Using Specialized Extinguishing Powders • The B:C type fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids. Figure 2-23. Class of Fire/ • The A:B:C type is designed Type of Extinguisher to work on burning wood, paper and cloth as well. Class of Fire Fire Extinguisher Type • Water can be used on wood, paper B or C Regular Dry Chemical or cloth, but don’t use water on A, B, C, Multi Purpose Dry Chemical an electrical fire (you could get or D D Purple K Dry Chemical shocked) or a gasoline fire (it B or C KCL Dry Chemical will just spread the flames). D Dry Powder Special Compound • A burning tire must be cooled. B or C Carbon Dioxide (Dry) Lots of water may be required. • If you’re not sure what to use, especially on a hazardous materials fire, wait for qualified firefighters. • Position yourself upwind. Let the wind carry the extinguisher to the fire. • Continue until whatever was burning has been cooled. Absence of smoke or flame does not mean the fire cannot restart.
COVER 91 CONTENTS B or C Halogenated Agent (Gas) the liver. The liver can only process one- A Water third an ounce of alcohol per hour, which A Water With Anti-Freeze is considerably less than the alcohol in a A or B Water, Loaded Steam Style standard drink. This is a fixed rate, so only B, on time, not black coffee or a cold shower, will some A Foam sober you up. If you have drinks faster than your body can get rid of them, you will have Test your knowledge more alcohol in your body, and your driving 1. What are some things to do at a crash will be more affected. The Blood Alcohol scene to prevent another crash? Concentration (BAC) commonly measures 2. Name two causes of tire fires. the amount of alcohol in your body. 3. What kinds of fires is a B:C All of the following drinks contain extinguisher not good for? the same amount of alcohol: 4. When using your extinguisher, should • A 12 ounce glass of 5% beer. you get as close as possible to the fire? • A 5 ounce glass of 12% wine. 5. Name some causes of vehicle fires. • A 1 ½ ounce shot of 80 proof liquor. These questions may be on your test. What determines blood If you are unable to answer them all, alcohol concentration re-read subsections 2.20 and 2.21. BAC is determined by the amount of alcohol you drink (more alcohol means higher BAC), how fast you drink (faster drinking 2.22 Alcohol, other means higher BAC) and your weight (a small drugs and driving person doesn’t have to drink as much as 2.22.1 Alcohol and driving a larger person to reach the same BAC). Drinking alcohol and then driving is a very dangerous and serious problem. Alcohol and the brain People who drink alcohol are involved Alcohol affects more and more of the brain in traffic accidents resulting in over as BAC builds up. The first part of the brain 20,000 deaths every year. Alcohol impairs affected controls judgment and self-control. muscle coordination, reaction time, depth This can keep drinkers from knowing they perception and night vision. It also affects are getting drunk. Good judgment and the parts of the brain that control judgment self-control are necessary for safe driving. and inhibition. For some people, one drink As BAC continues to build up, muscle is all it takes to show signs of impairment. control, vision and coordination are affected more and more. Effects How alcohol works on driving may include: Alcohol goes directly into the blood stream and is carried to the brain. After passing • Straddling lanes. through the brain, a small percentage • Quick, jerky starts. is removed in urine, perspiration, and • Not signaling, failure to use lights. by breathing, while the rest is carried to
COVER 92 CONTENTS • Running stop signs and red lights. hides fatigue—the only cure for fatigue • Improper passing. is rest. Alcohol can make the effects of other drugs much worse. The safest rule These effects mean increased chances is don’t mix drugs with driving at all. of a crash and of losing your driver license. Crash statistics show that Use of drugs can lead to traffic crashes the chance of a crash is much greater resulting in death, injury and property for drivers who have been drinking damage. It can lead to arrest, fines than for drivers who have not. and jail sentences. It can also mean the end of a person’s driving career. How alcohol affects driving All drivers are affected by drinking 2.22.3 Illness alcohol. Alcohol affects judgment, vision, Once in a while, you may become so ill that coordination and reaction time. It you cannot operate a motor vehicle safely. causes serious driving errors, such as: If this happens, you must not drive. In • Increased reaction time to hazards. case of an emergency, you may drive to the nearest place where you can safely stop. • Driving too fast or too slowly. • Driving in the wrong lane. 2.23 Hazardous • Running over the curb. materials rules for all • Weaving. commercial drivers 2.22.2 Other drugs All drivers should know something about Besides alcohol, other legal and illegal hazardous materials. You must be able drugs are being used more often. Laws to recognize hazardous cargo and you prohibit possession or use of many drugs must know whether or not you can haul while on duty. They prohibit being under it without having a hazardous materials the influence of any “controlled substance”; endorsement on your CDL license. amphetamines (including “pep pills,” 2.23.1 What are “uppers” and “bennies”), narcotics or hazardous materials? any other substance that can make the Hazardous materials are products that driver unsafe. This could include a variety pose a risk to health, safety and property of prescription and over-the-counter during transportation. See Figure 2-24. drugs (cold medicines) which may make Figure 2-24: Hazard Class Definitions the driver drowsy or otherwise affect safe driving ability. Possession and use Class Class Name Examples of a drug given to a driver by a doctor is permitted if the doctor informs the driver Dynamite that it will not affect safe driving ability. 1 Explosives Fireworks Ammunition Pay attention to warning labels of legitimate Propane drugs and medicines and to doctor’s 2 Gases Helium orders regarding possible effects. Avoid Oxygen illegal drugs. Don’t use any drug that
COVER 93 CONTENTS To communicate the risk: Gasoline 3 Flammable Acetone The shipper uses a shipping paper and diamond-shaped hazard labels to warn Matches 4 Flammable Solids Fuses dockworkers and drivers of the risk. After an accident or hazardous material Ammonium spill or leak, you may be injured and Nitrate 5 Oxidizers Hydrogen unable to communicate the hazards of the Peroxide materials you are transporting. Firefighters and police can prevent or reduce the Pesticides 6 Poisons Arsenic amount of damage or injury at the scene if they know what hazardous materials Uranium 7 Radioactive Plutonium are being carried. Your life, and the lives of others, may depend on quickly locating Hydrochloric the hazardous materials shipping papers. 8 Corrosives Acid For that reason, you must identify shipping Battery Fluid papers related to hazardous materials or keep them on top of other shipping papers. 9 Miscellaneous Formaldehyde Hazardous Materials Asbestos You must also keep shipping papers: ORM-D (Other • In a pouch on the driver’s door, or None Regulated Material- Hair Spray Domestic) Charcoal • In clear view within reach while driving, or Fuel Oils None Combustible Liquids Lighter Fluid • On the driver’s seat when you are out of the vehicle.
2.23.2 Why are there rules? 2.23.3 Lists of regulated You must follow the many rules about products transporting hazardous materials. Placards are used to warn others of The intent of the rules is to: hazardous materials. Placards are signs • Contain the product. put on the outside of a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo. A placarded • Communicate the risk. vehicle must have at least four identical • Ensure safe drivers and equipment. placards. They are put on the front, rear and To contain the product: both sides. Placards must be readable from Many hazardous products can injure or all four directions. They must be at least kill on contact. To protect drivers and 9.8” (250mm) inches square, turned upright others from contact, the rules tell shippers on a point, in a diamond shape. See Figure how to package safely. Similar rules tell 2-25. Cargo tanks and other bulk packaging drivers how to load, transport and unload display the identification number of their bulk tanks. These are containment rules. contents on placards or orange panels.
COVER 94 CONTENTS Figure 2-25: Examples of Placards is required for any commercial vehicle that is designed to transport any liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis. The liquid or gas does not have to be a hazardous material. Drivers who need the hazardous materials endorsement must learn the placard rules. If you do not know if your vehicle needs placards, ask your employer. Never drive a vehicle needing placards unless Identification numbers are a four digit you have the hazardous materials code used by first responders to identify endorsement. To do so is a crime. When hazardous materials. An identification stopped, you will be cited and you will not number may be used to identify more than be allowed to drive your truck. It will cost one chemical on shipping papers. The you time and money. A failure to placard identification number will be preceded when needed will risk your life and others by the letters “NA” or “UN.” The U.S. if you have a crash. Emergency help will DOT Emergency Response Guidebook not know of your hazardous cargo. (ERG) lists the chemicals and the Hazardous materials drivers must also identification numbers assigned to them. know which products they can load together Not all vehicles carrying hazardous and which they can not. These rules are materials need to have placards. The rules also in Section 9. Before loading a truck about placards are given in Section 9 of with more than one type of product, this manual. You can drive a vehicle that you must know if it is safe to load them carries hazardous materials if it does not together. If you do not know, ask your require placards. If it requires placards, you employer and consult the regulations. cannot drive it unless your driver license Test your knowledge has the hazardous materials endorsement. 1. True or False? Common medicines The rules require all drivers of placarded for colds can make you sleepy. vehicles to learn how to safely load and 2. True or False? Coffee and a little fresh transport hazardous products. They must air will help a drinker sober up. have a commercial driver license with the hazardous materials endorsement. 3. What is a hazardous materials placard? To get the required endorsement you 4. Why are placards used? must pass a written test on material These questions may be on your test. found in Section 9. A tank endorsement If you are unable to answer them all, re-read subsections 2.22 and 2.23.
COVER 95 CONTENTS SECTION 3: 3.1 Inspecting cargo TRANSPORTING CARGO As part of your vehicle inspection, make SAFELY sure the truck is not overloaded and the This section covers: cargo is balanced and secured properly. • Inspecting Cargo After starting • Cargo Weight and Balance Inspect the cargo and its securing • Securing Cargo devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip. Make • Cargo Needing Special Attention any adjustments needed. This section tells you about hauling Re-check cargo safely. You must understand Re-check the cargo and securing devices basic cargo safety rules to get a CDL. as often as necessary during a trip to keep If you load cargo wrong or do not secure it, the load secure. You need to inspect again: it can be a danger to others and yourself. • After you have driven for Loose cargo that falls off a vehicle can 3 hours or 150 miles. cause traffic problems and others could • After every break you be hurt or killed. Loose cargo could take during driving. hurt or kill you during a quick stop or Federal, state and local regulations for crash. Your vehicle could be damaged by commercial vehicle weight, securing cargo, an overload. Steering could be affected covering loads and where you can drive by how a vehicle is loaded, making it large vehicles vary from place to place. more difficult to control the vehicle. Know the rules where you will be driving. Whether or not you load and secure the cargo yourself, you are responsible for: 3.2 Weight and balance • Inspecting your cargo. You are responsible for not being • Recognizing overloads and overloaded. The following are some poorly balanced weight. definitions of weight you should know. • Knowing your cargo is properly 3.2.1 Definitions you secured and does not obscure should know your view ahead or to the sides. Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) • Knowing your cargo does not restrict The value specified by the manufacturer your access to emergency equipment. as the loaded weight of a single vehicle. These are discussed below. Gross combination weight Note: If you intend to carry hazardous rating (GCWR) material that requires placards on your The value specified by the manufacturer vehicle, you must also have a hazardous of the power unit, if the value is displayed materials endorsement. Section 9 in on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Volume 2 has the information you need Standard (FMVSS) certification label; to pass the hazardous materials test. or the sum of the gross vehicle weight
COVER 96 CONTENTS ratings (GVWRs) or the gross vehicle distance increases. Brakes can fail when weights (GVWs) of the power unit and they are forced to work too hard. the towed unit(s), or any combination During bad weather or in mountains, thereof, that produces the highest value. it may not be safe to operate at Actual gross vehicle weights (GVWs) are legal maximum weights. Take this not used to determine whether a vehicle is into account before driving. representative for the purpose of CDL skills 3.3.3 Don’t be top heavy testing. Actual GVWs are used by roadside The height of the vehicle’s center of gravity enforcement to determine whether the is very important for safe handling. A driver/vehicle is subject to CDL regulations. high center of gravity (cargo piled up Axle weight high or heavy cargo on top) means you The weight transmitted to the ground are more likely to tip over. It is most by one axle or one set of axles. dangerous in curves or if you have to swerve to avoid a hazard. It is very Tire load important to distribute the cargo so it is The maximum safe weight a tire can as low as possible. Put the heaviest parts carry at a specified pressure. This rating of the cargo under the lightest parts. is stated on the side of each tire. 3.2.4 Balance the weight Suspension systems Poor weight balance can make vehicle Suspension systems have a handling unsafe. Too much weight on the manufacturer’s weight capacity rating. steering axle can cause hard steering. It Coupling device capacity can damage the steering axle and tires. Coupling devices are rated for the maximum Underloaded front axles (caused by shifting weight they can pull and/or carry. weight too far to the rear) can make the 3.2.2 Legal weight limits steering axle weight too light to steer safely. You must keep weights within legal limits. Too little weight on the driving axles can States have maximums for GVWRs, GCWRs cause poor traction. The drive wheels may and axle weights. Often, maximum axle spin easily. During bad weather, the truck weights are set by a bridge formula. A bridge may not be able to keep going. Weight that formula permits less maximum axle weight is loaded so there is a high center of gravity for axles that are closer together. This is to causes greater chance of rollover. On flatbed prevent overloading bridges and roadways. vehicles, there is also a greater chance that the load will shift to the side or fall Overloading can have bad effects on off. Figure 3-1 shows examples of the right steering, braking and speed control. and wrong way to balance cargo weight. Overloaded trucks need to go very slowly on upgrades. Worse, they may gain too much speed on downgrades. Stopping
COVER 97 CONTENTS Figure 3-1: Always load cargo the right way! 3.3.2 Cargo tiedown RIGHT WRONG On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo must be secured to keep it from shifting or falling off. In closed vans, tiedowns can also be important to prevent cargo shifting that may affect the handling of the vehicle. Tiedowns must be of the proper type and proper strength. Federal regulations require that the aggregate Test your knowledge working load limit of any securement 1. For what four things related to system used to secure an article or group cargo are drivers responsible? of articles against movement must be 2. How often must you stop while on at least one-half times the weight of the the road to check your cargo? article or group of articles. Proper tiedown 3. How is Gross Combination equipment must be used, including ropes, Weight Rating different from straps, chains and tensioning devices Gross Combination Weight? (winches, ratchets, clinching components). 4. Name two situations where legal Tiedowns must be attached to the vehicle maximum weights may not be safe. correctly (hook, bolt, rails, rings). 5. What can happen if you don’t have Figure 3-2: Tiedowns enough weight on the front axle? These questions may be on your test. If you are unable to answer them all, re-read subsections 3.1 and 3.2.
3.3 Securing cargo Cargo should have at least one tiedown for each 10 feet of cargo. Make sure you 3.3.1 Blocking and bracing have enough tiedowns to meet this need. Blocking is used in the front, back, No matter how small the cargo, it should and/or sides of a piece of cargo to keep have at least two tiedowns holding it. it from sliding. Blocking is shaped to fit snugly against cargo. It is secured to the There are special requirements for securing cargo deck to prevent cargo movement. various heavy pieces of metal. Find out what they are if you are to carry such loads. Bracing is also used to prevent movement of cargo. Bracing goes from the upper 3.3.3 Header boards part of the cargo to the floor and/or Front end header boards (“headache racks”) walls of the cargo compartment. protect you from your cargo in case of a crash or emergency stop. Make sure the front end structure is in good condition.
COVER 98 CONTENTS The front end structure should block the 3.4.2 Hanging meat forward movement of any cargo you carry. Hanging meat (suspended beef, pork, 3.3.4 Covering cargo lamb) in a refrigerated truck can be a very unstable load with a high center of gravity. There are two basic reasons Particular caution is needed on sharp curves for covering cargo: such as off ramps and on ramps. Go slowly. • To protect people from spilled cargo. • To protect the cargo from weather. 3.4.3 Livestock Spill protection is a safety requirement Livestock can move around in a trailer, in many states. Be familiar with the causing unsafe handling. With less laws of the states in which you drive. than a full load, use false bulkheads to keep livestock bunched together. You should look at your cargo covers Even when bunched, special care is in the mirrors from time to time while necessary because livestock can lean on driving. A flapping cover can tear loose, curves. This shifts the center of gravity uncovering the cargo and possibly and makes rollover more likely. blocking your view or someone else’s. 3.4.4 Oversized loads 3.3.5 Sealed and containerized loads Over-length, over-width, and/or overweight loads require special transit permits. Containerized loads generally are used Driving is usually limited to certain times. when freight is carried part way by rail Special equipment may be necessary or ship. Delivery by truck occurs at the such as “wide load” signs, flashing lights, beginning and/or end of the journey. Some flags, etc. Such loads may require a police containers have their own tiedown devices escort or pilot vehicles bearing warning or locks that attach directly to a special signs and/or flashing lights. These special frame. Others need to be loaded onto loads require special driving care. flat bed trailers. They must be properly secured just like any other cargo. Test your knowledge You cannot inspect sealed loads, but 1. What is the minimum number of you should check that you don’t exceed tiedowns for any flat bed load? gross weight and axle weight limits. 2. What is the minimum number of tiedowns for a 20 ft. load? 3.4 Cargo needing 3. Name the two basic reasons for special attention covering cargo on an open bed. 3.4.1 Dry bulk 4. What must you check before Dry bulk tanks require special care because transporting a sealed load? they often have a high center of gravity and the load can shift. Be extremely These questions may be on your test. cautious (slow and careful) going around If you are unable to answer them all, curves and making sharp turns. re-read subsections 3.3 and 3.4.
COVER 99 CONTENTS PART TWO as repaired or not needing to be repaired, Section 4: Transporting passengers safely should you sign the previous driver’s Section 5: Air brakes report. This is your certification that the Section 6: Combination vehicles defects reported earlier have been fixed. Section 7: Doubles and triples 4.1.1 Vehicle systems Section 8: Tank vehicles Make sure these things are in Section 9: Hazardous materials working order before driving: Section 10: School bus • Service brakes, including air hose couplings (if your bus has SECTION 4: a trailer or semitrailer). TRANSPORTING • Parking brake. PASSENGERS SAFELY • Steering mechanism. This section covers: • Lights and reflectors. • Vehicle Inspection • Tires (front wheels must not have • Loading recapped or re-grooved tires). • On the Road • Horn. • After-trip Vehicle Inspection • Windshield wiper or wipers. • Prohibited Practices • Rear-vision mirror or mirrors. • Use of Brake-door Interlocks • Coupling devices (if present). • Wheels and rims. Bus drivers must have a commercial driver license if they drive a vehicle • Emergency equipment. designed to transport 16 or more Make sure your bus has the fire persons, including the driver. extinguisher and emergency reflectors (3 Bus drivers must have a passenger reflective triangles or at least 6 fusees or 3 endorsement on their commercial driver liquid burning flares) required by law. The license. To get the endorsement you bus must also have spare electrical fuses, must pass a knowledge test on Section unless equipped with circuit breakers. 2 and Section 4 of this manual. (If your 4.1.2 Access doors and panels bus has air brakes, you must also pass a As you check the outside of the bus, close knowledge test on Section 5.) You must any open emergency exits. Also, close any also pass the skills tests required for open access panels (for baggage, restroom the class of vehicle you plan to drive. service, engine, etc.) before driving.
4.1 Vehicle inspection 4.1.3 Bus interior People sometimes damage unattended Before driving your bus, you must be sure buses. Always check the interior of the it is safe. You must review the inspection bus before driving to ensure rider safety. report made by the previous driver. Only if Aisles and stairwells should always be defects reported earlier have been certified clear. The following parts of your bus must be in safe working condition:
COVER 100 CONTENTS • Each handhold and railing. The Federal Hazardous Materials Table • Floor covering. shows which materials are hazardous. They • Signaling devices, including the pose a risk to health, safety and property restroom emergency buzzer, during transportation. The rules require if the bus has a restroom. shippers to mark containers of hazardous material with the material’s name, ID • Emergency exit handles. number and hazard label. There are nine The seats must be safe for riders. All seats different four inch, diamond-shaped hazard must be securely fastened to the bus. labels. Watch for the diamond-shaped labels. Never drive with an open emergency exit Do not transport any hazardous material door or window. The “Emergency Exit” unless you are sure the rules allow it. sign on an emergency door must be clearly Figure 4-1: Hazard Class Definitions visible. If there is a red emergency door light, it must work. Turn it on at night or Class Class Name Examples any other time you use your outside lights. Dynamite 4.1.4 Roof hatches 1 Explosives Fireworks You may lock some emergency roof Ammunition hatches in a partly open position for fresh Propane air. Do not leave them open as a regular 2 Gases Helium Oxygen practice. Keep in mind the bus’s higher clearance while driving with them open. Gasoline 3 Flammable Acetone 4.1.5 Use your seatbelt! The driver’s seat should have a seat Matches 4 Flammable Solids Fuses belt. Always use it for safety. Ammonium Nitrate 4.2 Loading and trip start 5 Oxidizers Hydrogen Do not allow riders to leave carry-on Peroxide baggage in a doorway or aisle. There Pesticides should be nothing in the aisle that might 6 Poisons Arsenic trip other riders. Secure baggage and Uranium freight in ways that avoid damage and: 7 Radioactive Plutonium • Allow the driver to move freely and easily. Hydrochloric 8 Corrosives Acid • Allow riders to exit by any window Battery Fluid or door in an emergency. • Protect riders from injury if Miscellaneous Formaldehyde 9 Hazardous Materials Asbestos carry-ons fall or shift. ORM-D (Other Hair Spray 4.2.1 Hazardous materials None Regulated Material- Charcoal Watch for cargo or baggage containing Domestic) hazardous materials. Most hazardous None Combustible Liquids Fuel Oils materials cannot be carried on a bus. Lighter Fluid
COVER 101 CONTENTS 4.2.2 Forbidden • Next departure time, and hazardous materials • Bus number. Buses may carry small-arms ammunition Remind riders to take carry-ons with labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital them if they get off the bus. If the aisle is supplies and drugs. You can carry small on a lower level than the seats, remind amounts of some other hazardous materials riders of the step-down. It is best to tell if the shipper cannot send them any them before coming to a complete stop. other way. Buses must never carry: • Division 2.3 poison gas, liquid Class Charter bus drivers should not allow riders 6 poison, tear gas, irritating material. on the bus until departure time. This will help prevent theft or vandalism of the bus. • More than 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons. Test your knowledge • Explosives in the space 1. Name some things to check occupied by people, except in the interior of a bus during small arms ammunition. a vehicle inspection. • Labeled radioactive materials in 2. What are some hazardous materials the space occupied by people. you can transport by bus? • More than 500 pounds 3. What are some hazardous materials total of allowed hazardous you can not transport by bus? materials and no more than 4. What is a standee line? 100 pounds of any one class. These questions may be on your test. Riders sometimes board a bus with an If you are unable to answer them all, unlabeled hazardous material. Do not re-read subsections 4.1 and 4.2. allow riders to carry on common hazards such as car batteries or gasoline. 4.2.3 Standee line 4.3 On the road No rider may stand forward of the rear 4.3.1 Passenger supervision of the driver’s seat. Buses designed Many charter and intercity carriers have to allow standing must have a 2 inch passenger comfort and safety rules. line on the floor or some other means Mention rules about smoking, drinking or of showing riders where they cannot use of radio and MP3 players at the start stand. This is called the standee line. All of the trip. Explaining the rules at the standing riders must stay behind it. start will help to avoid trouble later on. While driving, scan the interior of your 4.2.4 At your destination bus as well as the road ahead, to the When arriving at the destination or sides and to the rear. You may need to intermediate stops announce: remind riders about rules, or to keep • The location arms and heads inside the bus. • Reason for stopping
COVER 102 CONTENTS 4.3.2 At stops If your bus leans toward the outside on a Riders can stumble when getting on or banked curve, you are driving too fast. off, and when the bus starts or stops. 4.3.5 Railroad crossings stops Caution riders to watch their step when Stop at railroad crossings. Stop your bus leaving the bus. Wait for them to sit down between 15 and 50 feet before railroad or brace themselves before starting. crossings. Listen and look in both directions Starting and stopping should be as for trains. You should open your forward smooth as possible to avoid rider injury. door if it improves your ability to see Occasionally, you may have a drunk or or hear an approaching train. Before disruptive rider. You must ensure this crossing after a train has passed, make rider’s safety as well as that of others. Don’t sure there isn’t another train coming in discharge such riders where it would be the other direction on other tracks. If your unsafe for them. It may be safer at the next bus has a manual transmission, never scheduled stop or a well-lighted area where change gears while crossing the tracks. there are other people. Many carriers have You do not need to stop, but must slow down guidelines for handling disruptive riders. and carefully check for other vehicles: 4.3.3 Common crashes • At street car crossings. Bus crashes often happen at intersections. • Where a policeman or flagman Use caution, even if a signal or stop sign is directing traffic. controls other traffic. School and mass • If a traffic signal shows green, transit buses sometimes scrape off mirrors • At crossings marked as or hit passing vehicles when pulling out “exempt” or “abandoned.” from a bus stop. Remember the clearance your bus needs, and watch for poles and Wisconsin note: In Wisconsin, tree limbs at stops. Know the size of the school buses must stop at tracks gap your bus needs to accelerate and used for industrial switching. merge with traffic. Wait for the gap to open before leaving the stop. Never assume 4.3.6 Drawbridges other drivers will brake to give you room Stop at drawbridges that do not have a when you signal or start to pull out. signal light or traffic control attendant. Stop at least 50 feet before the draw of 4.3.4 Speed on curves the bridge. Look to make sure the draw Crashes on curves that kill people and is completely closed before crossing. destroy buses result from excessive speed, You do not need to stop, but must slow often when rain or snow has made the road down and make sure it’s safe, when: slippery. Every banked curve has a safe • There is a traffic light showing green. “design speed.” In good weather, the posted speed is safe for cars but it may be too high • The bridge has an attendant or for many buses. With good traction, the bus traffic officer who controls traffic may roll over; with poor traction, it might whenever the bridge opens. slide off the curve. Reduce speed for curves!
COVER 103 CONTENTS 4.4 After-trip vehicle 4.6 Use of brake- inspection door interlocks Inspect your bus at the end of each Urban mass transit coaches may have a shift. If you work for an interstate brake and accelerator interlock system. The carrier, you must complete a written interlock applies the brakes and holds the inspection report for each bus driven. throttle in idle position when the rear door The report must specify each bus and is open. The interlock releases when you list any defect that would affect safety close the rear door. Do not use this safety or result in a breakdown. If there are feature in place of the parking brake. no defects, the report should say so. Riders sometimes damage safety-related Test your knowledge parts such as handholds, seats, emergency 1. Does it matter where you make a exits and windows. If you report this disruptive passenger get off the bus? damage at the end of a shift, mechanics 2. How far from a railroad can make repairs before the bus goes out crossing should you stop? again. Mass transit drivers should also 3. When must you stop before make sure passenger signaling devices crossing a drawbridge? and brake-door interlocks work properly. 4. Describe from memory the “prohibited practices” listed in the manual. 4.5 Prohibited practices 5. True or False? The rear door of Avoid fueling your bus with riders on board a transit bus has to be open to unless absolutely necessary. Never refuel put on the parking brake in a closed building with riders on board. These questions may be on your test. If Don’t talk with riders or engage in any you are unable to answer them all, re- other distracting activity while driving. read subsections 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6. Do not tow or push a disabled bus with riders aboard the vehicle, unless getting off would be unsafe. Only tow or push the bus to the nearest safe spot to discharge passengers. Follow your employer’s guidelines on towing or pushing disabled buses.
COVER 104 CONTENTS SECTION 5: AIR BRAKES 5.1 The parts of an This section covers: air brake system • Air Brake System Parts There are many parts to an air brake system. You should know • Dual Air Brake Systems about the parts discussed here. • Inspecting Air Brakes • Using Air Brakes 5.1.1 Air compressor The air compressor pumps air into the This section tells you about air brakes. If air storage tanks (reservoirs). The air you want to drive a truck or bus with air compressor is connected to the engine brakes or pull a trailer with air brakes, you through gears or a V-belt. The compressor should study this section. If you want to pull may be air cooled or may be cooled by a trailer with air brakes, you should also the engine cooling system. It may have its study Section 6, Combination Vehicles. own oil supply or be lubricated by engine Air brakes use compressed air to oil. If the compressor has its own oil make the brakes work. Air brakes are a supply, check the oil level before driving. good and safe way of stopping large and 5.1.2 Air compressor governor heavy vehicles, but the brakes must be The governor controls when the air well maintained and properly used. compressor will pump air into the air Air brakes are really three different storage tanks. When air tank pressure rises braking systems: service brake, parking to the “cut-out” level (around 125 pounds brake and emergency brake systems. per square inch or “psi”), the governor stops • The service brake system the compressor from pumping air. When the applies and releases the brakes tank pressure falls to the “cut-in” pressure when you use the brake pedal (around 100 psi), the governor allows the during normal driving. compressor to start pumping again. • The parking brake system applies 5.1.3 Air storage tanks and releases the parking brakes when Air storage tanks are used to hold you use the parking brake control. compressed air. The number and size • The emergency brake system of air tanks varies among vehicles. The uses parts of the service and parking tanks will hold enough air to allow the brake systems to stop the vehicle in brakes to be used several times even the event of a brake system failure. if the compressor stops working. The parts of these systems are 5.1.4 Air tank drains discussed in greater detail below. Compressed air usually has some water and some compressor oil in it, which is bad for the air brake system. For example, the water can freeze in cold weather and cause brake failure. The water and oil tend
COVER 105 CONTENTS to collect in the bottom of the air tank. Be 5.1.6 Safety valve sure that you drain the air tanks completely. A safety relief valve is installed in the first Each air tank is equipped with a drain tank the air compressor pumps air to. The valve in the bottom. There are two types: safety valve protects the tank and the rest • Manually operated by turning of the system from too much pressure. The a quarter turn, shown in Figure valve is usually set to open at 150 psi. If 5-1, or by pulling a cable. You the safety valve releases air, something is must drain the tanks yourself at wrong. Have the fault fixed by a mechanic. the end of each day of driving. 5.1.7 The brake pedal • Automatic—the water and oil is You put on the brakes by pushing down the automatically expelled. They may be brake pedal. (It is also called the foot valve equipped for manual draining as well. or treadle valve.) Pushing the pedal down The automatic types are available harder applies more air pressure. Letting up with electric heating devices. on the brake pedal reduces the air pressure These help prevent freeze up of the and releases the brakes. Releasing the automatic drain in cold weather. brakes lets some compressed air go out of Figure 5-1: Manual Drain Valve the system, so the air pressure in the tanks is reduced. It must be made up by the air compressor. Pressing and releasing the Air Tank pedal unnecessarily can let air out faster than the compressor can replace it. If the pressure gets too low, the brakes won’t work. Manual Draining Valve 5.1.8 Foundation brakes Foundation brakes are used at each wheel. The most common type is the S-cam drum brake, shown in Figure 5-2. The parts of the brake are discussed here: • Brake drums, shoes and linings. Brake drums are located on each end 5.1.5 Alcohol evaporator of the vehicle’s axles. The wheels are Some air brake systems have an alcohol bolted to the drums. The braking evaporator to put alcohol into the air mechanism is inside the drum. To system. This helps to reduce the risk of stop, the brake shoes and linings are ice in air brake valves and other parts pushed against the inside of the drum. during cold weather. Ice inside the system This causes friction which slows the can make the brakes stop working. vehicle (and creates heat). The heat Check the alcohol container and fill up as a drum can take without damage necessary, every day during cold weather. depends on how hard and how long Daily air tank drainage is still needed the brakes are used. Too much heat to get rid of water and oil (unless the can make the brakes stop working. system has automatic drain valves).
COVER 106 CONTENTS • S-cam brakes. When you push the Figure 5-2: S-cam Drum Brake
brake pedal, air is let into each brake Brake Chamber Brake Drum chamber. Air pressure pushes the rod Push Rod Slack Adjuster out, moving the slack adjuster, thus twisting the brake camshaft. This Adjusting Nut turns the S-cam (so called because Axle it is shaped like the letter “S”). The S-cam forces the brake shoes away from one another and presses them Brake Cam against the inside of the brake Cam Roller
drum. When you release the brake Return Spring Brake
pedal, the S-cam rotates back and Brake Shoe Lining a spring pulls the brake shoes away from the drum, letting the wheels 5.1.9 Supply pressure gauges roll freely again. See Figure 5-2. All vehicles with air brakes have a • Wedge brakes. In this type of brake, pressure gauge connected to the air the brake chamber push rod pushes tank. If the vehicle has a dual air brake a wedge directly between the ends of system, there will be a gauge for each two brake shoes. This shoves them half of the system or a single gauge apart and against the inside of the with two needles. Dual systems will be brake drum. Wedge brakes may have discussed later. These gauges tell you a single brake chamber or two brake how much pressure is in the air tanks. chambers, pushing wedges in at both ends of the brake shoes. Wedge 5.1.10 Application type brakes may be self-adjusting or pressure gauge may require manual adjustment. This gauge shows how much air pressure you are applying to the brakes. (Note: this • Disc brakes. In air-operated disc gauge is not on all vehicles.) Increasing brakes, air pressure acts on a brake application pressure to hold the same chamber and slack adjuster, like speed means the brakes are fading. You S-cam brakes. But instead of the should slow down and use a lower gear. S-cam, a “power screw” is used. The The need for increased pressure can also pressure of the brake chamber on the be caused by brakes out of adjustment, slack adjuster turns the power screw. air leaks or mechanical problems. The power screw clamps the disc or rotor between the brake lining pads of 5.1.11 Low air pressure warning a caliper, similar to a large C-clamp. A low air pressure warning signal is Wedge brakes and disc brakes are required on vehicles with air brakes. less common than S-cam brakes. A warning signal you can see must come on before the air pressure in the tanks falls below 60 psi—or one half the
COVER 107 CONTENTS compressor governor cut-out pressure on control is in the “normal” position older vehicles. The warning is usually a to have normal stopping power. red light. A buzzer may also come on. Many vehicles have automatic front Another type of warning is the “wig wag.” wheel limiting valves. They reduce the This device drops a mechanical arm air to the front brakes except when the into your view when the pressure in the brakes are put on very hard (60 psi or system drops below 60 psi. An automatic more application pressure). These valves wig wag will rise out of your view when cannot be controlled by the driver. the pressure in the system goes above 5.1.14 Spring brakes 60 psi. The manual reset type must All trucks, truck tractors and buses must be placed in the “out of view” position be equipped with emergency brakes and manually. It will not stay in place until the parking brakes. They must be held on by pressure in the system is above 60 psi. mechanical force (because air pressure On large buses it is common for can eventually leak away). Spring brakes the low pressure warning devices are usually used to meet these needs. to signal at 80-85 psi. When driving, powerful springs are held 5.1.12 Stop light switch back by air pressure. If the air pressure is Drivers behind you must be warned removed, the springs put on the brakes. when you put on your brakes. The air A parking brake control in the cab allows brake system does this with an electric the driver to let the air out of the spring switch that works by air pressure. brakes. This lets the springs put the The switch turns on the brake lights brakes on. A leak in the air brake system when you put on the air brakes. that causes all the air to be lost will also cause the springs to put on the brakes. 5.1.13 Front brake limiting valve Tractor and straight truck spring brakes Some older vehicles (made before 1975) have will come fully on when air pressure drops a front brake limiting valve and a control to a range of 20 to 45 psi (typically 20 to 30 in the cab. The control is usually marked psi). Do not wait for the brakes to come on “normal” and “slippery.” When you put automatically. When the low air pressure the control in the “slippery” position, the warning light and/or buzzer first come on, limiting valve cuts the “normal” air pressure bring the vehicle to a safe stop right away, to the front brakes by half. Limiting valves while you can still control the brakes. were used to reduce the chance of the front wheels skidding on slippery surfaces. The braking power of spring brakes depends However, they actually reduce the stopping on the brakes being in adjustment. If the power of the vehicle. Front wheel braking brakes are not adjusted properly, neither is good under all conditions. Tests have the regular brakes nor the emergency/ shown front wheel skids from braking are parking brakes will work right. not likely even on ice. Make sure the
COVER 108 CONTENTS 5.1.15 Parking brake controls emergency. One of the valves is a push- In newer vehicles with air brakes, you put pull type and is used to put on the spring on the parking brakes using a diamond- brakes for parking. The other valve is spring shaped, yellow, push/pull control knob. loaded in the “out” position. When you You pull the knob out to put the parking push the control in, air from the separate brakes (spring brakes) on and push it in to air tank releases the spring brakes so you release them. On older vehicles, the parking can move. When you release the button, brakes may be controlled by a lever. Use the spring brakes come on again. There the parking brakes whenever you park. is only enough air in the separate tank to do this a few times. Therefore, plan Caution: Never push the brake pedal down carefully when moving. Otherwise, you when the spring brakes are on. If you do, the may be stopped in a dangerous location brakes could be damaged by the combined when the separate air supply runs out. forces of the springs and the air pressure. Many brake systems are designed so this Figure 5-3: Tractor Protection Valve and will not happen. But not all systems are Emergency Trailer Brake Operation set up that way and those that are may not always work. It is much better to develop Tractor Protection Valve the habit of not pushing the brake pedal • Provides air supply. • Closes automatically if air supply drops down when the spring brakes are on. when driving. The parking brakes, when applied, close the Modulating control valves tractor protection valve and set the spring brakes at the same time. In some vehicles a control handle on the EMERGENCY SPRING dash board may be used to apply the BRAKE RELEASE PULL TO APPLY spring brakes gradually. This is called a modulating valve. It is spring loaded so BRAKE RELEASE you have a feel for the braking action. The PULL TO APPLY more you move the control lever, the harder PUSH TO HOLD the spring brakes come on. They work this TRACTOR PARKING PROTECTION BLUE BRAKES way so you can control the spring brakes PULL TO APPLY PUSH AND PULL TO APPLY HOLD if the service brakes fail. When parking a O CH H T AR S G U E P vehicle with a modulating control valve, TRAILER PARKING AIR SUPPLY BRAKES N move the lever as far as it will go and O G PULL TO APPLY T IN FO K PUSH TO hold it in place with the locking device. R PAR RELEASE
RED YELLOW Dual parking control valves PUSH TO PUSH TO When main air pressure is lost, the spring RELEASE RELEASE brakes come on. Some vehicles, such as buses, have a separate air tank which can be used to release the spring brakes. This is so you can move the vehicle in an
COVER 109 CONTENTS 5.1.16 Antilock braking systems (ABS) Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after March 1, 1997 and other air brakes vehicles, (trucks, buses, trailers and converter dollies) built on or after March 1, 1998 are required to be equipped with antilock brakes. Many commercial vehicles built before these dates have been voluntarily equipped with ABS. Check the certification label for the date of manufacture to determine if your vehicle is equipped with ABS. ABS is a computerized system that keeps your wheels from locking up during hard brake applications. Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to tell you if something is not working. 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. Dollies manufactured on or after March 1, 1998 are required to have a lamp on the left side. On newer vehicles, the malfunction lamp comes on at start-up for a bulb check and then goes out quickly. On older systems, the lamp could stay on until you are driving over 5 mph. If the lamp stays on after the bulb check or goes on once you are under way, you may have lost ABS control at one or more wheels. In the case of towed units manufactured before it was required by the Department of Transportation, it may be difficult to tell if the unit is equipped with ABS. Look under the vehicle for the electronic control unit (ECU) and wheel speed sensor wires coming from the back of the brakes.
Figure 5-4: Air Brake System Components and Location (Single Circuit System)
Hand Tractor Trailer Valve Highway Valve Foot Valve Trailer Brake Trailer Reservoir Pressure Front Chambers Gauge Brakes Compressor Quick Dry Release One-Way Valve Check Valve Safety Valve Parking Brake and Emergency Brake Valve (Yellow) Wet Low Pressure Warning Buzzer Main Service and Switch Reservoirs Tractor Parking Brake Valve (Blue) Emergency Emergency Valve Relay Valve Tractor Protection Emergency Parking Maxi-Brake Valve Glad Hands Spring Brake
COVER 110 CONTENTS ABS is an addition to your normal brakes. It Before driving a vehicle with a dual does not decrease or increase your normal air system, allow time for the air braking capability. ABS only activates compressor to build up a minimum of when wheels are about to lock up. 100 psi pressure in both the primary and ABS does not necessarily shorten secondary systems. Watch the primary your stopping distance but it does and secondary air pressure gauges (or help you keep the vehicle under needles, if the system has two needles in control during hard braking. one gauge). Pay attention to the low air pressure warning light and/or buzzer. The Test your knowledge warning light and/or buzzer should shut 1. Why must air tanks be drained? off when air pressure in both systems 2. What is a supply pressure gauge used for? rises to a value set by the manufacturer. 3. True or False? All vehicles with This value must be greater than 60 psi. air brakes must have a low air The warning light and/or buzzer should pressure warning signal. come on before the air pressure drops below 4. What are spring brakes? 60 psi in either system. If this happens while driving, you should stop right away 5. True or False? Front wheel brakes and safely park the vehicle. If one air system are good under all conditions. is very low on pressure, either the front 6. How do you know if your vehicle is or the rear brakes will not be operating equipped with antilock brakes? fully. This means it will take you longer These questions may be on your to stop. Bring the vehicle to a safe stop test. If you are unable to answer and have the air brake system fixed. them all, re-read subsection 5.1. 5.3 Inspecting air brake systems 5.2 Dual air brakes You should use the basic seven step Most newer heavy duty vehicles use dual inspection procedure described in Section air brake systems for safety. A dual air 2 to inspect your vehicle. There are brake system has two separate air brake more things to inspect on a vehicle with systems which use a single set of brake air brakes than one without them. We controls. Each system has its own air tanks, discuss these things below, in the order hoses, lines, etc. One system typically that they fit into the seven-step method. operates the regular brakes on the rear axle or axles. The other system operates 5.3.1 During step 2: Engine the regular brakes on the front axle, and compartment checks possibly one rear axle. Both systems supply Check air compressor drive belt air to the trailer (if there is one). The first (if compressor is belt driven) system is called the “primary” system. The If the air compressor is belt-driven, check other is called the “secondary” system. the condition and tightness of the belt. The belt should be in good condition.
COVER 111 CONTENTS 5.3.2 During step 5: with automatic adjusters are found to be out Walkaround inspection of adjustment, the driver take the vehicle Check slack adjusters to a repair facility as soon as possible to on S-cam brakes have the problem corrected. The manual Park on level ground and chock the wheels adjustment of automatic slack adjusters is to prevent the vehicle from moving. Release dangerous because it may give the driver the parking brakes so you can move the a false sense of security regarding the slack adjusters. Use gloves and pull hard effectiveness of the braking system. on each slack adjuster that you can reach. The manual adjustment of an automatic If a slack adjuster moves more than about adjuster should only be used as a temporary one inch where the push rod attaches to it, measure to correct the adjustment in it probably needs adjustment. Adjust it or an emergency situation as it is likely the have it adjusted. Vehicles with too much brake will soon be back out of adjustment brake slack can be very hard to stop. Out- since this procedure usually does not fix of-adjustment brakes are the most common the underlying adjustment problem. problem found in roadside inspections. Automatic slack adjusters are made by Be safe. Check the slack adjusters. different manufacturers and do not all All vehicles built since 1994 have automatic operate the same. Therefore, the specific slack adjustors. Even though automatic manufacturer’s Service Manual should slack adjustors adjust themselves during full be consulted prior to troubleshooting brake applications, they must be checked. a brake adjustment problem. Automatic adjusters should not have to be Check brake drums (or manually adjusted except when performing discs), linings and hoses maintenance on the brakes and during Brake drums (or discs) must not have installation of the slack adjusters. In a cracks longer than one half the width of the vehicle equipped with automatic adjusters, friction area. Linings (friction material) when the pushrod stroke exceeds the legal must not be loose or soaked with oil or brake adjustment limit, it is an indication grease. They must not be dangerously that a mechanical problem exists in the thin. Mechanical parts must be in place, adjuster itself, a problem with the related not broken or missing. Check the air hoses foundation brake components, or that connected to the brake chambers to make the adjuster was improperly installed. sure they aren’t cut or worn due to rubbing. The manual adjustment of an automatic adjuster to bring a brake pushrod stroke 5.3.3 Step 7: Final air brake check within legal limits is generally masking Do the following checks instead of the a mechanical problem and is not fixing hydraulic brake check shown in Section it. Further, routine adjustment of most 2: Step 7: Check Brake System. automatic adjusters will likely result in premature wear of the adjuster itself. It is recommended that when brakes equipped
COVER 112 CONTENTS Check air compressor governor Test low pressure warning signal cut-in and cut-out pressures Shut the engine off when you have Pumping by the air compressor should start enough air pressure so that the low at about 100 psi and stop at about 125 psi. pressure warning signal is not on. Turn (Check manufacturer’s specifications.) Run the electrical power on and step on and the engine at a fast idle. The air governor off the brake pedal to reduce air tank should cut-out the air compressor at about pressure. The low air pressure warning the manufacturer’s specified pressure. The signal must come on before the pressure air pressure shown by your gauge(s) will drops to less than 60 psi in the air tank stop rising. With the engine idling, step (or tank with the lowest air pressure, on and off the brake to reduce the air tank in dual air systems). See Figure 5.5. pressure. The compressor should cut-in at Figure 5.5: Low Air Pressure about the manufacturer’s specified cut-in Warning Devices pressure. The pressure should begin to rise. O O O If the air governor does not work OC O TER R as described above, it may need to Light be fixed. A governor that does not work properly may not keep enough air pressure for safe driving. Test air leakage rate With a fully-charged air system (typically LOW PRESSURE WARNING 125 psi), turn off the engine, chock your wheels, if necessary, release the tractor protection valve and parking brake (push Some vehicles are equipped with in), fully apply the foot brake and hold it for a “Wig-Wag” that drops into the driver’s view and will not stay up one minute. Check the air gauge to see if the O in place until the desired air air pressure drops more than three pounds R pressure is restored. in one minute (single vehicle) or four pounds Drop Arm “Wig-Wag” in one minute (combination vehicle). If the air pressure falls more than three psi in one minute for single vehicles (more than four If the warning signal doesn’t work, you psi for combination vehicles), the air loss could lose air pressure and you would not rate is too much. Check for air leaks and know it. This could cause sudden emergency fix before driving the vehicle. Otherwise, braking in a single-circuit air system. In you could lose your brakes while driving. dual systems the stopping distance will be increased. Only limited braking can be done before the spring brakes come on.
Check that spring brakes come on automatically
COVER 113 CONTENTS Continue to fan off the air pressure by This test may show you problems which stepping on and off the brake pedal you otherwise wouldn’t know about until to reduce tank pressure. The tractor you needed the brakes on the road. protection valve and parking brake valve should close (pop out) on a tractor-trailer Test your knowledge combination vehicle and the parking brake 1. What is a dual air brake system? valve should close (pop out) on other 2. What are the slack adjusters? combination and single vehicle types when 3. How can you check slack adjusters? the air pressure falls to the manufacturer’s 4. How can you test the low specification (20–45 psi). This will pressure warning signal? cause the spring brakes to come on. 5. What can you check to make Check rate of air pressure buildup sure the spring brakes will When the engine is at operating rpms, come on automatically? the pressure should build from 85 to 6. What are the maximum leakage rates? 100 psi within 45 seconds in dual air systems. (If the vehicle has larger than These questions may be on your test. minimum air tanks, the buildup time If you are unable to answer them all, can be longer and still be safe. Check re-read subsections 5.2 and 5.3. the manufacturer’s specifications.) In single air systems (pre-1975), typical 5.4 Using air brakes requirements are pressure buildup from 5.4.1 Normal stops 50 to 90 psi within 3 minutes with the Push the brake pedal down. Control engine at an idle speed of 600-900 rpms. the pressure so the vehicle comes to a If air pressure does not build up fast enough, smooth, safe stop. If you have a manual your pressure may drop too low during transmission, don’t push the clutch in driving, requiring an emergency stop. Don’t until the engine RPM is down close to idle. drive until you get the problem fixed. When stopped, select a starting gear. Test parking brake 5.4.2 Braking with Stop the vehicle, put the parking brake antilock brakes on and gently pull against it in a low gear When you brake hard on slippery surfaces to test that the parking brake will hold. in a vehicle without ABS, your wheels Test service brakes may lock up. When your steering wheels Wait for normal air pressure, release lock up, you lose steering control. When the parking brake, move the vehicle your other wheels lock up, you may skid, forward slowly (about 5 mph) and apply jackknife or even spin the vehicle. the brakes firmly using the brake pedal. ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up. The Note any vehicle “pulling” to one side, computer senses impending lockup, unusual feel or delayed stopping action. reduces the braking pressure to a safe level and you maintain control.
COVER 114 CONTENTS You may or may not be able to stop faster Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you with ABS, but you should be able to steer still have regular brakes. Drive normally, around an obstacle while braking and but get the system serviced soon. avoid skids caused by over-braking. 5.4.3 Emergency stops Having ABS on only the tractor, only If somebody suddenly pulls out in front the trailer or even on only one axle still of you, your natural response is to hit gives you more control over the vehicle the brakes. This is a good response during braking. Brake normally. if there’s enough distance to stop When only the tractor has ABS, you and you use the brakes correctly. should be able to maintain steering You should brake in a way that will keep control and there is less chance of your vehicle in a straight line and allow jackknifing. But keep your eye on the you to turn if it becomes necessary. trailer and let up on the brakes (if you can You can use the “controlled braking” safely do so) if it begins to swing out. method or the “stab braking” method. When only the trailer has ABS, the Controlled braking trailer is less likely to swing out but if With this method, you apply the brakes you lose steering control or start a tractor as hard as you can without locking the jackknife, let up on the brakes (if you can wheels. Keep steering wheel movements safely do so) until you gain control. very small while doing this. If you need When you drive a tractor-trailer to make a larger steering adjustment or combination with ABS, you should brake if the wheels lock, release the brakes. as you always have. In other words: Reapply the brakes as soon as you can. • Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control. Stab braking. • Brake the same way, regardless • Apply your brakes all the way. of whether you have ABS on the • Release the brakes when tractor, the trailer or both. the wheels lock up. • As you slow down, monitor • As soon as the wheels start rolling, your tractor and trailer and apply the brakes fully again. (It can back off the brakes (if it is safe take up to one second for the wheels to do so) to stay in control. to start rolling after you release the There is only one exception to this brakes. If you reapply the brakes procedure. If you always drive a straight before the wheels start rolling, the truck or combination with working vehicle won’t straighten out.). ABS on all axles, in an emergency Note: If you drive a vehicle with anti- stop you can fully apply the brakes. lock brakes, you should read and follow Without ABS, you still have the instructions found in the vehicle normal brake functions. Drive and owner’s manual for emergency stops. brake as you always have.
COVER 115 CONTENTS 5.4.4 Stopping distance friction. As the overheated drums expand, We discussed stopping distance in Section the brake shoes and linings have to move 2 under Speed and Stopping Distance. With farther to contact the drums and the force of air brakes there is an added delay—“brake this contact is reduced. Continued overuse lag.” Brake lag is the time required for the may increase brake fade until the vehicle brakes to work after the brake pedal is cannot be slowed down or stopped at all. pushed. With hydraulic brakes (used on Brake fade is also affected by adjustment. cars and light/medium trucks), the brakes To safely control a vehicle, every brake work instantly. However, with air brakes, must do its share of the work. Brakes out it takes a little time (one-half second or of adjustment will stop doing their share more) for the air to flow through the lines before those that are in adjustment. The to the brakes. Thus, the total stopping other brakes can then overheat and fade and distance for vehicles with air brake systems there will not be sufficient braking available is made up of four different factors. to control the vehicle(s). Brakes can get out Perception Distance of adjustment quickly, especially when they + Reaction Distance are hot. Check brake adjustment often. + Brake Lag Distance 5.4.6 Proper braking technique + Effective Braking Distance Remember: the use of brakes on a long and/ = Total Stopping Distance or steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine. Once The air brake lag distance at 55 mph the vehicle is in the proper low gear, the on dry pavement adds about 32 feet. So following is the proper braking technique: at 55 mph for an average driver under • Apply the brakes just hard enough good traction and brake conditions, the to feel a definite slowdown. total stopping distance is over 450 feet. • When your speed has been reduced This is longer than a football field. to approximately five mph below 5.4.5 Brake fading or failure your “safe” speed, release the brakes. Brakes are designed so brake shoes or pads (This brake application should rub against the brake drum or disks to slow last for about three seconds.) the vehicle. Braking creates heat, but brakes • When your speed has increased to are designed to take a lot of heat. However, your “safe” speed, repeat steps 1 and 2. brakes can fade or fail from excessive heat For example, if your “safe” speed is 40 caused by using them too much and not mph, you would not apply the brakes relying on the engine braking effect. until your speed reaches 40 mph. You Excessive use of the service brakes results in now apply the brakes hard enough to overheating and leads to brake fade. Brake gradually reduce your speed to 35 mph fade results from excessive heat causing and then release the brakes. Repeat this expansion of the brake drums and chemical as often as necessary until you have changes in the brake lining, which reduces reached the end of the downgrade.
COVER 116 CONTENTS 5.4.7 Low air pressure If your vehicle does not have automatic air If the low air pressure warning comes on, tank drains, drain your air tanks at the end stop and safely park your vehicle as of each working day to remove moisture soon as possible. There might be an air and oil. Otherwise, the brakes could fail. leak in the system. Controlled braking is Never leave your vehicle unattended possible only while enough air remains without applying the parking brakes or in the air tanks. The spring brakes will chocking the wheels. Your vehicle might come on when the air pressure drops into roll away and cause injury and damage. the range of 20 to 45 psi. A heavily loaded vehicle will take a long distance to stop Test your knowledge because the spring brakes do not work on 1. Why should you be in the proper all axles. Lightly loaded vehicles or vehicles gear before starting down a hill? on slippery roads may skid out of control 2. What factors can cause when the spring brakes come on. It is brakes to fade or fail? much safer to stop while there is enough 3. True or False? The use of brakes on a long air in the tanks to use the foot brakes. steep downgrade is only a supplement 5.4.8 Parking brakes to the braking effect of the engine. Any time you park, use the parking brakes, 4. True or False? If you are away from except as noted below. Pull the parking your vehicle only a short time, you brake control knob out to apply the don’t need to use the parking brake. parking brakes, push it in to release them. 5. How often should you drain air tanks? The control will be a yellow, diamond- 6. How do you brake when you drive a shaped knob labeled “parking brakes” tractor-trailer combination with ABS? on newer vehicles. On older vehicles, it may be a round blue knob or some other 7. True or False? You still have shape (including a lever that swings normal brake functions if from side to side or up and down). your ABS is not working. Don’t use the parking brakes if the brakes These questions may be on your are very hot (from just having come down test. If you are unable to answer a steep grade) or if the brakes are very them all, re-read subsection 5.4. wet in freezing temperatures. If they are used while they are very hot, they can be damaged by the heat. If they are used in freezing temperatures when the brakes are very wet, they can freeze so the vehicle cannot move. Use wheel chocks on a level surface to hold the vehicle. Let hot brakes cool before using the parking brakes. If the brakes are wet, use the brakes lightly while driving in a low gear to heat and dry them.
COVER 117 CONTENTS SECTION 6: COMBINATION • Keep the cargo as close to VEHICLES the ground as possible. This section covers: • Drive slowly around turns. • Driving Combination Vehicles Safely Keeping cargo low is even more important in • Combination Vehicle Air Brakes combination vehicles than in straight trucks. • Antilock Brake Systems Keep the load centered on your rig. If the • Coupling and Uncoupling load is to one side so it makes a trailer lean, a rollover is more likely. Make sure • Inspecting Combinations your cargo is centered and spread out as This section provides information needed much as possible. (Cargo distribution is to pass the tests for combination vehicles covered in Section 3 of this manual.). (tractor-trailer, doubles, triples, straight Rollovers happen when you turn too truck with trailer). The information is only fast. Drive slowly around corners, on- to give you the minimum knowledge needed ramps and off-ramps. Avoid quick lane for driving common combination vehicles. changes, especially when fully loaded. You should also study Section 7 if you 6.1.2 Steer gently need to pass the tests for doubles-triples. Trucks with trailers have a dangerous “crack-the-whip” effect. When you 6.1 Driving combination make a quick lane change, the crack- vehicles safely the-whip effect can turn the trailer Combination vehicles are usually heavier, over. There are many crashes where longer and require more driving skill than only the trailer has overturned. single commercial vehicles. This means “Rearward amplification” causes the crack- that drivers of combination vehicles need the-whip effect. Figure 6-1 shows eight more knowledge and skill than drivers types of combination vehicles and the of single vehicles. In this section, we talk rearward amplification each has in a quick about some important safety factors that lane change. Rigs with the least crack-the- apply specifically to combination vehicles. whip effect are shown at the top and those 6.1.1 Rollover risks with the most, at the bottom. Rearward More than half of truck driver deaths in amplification of 2.0 in the chart means that crashes are the result of truck rollovers. the rear trailer is twice as likely to turn When more cargo is piled up in a truck, over as the tractor. You can see that triples the “center of gravity” moves higher up have a rearward amplification of 3.5. This from the road. The truck becomes easier means you can roll the last trailer of triples to turn over. Fully loaded rigs are ten 3.5 times as easily as a five-axle tractor. times more likely to roll over in a crash than empty rigs. The following two things will help you prevent rollover:
COVER 118 CONTENTS Figure 6-1: Influence of Combination Your trailer can swing out and strike other Type on Rearward Amplification vehicles. Your tractor can jackknife very
1 0 1 5 2 0 2 5 3 0 3 5 4 0 quickly. See Figure 6-2. You must also 5 axle tractor-semitrailer with 45 ft trailer be very careful about driving “bobtail” 3 axle tractor-semitrailer with 27 ft trailer tractors (tractors without semitrailers).
turnpike double 45 ft trailers Tests have shown that bobtails can be
B-train double very hard to stop smoothly. It takes them 27 ft trailers
Rocky Mountain double longer to stop than a tractor-semitrailer 45 ft and 27 ft trailers loaded to maximum gross weight. California truck full trailer
65 ft conventional In any combination rig, allow lots of double 27 ft trailers following distance and look far ahead, so triple 27 ft trailers you can brake early. Don’t be caught by surprise and have to make a “panic” stop. (R. D. Ervin, R. L. Nisonger, C. C. MacAdam and P. S. Fancher, “Influence Figure 6-2: Tractor Jackknife of size and weight variables on the stability and properties of heavy trucks”, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, 1983.) Line of Travel Steer gently and smoothly when you are pulling trailers. If you make a sudden movement with your steering wheel, your Direction of Slide trailer could tip over. Follow far enough behind other vehicles (at least 1 second for each 10 feet of your vehicle length, plus another second if going over 40 mph). Look far enough down the road to avoid being surprised and having to make a sudden lane change. At night, drive slowly enough to see obstacles with Rear Tractor Wheels your headlights before it is too late to locked-up or spinning change lanes or stop gently. Slow down to a safe speed before going into a turn. 6.1.3 Brake early Control your speed whether fully loaded or empty. Large combination vehicles take longer to stop when they are empty than when they are fully loaded. When lightly loaded, the very stiff suspension springs and strong brakes give poor traction and make it very easy to lock up the wheels.
COVER 119 CONTENTS 6.1.4 Railroad- Figure 6-3: Trailer Jackknife highway crossings Railroad-highway crossings can also cause problems, particularly when pulling trailers with low underneath clearance. Line of Travel These trailers can get stuck on raised crossings: • 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. If for any reason you get stuck on the tracks, get out of the vehicle and away from the tracks. Check signposts or signal housing at the crossing for emergency notification information. Call 911 or other emergency number. Give the location of the crossing using all identifiable landmarks, especially the DOT number, if posted. 6.1.5 Prevent trailer skids Trailer Wheels Locked and Sliding When the wheels of a trailer lock up, the trailer will tend to swing around. This is more likely to happen when The procedure for stopping a trailer skid is: the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. • Recognize the skid. The earliest and This type of jackknife is often called a best way to recognize the trailer “trailer jackknife.” See Figure 6-3. has started to skid is by seeing it in your mirrors. Any time you apply the brakes hard, check the mirrors to make sure the trailer is staying where it should be. Once the trailer swings out of your lane, it is very difficult to prevent a jackknife. • Stop using the brake. Release the brakes to get traction back. Do not use the trailer hand brake (if you have one) to “straighten out the rig.” This is the wrong thing to do since
COVER 120 CONTENTS the brakes on the trailer wheels If you cannot complete your turn without caused the skid in the first place. entering another traffic lane, turn wide Once the trailer wheels grip the road as you complete the turn (Figure again, the trailer will start to follow 6-5). This is better than swinging wide the tractor and straighten out. to the left (Figure 6-6) before starting 6.1.6 Turn wide the turn because it will keep other When a vehicle goes around a corner, the drivers from passing you on the right. rear wheels follow a different path than the Figure 6-5: Turn this way so cars front wheels. This is called offtracking don’t try to pass you on the right. or “cheating.” Figure 6-4 shows how offtracking causes the path followed by a tractor-semi to be wider than the rig itself. Longer vehicles will offtrack more. The rear wheels of the powered unit (truck or tractor) will offtrack some and the rear wheels of the trailer will offtrack even more. If there is more than one trailer, the rear wheels of the last trailer will offtrack the most. Steer the front end wide enough around a corner so the rear end does not run over the curb, pedestrians, other vehicles, etc. However, keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb. This will stop other drivers from passing you on the right. Figure 6-4: Offtracking in a 90-degree turn Figure 6-6: Don’t turn this way!
Maximum width of sweep path
Path followed by innermost tire Path followed by outside tire
COVER 121 CONTENTS 6.1.7 Backing with a trailer Test your knowledge Backing with a trailer 1. What two things are important When backing a car, straight truck, or to prevent rollover? bus, you turn the top of the steering wheel 2. When you turn suddenly while in the direction you want to go. When pulling doubles, which trailer backing a trailer, you turn the steering is most likely to turn over? wheel in the opposite direction. Once the 3. Why should you not use the trailer starts to turn, you must turn the trailer hand brake to straighten wheel the other way to follow the trailer. out a jackknifing trailer? Whenever you back up with a trailer, try to 4. What is offtracking? position your vehicle so you can back in a 5. When you back a trailer, you straight line. If you must back on a curved should position your vehicle so path, back to the driver’s side so you can see. you can back in a curved path to Look at your path the driver’s side. True or False? Look at your line of travel before you begin. 6. What type of trailers can get stuck Get out and walk around the vehicle. Check on railroad-highway crossings? your clearance to the sides and overhead, in and near the path your vehicle. These questions may be on your test. If you are unable to answer Use mirrors on both sides them all, re-read subsection 6.1. Check the outside mirrors on both sides frequently. Get out of the vehicle and re- inspect your path if you are unsure. 6.2 Combination vehicle air brakes Back slowly You should study Section 5: Air Brakes This will let you make corrections before reading this section. In combination before you get too far off course. vehicles, the braking system has parts Correct drift immediately to control the trailer brakes, in addition As soon as you see the trailer getting to the parts described in Section 5. off the proper path, correct it by These parts are described below. turning the top of the steering wheel in the direction of the drift. 6.2.1 Trailer hand valve The trailer hand valve (also called the Pull forward trolley valve or Johnson bar) works the When backing a trailer, make pull-ups trailer brakes. The trailer hand valve should to re-position your vehicle as needed. be used only to test the trailer brakes. Do not use it while driving because of the danger of making the trailer skid. The foot brake sends air to all of the brakes on the vehicle—including the trailer(s). There
COVER 122 CONTENTS is much less danger of causing a skid or than a knob. The “normal” position is jackknife when using just the foot brake. used for pulling a trailer. The “emergency” Never use the hand valve for parking position is used to shut the air off and because all the air might leak out, unlocking put on the trailer emergency brakes. the brakes (in trailers that don’t have 6.2.4 Trailer air lines spring brakes). Always use the parking Every combination vehicle has two brakes when parking. If the trailer does air lines, the service line and the not have spring brakes, use wheel chocks emergency line. They run between to keep the trailer from moving. each vehicle (tractor to trailer, trailer 6.2.2 Tractor protection valve to dolly, dolly to second trailer, etc.). The tractor protection valve keeps air in the Service air line tractor or truck brake system should the The service line (also called the control trailer break away or develop a bad leak. line or signal line) carries air which is The tractor protection valve is controlled controlled by the foot brake or the trailer by the “trailer air supply” control valve in hand brake. Depending on how hard you the cab. The control valve allows you to press the foot brake or hand valve, the open and shut the tractor protection valve. pressure in the service line will similarly The tractor protection valve will close change. The service line is connected automatically if air pressure is low (in the to relay valves. These valves allow the range of 20 to 45 psi). When the tractor trailer brakes to be applied more quickly protection valve closes, it stops any air than would otherwise be possible. from going out of the tractor. It also lets Emergency air line the air out of the trailer emergency line. The emergency line (also called the supply This causes the trailer emergency brakes line) has two purposes. First, it supplies to come on, with possible loss of control. air to the trailer air tanks. Second, the (Emergency brakes are covered later.) emergency line controls the emergency 6.2.3 Trailer air supply control brakes on combination vehicles. Loss of The trailer air supply control on newer air pressure in the emergency line causes vehicles is a red eight-sided knob that you the trailer emergency brakes to come use to control the tractor protection valve. on. The pressure loss could be caused You push it in to supply the trailer with by a trailer breaking loose, tearing apart air and pull it out to shut the air off and the emergency air hose. Or it could be put on the trailer emergency brakes. The caused by a hose, metal tubing or other valve will pop out (thus closing the tractor part that breaks, letting the air out. When protection valve) when the air pressure the emergency line loses pressure, it also drops into the range of 20 to 45 psi. Tractor causes the tractor protection valve to protection valve controls or “emergency” close (the air supply knob will pop out). valves on older vehicles, may not operate Emergency lines are often coded with automatically. There may be a lever rather the color red (red hose, red couplers or
COVER 123 CONTENTS other parts) to keep from getting them pulling the air supply (tractor protection mixed up with the blue service line. valve) control. Pull gently against them in a low gear to make sure the brakes work. 6.2.5 Hose couplers (glad hands) Some vehicles have “dead end” or dummy Glad hands are coupling devices used couplers to which the hoses may be attached to connect the service and emergency when they are not in use. This will prevent air lines from the truck or tractor to the water and dirt from getting into the coupler trailer. The couplers have a rubber seal and the air lines. Use the dummy couplers which prevents air from escaping. Clean when the air lines are not connected to a the couplers and rubber seals before a trailer. If there are no dummy couplers, connection is made. When connecting the the glad hands can sometimes be locked glad hands, press the two seals together together (depending on the couplings). It is with the couplers at a 90 degree angle to very important to keep the air supply clean. each other. A turn of the glad hand attached 6.2.6 Trailer air tanks to the hose will join and lock the couplers. Each trailer and converter dolly has When coupling, make sure to couple one or more air tanks. They are filled the proper glad hands together. To help by the emergency (supply) line from the avoid mistakes, colors are sometimes tractor. They provide the air pressure used. Blue is used for the service lines used to operate trailer brakes. Air and red for the emergency (supply) lines. pressure is sent from the air tanks Sometimes, metal tags are attached to the brakes by relay valves. to the lines with the words “service” The pressure in the service line tells how and “emergency” stamped on them. much pressure the relay valves should If you do cross the air lines, supply air will send to the trailer brakes. The pressure be sent to the service line instead of going to in the service line is controlled by the charge the trailer air tanks. Air will not be brake pedal and the trailer hand brake. available to release the trailer spring brakes It is important that you don’t let water (parking brakes). If the spring brakes don’t and oil build up in the air tanks. If you release when you push the trailer air supply do, the brakes may not work correctly. control, check the air line connections. Each tank has a drain valve on it and you Older trailers do not have spring brakes. should drain each tank every day. If your If the air supply in the trailer air tank has tanks have automatic drains, they will leaked away, there will be no emergency keep most moisture out. But you should brakes and the trailer wheels will turn still open the drains to make sure. freely. If you crossed the air lines, you could drive away but you wouldn’t have trailer brakes. This would be very dangerous. Always test the trailer brakes before driving with the hand valve or by
COVER 124 CONTENTS 6.2.7 Shut-off valves Test your knowledge Shut-off valves (also called cut-out 1. Why should you not use the trailer cocks) are used in the service and supply hand valve while driving? air lines at the back of trailers used to 2. Describe what the trailer air tow other trailers. These valves permit supply control does. closing the air lines off when another 3. Describe what the service line is for. trailer is not being towed. You must check 4. What is the emergency air line for? that all shut-off valves are in the open position except the ones at the back of 5. Why should you use chocks when the last trailer, which must be closed. parking a trailer without spring brakes? 6. Where are shut-off valves? 6.2.8 Trailer service, parking and emergency brakes These questions may be on your Newer trailers have spring brakes just test. If you are unable to answer like trucks and truck tractors. However, them all, re-read subsection 6.2. converter dollies and trailers built before 1975 are not required to have spring brakes. 6.3 Antilock brake systems Those that do not have spring brakes have emergency brakes which work from the air 6.3.1 Trailers required to have ABS stored in the trailer air tank. The emergency All trailers and converter dollies built on brakes come on whenever air pressure in the or after March 1, 1998, are required to emergency line is lost. These trailers have have ABS. However, many trailers and no parking brake. The emergency brakes converter dollies built before this date have come on whenever the air supply knob is been voluntarily equipped with ABS. pulled out or the trailer is disconnected. A major leak in the emergency line will cause Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction the tractor protection valve to close and the lamps on the left side, either on the front trailer emergency brakes to come on. But the or rear corner. Dollies manufactured brakes will hold only as long as there is air on or after March 1, 1998, are required pressure in the trailer air tank. Eventually, to have a lamp on the left side. the air will leak away and there will be In the case of vehicles manufactured no brakes. Therefore, it is very important before the required date, it may be for safety that you use wheel chocks when difficult to tell if the unit is equipped you park trailers without spring brakes. with ABS. Look under the vehicle for You may not notice a major leak in the the ECU and wheel speed sensor wires service line until you try to put the coming from the back of the brakes. brakes on. Then, the air loss from the 6.3.2 Braking with ABS leak will lower the air tank pressure ABS is an addition to your normal brakes. It quickly. If it goes low enough, the trailer does not decrease or increase your normal emergency brakes will come on. braking capability. ABS only activates when wheels are about to lock up.
COVER 125 CONTENTS ABS does not necessarily shorten 6.4 Coupling and uncoupling your stopping distance, but it does Knowing how to couple and uncouple help you keep the vehicle under correctly is basic to safe operation of control during hard braking. combination vehicles. Incorrect coupling ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up. The and uncoupling can be very dangerous. computer senses impending lockup, General coupling and uncoupling steps reduces the braking pressure to a safe are listed below. There are differences level, and helps you maintain control. between different rigs, so learn the Having ABS on only the trailer, or even details of coupling and uncoupling on only one axle, still gives you more the truck(s) you will operate. control over the vehicle during braking. 6.4.1 Coupling tractor- When only the trailer has ABS, the trailer semitrailers is less likely to swing out, but if you Step 1: Inspect the fifth wheel lose steering control or start a tractor • Check for damaged/missing parts. jackknife, let up on the brakes (if you can • Check to see that the mounting safely do so) until you gain control. to the tractor is secure (no When you drive a tractor-trailer cracks in frame, etc.). combination with ABS, you should brake • Be sure the fifth wheel plate is greased as you always have. In other words: as required, or if using a Teflon plate, • Use only the braking force necessary the Teflon plate is present, secure and to stop safely and stay in control. not damaged. Failure to keep the fifth • Brake the same way, regardless wheel plate lubricated could cause of whether you have ABS on the steering problems because of friction tractor, the trailer, or both. between the tractor and trailer. • As you slow down, monitor • Check if the fifth wheel is in the your tractor and trailer and proper position for coupling. back off the brakes (if it is safe ◊ Wheel tilted down toward to do so) to stay in control. rear of tractor. Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you ◊ Jaws open. still have regular brakes. Drive normally, ◊ Safety unlocking handle in but get the system serviced soon. the automatic lock position. ABS won’t allow you to drive faster, follow • If you have a sliding fifth wheel, more closely, or drive less carefully. make sure it is locked. • Make sure the trailer kingpin and apron are not bent, cracked or broken.
COVER 126 CONTENTS Step 2: Inspect area and chock wheels Step 7: Connect the air • Make sure the area around lines to the trailer the vehicle is clear. • Check the glad hand seals and • Be sure trailer wheels are chocked connect the tractor emergency air line or spring brakes are on. to the trailer emergency glad hand. • Check that cargo (if any) is secured • Check the glad hand seals and against movement due to the tractor connect the tractor service air line being coupled to the trailer. to the trailer service glad hand. Step 3: Position the tractor • Make sure the air lines are safely • Put the tractor directly in front of supported where they won’t be the trailer. Never back under the crushed or caught while the tractor trailer at an angle because you is backing under the trailer. might push the trailer sideways Step 8: Supply air to the trailer and break the landing gear. • From the cab, push in the “air supply” • Check position, using outside knob or move the tractor protection mirrors, by looking down valve control from the “emergency” both sides of the trailer. to the “normal” position to supply air to the trailer brake system. Step 4: Back slowly • Back until the fifth wheel • Wait until the air pressure is normal. just touches the trailer. • Check the brake system • Don’t hit the trailer. for crossed air lines. ◊ Shut the engine off so you Step 5: Secure the tractor can hear the brakes. • Put on the parking brake. ◊ Apply and release the trailer • Put transmission in neutral. brakes and listen for the sound of Step 6: Check trailer height the trailer brakes being applied • The trailer should be low enough and released. You should hear that it is raised slightly by the tractor the brakes move when they are when the tractor is backed under it. applied and air escape when Raise or lower the trailer as needed. the brakes are released. (If the trailer is too low, the tractor ◊ Check the air brake system may strike and damage the nose pressure gauge for signs of the trailer. If the trailer is too of major air loss. high, it may not couple correctly.) • When you are sure the trailer brakes • Check that the kingpin and are working, start the engine. fifth wheel are aligned. • Make sure air pressure is up to normal.
COVER 127 CONTENTS Step 9: Lock the trailer brakes Figure 6-7: Trailer Kingpin • Pull out the “air supply” knob or move the tractor protection valve control from “normal” to “emergency.” Step 10: Back under the trailer • Use the lowest reverse gear. • Back the tractor slowly under the trailer to avoid hitting the kingpin too hard. • Stop when the kingpin is locked into the fifth wheel. Kingpin Step 11: Check the connection for security • Check that the locking lever • Raise the trailer landing gear is in the “lock” position. slightly off the ground. • Check that the safety latch is in • Pull the tractor gently forward position over the locking lever. while the trailer brakes are still (On some fifth wheels the catch locked to check that the trailer must be put in place by hand.). is locked onto the tractor. • If the coupling isn’t right, don’t drive Step 12: Secure the vehicle the coupled unit; get it fixed. • Put the transmission in neutral. Step 14: Connect the electrical • Put the parking brakes on. cord and check the air lines • Shut off the engine and take the key • Plug the electrical cord into the with you so someone else won’t move trailer and fasten the safety catch. the truck while you are under it. • Check both the air lines and the Step 13: Inspect the coupling electrical line for signs of damage. • Use a flashlight, if necessary. • Make sure the air and electrical • Make sure there is no space between lines will not hit any moving the upper and lower fifth wheel. If parts of the vehicle. there is space, something is wrong Step 15: Raise the front trailer (the kingpin may be on top of the supports (landing gear) closed fifth wheel jaws; the trailer • Use low gear range (if so would come loose very easily). equipped) to begin raising the • Go under the trailer and look landing gear. Once free of weight, into the back of the fifth wheel. switch to the high gear range. Make sure the fifth wheel jaws • Raise the landing gear all the way have closed around the shank of up. Never drive with the landing the kingpin. See Figure 6-7.
COVER 128 CONTENTS gear only part way up as it may catch • Put the parking brakes on while on railroad tracks or other things. the tractor is pushing against the • After raising the landing gear, kingpin. This will hold the rig with secure the crank handle safely. pressure off the locking jaws. • When the full weight of the Step 3: Chock the trailer wheels trailer is resting on the tractor: • Chock the trailer wheels if the trailer ◊ Check for enough clearance doesn’t have spring brakes or if between the rear of the tractor you’re not sure. The air could leak frame and the landing gear. out of the trailer air tank, releasing (When the tractor turns sharply, its emergency brakes. Without it must not hit the landing gear.) chocks, the trailer could move. ◊ Check that there is enough Step 4: Lower the landing gear clearance between the top • If the trailer is empty, lower the of the tractor tires and landing gear until it makes firm the nose of the trailer. contact with the ground. Step 16: Remove trailer wheel chocks • If the trailer is loaded, after the • Remove and store the wheel landing gear makes firm contact with chocks in a safe place. the ground, turn the crank in low gear 6.4.2 Uncoupling tractor- a few extra turns. This will lift some semitrailers weight off the tractor. (Do not lift the The following steps will help trailer off the fifth wheel.) This will: you to uncouple safely: ◊ make it easier to unlatch Step 1: Position the rig the fifth wheel;. • Make sure the surface of the ◊ make it easier to couple parking area can support the next time. the weight of the trailer. Step 5: Disconnect the air • Have the tractor lined up with lines and electrical cable the trailer. Pulling out at an angle • Disconnect the air lines from the can damage the landing gear. trailer. Connect the air line glad hands Step 2: Ease pressure on to the dummy couplers at the back the locking jaws of the cab or couple them together. • Shut off the trailer air supply • Hang the electrical cable with to lock the trailer brakes. the plug down to prevent • Ease the pressure on the fifth moisture from entering it. wheel locking jaws by backing up • Make sure the lines are supported gently. This will help you release so they won’t be damaged the fifth wheel locking lever. while driving the tractor.
COVER 129 CONTENTS Step 6: Unlock the fifth wheel 3. True or False? You should look into • Raise the release handle lock. the back of the fifth wheel to see • Pull the release handle to if it is locked onto the kingpin. the “open” position. 4. True or False? To drive, you need • Keep your legs and feet clear of the to raise the landing gear only until rear tractor wheels to avoid serious it just lifts off the pavement. injury in case the vehicle moves. 5. How do you know if your trailer is Step 7: Pull the tractor equipped with antilock brakes? partially clear of the trailer These questions may be on your test. • Pull the tractor forward until If you are unable to answer them all, the fifth wheel comes out re-read subsections 6.3 and 6.4. from under the trailer. • Stop with the tractor frame under 6.4.3 Coupling a pintle hook the trailer. This prevents the trailer Step 1. Inspect pintle hook from falling to the ground if the • Before operating, check for worn, landing gear should collapse or sink. damaged, or missing parts, and Step 8: Secure the tractor make sure mount is secure. • Apply the parking brake. • If the pintle hook is not secured to • Place the transmission in neutral. the mounting surface, the pintle hook could separate from the Step 9: Inspect the trailer supports vehicle which, if not avoided, could • Make sure the ground is result in death or serious injury. supporting the trailer. Step 2. Unlock lock pin and open latch • Make sure the landing • Unlock and remove the tethered gear is not damaged. lock pin, if applicable (Figure 16). Step 10: Pull the tractor clear of the trailer Figure 16 • Release the parking brakes. • Check the area and drive the tractor forward until it clears.
Test your knowledge 1. What might happen if the trailer is too high when you try to couple? 2. After coupling, how much space should be between the upper and lower fifth wheel?
• Lift the lock handle away from the vehicle until the lock clears the lock seat on the hook body.
COVER 130 CONTENTS • Open the latch by rotating the Figure 19 latch assembly up toward the vehicle until the latch is in its most upright position, then release the lock handle (Figure 17 and 18).
Figure 17
• Insert the tethered lock pin through the latch and lock holes, and close the tethered wire lock pin, if applicable (Figure 16). • Failure to correctly lock the latch can result in separation of the trailer and Figure 18 vehicle which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
6.4.4 Uncoupling a pintle hook Step 1. Park on level surface • Park the trailer on a firm level surface and block trailer tires. Step 2. Disconnect electrical connector, breakaway brake switch and safety chains • Disconnect electrical connector. • Disconnect breakaway Step 3. Lower drawbar into place brake switch lanyard. • Position the drawbar eye over the horn of the pintle hook • Disconnect safety chains and lower it into place. from tow vehicle. Step 4. Lock pintle hook Step 3. Unlock the coupler • Push the latch closed. When correctly • Unlock the coupler and open it. locked, the lock handle will rotate Step 4. Check ground surface and move up until it is flush with for correct support the top of the latch (Figure 19).
COVER 131 CONTENTS • Before extending jack, make certain Step 3. Lower the drawbeam the ground surface below the jack • Lower the drawbeam until the ball pad will support the tongue load. cup drawbar eye (6) lies completely Step 5. Rotate jack handle covering the drawbar coupling ball (5). • Rotate jack handle to extend the Step 4. Rotate the safety cover bar jack and transfer the weight of • Rotate the safety cover bar back the trailer tongue to the jack. inwards (4) and fit in safety lock screw Step 6. Raise trailer coupler (2) together with its self-locking nut. • Raise the trailer coupler above • Tighten in both the lock screws (2, the tow vehicle hitch. 2a) together with their relative self- Step 7. Drive forward locking nuts (12, 12a) at a 350 to • Drive tow vehicle forward. 400 Nm torque wrench setting. Step 5. Adjust the adjustment screw 6.4.5 Coupling a drawbar • Adjust the adjustment screw (3) until a 0.3 - 0.5 mm vertical clearance between the guard disk (13) and the ball cup (6) is reached. Lock setting with counter nut (11).
Step 1. Remove safety lock screw and rotate safety cover bar • Remove safety lock screw (2), recover and keep the relative self-locking nut (12) aside then also loosen safety lock screw (2a) and turn out the adjustment screw (3) by at least five turns. • Rotate the safety cover bar (4) outwards so that it is completely open. Step 2. Reverse truck • Reverse truck very slowly until the ball cup drawbar eye (6) is in position exactly above the • In the event that the safety cover drawbar coupling ball (5). bar (4) will not perfectly lodge into its seating appropriately, travel is strictly forbidden.
COVER 132 CONTENTS fully visible, then travel forward with the trailer very slowly. • Rotate the safety cover bar inwards (4) until it lodges back in its housing. Step 4. Lock safety screw and tighten self-Llocking nut • Fit in safety lock screw (2) and tighten in self-locking nut (12).
6.4.7 Coupling a Step 6. Protect coupling ball gooseneck hitch and anchor edge onto ball If you are hooking up a Gooseneck or • Protect the part that is still visible a fifth wheel hitch, the procedure is of the coupling ball (5) with the a little different from a receiver and rubber dust proof bellows protection ball, but it is not more difficult. cover (7). Accurately anchor the edge directly onto the ball itself. Step 1. Open the latch and lubricate the gooseneck ball Step 7. Lubricate the drawbar eye • Open the clamp latch on • Lubricate the inside of the the Gooseneck coupler. drawbar eye ball cup (6) directly through the grease nipple (18). • Make sure that the Gooseneck ball is properly lubricated. 6.4.6 Uncoupling a drawbar Step 2. Position coupler Step 1. Turn trailer brake on and latch the clamp • Make sure that the trailer brake is on. • Position the trailer’s coupler Step 2. Remove cover directly over the ball and lower and loosen screws the Gooseneck trailer into • Remove the rubber dust proof position and latch the clamp. bellows protection cover (7). Step 3. Attach safety chains • Loosen the adjustment screw • Attach your safety chains. Remember (3) and the counter nut (11). that all trailers are required by • Loosen safety lock screw (2a) and law to have safety chains. remove safety lock screw (2) together Step 4. Connect trailer light wiring with its self-locking nut (12). • Connect your trailer light wiring Step 3. Rotate safety cover bar to your vehicle’s connector. and lift trailer drawbeam • Check all of your lights, • Rotate the safety cover bar (4) including your brake lights. outwards so that it is completely open. • Lift the trailer drawbeam until the drawbar coupling ball (5) is
COVER 133 CONTENTS Step 5. Lower and stow 6.5.1 Additional things to check the trailer jacks during a walkaround inspection • Completely lower and stow the Do these checks in addition to trailer jacks, allowing the weight those listed in Section 2, “Step 5: to settle onto the tow vehicle. Do Walkaround Inspection.” 6.4.8 Uncoupling a Coupling system areas gooseneck hitch • Fifth wheel (lower). Step 1. Remove safety pin and clip ◊ Securely mounted to the frame. • Simply remove safety pin and clip. ◊ No missing or damaged parts. Step 2. Rotate handle and ◊ Enough grease. raise trailer off ball ◊ No visible space between the • Rotate handle to this position upper and lower fifth wheel. (Figure B) and raise trailer ◊ Locking jaws are around the off ball. Coupler will return to shank, not the head of the load position automatically. kingpin. See Figure 6-7. Step 3. Install safety pin and clip ◊ Release arm is properly seated and • Install safety pin and clip. (Figure B) the safety latch/lock engaged. Figure B • Fifth wheel (upper). ◊ Guide plate is securely mounted to the trailer frame; not bent, cracked or broken. ◊ Kingpin is not damaged.
• Air and electric lines to the trailer. ◊ Electrical cord is firmly plugged in and secured. ◊ Air lines are properly connected to the glad hands, no air 6.5 Inspecting a leaks, properly secured with combination vehicle enough slack for turns. Use the seven-step inspection procedure ◊ All lines are free from damage. described in Section 2 to inspect your • Sliding fifth wheel. combination vehicle. There are more ◊ Slide is not damaged; has things to inspect on a combination vehicle no parts missing. than on a single vehicle. For example, ◊ Properly greased. tires, wheels, lights, reflectors, etc. ◊ All locking pins are present However, there are also some new things and locked in place. to check. These are discussed below.
COVER 134 CONTENTS ◊ If air powered—there from both lines, check that the shut-off are no air leaks. valves on the trailer(s) and dolly(s) are in the ◊ Check that the fifth wheel is not OPEN position. You MUST have air all the so far forward the tractor frame way to the back for all the brakes to work. will hit the landing gear, or the cab Test the tractor protection valve will hit the trailer, during turns. Charge the trailer air brake system. (That is, build up normal air pressure Landing gear and push the “air supply” knob in). Shut • Fully raised, no missing parts, the engine off. Step on and off the brake not bent or otherwise damaged. pedal several times to reduce the air • Crank handle is in place and secured. pressure in the tanks. The trailer air supply • If power operated, there are control (also called the tractor protection no air or hydraulic leaks. valve control) should pop out (or go from 6.5.2 Combination “normal” to “emergency” position) when vehicle brake check the air pressure falls into the pressure Do these checks in addition to Section range specified by the manufacturer, 5.3, Inspecting Air Brake Systems. usually within the range of 20 to 45 psi. The following section explains how to check If the tractor protection valve doesn’t work air brakes on combination vehicles. Check right, an air hose or trailer brake leak the brakes on a double or triple trailer could drain all the air from the tractor. as you would any combination vehicle. This would cause the emergency brakes to come on, with possible loss of control. Check that air flows to all trailers Use the tractor parking brake and/or chock Test the trailer emergency brakes the wheels to hold the vehicle. Wait for the Charge the trailer air brake system and air pressure to reach normal, then push in check that the trailer rolls freely. Then stop the red “trailer air supply” knob. This will and pull out the trailer air supply control supply air to the emergency (supply) lines. (also called the tractor protection valve Use the trailer handbrake to provide air to control or trailer emergency valve) or place the service line. Go to the rear of the rig. it in the “emergency” position. Pull gently Open the emergency line shut-off valve at on the trailer with the tractor to check the rear of the last trailer. You should hear that the trailer emergency brakes are on. air escaping, showing the entire system is Test the trailer service brakes charged. Close the emergency line valve. Check for normal air pressure, release Open the service line valve to check that the parking brakes, move the vehicle service pressure goes through all the trailers forward slowly and apply the trailer brakes (this test assumes the trailer handbrake or with the hand control (trolley valve), if the service brake pedal is on), then close so equipped. You should feel the brakes the valve. If you do NOT hear air escaping come on. This tells you the trailer brakes are connected and working. (The trailer
COVER 135 CONTENTS brakes should be tested with the hand valve, but controlled in normal operation with the foot pedal, which applies air to the service brakes at all wheels.). Note: Straight truck, passenger bus and combination vehicle inspection memory aids are located in Section 11.
Test your knowledge 1. Which shut-off valves should be open and which should be closed? 2. How can you test that air flows to all trailers? 3. How can you test the tractor protection valve? 4. How can you test the trailer emergency brakes? 5. How can you test the trailer service brakes? These questions may be on your test. If you are unable to answer them all, re-read subsection 6.5.
COVER 136 CONTENTS SECTION 7: DOUBLES AND The last trailer in a combination is most TRIPLES likely to turn over. If you don’t understand This section covers: the crack-the-whip effect, study Section 6.1 • Pulling Double/Triple Trailers and review Figure 6-1 in the Combination Vehicles section of this manual. • Coupling and Uncoupling • Inspecting Doubles and Triples 7.1.3 Inspect completely There are more critical parts to check • Doubles/Triples Air Brake Check when you have two or three trailers. This section has information you need to Check them all. Follow the procedures pass the CDL knowledge test for driving described later in this section. safely with double and triple trailers. It tells about how important it is to be very 7.1.4 Look far ahead careful when driving with more than Doubles and triples must be driven one trailer, how to couple and uncouple very smoothly to avoid rollover or correctly and about inspecting doubles jackknife. Therefore, look far ahead and triples carefully. (You should also so you can slow down or change study Section 2, Section 5 and Section 6.) lanes gradually when necessary. 7.1.5 Manage space 7.1 Pulling double/ Doubles and triples take up more space than triple trailers other commercial vehicles. They are not only Take special care when pulling two and longer, but also need more space because three trailers. There are more things that they can’t be turned or stopped suddenly. can go wrong and doubles/triples are less Allow more following distance. Make sure stable than other commercial vehicles. Some you have large enough gaps before entering areas of concern are discussed below. or crossing traffic. Before changing lanes, be certain the lane is open, signal, check traffic 7.1.1 Prevent trailers from rolling over and avoid sudden turning movements. To prevent trailers from rolling over, you 7.1.6 Adverse conditions must steer gently and go slowly around Be more careful in adverse conditions. corners, on-ramps, off-ramps and curves. In bad weather, slippery conditions and A safe speed on a curve for a straight truck mountain driving, you must be especially or a single trailer combination vehicle may careful if you drive double and triple be too fast for double or triple trailers. bottoms. You will have greater length and 7.1.2 Beware of the crack- more dead axles to pull with your drive the-whip effect axles than other vehicles. There is more Doubles and triples are more likely to chance for skids and loss of traction. turn over than other combination vehicles because of the “crack-the-whip” effect. You must steer gently when pulling trailers.
COVER 137 CONTENTS 7.1.7 Parking the vehicle Position the converter dolly in Make sure you do not get in a spot you front of the second (rear) trailer cannot pull straight through. You need to be • Release the dolly brakes by opening aware of how parking lots are arranged in the air tank petcock. (Or, if the order to avoid a long and difficult escape. dolly has spring brakes, use the dolly parking brake control.). 7.1.8 Antilock braking systems on converter dollies • If the distance is not too great, wheel Converter dollies built on or after March the dolly into position by hand so 1, 1998, are required to have antilock it is in line with the kingpin. brakes. These dollies will have a yellow • Or, use the tractor and first semi- lamp on the left side of the dolly. trailer to pick up the converter dolly: ◊ Position the combination as close 7.2 Coupling and uncoupling as possible to the converter dolly. Knowing how to couple and uncouple ◊ Move the dolly to the rear correctly is basic to safe operation of of the first semi-trailer and doubles and triples. Incorrect coupling couple it to the trailer. and uncoupling can be very dangerous. ◊ Lock the pintle hook. Coupling and uncoupling steps for ◊ Secure the dolly support doubles and triples are listed below. in the raised position. 7.2.1 Coupling twin trailers ◊ Pull the dolly into position as Secure the second (rear) trailer close as possible to the nose If the second trailer doesn’t have spring of the second semi-trailer. brakes, drive the tractor close to the ◊ Lower the dolly support. trailer, connect the emergency line, charge ◊ Unhook the dolly from the trailer air tank and disconnect the the first trailer. emergency line. This will set the trailer • Wheel the dolly into position emergency brakes (if the slack adjusters in front of the second trailer are correctly adjusted). Chock the wheels in line with the kingpin. if you have any doubt about the brakes. Connect the converter dolly Caution: For the safest handling on the road, to the front trailer the more heavily loaded semi-trailer should • Back the first semi-trailer into be in the first position behind the tractor. position in front of the dolly tongue. The lighter trailer should be in the rear. • Hook the dolly to the front trailer. • Lock the pintle hook. A converter gear or dolly is a coupling device of one or two axles and a fifth • Secure the converter gear wheel by which a semi-trailer can be support in the raised position. coupled to the rear of a tractor-trailer combination forming a double bottom rig.
COVER 138 CONTENTS Connect the converter dolly 7.2.2 Uncoupling twin trailers to the rear trailer Uncouple the rear trailer • Make sure the trailer brakes are • Park the rig in a straight line locked and/or the wheels are chocked. on firm level ground. • Make sure the trailer height is • Apply the parking brakes correct. It must be slightly lower so the rig won’t move. than the center of the fifth wheel, • Chock the wheels of the second trailer so the trailer is raised slightly if it doesn’t have spring brakes. when the dolly is pushed under. • Lower the landing gear of the second • Back the converter dolly semi-trailer enough to remove under the rear trailer. some weight from the dolly. • Raise the landing gear slightly • Close the air shut-offs at the rear off the ground to prevent of the first semi-trailer (and on damage if the trailer moves. the dolly, if so equipped). • Test the coupling by pulling against • Disconnect all the dolly air and the pin of the second semi-trailer. electric lines and secure them. • Make a visual check of the • Release the dolly brakes. coupling. There should be no space • Release the converter dolly between the upper and lower fifth fifth wheel latch. wheel. The locking jaws should • Slowly pull the tractor, first be closed on the kingpin. semi-trailer and dolly forward • Connect the safety chains, to pull the dolly out from air hoses and light cords. under the rear semi-trailer. • Close the converter dolly Uncouple the converter dolly air tank petcock. • Lower the dolly landing gear. • Close the shut-off valves at the • Disconnect the safety chains. rear of the second trailer (service and emergency shut-offs). • Apply the converter gear spring brakes or chock the wheels. • Open the shut-off valves at the rear of the first trailer (and on • Release the pintle hook on the dolly, if so equipped). the first semi-trailer. • Raise the landing gear completely. • Slowly pull clear of the dolly.
• Charge the trailers (push the “air Caution: Never unlock the pintle hook supply” knob in) and check for air with the dolly still under the rear at the rear of the second trailer by trailer. The dolly tow bar may fly up, opening the emergency line shut-off. possibly causing injury and making If air pressure isn’t there, something it very difficult to re-couple. is wrong and the brakes won’t work.
COVER 139 CONTENTS 7.2.3 Coupling and than on a single vehicle. Many of these uncoupling triple trailers items are simply more of what you would Couple the tractor/first semi-trailer find on a single vehicle. (For example, to the second/third trailers tires, wheels, lights, reflectors, etc.) • Couple the tractor to the first trailer. However, there are also some new things Use the method already described to check. These are discussed below. for coupling tractor-semitrailers. 7.3.1 Additional checks • Move the converter dolly into Complete these checks in addition to position and couple the first those already listed in Section 2, Step trailer to the second trailer using 5: Do Walkaround Inspection. the method for coupling doubles. The triples rig is now complete. Coupling system areas • Fifth wheel (lower). Uncouple the triple-trailer rig ◊ Securely mounted to the frame. • Uncouple the third trailer by ◊ No missing or damaged parts. pulling the dolly out, then unhitching the dolly using the ◊ Enough grease. method for uncoupling doubles. ◊ No visible space between the upper and lower fifth wheel. • Uncouple the remainder of the rig ◊ Locking jaws are around the as you would any double-bottom rig shank, not the head of kingpin. using the method already described. ◊ Release arm is properly seated and 7.2.4 Coupling and uncoupling the safety latch/lock is engaged. other combinations • Fifth wheel (upper). The methods described so far apply to the ◊ Glide plate is securely mounted more common tractor-trailer combinations. to the trailer frame, not However, there are other ways of coupling bent, cracked or broken. and uncoupling the many types of truck- trailer and tractor-trailer combinations ◊ Kingpin is not damaged. that are in use. There are too many to • Air and electric lines to the trailer. cover in this manual. You need to learn ◊ Electrical cord is firmly the correct way to couple and uncouple the plugged in and is secured. vehicle(s) you will drive according to the ◊ Air lines are properly connected manufacturer and/or owner specifications. to the glad hands, no air leaks, properly secured with 7.3 Inspecting doubles enough slack for turns. and triples • All lines are free from damage. Use the seven-step inspection procedure • Sliding fifth wheel. described in Section 2 to inspect your ◊ Slide is not damaged; has combination vehicle. There are more no parts missing. things to inspect on a combination vehicle ◊ Properly greased.
COVER 140 CONTENTS ◊ All locking pins are present 7.3.2 Additional things to check and are locked in place. during a walkaround inspection ◊ If air powered, there Do these checks in addition to Section are no air leaks. 5.3: Inspecting Air Brake Systems ◊ Check that fifth wheel is not so far forward the tractor frame will 7.4 Doubles/triples hit the landing gear or the cab air brake check will hit the trailer during turns. Check the brakes on a double or triple Landing gear trailer as you would any combination • Fully raised, there are no vehicle. Section 6.2 explains how to check missing parts, it is not bent air brakes on combination vehicles. You or otherwise damaged. must also make the following checks • Crank handle is in place and secured. on your double or triple trailers: ◊ If power operated, there are 7.4.1 Additional air brake checks no air or hydraulic leaks. Check that air flows to all trailers Double and triple trailers (double and triple trailers) • Shut-off valves (at the rear of trailers, Use the tractor parking brake and/or chock in the service and emergency lines): the wheels to hold the vehicle. Wait for air ◊ Rear of front trailers: OPEN. pressure to reach normal, then push in ◊ Rear of last trailer: CLOSED. the red “trailer air supply” knob. This will ◊ Converter dolly air tank supply air to the emergency (supply) lines. drain valve: CLOSED. Use the trailer handbrake to provide air to the service line. Go to the rear of the rig. • Be sure the air lines are Open the emergency line shut-off valve at supported and the glad hands the rear of the last trailer. You should hear are properly connected. air escaping, showing the entire system is • If the spare tire is carried on charged. Close the emergency line valve. the converter gear (dolly), Open the service line valve to check that make sure it is secured. service pressure goes through all the trailers • Be sure the pintle-eye of the (this test assumes that the trailer handbrake dolly is in place in the pintle or the service brake pedal is on), then close hook of the trailer(s). the valve. If you do NOT hear air escaping • Make sure the pintle hook is latched. from both lines, check that the shut-off • Safety chains should be valves on the trailer(s) and dolly(s) are in the secured to the trailer(s). OPEN position. You MUST have air all the • Be sure light cords are firmly way to the back for all the brakes to work. in the sockets on trailers.
COVER 141 CONTENTS Test the tractor protection valve Test your knowledge Charge the trailer air brake system. (That 1. What is a converter dolly? is, build up normal air pressure and 2. Do converter dollies have spring brakes? push the “air supply” knob in.) Shut the 3. What three methods can you use to engine off. Step on and off the brake pedal secure a second trailer before coupling? several times to reduce the air pressure 4. How do you check to make sure trailer in the tanks. The trailer air supply control height is correct before coupling? (also called the tractor protection valve control) should pop out (or go from the 5. What do you check when making “normal” to “emergency” position) when a visual check of coupling? the air pressure falls into the pressure 6. Why should you pull a dolly out from range specified by the manufacturer, under a trailer before you disconnect usually within the range of 20 to 45 psi. it from the trailer in front? If the tractor protection valve doesn’t work 7. What should you check for properly, an air hose or trailer brake leak when inspecting the converter could drain all the air from the tractor. dolly? The pintle hook? This would cause the emergency brakes 8. Should the shut-off valves on the rear to come on, with possible loss of control. of the last trailer be open or closed? On Test trailer emergency brakes the first trailer in a set of doubles? On Charge the trailer air brake system and the middle trailer of a set of triples? check that the trailer rolls freely. Then stop 9. How can you test that air and pull out the trailer air supply control flows to all trailers? (also called tractor protection valve control 10. How do you know if your converter or trailer emergency valve) or place it in dolly is equipped with antilock brakes? the “emergency” position. Pull gently on These questions may be on your the trailer with the tractor to check that test. If you are unable to answer the trailer emergency brakes are on. them all, re-read Subsection 7. Test trailer service brakes Check for normal air pressure, release the parking brakes, move the vehicle forward slowly and apply trailer brakes with the hand control (trolley valve), if so equipped. You should feel the brakes come on. This tells you the trailer brakes are connected and working. The trailer brakes should be tested with the hand valve, but controlled in normal operation with the foot pedal, which applies air to the service brakes at all wheels.
COVER 142 CONTENTS SECTION 8: TANK VEHICLES Do not carry liquids or gases in a leaking This section covers: tank. To do so is a crime. You will be cited • Inspecting Tank Vehicles and prevented from driving further. You may also be liable for the clean up of any • Driving Tank Vehicles spill. In general, check the following: • Safe Driving Rules • The tank’s body or shell for dents or leaks. This section has information needed to pass the CDL knowledge test for driving a tank • The intake, discharge and cut-off vehicle. (You should also study Sections 2, valves. Make sure the valves are in 5, 6 and 9). A tank endorsement is required the correct position before loading, for certain vehicles that transport liquids or unloading or moving the vehicle. gases. The liquid or gas does not have to be a • Pipes, connections and hoses for hazardous material. A tank endorsement is leaks, especially around joints. required if your vehicle needs a Class A or B • Manhole covers and vents. Make CDL and you want to haul a liquid or liquid sure the covers have gaskets and gas in a tank or tanks having an individual they close correctly. Keep the vents rated capacity of more than 119 gallons clear so they work correctly. and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 8.1.2 Check special gallons or more that is either permanently purpose equipment or temporarily attached to the vehicle or If your vehicle has any of the following chassis. A tank endorsement is also required equipment, make sure it works: for Class C vehicles when the vehicle is used • Vapor recovery kits. to transport hazardous materials in liquid or • Grounding and bonding cables gas form in the above described rated tanks. • Emergency shut-off systems. Before loading, unloading or driving a tanker, inspect the vehicle. This makes • Built in fire extinguisher. sure that the vehicle is safe to carry Never drive a tank vehicle with the liquid or gas and is safe to drive. open valves or manhole covers. 8.1.3 Special equipment 8.1 Inspecting tank vehicles Check the emergency equipment Tank vehicles have special items that you required for your vehicle. Find out what need to check. Tank vehicles come in many equipment you are required to carry, types and sizes. You need to check the make sure you have it and that it works. vehicle’s operator manual to make sure you know how to inspect your tank vehicle. 8.2 Driving tank vehicles 8.1.1 Leaks Hauling liquids in tanks requires On all tank vehicles, the most important special skills because of the high center item to check for is leaks. Check under and of gravity and liquid movement. around the vehicle for signs of any leaking.
COVER 143 CONTENTS 8.2.1 High center of gravity 8.2.5 Un-baffled tanks High center of gravity means that much Un-baffled liquid tankers (sometimes of the load’s weight is carried high up called “smooth bore” tanks) have nothing off the road. This makes the vehicle top- inside to slow down the flow of the liquid. heavy and easy to roll over. Liquid tankers Therefore, forward-and-back surge is are especially easy to roll over. Tests very strong. Un-baffled tanks are usually have shown that tankers can turn over at those that transport food products (milk, the speed limits posted for curves. Take for example). Sanitation regulations highway curves and on-ramp/off-ramp forbid the use of baffles because of the curves well below the posted speeds. difficulty in cleaning the inside of the tank. Be extremely cautious (slow and 8.2.2 Danger of surge careful) in driving smooth bore tanks, Liquid surge results from movement of especially when starting and stopping. the liquid in partially filled tanks. This movement can have adverse effects on Figure 8-1: Smooth bore tank handling. For example, when coming to a stop, the liquid will surge back and forth. When the wave hits the end of the tank, it tends to push the truck in the direction the wave is moving. If the truck is on a slippery surface such as ice, the wave can shove a stopped truck out into an intersection. The driver of a liquid tanker must be very familiar with the handling of the vehicle.
8.2.3 Bulkheads 8.2.6 Outage Some liquid tanks are divided into several Never load a cargo tank totally full. smaller tanks by bulkheads. When Liquids expand as they warm and you loading and unloading the smaller tanks, must leave room for the expanding liquid. the driver must pay attention to weight This is called “outage” Since different distribution. Do not put too much weight liquids expand by different amounts, on the front or rear of the vehicle. they require different amounts of outage. 8.2.4 Baffled tanks You must know the outage requirement Baffled liquid tanks have bulkheads in when hauling liquids in bulk. them with holes that let the liquid flow 8.2.7 How much to load? through. The baffles help to control the A full tank of dense liquid (such as some forward and backward liquid surge. acids) may exceed legal weight limits. For However, side-to-side surge can still that reason, you may often only partially occur. This can cause a roll over. fill tanks with heavy liquids. The amount of liquid to load into a tank depends on:
COVER 144 CONTENTS • The amount the liquid will location for this condition to develop is expand in transit. at freeway exit and entrance ramps. • The weight of the liquid. Exit ramps especially dangerous • Legal weight limits. Here is an example of how an accident can begin. A driver is making a right turn 8.3 Safe driving rules off a freeway onto a 25-mph ramp from In order to drive tank vehicles safely, the right lane and is watching the traffic you must remember to follow all the safe ahead and behind. He has the right turn driving rules. A few of these rules are: indicator on and gears down to around 40 mph as he enters the off-ramp traffic. He 8.3.1 Drive smoothly brakes slightly and is already eyeing the Because of the high center of gravity and traffic stream he will be entering, which is the surge of the liquid, you must start, proceeding under the freeway. The ramp slow down, and stop very smoothly. traffic is slowing. He drops to a lower gear Make smooth turns and lane changes. and applies a little more braking. He feels 8.3.2 Controlling surge the right side of the rig start to “float.” Keep a steady pressure on the brakes. Do Then he remembers he has two empty not release too soon when coming to a stop. middle compartments and two half-full Brake far in advance of a stop and ones, No. 1 and No. 4. If he steers left to increase your following distance. correct, he will jump the curb right into the underpass traffic. If he brakes sharply If you must make a quick stop to and stays in the ramp traffic, the leftward avoid a crash, use controlled or stab shifting of his load could be accentuated braking. If you do not remember how and eventually overturn the tank. to stop using these methods, review Section 2.17 Driving Emergencies. Also, Figure 8-2: Shifting cargo remember if you steer quickly while braking, your vehicle may roll over. 8.3.3 Curves Slow down before curves, then accelerate slightly through the curve. The posted speed for a curve may be too fast for a tank vehicle. Shifting cargo a problem with partial loads Tank drivers say that liquid cargo shifting is a problem with “anything other than full or empty.” This condition occurs when the driver makes sudden There is no textbook solution, only lane changes, takes evasive action and time and whatever action the driver on long downward curves. A prime
COVER 145 CONTENTS takes in hopes the load shifting will be Test your knowledge overcome by the weight of the tractor 1. How are bulkheads different and trailer as rig speed is reduced. than baffles? Be careful with partial loads 2. Should a tank vehicle take Even though full or empty runs occur curves, on-ramps or off-ramps much more frequently than partial loads, at the posted speed limits? there is and will continue to be, need 3. How are smooth bore tankers different for partial loads. The special handling to drive than those with baffles? requires full awareness at all times of 4. What three things determine how the changes in vehicle characteristics much liquid you can load? that can only be accomplished by lower 5. What is outage? speed, more careful braking, load 6. How can you help control surge? distribution and direction changes. 7. What two reasons make special care Slow BEFORE turns necessary when driving tank vehicles? If you are already in the turn, it may be too late to slow down safely. Therefore, the best These questions may be on your solution is to be especially watchful and test. If you are unable to answer slow down before entering the turn. them all, re-read Subsection 8. 8.3.4 Stopping distance Keep in mind how much space you need to stop your vehicle. Remember that wet roads double the normal stopping distance. Empty tank vehicles may take longer to stop than full ones. 8.3.5 Skids Do not over steer, over accelerate or over brake. If you do, your vehicle may skid. On tank trailers, if your drive wheels or trailer wheels begin to skid, your vehicle may jackknife. When any vehicle starts to skid, you must take action to restore traction to the wheels.
COVER 146 CONTENTS SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS meets the definition of a hazardous MATERIALS material in the regulations. This section covers: The regulations require vehicles • The Intent of the Regulations transporting certain types or quantities • Who Does What, Including of hazardous materials to display Driver Responsibilities diamond-shaped, square-on-point warning signs called placards. • Communications Rules This section is designed to assist you in • Loading and Unloading understanding your role and responsibilities • Bulk Packaging Marking, in hauling hazardous materials. Due Loading and Unloading to the constantly changing nature of • Driving and Parking Rules government regulations, it is impossible • Emergencies to guarantee absolute accuracy of the • Glossary of Terms materials in this section. It is essential for you to have an up-to-date copy of Hazardous materials are products that the complete regulations. A complete pose a risk to health, safety, and property glossary of terms is included in them. during transportation. The term often is You must have a commercial driver shortened to HAZMAT, which you may license (CDL) with a hazardous materials see on road signs, or to HM in government endorsement before you drive any regulations. Hazardous materials include size vehicle that is used to transport explosives, various types of gas, solids, hazardous material as defined in 49 flammable and combustible liquids, and CFR 383.5. You must pass a knowledge other materials. Because of the risks test about the regulations and involved and the potential consequences requirements to get this endorsement. these risks impose, the handling of Everything you need to know to pass the hazardous materials is very heavily knowledge test is in this section. However, regulated by all levels of government. this is only a beginning. Most drivers need The Hazardous Materials Regulations to know much more on the job. You can (HMR) are found in parts 171–180 learn more by reading and understanding of title 49 of the Code of Federal the federal and state rules applicable to Regulations. The common reference for hazardous materials as well as attending these regulations is 49 CFR 171–180. hazardous materials training courses. Your The Hazardous Materials Table in the employer, colleges and universities, and regulations contains a list of hazardous various associations usually offer these materials. However, the list is not all- courses. You can get copies of the Federal inclusive. Whether or not a material Regulations (49 CFR) through your local is considered hazardous is based on Government Printing Office bookstore its characteristics and the shipper’s or various industry publishers. Union or decision on whether or not the material company offices often have copies of the
COVER 147 CONTENTS rules for driver use too. Find out where you 9.1 The intent of can get your own copy to use on the job. the regulations The regulations require training and testing 9.1.1 Contain the material for all drivers involved in transporting Transporting hazardous materials can hazardous materials. Your employer or a be risky. The regulations are intended designated representative is required to to protect you, those around you and provide this training and testing. Hazardous the environment. They inform shippers materials employers are required to keep about how to package the materials a record of that training for each employee safely, and drivers on how to load, as long as that employee is working with transport and unload the material. hazardous materials, and for 90 days These are called “containment rules.” thereafter. The regulations require that 9.1.2 Communicate the risk hazardous materials employees be trained To communicate the risk, shippers must and tested at least once every three years. warn drivers and others about the material’s All drivers must be trained in the security hazards. The regulations require shippers risks of hazardous materials transportation. to put hazard warning labels on packages, This training must include how to recognize provide proper shipping papers, emergency and respond to possible security threats. response information and placards. The regulations also require that drivers These steps communicate the hazard to have special training before operating a the shipper, the carrier and the driver. vehicle transporting certain flammable 9.1.3 Assure safe drivers gas materials or highway route controlled and equipment quantities of radioactive materials. In In order to get a hazardous materials addition, drivers transporting cargo endorsement on a CDL, you must tanks and portable tanks must receive pass a written test about transporting specialized training. Each driver’s hazardous materials. To pass the employer or their designated representative test, you must know how to: must provide such training. • Identify what are hazardous materials. Some locations require permits to transport • Safely load shipments. certain explosives or bulk hazardous wastes. • Properly placard your vehicle in States and counties also may require drivers accordance with the rules. to follow special hazardous materials routes. The federal government may • Safely transport shipments. require permits or exemptions for special Learn the rules and follow them. Following hazardous materials cargo such as rocket the rules reduces the risk of injury from fuel. Find out about permits, exemptions hazardous materials. Taking shortcuts by and special routes for the places you drive. breaking rules is unsafe. Non-compliance with regulations can result in fines and jail. Inspect your vehicle before and during each trip. Law enforcement officers
COVER 148 CONTENTS may stop and inspect your vehicle. 9.2.2 The carrier They may check your shipping papers, • Takes the shipment from the vehicle placards, the hazardous materials shipper to its destination. endorsement on your driver license, and • Prior to transportation, checks your knowledge of hazardous materials. that the shipper correctly described, marked, labeled, 9.2 Hazardous materials and otherwise prepared the transportation— shipment for transportation. Who does what • Refuses improper shipments. 9.2.1 The shipper • Reports accidents and incidents • Sends products from one involving hazardous materials to place to another by truck, the proper government agency. rail, vessel, or airplane. • Uses the hazardous 9.2.3 The driver • Makes sure the shipper has materials regulations to identified, marked, and labeled the determine the product’s: hazardous materials properly. ◊ Identification number • Refuses leaking packages ◊ Proper shipping name and shipments. ◊ Hazard class • Placards vehicle when ◊ Packing group loading, if required. ◊ Correct packaging ◊ Correct label and markings • Safely transports the shipment without delay. ◊ Correct placards • Must package, mark, and • Follows all special rules about label the materials transporting hazardous materials. • Prepare shipping papers • Keeps hazardous materials shipping papers and emergency response • Provide emergency information in the proper place. response information • Supply placards • Certify on the shipping paper that the shipment has been prepared according to the rules (unless you are pulling cargo tanks supplied by you or your employer).
COVER 149 CONTENTS 9.3 Communication Figure 9-1: Hazardous Materials rules Hazard Class/Division Table 9.3.1 Definitions Some words and phrases Name of Class Class Division or Division Example have special meanings when talking about hazardous 1.1 Mass Explosion Dynamite Projection materials. Some of these 1.2 Hazard Flares may differ from meanings 1.3 Fire Hazard Display you are used to. The words 1 Fireworks and phrases in this section 1.4 Minor Explosion Ammunition may be on your test. The 1.5 Very Insensitive Blasting Agents Extremely Explosive meanings of other important 1.6 Insensitive Devices words are in the glossary 2.1 Flammable Propane at the end of Section 9. Gases Non-Flammable A material’s hazard class 2 2.2 Gases Helium reflects the risks associated 2.3 Poisonous/ Fluorine, with it. There are nine Toxic Gases Compressed different hazard classes. Flammable 3 -–- Liquids Gasoline The types of materials Flammable Ammonium included in these nine 4.1 Solids Picrate, Wetted classes are in Figure 9.1. Spontaneously White 4 4.2 Combustible Phosphorus Dangerous 4.3 When Wet Sodium Ammonium 5.1 Oxidizers Nitrate 5 Methyl Ethyl 5.2 Organic Ketone Peroxides Peroxide Poison (Toxic Potassium 6.1 Material) Cyanide 6 Infectious 6.2 Substances Anthrax Virus 7 - Radioactive Uranium 8 - Corrosives Battery Fluid Miscellaneous 9 - Hazardous Polychlorinated Materials Biphenyls (PCB) ORM-D (Other Regulated Food None - Material- Flavorings, Domestic) Medicines Combustible - Liquids Fuel Oil
COVER 150 CONTENTS A shipping paper describes the hazardous won’t fit on the package, shippers may materials being transported. Shipping put the label on a tag securely attached orders, bills of lading, and manifests are to the package. For example, compressed all shipping papers. Figure 9-6 shows gas cylinders that will not hold a label an example shipping paper. After an will have tags or decals. Labels look like accident or hazardous materials spill or the examples shown in Figure 9-2. leak, you may be injured and unable to communicate the hazards of the materials Figure 9-2: Example of HAZMAT Labels you are transporting. Firefighters and police can prevent or reduce the amount of damage or injury at the scene if they know what hazardous materials are being carried. Your life, and the lives of others, may depend on quickly locating the hazardous materials shipping papers. For that reason the rules require: • Shippers to describe hazardous materials correctly and include an emergency response telephone 9.3.3 Lists of regulated products number on shipping papers. Placards. Placards are used to warn • Carriers and drivers to quickly others of hazardous materials. Placards identify hazardous materials shipping are signs put on the outside of a vehicle papers, or to keep them on top of and on bulk packages, which identify other shipping papers and keep the hazard class of the cargo. the required emergency response A placarded vehicle must have at information with the shipping papers. least four identical placards. They are • Drivers to keep hazardous put on the front, rear and both sides materials shipping papers: of the vehicle. See Figure 9.3a. ◊ In a pouch on the driver’s door, or Placards must be readable from all ◊ In clear view within immediate four directions. They are at least reach while the seat belt is 250mm or 9.84 inches square, square- fastened while driving, or on-point, in a diamond shape. ◊ On the driver’s seat when Cargo tanks and other bulk packaging out of the vehicle. display the identification number of their contents on placards or orange 9.3.2 Package labels panels or white square-on-point displays Shippers put diamond-shaped hazard that are the same size as placards. warning labels on most hazardous materials packages. These labels inform others of the hazard. If the diamond label
COVER 151 CONTENTS Figure 9-3a: Placard and Panel Locations Figure 9-3b: Examples of Hazmat Placards
Identification numbers are a four-digit code used by first responders to identify hazardous materials. An identification number may be used to identify more than one chemical. The letters “NA” or “UN” will precede the identification number. The United States Department of Transportation’s Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) lists the chemicals and the identification numbers assigned to them.
Figure 9-4: Part of the Hazardous Materials Table
49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table Hazardous materials Hazard Identifi- Special Packaging 173.*** Symbols description class or cation PG Label provisions and proper Division Numbers Codes (172.102) shipping names Exceptions Non-bulk Bulk (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8a) (8b) (8c) IB8, IP3, A Acetaldehyde 9 UN1841 III 9 IP7, T1, 155 204 240 ammonia TP33
There are three main lists used by shippers, carriers, and drivers when trying to identify hazardous materials. Before transporting a material, look for its name on all three lists. Some materials are on all lists, others on only one. Always check the following lists: • Section 172.101 the Hazardous Materials Table (see example in Figure 9-4); • Appendix A to Section 172.101, the List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities (see Figure 9-5); and • Appendix B to Section 172.101, the List of Marine Pollutants.
COVER 152 CONTENTS The hazardous materials table regular type. The shipping paper must show Figure 9-4 shows part of the Hazardous proper shipping names. Names shown in Materials Table. Column 1 tells which italics are not proper shipping names. shipping mode(s) the entry affects and Column 3 shows a material’s hazard other information concerning the shipping class or division, or the entry “Forbidden.” description. The next five columns show Never transport a “Forbidden” material. each material’s shipping name, hazard Placard hazardous materials shipments class or division, identification number, based on the quantity and hazard class. packaging group and required labels. You can decide which placards to use Six different symbols may appear if you know these three things: in Column 1 of the table. • Material’s hazard class.
Shows the proper shipping name, • Amount being shipped. hazard class, and packing group to • Amount of all hazardous materials + use, even if the material does not meet the hazard class definition. of all classes on your vehicle. Means the hazardous material described Column 4 lists the identification in Column 2 is subject to the HMR A only when offered or intended for number for each proper shipping name. transport by air unless it is a hazardous Identification numbers are preceded by the substance or hazardous waste. letters “UN” “NA” or “ID.” The letters “NA” Means the hazardous material described in Column 2 is subject are associated with proper shipping names to the HMR only when offered or that are only used within the United States, W intended for transportation by water unless it is a hazardous substance, and to and from Canada. The identification hazardous waste or marine pollutant. number must appear on the shipping paper Means the proper shipping name is as part of the shipping description and also appropriate for describing materials for D domestic transportation, but may not be appear on the package. It must also appear proper for international transportation. on cargo tanks and other bulk packaging. Identifies a proper shipping name Police and firefighters use this number to that is used to describe materials in I international transportation. A different quickly identify the hazardous materials. shipping name may be used when only Column 5 shows the packing group (in domestic transportation is involved. Means this hazardous material Roman numeral) assigned to a material. described in Column 2 is a generic Column 6 shows the hazard warning shipping name. A generic shipping G name must be accompanied by a label(s) shippers must put on packages technical name on the shipping paper. of hazardous materials. Some products A technical name is a specific chemical that makes the product hazardous. require use of more than one label due to multiple hazards being present. Column 2 lists the proper shipping names Column 7 lists the additional (special) and descriptions of regulated materials. provisions that apply to this material. Entries are in alphabetical order so you When there is an entry in this column, you can more quickly find the right entry. The must refer to the federal regulations for table shows proper shipping names in specific information. The numbers 1–6 in
COVER 153 CONTENTS this column mean the hazardous material Figure 9-5: List of Hazardous Substances is a poison inhalation hazard (PIH). PIH Appendix A to 49 CFR 172.101 materials have special requirements for List of Hazardous Substances shipping papers, marking and placards. and Reportable Quantities Reportable Quantity Column 8 is a three-part column showing Hazardous Substances (RQ) Pounds the section numbers covering the packaging (kilograms) requirements for each hazardous material. Phenyl mercaptan 100 (45.4) Phenylmercury acetate 100 (45.4) Note: Columns 9 and 10 do not apply Phenylthiourea 100 (45.4) to transportation by highway. Phorate 10 (4.54) Phosgene 10 (4.54) Appendix A to 49 CFR 172.101: Phosphine 100 (45.4) The list of hazardous substances Phosphoric acid 5000 (2270) Phosphoric acid, diethyl and reportable quantities 4-nitrophenyl ester 100 (45.4) The DOT and the EPA want to know about Phosphoric acid, lead 10 (4.54) spills of hazardous substances. They are (2+) Salt (2:3) salt named in the List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities. See Figure Appendix B to 49 CFR 172.101: 9-5. Column 3 of the List shows each List of marine pollutants product’s reportable quantity (RQ). When Appendix B is a listing of chemicals that these materials are being transported in are toxic to marine life. For highway a reportable quantity or greater in one transportation, this list is only used for package, the shipper displays the letters chemicals in a container with a capacity RQ on the shipping paper and package. of 119 gallons or more without a placard The letters RQ may appear before or after or label as specified by the HMR. the basic description. You or your employer Any bulk packages of a Marine Pollutant must report any spill of these materials must display the Marine Pollutant which occurs in a reportable quantity. marking (white triangle with a fish and If the words INHALATION HAZARD an “X” through the fish). This marking appear on the shipping paper or package, (it is not a placard) must also be the rules require display of the POISON displayed on the outside of the vehicle. INHALATION HAZARD or POISON In addition, a notation must be made on GAS placards, as appropriate. These the shipping papers near the description placards must be used in addition to of the material: “Marine Pollutant.” other placards which may be required by the product’s hazard class. Always display the hazard class placard and the POISON INHALATION HAZARD placard, even for small amounts.
COVER 154 CONTENTS Test your knowledge • Highlighted in a contrasting color, or 1. Shippers package in order to (fill • Identified by an “X” placed before in the blank) the material. the shipping description (ID#, 2. Drivers placard their vehicle to Shipping Name, Hazard Class, (fill in the blank) the risk. Packing Group) in a column captioned 3. What three things do you “HM.” The letters “RQ” may be need to know to decide which used instead of “X” if a reportable placards, if any, are needed? quantity needs to be identified. 4. A hazardous materials identification The basic description of hazardous materials number must appear on the (fill includes the identification number, proper in the blank) and on the (fill in the shipping name, hazard class or division, blank). The identification number and the packing group, if any, in that order. must also appear on cargo tanks The packing group is displayed in Roman and other bulk packagings. numerals and may be preceded by “PG.” 5. Where must you keep shipping papers Identification number, shipping name describing hazardous materials? and hazard class must not be abbreviated unless specifically authorized in the These questions may be on your test. If hazardous materials regulations. you are unable to answer them all, re- The description must also show: read Section 9 through subsection 9.3.3. • The total quantity and unit of measure. 9.3.4 The shipping paper • The number and type of packages The shipping paper shown in Figure 9-6 (example: “6 Drums”). describes a shipment. A shipping paper • The letters RQ, if a for hazardous materials must include: reportable quantity. • Page numbers if the shipping paper has more than one page. The first • If the letters RQ appear, the name page must tell the total number of of the hazardous substance (if not pages. For example, “Page 1 of 4.” included in the shipping name). • A proper shipping description • For all materials with the letter “G” for each hazardous material. (Generic) in Column 1, the technical name of the hazardous material. • A shipper’s certification, signed by the shipper, indicating they prepared the Shipping papers must also list an shipment according to the regulations. emergency response telephone number (unless excepted). The emergency response 9.3.5 The item description telephone number is the responsibility of If a shipping paper describes both the shipper. It can be used by emergency hazardous and non-hazardous products, responders to obtain information about the hazardous materials must be either: any hazardous materials involved in a spill • Entered first, or or fire. The telephone number must be:
COVER 155 CONTENTS • The number of the person offering the hazardous material for transportation if the shipper/offerer is the emergency response information (ERI) provider; or • The number of an agency or organization capable of, and accepting responsibility for, providing the detailed information required by paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The person who is registered with the ERI provider must be identified by name, contract number or other unique identifier assigned by the ERI provider, on the shipping paper. Figure 9-6: Example of Shipping Paper Shippers must also provide emergency response information to the motor carrier for each hazardous material being shipped.
Shipper Paper Page 1 of 1 TO: Wafers R US FROM: Essex Corporation 88 Valley Street 5775 Dawson Avenue Silicon Junction, CA 93124 Coleta, CA 93117 QTY HM Description Weight UN1076**, Phosgene***, 2.3****, 25 lbs 1 cyl RQ* Poison, Inhalation 25 lbs Hazard, Zone A This is to certify that the above named materials are properly classified, described, packaged, marked and labeled, and are in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations of the Department of Transportation. Shipper: Essex Corp Carrier: Knuckle Bros. Per: Shultz Per: Jones Date: 6/27/2020 Date: 7/1/2020 Special instructions: 24 Hr. Emergency Contact, Ed Shultz, 1-800-555-5555
*RQ means this is a reportable quantity, **ID Number (UN1076) comes from Column 4 of the Hazardous Materials Table, ***Proper Shipping Name (Phosgene) comes from Column 2 of the Hazardous Materials Table, and the ****Hazard Class (2.3) comes from Column 3 of the Hazardous Materials Table. The emergency response information must be able to be used away from the motor vehicle and must provide information on how to safely handle incidents involving the material. At a minimum, it must include the following information: • The basic description and technical name; • Immediate hazards to health; • Risks of fire or explosion; • Immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an accident or incident; • Immediate methods for handling fires; • Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fires; and • Preliminary first aid measures.
COVER 156 CONTENTS Such information can be on the shipping IMPORTANT NOTE: To view paper or some other document that includes complete regulatory requirements for the the basic description and technical name transportation of hazardous materials of the hazardous material. Or, it may be in one should refer to the Code of Federal a guidance book such as the Emergency Regulations, Title 49, Parts 171–180. Response Guidebook (ERG). Motor carriers may assist shippers by keeping an ERG on 9.3.6 Shipper’s certification each vehicle carrying hazardous materials. When the shipper packages hazardous The driver must provide the emergency materials, he/she certifies that the package response information to any federal, has been prepared according to the rules. state, or local authority responding to or The signed shipper’s certification appears investigating a hazardous materials incident. on the original shipping paper. The only Total quantity, number and type of exceptions are when a shipper is a private packages must appear before or after carrier transporting their own product the basic description. The packaging and when the package is provided by the type and the unit of measurement carrier (for example, a cargo tank). Unless may be abbreviated. For example: a package is clearly unsafe or does not 10 ctns. UN1263, Paint, 3, PG II, 500 lbs. comply with the HMR, you may accept the shipper’s certification concerning The shipper of hazardous wastes must put proper packaging. Some carriers have the word WASTE before the proper shipping additional rules about transporting name of the material on the shipping paper hazardous materials. Follow your employer’s (hazardous waste manifest). For example: rules when accepting shipments UN1090, Waste Acetone, 3, PG II. 9.3.7 Package markings A non-hazardous material may not and labels be described by using a hazard class Shippers print required markings directly or an identification number. on the package, an attached label or tag. Shippers must keep a copy of shipping An important package marking is the papers (or an electronic image) name of the hazardous material. It is the for a period of 2 years (3 years for same name as the one on the shipping hazardous waste) after the material paper. The requirements for marking is accepted by the initial carrier. vary by package size and material being If one provides a carrier service only and transported. When required, the shipper is not the originator of the shipment, will put the following on the package: a carrier is required to keep a copy of • The name and address of the shipping paper (or an electronic shipper or consignee. image) for a period of 1 year. • The hazardous material’s identification number and shipping name. • The labels required.
COVER 157 CONTENTS It is a good idea to compare the shipping • What type of package is being paper to the markings and labels. Always shipped? Cylinders and drums make sure that the shipper shows the are often used for hazardous correct basic description on the shipping materials shipments. paper and verifies that the proper labels • Is a hazard class label, proper are shown on the packages. If you are shipping name or identification not familiar with the material, ask number on the package? the shipper to contact your office. • Are there any handling precautions? If rules require it, the shipper also will put RQ, MARINE POLLUTANT, BIOHAZARD, 9.3.9 Hazardous waste manifest HOT or INHALATION-HAZARD on the When transporting hazardous wastes, you package. Packages with liquid containers must sign by hand and carry a Uniform inside will also have package orientation Hazardous Waste Manifest. The name and markings with the arrows pointing in EPA registration number of the shippers, the correct upright direction. The labels carriers, and destination must appear used always reflect the hazard class of on the manifest. Shippers must prepare, the product. If a package needs more date, and sign the manifest by hand. Treat than one label, the labels must be close the manifest as a shipping paper when together, near the proper shipping name. transporting the waste. Only give the waste shipment to another registered carrier or 9.3.8 Recognizing disposal/treatment facility. Each carrier hazardous materials transporting the shipment must sign the Learn to recognize shipments of hazardous manifest by hand. After you deliver the materials. To find out if the shipment shipment, keep your copy of the manifest. includes hazardous materials, look at Each copy must have all needed signatures the shipping paper. Does it have: and dates, including those of the person • An entry with a proper to whom you delivered the waste. shipping name, hazard class and identification number? 9.3.10 Placarding Attach the appropriate placards to the • A highlighted entry, or one with vehicle before you drive it. You are an X or RQ in the hazardous only allowed to move an improperly materials column? placarded vehicle during an emergency, Other clues suggesting hazardous materials: in order to protect life or property. • What type of business is shipping Placards must appear on both the material? Paint dealer? sides and both ends of the vehicle. Chemical supply? Scientific Each placard must be: supply house? Pest control or • Easily seen from the direction it faces. agricultural supplier? Explosives, munitions or fireworks dealer? • Placed so the words or numbers are level and read from left to right. • Are there tanks with diamond labels or placards on the premises? • At least 3 inches away from any other markings.
COVER 158 CONTENTS • Kept clear of attachments or devices Except for bulk packagings, the hazard such as ladders, doors, and tarpaulins. classes in Table 2 need placards only if • Be affixed to a background the total amount transported is 1,001 of contrasting color. pounds or more including the package. • The use of Drive Safely and Add the amounts from all shipping other slogans is prohibited. papers for all the Table 2 products you have on board. See Figure 9-8. • The front placard may be on the front of the tractor or the front of the trailer. You may use DANGEROUS placards instead of separate placards for • Kept clean and undamaged each Table 2 hazard class when: so the color, format, and • You have 1,001 pounds or more of message are easily seen. two or more Table 2 hazard classes, To decide which placards to requiring different placards, and use, you need to know: • You have not loaded 2,205 • The hazard class of the materials. pounds or more of any Table 2 • The amount of hazardous hazard class material at any one materials shipped. place. (You must use the specific • The total weight of all classes of placard for this material.) hazardous materials in your vehicle. The DANGEROUS placard is an 9.3.11 Placard tables option, not a requirement. You can There are two placard tables, Table 1 always placard for the materials. and Table 2. Table 1 materials must If the words INHALATION HAZARD be placarded whenever any amount are on the shipping paper or package, you is transported. See Figure 9-7. must display POISON GAS or POISON INHALATION placards in addition to any Figure 9-7 Placard Table 1: any amount other placards needed by the product’s hazard class. The 1,000 pound exception If your vehicle contains any Placard as ... does not apply to these materials. amount of ... Materials with a secondary hazard of 1.1 Mass Explosives Explosives 1.1 dangerous when wet must display the 1.2 Project Hazards Explosives 1.2 1.3 Mass Fire Hazards Explosives 1.3 DANGEROUS WHEN WET placard in addition to any other placards needed 2.3 Poisonous/ Poison Gas Toxic Gases by the product’s hazard class. The 4.3 Dangerous Dangerous 1,000-pound exception to placarding When Wet When Wet 5.2 (Organic Peroxide, does not apply to these materials. Type B, liquid or solid, Organic Peroxide Placards used to identify the primary Temperature controlled) or subsidiary hazard class of a material 6.1 (Inhalation hazard Poison/Toxic zone A and B only) Inhalation must have the hazard class or division number displayed in the lower corner 7 (Radioactive Yellow Radioactive III label only) of the placard. Permanently affixed
COVER 159 CONTENTS subsidiary hazard placards without the Category of Material hazard class number may be used as long (Hazard class or division number and Placard Name as they stay within color specifications. additional description, Placards may be displayed for hazardous as appropriate) 6.1 (Other than inhalation materials even if not required, as long hazard zone A or B) Poison as the placard identifies the hazard 6.2 Infectious Substances (None) of the material being transported. 8 Corrosives Corrosive Bulk packaging is a single container with 9 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials Class 9** a capacity greater than 119 gallons. A bulk ORM-D (None) package, and a vehicle transporting a bulk * FLAMMABLE placard may be used package, must be placarded, even if it only in place of a COMBUSTIBLE placard on a cargo tank or portable tank. has the residue of a hazardous material. ** Class 9 Placard is not required Certain bulk packages only have to be for domestic transportation. placarded on the two opposite sides or may display labels. All other bulk packages Test your knowledge must be placarded on all four sides. 1. What is a shipper’s certification? Figure 9-8 Placard Table 2: 1001 lbs or more Where does it appear? Who signs it? 2. When may non-hazardous Category of Material (Hazard class or materials be described by hazard division number and Placard Name class words or ID numbers? additional description, as appropriate) 3. Name five hazard classes that 1.4 Minor Explosion Explosives 1.4 require placarding in any amount. 1.5 Very Insensitive Explosives 1.5 4. A shipment described on the Hazardous 1.6 Extremely Insensitive Explosives 1.6 Waste Manifest may only be delivered 2.1 Flammable Gases Flammable Gas to another (fill in the blank) carrier Non-Flammable 2.2 Non-Flammable Gases Gas or treatment facility, which then 3 Flammable Liquids Flammable signs the (fill in the blank) giving Combustible Liquid Combustible* you a copy which you must keep. Flammable 4.1 Flammable Solids Solid 5. Your load includes 20 pounds of Division 4.2 Spontaneously Spontaneously 2.3 gas and 1,001 pounds of flammable Combustible Combustible gas. What placards do you need, if any? 5.1 Oxidizers Oxidizer 5.2 (Other than organic These questions may be on your test. If peroxide, Type B, liquid Organic you are unable to answer them all, re- or solid, Temperature Peroxide read Section 9 through subsection 9.3 controlled) * FLAMMABLE placard may be used in place of a COMBUSTIBLE placard on a cargo tank or portable tank. ** Class 9 Placard is not required for domestic transportation.
COVER 160 CONTENTS 9.4 Loading and unloading After loading, do not open any package Do all you can to protect containers of during your trip. Never transfer hazardous hazardous materials. Do not use any tools materials from one package to another which might damage containers or other while in transit. You may empty a packaging during loading. Do not use hooks. cargo tank, but do not empty any other package while it is on the vehicle. 9.4.1 General loading requirements Cargo heater rules Before loading or unloading, set the parking There are special cargo heater brake. Make sure the vehicle will not move. rules for loading: Many products become more hazardous • Class 1: Explosives when exposed to heat. Load hazardous • Class 2.1: Flammable Gas materials away from heat sources. • Class 3: Flammable Liquids Watch for signs of leaking or damaged The rules usually forbid use of cargo containers: LEAKS SPELL TROUBLE! Do heaters, including automatic cargo heater/ not transport leaking packages. Depending air conditioner units. Unless you have read on the material, you, your truck and others all the related rules, do not load the above could be in danger. It is illegal to move a products in a cargo space that has a heater. vehicle with leaking hazardous materials. Use closed cargo space Containers of hazardous materials must You cannot have overhang be braced to prevent movement of the or tailgate loads of: packages during transportation. • Class 1: Explosives No smoking • Class 4: Flammable Solids When loading or unloading hazardous • Class 5: Oxidizers materials, keep fire away. Do not let people You must load these hazardous smoke nearby. Never smoke around: materials into a closed cargo • Class 1: Explosives space unless all packages are: • Class 2.1: Flammable Gas • Fire and water resistant. • Class 3: Flammable Liquids • Covered with a fire and • Class 4: Flammable Solids water resistant tarp. • Class 5: Oxidizers Precautions for specific hazards Secure against movement Class 1 (Explosives) Materials Brace containers so they will not fall, slide Turn your engine off before loading or bounce around during transportation. or unloading any explosives. Then Be very careful when loading containers check the cargo space. You must: that have valves or other fittings. All • Disable cargo heaters. Disconnect hazardous materials packages must heater power sources and be secured during transportation. drain heater fuel tanks.
COVER 161 CONTENTS • Make sure there are no sharp points Class 4 (Flammable Solids) and that might damage cargo. Look for Class 5 (Oxidizers) Materials bolts, screws, nails, broken side Class 4 materials are solids that react panels and broken floor boards. (including fire and explosion) to water, • Use a floor lining with Division 1.1, heat and air or even react spontaneously. 1.2 or 1.3. The floors must be tight and Class 4 and 5 materials must be completely the liner must be either non-metallic enclosed in a vehicle or covered securely. material or non-ferrous metal. (Non- Class 4 and 5 materials, which become ferrous metals are any metal that unstable and dangerous when wet, must be does not contain iron or iron alloys.) kept dry while in transit and during loading Use extra care to protect explosives. and unloading. Materials that are subject to Never use hooks or other metal tools. spontaneous combustion or heating must Never drop, throw, or roll packages. be in vehicles with sufficient ventilation. Protect explosive packages from other Class 8 (Corrosive) Materials cargo that might cause damage. If loading by hand, load breakable Do not transfer a Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 containers of corrosive liquid one from one vehicle to another on a public by one. Keep them right side up. Do roadway except in an emergency. If safety not drop or roll the containers. Load requires an emergency transfer, set out them onto an even floor surface. Stack red warning reflectors, flags or electric carboys only if the lower tiers can bear lanterns. You must warn others on the road. the weight of the upper tiers safely. Never transport damaged packages of Do not load nitric acid above explosives. Do not take a package that any other product. shows any dampness or oily stain. Load charged storage batteries so their Do not transport Division 1.1 or 1.2 in liquid won’t spill. Keep them right triples or in vehicle combinations if: side up. Make sure other cargo won’t • There is a marked or placarded fall against or short circuit them. cargo tank in the combination. Never load corrosive liquids • The other vehicle in the next to or above: combination contains: • Division 1.4 (Explosives C) ◊ Division 1.1 A (Initiating • Division 4.1 (Flammable Solids) Explosives) • Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet) ◊ Packages of Class 7 (Radioactive) • Class 5 (Oxidizers) materials labeled “Yellow III,” • Division 2.3, Zone B ◊ Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) or (Poisonous Gases) Division 6.1 (Poisonous) material ◊ Hazardous materials in a portable tank, on a DOT Spec 106A or 110A tank.
COVER 162 CONTENTS Figure 9-9: Prohibited Loading Combination
DO NOT LOAD... IN THE SAME VEHICLE WITH... Animal or human food unless the poison package Division 6.1 or 2.3 (POISON is over packed in an approved way. Foodstuffs or poison inhalation are anything you swallow. However, mouthwash, hazard labeled material) toothpaste and skin creams are not foodstuff. Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Explosives, Division 5.1 Division 2.3 (Poisonous) (Oxidizers), Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), Class gas Zone A or Division 6.1 8 (Corrosive Liquids), Division 5.2 (Organic (Poison) liquids, PGI, Zone A Peroxides), Division 1.5 (Blasting Agents), Division 2.1 (Flammable Gases), Class 4 (Flammable Solids). Charged storage batteries Division 1.1. Any other explosives unless in authorized Class 1 (Detonating primers) containers or packages. Acids, corrosive materials or other acidic materials which could release hydrocyanic acid. For example: Division 6.1 (Cyanides Cyanides, Inorganic, n.o.s. or cyanide mixtures) Silver Cyanide Sodium Cyanide Other materials unless the nitric acid is not Nitric Acid (Class 8) loaded above any other material.
Never load corrosive liquids with: Cylinders may be loaded in a horizontal • Division 1.1 or 1.2 position (lying down) if designed so • Division 1.2 or 1.3 the relief valve is in the vapor space. • Division 1.5 (Blasting Agents) Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) or • Division 2.3, Zone A Division 6.1 (Poisonous) materials (Poisonous Gases) Never transport these materials in • Division 4.2 (Spontaneously containers with interconnections. Never Combustible Materials) load a package labeled POISON or POISON INHALATION HAZARD in the driver’s • Division 6.1, PGI, Zone cab or sleeper or with food material for A (Poison Liquids) human or animal consumption. There are Class 2 (Compressed Gases) special rules for loading and unloading Including Cryogenic Liquids Class 2 materials in cargo tanks. You If your vehicle doesn’t have racks to must have special training to do this. hold cylinders, the cargo space floor Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials must be flat. The cylinders must be: Some packages of Class 7 (radioactive) • Held upright materials bear a number called the • In racks attached to the vehicle “transport index.” The shipper labels these or in boxes that will keep packages Radioactive II or Radioactive III, them from turning over. and prints the package’s transport index on
COVER 163 CONTENTS the label. Radiation surrounds each package, 5. Name a hazard class that uses transport passing through all nearby packages. To indexes to determine the amount that deal with this problem, the number of can be loaded in a single vehicle. packages you can load together is controlled. These questions may be on your Their closeness to people, animals, test. If you are unable to answer and unexposed film is also controlled. them all, re-read subsection 9.4. The transport index tells the degree of control needed during transportation. The total transport index of all packages 9.5 Bulk packaging marking, in a single vehicle must not exceed 50. loading and unloading Figure 9-10: Radioactive Separation The glossary at the end of this section Table A to this section (49 CFR 177-842) gives the meaning of the word bulk. Cargo shows rules for each transport index. It tanks are bulk packaging permanently shows how closely you can load Class 7 attached to a vehicle. Cargo tanks remain (radioactive) materials to people, animals on the vehicle when you load and unload or film. For example, you cannot leave a them. Portable tanks are bulk packaging package with a transport index of 1.1 within which are not permanently attached 2 feet of people or cargo space walls. to a vehicle. The product is loaded or unloaded while the portable tanks are Mixed loads off the vehicle. Portable tanks are then The rules require some products to be put on a vehicle for transportation. loaded separately. You cannot load them There are many types of cargo tanks in together in the same cargo space. Figure 9-9 use. The most common cargo tanks are lists some examples. The regulations (the MC306 for liquids and MC331 for gases. Segregation Table for Hazardous Materials) name other materials you must keep apart. 9.5.1 Markings You must display the identification Test your knowledge number of the hazardous materials in 1. Around which hazard classes portable tanks and cargo tanks and other must you never smoke? bulk packagings (such as dump trucks). 2. Which three hazard classes should Identification numbers are in column 4 not be loaded into a trailer that has of the Hazardous Materials Table. The a heater/air conditioner unit? rules require black 100 mm (3.9 inch) 3. Should the floor liner required for numbers on orange panels, placards, or a Division 1.1 or 1.2 be stainless steel? white, diamond-shaped background if no 4. At the shipper’s dock you’re given placards are required. Specification cargo a paper for 100 cartons of battery tanks must show re-test date markings. acid. You already have 100 pounds of Portable tanks must also show the lessee dry Silver Cyanide on board. What or owner’s name. They must also display precautions do you need to take? the shipping name of the contents on two opposing sides. The letters of the
COVER 164 CONTENTS shipping name must be at least 2 inches no matter how small the amount in the tall on portable tanks with capacities of tank or how short the distance. Manholes more than 1,000 gallons and 1 inch tall and valves must be closed to prevent on portable tanks with capacities of less leaks. It is illegal to move a cargo tank than 1,000 gallons. The identification with open valves or covers unless it is number must appear on each side and empty according to 49 CFR 173.29. each end of a portable tank or other bulk 9.5.3 Flammable liquids packaging that hold 1,000 gallons or more Turn off your engine before loading or and on two opposing sides, if the portable unloading any flammable liquids. Only tank holds less than 1,000 gallons. The run the engine if needed to operate a identification numbers must still be visible pump. Ground a cargo tank correctly when the portable tank is on the motor before filling it through an open filling vehicle. If they are not visible, you must hole. Ground the tank before opening display the identification number on both the filling hole, and maintain the ground sides and ends of the motor vehicle. until after closing the filling hole. Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are bulk packages, but are not required to 9.5.4 Compressed gas have the owner’s name or shipping name. Keep liquid discharge valves on a compressed gas tank closed except when 9.5.2 Tank loading loading and unloading. Unless your The person in charge of loading engine runs a pump for product transfer, and unloading a cargo tank must turn it off when loading or unloading. be sure a qualified person is always If you use the engine, turn it off after watching. This person watching product transfer, before you unhook the loading or unloading must: the hose. Unhook all loading/unloading • Be alert. connections before coupling, uncoupling • Have a clear view of the cargo tank. or moving a cargo tank. Always chock • Be within 25 feet of the tank. trailers and semi-trailers to prevent motion • Know of the hazards of the when uncoupled from the power unit. materials involved. Test your knowledge • Know the procedures to follow 1. What are cargo tanks? in an emergency, and 2. How is a portable tank different from a • Be authorized to move the cargo tank? Your engine runs a pump cargo tank and able to do so. used during delivery of compressed gas. There are special attendance rules Should you turn off the engine before or for cargo tanks transporting propane after unhooking hoses after delivery? and anhydrous ammonia. These questions may be on your Close all manholes and valves before test. If you are unable to answer moving a tank of hazardous materials, them all, re-read subsection 9.5.
COVER 165 CONTENTS 9.6 Driving and parking rules 9.6.3 Attending parked vehicles 9.6.1 Parking with division The person attending a 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 explosives placarded vehicle must: Never park with Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 • Be in the vehicle, awake and not in the explosives within five feet of the traveled sleeper berth, or within 100 feet of the part of the road. Except for short periods of vehicle and have it within clear view. time needed for vehicle operation necessities • Be aware of the hazards of the (e.g., fueling), do not park within 300 feet of: materials being transported. • A bridge, tunnel or building. • Know what to do in emergencies, and • A place where people gather, or • Be able to move the vehicle, if needed. • An open fire. 9.6.4 No flares! If you must park to do your job, If your vehicle breaks down and you do so but only briefly. need to use stopped vehicle signals, use Do not park on private property unless only reflective triangles or red electric the owner is aware of the danger. lights. Never use burning signals, Someone must always watch the parked such as flares or fusees, around a: vehicle. You may let someone else watch • Tank used for Class 3 (flammable it for you only if your vehicle is: liquids) or Division 2.1 (flammable • On the shipper’s property, or gas) whether loaded or empty. • On the carrier’s property, or • Vehicle loaded with Division • On the consignee’s property. 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 explosives. You are allowed to leave your vehicle 9.6.5 Route restrictions unattended in a safe haven. A safe Some states and counties require permits haven is an approved place for parking to transport hazardous materials or unattended vehicles loaded with explosives. wastes. They may limit the routes you Designation of authorized safe havens can use. Local rules about routes and are usually made by local authorities. permits change often. It is your job as driver to find out if you need permits or 9.6.2 Parking a placarded must use special routes. Make sure you vehicle not transporting division 1.1, 1.2 or have all needed papers before starting. 1.3 explosives If you work for a carrier, ask your You may park a placarded vehicle (not laden dispatcher about route restrictions or with explosives) within five feet of the permits. If you are an independent traveled part of the road only if your work trucker and are planning a new route, requires it. Do so only briefly. Someone check with state agencies where you must always watch the vehicle when plan to travel. Some localities prohibit parked on a public roadway or shoulder. transportation of hazardous materials Do not uncouple a trailer with hazardous through tunnels, over bridges, or other materials and leave it on a public street. Do roadways. Always check before you start. not park within 300 feet of an open fire.
COVER 166 CONTENTS Whenever placarded, avoid heavily 9.6.7 Refuel with engine off populated areas, crowds, tunnels, narrow Turn off your engine before fueling a streets and alleys. Take other routes, motor vehicle containing hazardous even if inconvenient, unless there is materials. Someone must always be no other way. Never drive a placarded at the nozzle, controlling fuel flow. vehicle near open fires unless you can 9.6.8 10 B:C Fire extinguisher safely pass the fire without stopping. The power unit of placarded vehicles If transporting Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 must have a fire extinguisher with explosives, you must have a written route a UL rating of 10 B:C or more. plan and follow that plan. Carriers prepare the route plan in advance and give the driver 9.6.9 Check tires a copy. You may plan the route yourself Make sure your tires are properly inflated. if you pick up the explosives at a location You must examine each tire on a motor other than your employer’s terminal. Write vehicle at the beginning of each trip out the plan in advance. Keep a copy of it and each time the vehicle is parked. with you while transporting the explosives. The only acceptable way to check tire Deliver shipments of explosives only to pressure is to use a tire pressure gauge. authorized persons or leave them in locked Do not drive with a tire that is leaking rooms designed for explosives storage. or is flat, except to go to the nearest safe A carrier must choose the safest route to place to fix it. Remove any overheated tire. transport placarded radioactive materials. Place it a safe distance from your vehicle. After choosing the route, the carrier Don’t drive until you correct the cause must tell the driver about the radioactive of the overheating. Remember to follow materials, and show the route plan. the rules about parking and attending 9.6.6 No smoking placarded vehicles. They apply even when Do not smoke within 25 feet of a checking, repairing, or replacing tires. placarded cargo tank used for Class 9.6.10 Where to keep shipping 3 (flammable liquids) or Division 2.1 papers and emergency (gases). Also, do not smoke or carry a response information lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe within Do not accept a hazardous materials 25 feet of any vehicle which contains: shipment without a properly prepared • Class 1: Explosives shipping paper. A shipping paper for • Class 3: Flammable Liquids hazardous materials must always be easily recognized. Other people must be • Class 4.1: Flammable Solids able to find it quickly after a crash. • Class 4.2: Spontaneously Combustible • Clearly distinguish hazardous • Class 5: Oxidizers materials shipping papers from others by tabbing them or keeping them on top of the stack of papers.
COVER 167 CONTENTS • When you are behind the wheel, 9.6.11 Equipment for chlorine keep shipping papers within A driver transporting chlorine in cargo your reach (with your seat belt tanks must have an approved gas mask in on), or in a pouch on the driver’s the vehicle. The driver must also have an door. They must be easily seen emergency kit for controlling leaks in dome by someone entering the cab. cover plate fittings on the cargo tank. • When not behind the wheel, leave 9.6.12 Stop before shipping papers in the driver’s door railroad crossings pouch or on the driver’s seat. Stop before a railroad crossing • Emergency response information if your vehicle: must be kept in the same location • Is placarded, or as the shipping paper. • Carries any amount of chlorine, or • Has cargo tanks, whether loaded or Papers for Division 1.1, empty, used for hazardous materials. 1.2 or 1.3 explosives A carrier must give each driver transporting You must stop 15 to 50 feet before the Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 explosives a copy of nearest rail. Proceed only when you are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations sure no train is coming and you can (FMCSR), Part 397. The carrier must clear the tracks without stopping. Don’t also give written instructions on what shift gears while crossing the tracks. to do if delayed or in an accident. The written instructions must include: 9.7 Hazardous materials— • The names and telephone numbers emergencies of people to contact (including • No Smoking carrier agents or shippers). • Warn Others • The nature of the explosives • Keep People Away transported. • Avoid Contact or Inhaling • The precautions to take in emergencies such as fires, 9.7.1 Emergency response accidents or leaks. guidebook (ERG) The U.S. Department of Transportation Drivers must sign a receipt has a guidebook for firefighters, police for these documents. and industry workers on how to protect You must be familiar with, and have in themselves and the public from hazardous your possession while driving, the: materials. The guide is indexed by proper • Shipping papers. shipping name and hazardous materials • Written emergency instructions. identification number. Emergency • Written route plan. personnel look for these things on the • A copy of FMCSR, Part 397. shipping paper. That is why it is vital that the proper shipping name, identification number, label and placards are correct.
COVER 168 CONTENTS 9.7.2 Crashes/incidents arrive, doing less damage. If your cargo As a professional driver, your job at is already on fire, it is not safe to fight the the scene of a crash or incident is to: fire. Keep the shipping papers with you • Keep people away from the scene. to give to emergency personnel as soon • Limit the spread of material, only as they arrive. Warn other people of if you can safely do so. the danger and keep them away. • Communicate the danger of Leaks the hazardous materials to If you discover a cargo leak, identify the emergency response personnel. hazardous materials leaking by using • Provide shipping papers and shipping papers, labels or package location. emergency response information Do not touch any leaking material— to emergency responders. many people injure themselves by touching hazardous materials. Do Follow this checklist: not try to identify the material or find the • Check to see that your source of a leak by smell. Toxic gases can driving partner is OK. destroy your sense of smell and can injure • Keep shipping papers with you. or kill you even if they don’t smell. Never • Keep people far away and upwind. eat, drink or smoke around a leak or spill. • Warn others of the danger. If hazardous materials are spilling from • Call for help. your vehicle, do not move it any more • Follow your employer’s instructions. than safety requires. You may move off the road and away from places where 9.7.3 Fires people gather, if doing so serves safety. You may need to control minor truck Only move your vehicle if you can do so fires on the road. However, unless you without danger to yourself or others. have the training and equipment to Never continue driving with hazardous do so safely, don’t fight hazardous materials leaking from your vehicle in order materials fires. Dealing with to find a phone booth, truck stop, help hazardous materials fires requires or other similar reason. Remember, the special training and protective gear. carrier pays for the cleanup of contaminated When you discover a fire, call for help. You parking lots, roadways and drainage ditches. may use the fire extinguisher to keep minor The costs are enormous, so don’t leave a truck fires from spreading to cargo before lengthy trail of contamination. If hazardous firefighters arrive. Feel trailer doors to see materials are spilling from your vehicle: if they are hot before opening them. If hot, • Park it. you may have a cargo fire and should not • Secure the area. open the doors. Opening doors lets air in and may make the fire flare up. Without • Stay there. air, many fires only smolder until firemen • Phone or send someone else for help.
COVER 169 CONTENTS When sending someone for 9.7.4 Responses to help, give that person: specific hazards • A description of the emergency. Class 1 (Explosives) • Your exact location and If your vehicle has a breakdown or direction of travel. accident while carrying explosives, warn others of the danger. Keep bystanders • Your name, the carrier’s name and away. Do not allow smoking or open fire the name of the community or city near the vehicle. If there is a fire, warn where your terminal is located. everyone of the danger of explosion. • The proper shipping name, Remove all explosives before separating hazard class and identification vehicles involved in a collision. Place number of the hazardous the explosives at least 200 feet from materials, if you know them. the vehicles and occupied buildings. This is a lot for someone to remember. It Stay a safe distance away. is a good idea to write it all down for the person you send for help. The emergency Class 2 (Compressed gases) response team must know these things If compressed gas is leaking from your to find you and to handle the emergency. vehicle, warn others of the danger. Only They may have to travel miles to get to permit those involved in removing the you. This information will help them hazard or wreckage to get close. You to bring the right equipment the first must notify the shipper if compressed time, without needing to go back for it. gas is involved in any accident. Never move your vehicle, if doing so will Unless you are fueling machinery used in cause contamination or damage the vehicle. road construction or maintenance, do not Keep upwind. Stay away from roadside transfer a flammable compressed gas from rests, truck stops, cafes and businesses. one tank to another on any public roadway. Never try to repack leaking containers. Class 3 (Flammable liquids) Unless you have the training and equipment If you are transporting a flammable to repair leaks safely, don’t try it. Call your liquid and have an accident or your dispatcher or supervisor for instructions vehicle breaks down, prevent bystanders and, if needed, emergency personnel. from gathering. Warn people of the danger. Keep them from smoking. Never transport a leaking cargo tank farther than needed to reach a safe place. Get off the roadway if you can do so safely. Don’t transfer flammable liquid from one vehicle to another on a public roadway except in an emergency.
COVER 170 CONTENTS Class 4 (Flammable solids) and Class 8 (Corrosive materials) Class 5 (Oxidizing materials) If corrosives spill or leak during If a flammable solid or oxidizing material transportation, be careful to avoid further spills, warn others of the fire hazard. Do damage or injury when handling the not open smoldering packages of flammable containers. Parts of the vehicle exposed to a solids. Remove them from the vehicle if you corrosive liquid must be thoroughly washed can safely do so. Also, remove unbroken with water. After unloading, wash out the packages if it will decrease the fire hazard. interior as soon as possible before reloading. Class 6 (Poisonous materials If continuing to transport a leaking tank and infectious substances) would be unsafe, get off the road. If safe to It is your job to protect yourself, other do so, contain any liquid leaking from the people and property from harm. Remember vehicle. Keep bystanders away from the that many products classed as poison are liquid and its fumes. Do everything possible also flammable. If you think a Division to prevent injury to yourself and others. 2.3 (Poison Gases) or Division 6.1 (Poison 9.7.5 Required notification Materials) might be flammable, take the The National Response Center helps added precautions needed for flammable coordinate emergency response to liquids or gases. Do not allow smoking, chemical hazards. It is a resource to open flame or welding. Warn others of police and firefighters. It maintains a the hazards of fire, of inhaling vapors or 24-hour toll-free line listed below. You of coming in contact with the poison. or your employer must phone when any A vehicle involved in a leak of Division of the following occur as a direct result 2.3 (Poison Gases) or Division 6.1 of a hazardous materials incident: (Poisons) must be checked for stray • A person is killed. poison before being used again. • An injured person requires If Division 6.2 (Infectious Substances) hospitalization. package is damaged in handling or • Estimated property damage transportation, you should immediately exceeds $50,000. contact your supervisor. Packages that • The general public is evacuated appear to be damaged or show signs for more than one hour. of leakage should not be accepted. • One or more major transportation Class 7 (Radioactive materials) arteries or facilities are closed or If radioactive material is involved in a leak shut down for one hour or more. or broken package, tell your dispatcher or supervisor as soon as possible. If there is a spill, or if an internal container might be damaged, do not touch or inhale the material. Do not use the vehicle until it is cleaned and checked with a survey meter.
COVER 171 CONTENTS • Fire, breakage, spillage or suspected and the quantity of the hazardous radioactive contamination occurs. substance discharged. • Fire, breakage, spillage or Be prepared to give your employer the suspected contamination occurs required information as well. Carriers involving shipment of infectious must make detailed written reports substances (bacteria or toxins). within 30 days of an incident. • The release of a marine pollutant in 911 a quantity greater than 119 gallons Call 911 to alert law authorities. for a liquid or 882 pounds for a CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 solid; or a situation exists of such The Chemical Transportation Emergency a nature (e.g., continuing danger Center (CHEMTREC) in Washington to life exists at the scene of an also has a 24-hour toll-free line (1-800- incident) that, in the judgment of 424-9300). CHEMTREC was created the carrier, should be reported. to provide emergency personnel with National Response Center technical information about the physical (800) 424-8802 properties of hazardous materials. The Persons telephoning the National Response National Response Center and CHEMTREC Center should be ready to give: are in close communication. If you • Their name. call either one, they will tell the other • Name and address of the about the problem when appropriate. carrier they work for. • Phone number where they can be reached. • Date, time and location of incident. • The extent of injuries, if any. • Classification, name and quantity of hazardous materials involved, if such information is available. Type of incident and nature of hazardous materials involvement and whether a continuing danger to life exists at the scene. If a reportable quantity of hazardous substance was involved, the caller should give the name of the shipper
COVER 172 CONTENTS Do not leave radioactive yellow‑II or yellow‑III labeled packages near people, animals or film longer than shown in Figure 9-10: Radioactive Separation Table A.
Figure 9-10: Radioactive Separation Table A
Minimum distance in feet to To people Total nearest undeveloped film Transport or cargo Index 0–2 2–4 4–8 8–12 Over 12 compartment hours hours hours hours hours partitions None 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 to 1.0 1 2 3 4 1 1.1 to 5.0 3 4 6 8 2 5.1 to 10.0 4 6 9 11 3 10.1 to 20.0 5 8 12 16 4 20.1 to 30.0 7 10 15 20 5 30.1 to 40.0 8 11 17 22 6 40.1 to 50.0 9 12 19 24
Classes of hazardous materials Hazardous materials are categorized into nine major hazard classes and additional categories for consumer commodities and combustible liquids. The classes of hazardous materials are listed in Figure 9-11: Hazard Class Definitions Table B. Figure 9-11: Hazard Class Definitions Table B
Class Class name Example Ammunition, 1 Explosives Dynamite, Fireworks Propane, Oxygen, 2 Gases Helium 3 Flammable Gasoline, Acetone 4 Flammable Solids Matches, Fuses Ammonium 5 Oxidizers Nitrate, Hydrogen Peroxide 6 Poisons Pesticides, Arsenic Uranium, 7 Radioactive Plutonium Hydrochloric Acid, 8 Corrosives Battery Fluid Miscellaneous 9 Hazardous Formaldehyde, Materials Asbestos
COVER 173 CONTENTS Class Class name Example 9.8 Hazardous ORM-D (Other materials glossary Regulated Hair Spray or This glossary presents definitions of certain None Material– Charcoal Domestic) terms used in this section. A complete glossary of terms can be found in the Combustible Fuel Oils, None Liquids Lighter Fluid federal Hazardous Materials Rules (49 CFR 171.8). You should have an up-to-date copy of these rules for your reference. Test your knowledge 1. If your placarded trailer has dual tires, Note: You will not be tested how often should you check the tires? on this glossary. 2. What is a safe haven? Bulk packaging—Packaging, other 3. How closely to the traveled part than a vessel, or a barge, including a of the roadway can you park with transport vehicle or freight container, Division 1.2 or 1.3 materials? in which hazardous materials are 4. How closely can you park to a bridge, loaded with no intermediate form tunnel or building with the same load? of containment and which has: 5. What type of fire extinguisher (1) A maximum capacity greater than 450 must placarded vehicles carry? L (119 gallons) as a receptacle for a liquid; 6. You’re hauling 100 pounds of (2) A maximum net mass greater than Division 4.3 (dangerous when wet) 400 kg (882 pounds) or a maximum material. Do you need to stop before capacity greater than 450 L (119 railroad-highway crossings? gallons) as a receptacle for a solid; or 7. At a rest area you discover your (2) A water capacity greater than 454 hazardous materials shipment is slowly kg (1,000 pounds) as a receptacle for leaking from the vehicle. There’s no a gas as defined in Sec. 173.115. phone around. What should you do? Cargo tank—A bulk packaging which: 8. What is the Emergency (1) Is a tank intended primarily for Response Guide (ERG)? the carriage of liquids or gases and These questions may be on your test. includes appurtenances, reinforcements, If you are unable to answer them all, fittings, and closures (for “tank”, re-read subsections 9.6 and 9.7. see 49 CFR 178.345-1(c), 178.337- 1, or 178.338-1, as applicable); (2) Is permanently attached to or forms a part of a motor vehicle, or is not permanently attached to a motor vehicle but which, by reason of its size, construction, or attachment to a motor vehicle is loaded or
COVER 174 CONTENTS unloaded without being removed Hazardous materials—A substance or from the motor vehicle; and material which has been determined by the (3) Is not fabricated under a specification Secretary of Transportation to be capable for cylinders, portable tanks, tank of posing an unreasonable risk to health, cars or multi-unit tank car tanks. safety, and property when transported in commerce, and which has been so Carrier—A person who transports designated. The term includes hazardous passengers or property in commerce by substances, hazardous wastes, marine rail car, aircraft, motor vehicle or vessel. pollutants, elevated temperature materials Consignee—The business or person and materials designated as hazardous to whom a shipment is delivered. in the hazardous materials table of Sec. Division—A subdivision of a hazard class. 172.101 and materials that meet the defining EPA—U.S. Environmental criteria for hazard classes and divisions Protection Agency. in Part 173, subchapter c of this chapter. FMCSR—The Federal Motor Hazardous substance—A material, Carrier Safety Regulations. including its mixtures and solutions, that: Freight container—A reusable container (1) Is listed in Appendix A to Sec. 172.101; having a volume of 64 cubic feet or more, (2) Is in a quantity, in one package, designed and constructed to permit being which equals or exceeds the lifted with its contents intact and intended reportable quantity (RQ) listed in primarily for containment of packages Appendix A to Sec. 172.101; and (in unit form) during transportation. (3) When in a mixture or solution - Fuel tank—A tank, other than a cargo (i) For radionuclides, tank, used to transport flammable or conforms to paragraph 7 of combustible liquid or compressed gas Appendix A to Sec. 172.101. for the purpose of supplying fuel for (ii) For other than radionuclides, propulsion of the transport vehicle to which is in a concentration by weight it is attached, or for the operation of other which equals or exceeds the equipment on the transport vehicle. concentration corresponding to the Gross weight or Gross mass— RQ of the material, as shown in The weight of a packaging plus the following Table of Hazardous the weight of its contents. Substance Concentrations: Hazard class—The category of hazard assigned to a hazardous material under the definitional criteria of Part 173 and the provisions of the Sec. 172.101 Table. A material may meet the defining criteria for more than one hazard class, but is assigned to only one hazard class.
COVER 175 CONTENTS Figure 9-12: Hazardous Name of contents—The proper shipping Substance Concentrations name as specified in Sec. 172.101. Non-bulk packaging—A RQ Pounds Concentration by weight packaging which has: (kilograms) PERCENT PPM (1) A maximum capacity of 450 L (119 5,000 (2270) 10 100,000 gallons) as a receptacle for a liquid; 1,000 (454) 2 20,000 (2) A maximum net mass less than 100 (45.4) 0.2 2,000 400 kg (882 pounds) and a maximum 10 (4.54) 0.02 200 capacity of 450 L (119 gallons) or 1 (0.454) 0.002 20 less as a receptacle for a solid; (3) A water capacity greater than 454 kg This definition does not apply to (1,000 pounds) or less as a receptacle petroleum products that are lubricants for a gas as defined in Sec. 173.115. or fuels (see 40 CFR 300.6). (4) Regardless of the definition of Hazardous waste—For the purposes bulk packaging, a mazimum net of this chapter, means any material mass of 400 kg (882 pounds) or that is subject to the Hazardous Waste less for a bag or box conforming Manifest Requirements of the U.S. to the applicable requirements for Environmental Protection Agency specification packagings, including specified in 40 CFR Part 262. the maximum net mass limitations, Intermediate bulk—Container provided in subpart L of Part 178. (IBC)—A rigid or flexible portable N.O.S.—Not otherwise specified. packaging, other than a cylinder or Outage or ullage—The amount by which portable tank, which is designed for a packaging falls short of being liquid full, mechanical handling. Standards for IBCs usually expressed in percent by volume. manufactured in the United States are set forth in subparts N and O Sec. 178. Portable tank—Bulk packaging (except a cylinder having a water capacity of 1,000 Limited quantity—The maximum amount pounds or less) designed primarily to be of a hazardous material for which there may loaded onto, or on, or temporarily attached be specific labeling or packaging exception. to a transport vehicle or ship and equipped Marking—The descriptive name, with skids, mountings or accessories to identification number, instructions, facilitate handling of the tank by mechanical cautions, weight, specification or means. It does not include a cargo tank, UN marks or combinations thereof, tank car, multi-unit tank car tank or trailer required by this subchapter on outer carrying 3AX, 3AAX or 3T cylinders. packagings of hazardous materials. Proper shipping name—The name Mixture—A material composed of more of the hazardous materials shown in than one chemical compound or element. Roman print (not italics) in Sec. 172.101.
COVER 176 CONTENTS P.s.i. or psi—Pounds per square inch. Technical name—A recognized chemical name or microbiological name P.s.i.a. or psia—Pounds per currently used in scientific and technical square inch absolute. handbooks, journals, and texts. Reportable quantity (RQ)—The Transport vehicle—A cargo carrying quantity specified in Column 2 of the vehicle such as an automobile, van, tractor, Appendix to Sec. 172.101 for any material truck, semi-trailer, tank car, or rail car identified in Column 1 of the Appendix. used for the transportation of cargo by any PHMSA—The Pipeline and Hazardous mode. Each cargo carrying body (trailer, Materials Safety Administration, rail car, etc.) is a separate transport vehicle. U.S. Department of Transportation, UN standard packaging—A specification Washington, DC 20590. packaging conforming to the standards Shipper’s certification—A statement in the UN recommendations. on a shipping paper, signed by the shipper, UN—United Nations saying he/she prepared the shipment properly according to law. For example: “This is to certify that the above named materials are properly classified, described, packaged, marked and labeled, and are in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations or the Department of Transportation.” or “I hereby declare that the contents of this consignment are fully and accurately described above the proper shipping name and are classified, packed, marked and labeled, and are in all respects in proper condition for transport according to applicable international and national government regulations.” Shipping paper—A shipping order, bill of lading, manifest, or other shipping document serving a similar purpose prepared in accordance with subpart C of Part 172.
COVER 177 CONTENTS SECTION 10: SCHOOL Qualifications and tests BUSES To operate a school bus, drivers must This section covers: have a school bus (“S”) endorsement. To • Wisconsin License Requirements operate a school bus, which is a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), drivers must also • General School Bus Rules have a commercial driver license (CDL) • Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors with a passenger (“P”) endorsement. • Loading and Unloading Section 4 outlines the information you • Student Management need to qualify for a CDL with a passenger • Emergency Exit and Evacuation endorsement. In addition, you will need to take a special school bus knowledge • Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings test, highway signs test and pass a skills • Antilock Braking Systems test in a school bus. Prepare for the CDL • Special Safety Considerations knowledge tests by studying the information included in Section 2 through Section 4 Because state and local laws and of this manual. Prepare for the school bus regulations regulate so much of school knowledge test by studying this section. transportation and school bus operations, many of the procedures in this section If you take the skills test in a school may differ from state to state. You should bus designed to carry fewer than 16 be thoroughly familiar with all school passengers (including the driver), bus procedures, laws, regulations and you will be restricted to driving a local school district procedures. school bus of this size (non-CMV). Additional requirements Wisconsin license There are additional requirements for a requirements school bus endorsement. To qualify for the You must have a school bus (“S”) endorsement, school bus drivers must: endorsement if you drive a vehicle • Be at least 18 years old. (If (painted school bus colors) transporting: you are under 21 years of age, • Pupils to or from school, or points you will be restricted to CDL designated by the school. intrastate operation only. • Persons with disabilities or elderly • Not have been convicted of persons in connection with any reckless driving, operating a motor transportation assistance program. vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or controlled See School Bus or Alternative substance or any felony on the list Vehicle for more information. of School Bus Disqualifications online at wisconsindmv.gov.
COVER 178 CONTENTS • Have sufficient use of both hands and • Keep children out of the back the foot normally used to operate the row of seats except when the foot brake and accelerator safely. bus is filled. Sitting near the • Have at least 20/40 vision corrected front of the bus provides greater or uncorrected in each eye, have protection in rear end collisions. a minimum of 70 degrees field of • Seat students with special vision in each eye and be able to needs near the driver. identify traffic signal colors. • Keep students seated when the bus • Be able to hear a forced whisper at is moving unless they are going to five feet with or without a hearing aid. a door before stopping or to their • Pass a special physical examination seat immediately after loading. as required by Wisconsin law or • Prohibit smoking on the bus. present the Federal Medical Card. • Maintain a time schedule but • To retain the “S” endorsement, not at the expense of safety. you must pass a physical every • Use approved routes and 2 years and upon renewal (every pickup or discharge points. year if age 70 or older). • Follow approved routes • At each renewal of the “S” except in an emergency. endorsement, or other time • NEVER leave the bus unattended frames determined by Wisconsin with the engine running and Statutes, school bus drivers must the keys in the ignition. be retested (if 70 or older, they • Wear the safety belt. must be retested every 2 years).
General school bus rules 10.1 Danger zones and use of mirrors In addition to knowing and obeying 10.1.1 Danger zones general traffic rules applicable to all The danger zone is the area on all sides buses and large vehicles, school bus of the bus where children are in the most drivers must comply with the following danger of being hit, either by another rules and safe driving practices: vehicle or their own bus. The danger • Keep doors closed when moving, zones may extend as much as 30 feet except when crossing railroad tracks. from the front bumper with the first 10 • Transport authorized passengers only. feet being the most dangerous, 10 feet • Keep aisles, stairwells, and steps clear from the left and right sides of the bus of book bags, band instruments, etc. and 10 feet behind the rear bumper of • Conduct a complete vehicle the school bus. In addition, the area to inspection prior to each trip. See the left of the bus is always considered Vehicle Inspection in Section 11. dangerous because of passing vehicles. Figure 10-1 illustrates these danger zones.
COVER 179 CONTENTS Figure 10-1: The Danger Zones bus. There is a blind spot immediately below and in front of each mirror and directly in back of the rear bumper. The blind spot 10 feet Most Dangerous behind the bus extends 50 to 150 feet and could extend up to 400 feet depending on the length and width of the bus. Ensure that the mirrors are properly Danger from Passing Cars adjusted so you can see:
SCHOOL BUS • 200 feet or 4 bus lengths Walking area behind the bus.
10 feet 10 feet • Along the sides of the bus. • The rear tires touching the ground. Danger Zones Figure 10-2 shows how both the outside left and right side flat mirrors should be adjusted. Figure 10-2: Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors
10 feet Most Dangerous SCHOOL BUS
10.1.2 Correct mirror adjustment Proper adjustment and use of all 200 feet 200 feet mirrors is vital to the safe operation of the school bus in order to observe the danger zone around the bus and look for students, traffic and other objects in this area. You should always check each mirror before operating the school bus Blind spot can be 500–1500 to obtain a maximum viewing area. If necessary, have the mirrors adjusted. 10.1.3 Outside left and right side flat mirrors These mirrors are mounted at the left and May use in conjunction with the left and right right front corners of the bus at the side side convex mirrors to obtain desired visibility. or front of the windshield. They are used to monitor traffic, check clearances and students on the sides and to the rear of the
COVER 180 CONTENTS 10.1.4 Outside left and right 10.1.5 Outside left and right side convex mirrors side crossover mirrors The convex mirrors are located below These mirrors are mounted on both left the outside flat mirrors. They are used and right front corners of the bus. They to monitor the left and right sides at a are used to see the front bumper “danger wide angle. They provide a view of traffic, zone” area directly in front of the bus that is clearances and students at the side of the not visible by direct vision and to view the bus. These mirrors present a view of people “danger zone” area to the left side and right and objects that does not accurately reflect side of the bus, including the service door their size and distance from the bus. and front wheel areas. The mirror presents You should position these mirrors to see: a view of people and objects that does not • The entire side of the bus up accurately reflect their size and distance to the mirror mounts. from the bus. The driver must ensure that • Front of the rear tires these mirrors are properly adjusted. touching the ground. Ensure these mirrors are properly • At least one traffic lane on adjusted so you can see: either side of the bus. • The entire area in front of the bus from the front bumper at ground Figure 10-3 shows how both the level to a point where direct vision outside left and right side convex is possible. Direct vision and mirror mirrors should be adjusted. view vision should overlap. Figure 10-3: Left and Right • The right and left front tires Side Convex Mirrors touching the ground. • The area from the front of the bus to the service door. These mirrors, along with the convex
SCHOOL BUS and flat mirrors, should be viewed in a logical sequence to ensure that a child or object is not in any of the danger zones. 32 feet 32 feet Figure 10-4 illustrates how the left and right side crossover mirrors should be adjusted.
12 feet 12 feet
May use in conjunction with the left and right side standard (flat) mirrors to obtain desired visibility.
COVER 181 CONTENTS Figure 10-4: Left and Right 10.2 Loading and unloading Side Crossover Mirrors More students are killed while getting on or off a school bus each year than are killed as passengers inside of a school bus. As a result, knowing what to do before, during, and after loading or unloading students is critical. This section will SCHOOL BUS SCHOOL BUS give you procedures to help you avoid unsafe conditions which could result in injuries and fatalities during and after loading and unloading students. Routes, stops, pickup and discharge points Each school district establishes official 10.1.6 Overhead inside routes and official school bus stops. All rearview mirror stops should be approved by the school This mirror is mounted directly above district prior to making the stop. You the windshield on the driver’s side area should never change the location of a of the bus. This mirror is used to monitor bus stop without written approval from passenger activity inside the bus. It may the appropriate school district official. provide limited visibility directly in back Select pickup and discharge points carefully. of the bus if the bus is equipped with a Report those sites that are dangerous to glass-bottomed rear emergency door. local School Boards. Other drivers should There is a blind spot area directly behind be able to see the bus in plenty of time. the driver’s seat as well as a large blind Using flashing red warning lights spot area that begins at the rear bumper A school bus has no special right of way and could extend up to 400 feet or privileges on highways except when more behind the bus. You must use the picking up or discharging students. When exterior side mirrors to monitor traffic you stop, you must use the flashing red that approaches and enters this area. warning lights and the stop arm. You should position the mirror to see: All vehicles must stop no closer than 20 • The top of the rear window feet to a stopped school bus with flashing in the top of the mirror. red warning lights. The only exception • All of the students, including is vehicles traveling in the opposite the heads of the students direction on a divided highway. Do not use right behind you. flashing red warning lights where both sides of the road have curb and sidewalk, unless required by local ordinance.
COVER 182 CONTENTS Operators of vehicles proceeding in the • Determine if other drivers have opposite direction on a divided highway observed flashing amber warning are not required to stop for stopped school lights and have time to stop. buses displaying flashing red warning • Stop in the farthest right driving lane. lights (s.346.48(1)), Wisconsin Statutes. • Bring the bus to a full stop with the School bus drivers are responsible for front bumper at least 10 feet away reporting to appropriate law enforcement from students at the designated stop. agencies, incidents of drivers who do not This forces students to walk to the stop for a stopped school bus with flashing bus so you have a better view of their red warning lights activated. Note time and movements. Extinguish the flashing location, license number, color and type amber warning lights and turn on of vehicle, weather and road conditions. the flashing red warning lights. 10.2.1 Approaching the stop • Activate the stop arm only You must use extreme caution when after the bus has stopped and approaching a school bus stop. You are in before opening the door. a very demanding situation when entering • Place the transmission in these areas. It is critical that you understand Park or Neutral and apply the and follow all state and local laws and foot brake to prevent the bus regulations regarding approaching a school from accidently moving. bus stop. This includes the proper use of • Make a final check to see that mirrors, flashing amber and red warning all traffic has stopped before lamps, the moveable stop arm and when completely opening the door and equipped, the crossing control arm. signaling students to approach. When approaching the 10.2.2 Loading procedures stop, you should: • Perform a safe stop as described • Approach cautiously at a in subsection 10.2.1. slow rate of speed. • Students should wait in a designated • Look for pedestrians, traffic location for the school bus, facing or other objects before, during the bus as it approaches. and after coming to a stop. • Students should board the bus • Continuously check all mirrors. only when signaled by the driver. • Turn on flashing amber warning • Monitor all mirrors continuously. lights at least 300 feet before • Count the number of students at stopping in a 45 mile per hour or the bus stop and be sure all board greater speed zone or at least 100 the bus. If possible, know names feet before stopping in a less than of students at each stop. If there 45 mile per hour speed zone. is a student missing, ask the other students where the student is.
COVER 183 CONTENTS • Have the students board the bus Wisconsin exception: If transporting slowly, in single file, and use the children for any purpose, school bus handrail. The dome light should markings may remain uncovered and be on while loading in the dark. flashing amber or red lights used • Wait until students are seated and (s.346.48(2)(c), Wisconsin Statutes). facing forward before moving the bus. Without flashing warning lights • Check all mirrors. Make certain no If you are loading or discharging students one is running to catch the bus. in areas where flashing warning lights are • If you cannot account for a not required, follow these procedures: student outside, secure the bus, • Activate the yellow hazard lights take the key, and check around at least 100 feet before the stop. and underneath the bus. • Check traffic and move • When all students are accounted over to the right curb. for, prepare to leave by: • Observe traffic carefully. ◊ Checking all mirrors including • Tell students to stand away from the crossover mirror(s). the road when waiting to board ◊ Closing the door to and to move away from the bus retract the stop arm. immediately after they get off. ◊ Engaging the transmission. • Instruct students who must cross ◊ Turning off the flashing the street to go to the cross walk red warning lights. and wait until it is safe to proceed. ◊ Allowing congested • When students are safely aboard or traffic to disperse. unloaded, turn off the hazard warning ◊ Check the crossover mirror(s) lights, check traffic and use the left and both outside rear turn signal to re-enter traffic. Teach view mirrors again. students these procedures. Work • When it is safe, move the bus, enter with parents to promote safety. the traffic flow and continue the route. Loading procedures at school Note: Do not use the flashing amber The loading procedure is essentially or red warning lights when operating a the same wherever you load students, school bus to transport adults or when a but there are slight differences at some school bus is being used for non-school locations. When students are loading functions. When the bus is used for at the school campus, you should: these situations, cover the words, “school • Arrive before students are in the bus” on the front and rear of the bus. loading area at dismissal time. • Drive slowly in and near the school loading area. • Park in designated loading area.
COVER 184 CONTENTS • Turn off the ignition switch. However, they should not move • Remove the key if you are toward the rear of the bus. leaving the driver’s compartment • Recheck traffic and all mirrors, and set the parking brake. especially the left outside mirror. • Position yourself to supervise loading • After determining it is safe to as required or recommended by cross, give a clear hand signal to your state or local regulations. students while keeping a lookout • After loading is complete, enter the for traffic. Choose a predetermined traffic flow and continue the route. signal such as sounding the horn • Do not pass other buses, to warn students if there is danger. remain in line. Choose a signal that will not be misunderstood by the other drivers. • Maintain proper following Continuously monitor all mirrors. distances, etc. • Recount all students who have been 10.2.3 Unloading discharged. (Those crossing the road procedures on the route and on the right side of the bus.) Any school bus driver approaching the • If you cannot account for a student front or rear of a stopped school bus that who has been discharged, secure is displaying flashing red warning lights the bus, take the key and check shall also display its flashing red warning around and underneath the bus. lights and stop arm while stopped. • When all students are accounted • Perform a safe stop at designated for, prepare to leave by: unloading areas as described in subsection 10.2.1. ◊ Checking all mirrors, including the crossover mirror(s). • Have the students remain ◊ Closing the door to seated until told to exit. retract the stop arm. • Check traffic and all mirrors, ◊ Engaging the transmission. especially the right outside mirror. ◊ Turning off the flashing • Open the door and count the red warning lights. students as they leave the bus. ◊ Allowing congested • After counting the students exiting traffic to disperse. the bus, partially close the door so ◊ Check crossover mirror(s) and both other students do not enter or exit. outside rear view mirrors again. • Students living on the left side • When it is safe, move the bus into the of the road should wait 10–12 flow of traffic and continue the route. feet in front of the bus. Note: If you have missed a student’s • Those living on the right should move unloading stop, do not back up. Be away from the bus immediately. sure to follow local procedures.
COVER 185 CONTENTS Additional procedures for students ◊ Handle disciplinary who must cross the roadway problems as they occur. You should understand what students are to do when exiting a school bus and 10.2.4 Unloading crossing the street in front of the bus. procedures at school In addition, you should also understand State and local laws and regulations that students might not always do regarding unloading students at schools, what they are supposed to do. particularly in situations where such activities take place in the school parking If a student or students must lot or other location that is off the cross the roadway, they should traveled roadway, are often different than follow these procedures: unloading along a school bus route. It • Walk approximately 10 feet away is important that the school bus driver from the side of the school bus to a understands and obeys state and local position where you can see them. laws and regulations. The following • Walk to a location at least 10 feet procedures are meant to be general in front of the right corner of the guidelines when unloading at the school: bumper, but still remaining away • Drive slowly in and near the from the front of the school bus. school unloading area. • Stop at the right edge of the • Park in designated area. roadway. You should be able • Never back a bus on school grounds. to see the student’s feet. • Come to a complete stop. • Upon your signal, the students should: • Shift to park or neutral ◊ Cross far enough in front of the and apply foot brake. school bus to be in your view. ◊ Look for traffic in both directions, • Secure the bus by: making sure the roadway is clear. ◊ Turning off the ignition switch, ◊ Proceed across the roadway, engage the parking brake. continuing to look in all directions. ◊ Removing the key if you are • The school bus driver should: leaving the driver’s compartment. ◊ Instruct students about the • Have the students remain seated hazards that are part of riding until they are told to exit. the bus or crossing the road. • Position yourself to supervise ◊ Instruct them how to protect unloading as required or themselves in a crash and the recommended by your state proper evacuation procedures. or local regulations. ◊ Remind children to continually • Have students exit in an follow safety procedures. orderly fashion. ◊ Inform them of expected, • Observe the students as they acceptable behavior. step from the bus to see that
COVER 186 CONTENTS they all promptly move away attempt to get the driver’s attention from the unloading area. before trying to retrieve the object. • Walk through the bus and check Handrail hang-ups for hiding/sleeping students Students have been injured or killed and items left by students. when clothing, accessories or even • Check all mirrors. Make certain no parts of their body get caught in the students are returning to the bus. handrail or door as they exited the bus. • If you cannot account for a student You should closely observe all students outside the bus and the bus is secure, exiting the bus to confirm they are in a check around and underneath the bus. safe location prior to moving the bus. • When all students are accounted 10.2.6 Post-trip inspection for, prepare to leave by: When your route or school activity ◊ Closing the door. trip is finished, you should conduct ◊ Fastening your safety belt. a post-trip inspection of the bus by walking through and around the ◊ Starting the engine. bus looking for the following: ◊ Engaging the transmission. • Articles left on the bus. ◊ Releasing the parking brake. • Sleeping students. ◊ Turning on your left turn signal. ◊ Checking all mirrors again. • Open windows and doors. ◊ Allowing congested • Mechanical/operational problems traffic to disperse. with the bus, with special attention • When it is safe, pull away to items that are unique to school from the unloading area. buses—mirror systems, flashing warning lamps and stop signal arms. 10.2.5 Special dangers of loading and unloading • Damage or vandalism. Dropped or forgotten objects Any problems or special situations Always focus on students as they should be reported immediately to your approach the bus and watch for supervisor or school authorities. any who disappear from sight. Transporting persons Students may drop an object near the bus with disabilities during loading and unloading. Stopping to Transporting persons with special needs pick up the object, or returning to pick it up, or physical disabilities requires patience may cause the student to disappear from the and understanding. Follow your company driver’s sight at a very dangerous moment. guidelines. Some general rules are: Students should be told to leave any • When raising or lowering dropped object and move to a point persons on the power ramp, of safety out of the danger zones and hold onto the wheel chair.
COVER 187 CONTENTS • Secure the wheel first and or impending crisis situation, if doing then the occupant. so does not expose them to unnecessary • Know an individual’s special risk or injury. Remember, the decision to health or behavioral problems. evacuate the bus must be a timely one. • Practice vehicle evacuation. A decision to evacuate should include Establish an understanding with the consideration of the following conditions: parents, guardians or other caregivers on • Is there a fire or danger of fire? their involvement in loading and unloading • Is there a smell of raw or leaking fuel? the person at home. Work with the parents • Is there a chance the bus could and school officials to determine the be hit by other vehicles? location for pick up and discharge. Do • Is the bus in the path of a sighted not leave your bus unattended to assist tornado or rising waters? a person with special needs unless the • Are there downed power lines? engine is shut off, parking brake is set and • Would removing students expose the keys are removed from the ignition. them to speeding traffic, severe weather, or a dangerous environment 10.3 Emergency exit such as downed power lines? and evacuation • Would moving students complicate An emergency situation can happen to injuries such as neck and back anyone, anytime, anywhere. It could be a injuries and fractures? crash, a stalled school bus on a railroad- highway crossing or in a high-speed • Is there a hazardous spill involved? intersection, an electrical fire in the engine Sometimes, it may be safer to compartment, a medical emergency to a remain on the bus and not come student on the school bus, etc. Knowing in contact with the material. what to do in an emergency before, during Mandatory evacuations and after an evacuation can mean the The driver must evacuate the bus when: difference between life and death. • The bus is on fire or there 10.3.1 Planning for emergencies is a threat of a fire. Determine need to evacuate bus • The bus is stalled on or adjacent The first and most important to a railroad highway crossing. consideration is for you to recognize • The position of the bus may hazard. If time permits, school bus change and increase the danger. drivers should contact their dispatcher • There is an imminent to explain the situation before making danger of collision. a decision to evacuate the school bus. • There is a need to quickly evacuate As a general rule, student safety and control because of a hazardous materials spill. is best maintained by keeping students on the bus during and emergency and/
COVER 188 CONTENTS 10.3.2 Evacuation procedures • Lead the students upwind of the Be prepared and plan ahead bus at least 300 feet if there is a risk Each school bus driver should practice from spilled hazardous materials. evacuation procedures early in the school • If the bus is in the direct path of a year and conduct periodic reviews of sighted tornado and evacuation is the procedure. Organize a safety patrol ordered, escort the students to a on each bus to assist in school bus nearby ditch or culvert if shelter in evacuation and other emergencies. a building is not readily available. Use the school grounds to conduct Direct them to lie face down with an evacuation drill using the front their hands covering their head. They door only. To practice a drill using the should be far enough away so the bus service door and emergency exit, find cannot topple on them. Avoid areas an area where there is no traffic. that are subject to flash floods. When possible, assign two responsible, General procedures older student assistants to each emergency Determine if evacuation is in exit. Teach them how to assist the other the best interest of safety. students off the bus. Assign another • Determine the best type student assistant to lead the students to a of evacuation: safe place after evacuation. However, you ◊ Front, rear or side door evacuation, must recognize that there may not be older, or some combination of doors. responsible students on the bus at the time ◊ Roof or window evacuation. of an emergency. Therefore, emergency evacuation procedures must be explained • Secure the bus by: to all students. This includes knowing how ◊ Placing the transmission in to operate of the various emergency exits, Park, or if there is no shift and the importance of listening to and point, put it in Neutral. following all instructions given by you. ◊ Setting parking brakes. Some tips to determine a safe place: ◊ Shutting off engine. • A safe place for the students will ◊ Removing ignition key. be at least 100 feet off the road ◊ Activating hazard warning lights. in the direction of oncoming • If time allows, notify your traffic. This will keep them from dispatch office of the evacuation being hit by debris if another location, conditions, and type vehicle collides with the bus. of assistance needed. • Lead the students upwind of • Dangle radio microphone or the bus if fire is present. telephone out of the driver’s • Lead the students as far away from window for later use, if operable. railroad tracks as possible and in the • If no radio, or radio is inoperable, direction of any oncoming train. dispatch a passing motorist or
COVER 189 CONTENTS area resident to call for help. As ◊ Assign two patrol members or a last resort, dispatch two older, older children to exit first and responsible students to go for help. help the others out of the door. • Order the evacuation. ◊ Students in the left rear seat • Evacuate the students from the bus. exit first followed by those in the right rear seat. • Direct a student assistant to lead the ◊ Continue alternating until all students to the nearest safe place. students are off the bus. • Walk through the bus to ensure ◊ If possible, use both doors for no students remain on the bus. evacuation. Start at both doors Retrieve emergency equipment. alternating as above. Have the • Join the waiting students. Account for students assemble in one location all students and check for their safety. immediately after the evacuation. • Protect the scene. Set out Do not allow students to cross the emergency warning devices as road or re-enter the bus. Always necessary and appropriate. account for all of the students. • Prepare information for emergency responders. Handling emergencies School bus drivers should prepare for Note: Do not move a student you believe unexpected situations. Carry emergency may have suffered a neck or spinal injury cards listing telephone numbers for the unless his or her life is in immediate sheriff, local police, school officials, danger. Special procedures must be ambulance service and garage. used to move neck and/or spinal injury If possible, do not leave the children victims to prevent further injury. unattended. Give the card to two Types of evacuation responsible children who will go for help. In an evacuation, calm the students and give Select and train several students for this them instructions. If the driver is unable to responsibility. Two way radios and cellular conduct the evacuation because of injury, phones are valuable in emergency situations. the school patrol members should take over. Following a crash or breakdown, the school • The front door evacuation bus driver must decide whether to evacuate procedure is: the students. They may be safer on the bus. If evacuation is necessary, select a ◊ Students in the left front seat safe place and supervise the unloading. exit first followed by those in the right front seat. It is extremely important that the bus ◊ Continue alternating from the is visible in the event of a breakdown or front to the rear of the bus crash. To maximize your visibility: until all students are off. • Move off roadway if possible. • The rear door evacuation procedure is: • Activate the hazard lights and after dark, turn on the parking
COVER 190 CONTENTS lights, clearance lights and Active crossings strobe light (if equipped). This type of crossing has a traffic • Set out traffic warning devices. control device installed at the crossing Then account for all of your students to regulate traffic at the crossing. These and administer necessary first aid. active devices can include flashing red Report school bus crashes immediately lights, with or without bells and flashing to a local law enforcement agency. red lights with bells and gates. Fire 10.4.2 Warning signs and devices In the event of a fire from a collision Advance warning signs or an equipment malfunction, The round, black-on-yellow warning sign is follow this procedure: placed ahead of a public railroad-highway • Evacuate the students. crossing. The advance warning sign tells • Set out traffic warning devices. you to slow down, look and listen for the ◊ Send two responsible children for train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks help with the emergency cards. if a train is coming. See Figure 10.5.
10.4 Railroad- Figure 10-5: Round Yellow Warning Sign highway crossings Note: In Wisconsin, all school buses, loaded or empty, must stop at railroad crossings unless the tracks are posted “exempt” or “abandoned.” R R 10.4.1 Types of crossings Passive crossings This type of crossing does not have any type of traffic control device. You must stop at these crossings and follow proper Pavement markings procedures. However, the decision to Pavement markings mean the same as proceed rests entirely in your hands. the advance warning sign. They consist Passive crossings require you to recognize of an “X” with the letters “RR” and a no- the crossing, search for any train using passing marking on two-lane roads. the tracks and decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross safely. Passive crossings There is also a no passing zone sign on have yellow circular advance warning two-lane roads. There may be a white stop signs, pavement markings and crossbucks line painted on the pavement before the to assist you in recognizing a crossing. railroad tracks. The front of the school bus must remain behind this line while stopped at the crossing. See Figure 10.6.
COVER 191 CONTENTS Figure 10-6: Pavement Markings Flashing red light signals At many highway-rail grade crossings, the crossbuck sign has flashing red lights and bells. When the lights begin to flash, stop! A train is approaching. You are required to yield the right of way to the train. If there is more than one track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing. See Figure 10-8. Gates Many railroad-highway crossings have gates with flashing red lights and bells. Stop when Crossbuck signs the lights begin to flash and before the gate This sign marks the crossing. It requires lowers across the road lane. Remain stopped you to yield the right of way to the train. until the gates go up and the lights have If there is no white line painted on the stopped flashing. Proceed when it is safe. If pavement, you must stop the bus before the gate stays down after the train passes, the crossbuck sign. When the road do not drive around the gate. Instead, crosses over more than one set of tracks, contact your dispatcher. See Figure 10-8. a sign below the crossbuck indicates the Figure 10-8: Gates/Lights number of tracks. See Figure 10-7.
Figure 10-7: Multiple Tracks
R R A A IL IL
R RO O A A CROSSINGD CROSSINGD 3 3 TRACKS TRACKS
YIELD
COVER 192 CONTENTS 10.4.3 Recommended no farther than 50 feet from the procedures nearest rail where you have the Each state has laws and regulations best view of the tracks. Whenever governing how school buses must operate an auxiliary lane is provided for at railroad-highway crossings. It is stopping at a railroad, operators important for you to understand and of vehicles required to stop obey these state laws and regulations. shall use such lanes for stopping In general, school buses must stop at s.346.45(2), Wisconsin Statutes. all crossings and ensure it is safe before ◊ Press down on and hold the proceeding across the tracks. The specific service brakes to prevent procedures required in each state vary. the bus from moving. A school bus is one of the safest vehicles ◊ Turn off all radios and on the highway. However, a school bus noisy equipment and does not have the slightest edge when silence the passengers. involved in a crash with a train. Because ◊ Completely open the service of a train’s size and weight it cannot stop door and driver’s side window. quickly. An emergency escape route does Look and listen carefully for not exist for a train. You can prevent an approaching train. school bus/train crashes by following ◊ Look left, then right. these recommended procedures. Railroad crossings • Crossing the track: All school buses, loaded or empty, ◊ Check the crossing signals again must stop at railroad crossings unless before proceeding. Never rely on the tracks are posted “exempt” or railroad mechanical flashing lights. “abandoned.” The procedure for ◊ Check mirrors for traffic stopping at railroad crossings is: behind the bus. • Approaching the crossing: ◊ Cross the tracks in a low gear. Do ◊ Check traffic before slowing. not change gears while crossing. ◊ Slow down, including ◊ At a multiple track crossing, shifting to a lower gear in a stop only before the first set manual transmission bus, of tracks. When you are sure and test your brakes. no train is approaching on any ◊ Activate yellow hazard lights track, proceed across all of the approximately 200 feet but at tracks until you have completely least 100 feet before the crossing. cleared them. Only stop between Make sure intentions are known. tracks when there is more than 15 feet between the front and • At the crossing: rear of the bus and any tracks. ◊ Stop in the farthest right driving ◊ The service door shall remain open lane, no closer than 15 feet and until the front wheels of the bus
COVER 193 CONTENTS have cleared the first set of tracks crossing you encounter in the course of for each required stop. The service a school activity trip. When approaching door shall be closed before shifting. a crossing with a signal or stop sign on ◊ If the gate comes down afer the opposite side, pay attention to the you have started across, drive amount of room there. Be certain the bus through it even if it means has enough containment or storage area you will break the gate. to completely clear the railroad tracks on the other side if there is a need to stop. As 10.4.4 Special situations a general rule, add 15 feet to the length of Bus stalls or is trapped on the tracks the school bus to determine an acceptable If your bus stalls or is trapped on the amount of containment or storage area. tracks, get everyone out of the bus and off the tracks immediately! Move everyone far 10.5 Student management away from the bus at an angle, which is both 10.5.1 Don’t deal with away from the tracks and toward the train. on-bus problems when Police officer at the crossing loading and unloading If a police officer is at the crossing, obey Getting children to accept part of the directions. If there is no police officer, and responsibility for their safety on the you believe the signal is malfunctioning, bus is a challenging task school bus call your dispatcher to report the situation drivers face. Establishing a positive and ask for instructions on how to proceed. relationship between the driver and the passengers helps gain this cooperation. Obstructed view of tracks Plan your route so it provides maximum In order to get students to and from sight distance at highway-rail grade school safely and on time, you need to be crossings. Do not attempt to cross the able to concentrate on the driving task. tracks unless you can see far enough Loading and unloading requires all your down the track to know for certain concentration. Don’t take your eyes off that no trains are approaching. Passive what is happening outside the bus. crossings are those that do not have any If there is a behavior problem on the type of traffic control device. Be especially bus, wait until the students unloading careful at passive crossings. Even if there are safely off the bus and have are active railroad signals that indicate moved away. If necessary, pull the the tracks are clear, you must look and bus over to handle the problem. listen to be sure it is safe to proceed. 10.5.2 Handling Containment or storage areas serious problems If it won’t fit, don’t commit! Know the Tips on handling serious problems: length of your bus and the size of the • Follow your school’s procedures containment area at highway-rail crossings for discipline or refusal of on the school bus route, as well as any the right to ride the bus.
COVER 194 CONTENTS • Stop the bus. Park in a safe 10.6 Antilock braking systems location off the road (perhaps 10.6.1 Vehicles required to have a parking lot or a driveway.) Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) • Secure the bus. Take the ignition The Department of Transportation requires key with you if you leave your seat. that antilock braking systems be on: • Stand up and speak respectfully to • Air brakes vehicles, (trucks, buses, the offender or offenders. Speak in trailers and converter dollies) a courteous manner but with a firm built on or after March 1, 1998. voice. Remind the offender of the • Hydraulically braked trucks and expected behavior. Do not show anger, buses with a gross vehicle weight but do show that you mean business. rating of 10,000 pounds or more • If a change of seating is needed, built on or after March 1, 1999. request that the student Many buses built before these dates have move to a seat near you. been voluntarily equipped with ABS. • Never put a student off the bus Your school bus will have a yellow ABS except at school or at his or her malfunction lamp on the instrument designated school bus stop. If you panel if it is equipped with ABS. feel that the offense is serious enough 10.6.2 How ABS helps you that you cannot safely drive the When you brake hard on slippery surfaces bus, call for a school administrator in a vehicle without ABS, the vehicle’s or the police to come and remove wheels may lock up. When your steering the student if appropriate. Always wheels lock up, you lose steering control. follow your state or local procedures When your other wheels lock up, you for requesting assistance. may skid or even spin the vehicle. Maintaining proper discipline on the ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up school bus reduces distractions and and maintain control. You may or may allows the driver to give full attention not be able to stop faster with ABS, to driving. Students’ behavior must but you should be able to steer around not distract the driver or interfere an obstacle while braking, and avoid with safety or other passengers. skids caused by over-braking. Local school boards develop the rules 10.6.3 Braking with ABS for student behavior. Copies of the rules When you drive a vehicle with should be distributed to students and ABS, you should brake as you their parents. Rule enforcement is a always have. In other words: responsibility shared by the school bus • Use only the braking force necessary driver, school officials and parents. to stop safely and stay in control. • Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have ABS on your bus. However, in emergency
COVER 195 CONTENTS braking, do not pump the • ABS will not increase or decrease brakes on a bus with ABS. ultimate stopping power. ABS is an • As you slow down, monitor your “add-on” to your normal brakes, bus and back off the brakes (if it is not a replacement for them. safe to do so) to stay in control. • ABS will not change the way you normally brake. Under normal 10.6.4 Braking if ABS is not working brake conditions, your vehicle Without ABS, you still have will stop as it always stops. ABS normal brake functions. Drive and only comes into play when a brake as you always have. wheel would normally have locked up because of over-braking. Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to tell you if something is not • ABS will not compensate for bad working. The yellow ABS malfunction brakes or poor brake maintenance. lamp is on the bus’s instrument panel. • Remember: The best vehicle safety As a system check on newer vehicles, the feature is still a safe driver. malfunction lamp comes on at start-up • Remember: Drive so you never for a bulb check and then goes out quickly. need to use your ABS. On older systems, the lamp could stay • Remember: If you need it, ABS could on until you are driving over 5 mph. help to prevent a serious crash. If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes on once you are under way, you may 10.7 Special safety have lost ABS control at one or more wheels. considerations Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you 10.7.1 Strobe lights still have regular brakes. Drive normally, The flashing white strobe light increases but get the system serviced soon. visibility in all types of weather. Its use does not require motorists to stop. It is 10.6.5 Safety reminders required equipment on buses initially • ABS will not allow you to drive registered on or after Oct. 1, 1998; optional faster, follow more closely on buses registered before that date. or drive less carefully. If your bus is so equipped, the overhead • ABS will not prevent power or strobe light should be used whenever you turning skids–ABS should prevent transport pupils or have limited visibility. brake-induced skids but not those caused by spinning the drive In all instances, understand and obey wheels or going too fast in a turn. your state or local regulations concerning the use of these lights. See Wisconsin • ABS will not necessarily shorten Administrative Code, Chapter Trans stopping distance. ABS will help 300 for additional information. maintain vehicle control but not always shorten stopping distance.
COVER 196 CONTENTS 10.7.2 Driving in high winds ◊ Set the parking brake. Strong winds affect the handling of a ◊ Turn off the motor and school bus! The side of a school bus acts take the keys with you. like a sail on a sailboat. Strong winds can ◊ Walk to the rear of the bus to push the school bus sideways. They can determine whether the way is clear. even move the school bus off the road • If you must back up at a student or, in extreme conditions, tip it over. pick-up point, be sure to pick up If you are caught in strong winds: students before backing and watch • Keep a strong grip on the steering for late comers at all times. wheel. Try to anticipate gusts. • Be sure all students are in • You should slow down to lessen the bus before backing. the effect of the wind, or pull If you must back up at a student drop-off off the roadway and wait. point, be sure to unload students after • Contact your dispatcher to get more backing. When discharging students, follow information on how to proceed. these general guidelines before backing onto the highway or backing into a driveway: 10.7.3 Backing • Drive past the driveway to allow Backing a school bus is strongly enough space to maneuver. discouraged. You should back your bus only when you have no other safe way • Check traffic carefully. to move the vehicle. You should never Allow traffic to pass. back a school bus when students are • Use hazard warning lights. outside the bus. Backing is dangerous • Back into drive. and increases your risk of a collision. If • Discharge students after backing. you have no choice and you must back • Check traffic and yield to your bus, follow these procedures: oncoming vehicles. • Post a lookout, preferably inside the school bus, looking out the rear • Proceed out of the drive. window. The purpose of the lookout Turning around is to warn you about obstacles, Like backing, turning around in a driveway approaching persons and other is done only when necessary. Plan routes vehicles. The lookout should not give to reduce the need for this maneuver. directions on how to back the bus. If you must turn around in a driveway, there • Signal for quiet on the bus. are two methods. The driver is responsible • Constantly check all mirrors for making the choice after evaluating the and rear windows. conditions. When pulling into a driveway: • Activate hazard warning lights. • Signal the turn. • Back slowly and smoothly. • Check traffic and yield to oncoming vehicles. • If no lookout is available: • Pull into the drive until the bus is straight.
COVER 197 CONTENTS • Pick up students before backing. 10. How should you use your brakes • Post a lookout. if your vehicle is equipped with • Check traffic carefully. antilock brakes (ABS)? • Use hazard warning lights. These questions may be on your • Back slowly and smoothly. test. If you are unable to answer them all, re-read Section 10. • Turn off hazard warning lights and proceed. 10.7.4 Tail swing Vehicle inspection for school bus A school bus can have up to a three- foot tail swing. You need to check your Vehicle inspection mirrors before and during any turning Each driver is required to make, and movements to monitor the tail swing. may be held accountable for, a vehicle inspection of the bus to determine whether Test your knowledge or not the vehicle is safe to operate on 1. Define the danger zone. How far does the highway. Review Section 11 of this the danger zone extend around the bus? manual for detailed information on vehicle 2. What should you be able to see if inspection. Section 11.3 provides specific the outside flat mirrors are adjusted school bus inspection procedures. properly? The outside convex You, as a driver, will be evaluated on mirrors? The crossover mirrors? the inspection of the vehicle as part of 3. You are loading students along the the examination for original or renewal route. When should you activate your school bus (“S”) endorsement. You may alternately flashing warning lamps? use the “Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid” in this manual as a guide when 4. You are unloading students along performing the vehicle inspection. your route. Where should students walk to after exiting the bus? Note: CDL third party (non- 5. After unloading at school, why DMV) examiners are authorized should you walk through the bus? to administer CDL skills tests. 6. What position should students be in front Note: Studded snow tires are allowed on of the bus before they cross the roadway? school buses between November 15th and 7. Under what conditions must April 1st. s.347.45(2)(c)2, Wisconsin Statutes. you evacuate the bus? 8. How far from the nearest rail should you stop at a highway-rail crossing? 9. What is a passive highway-rail crossing? Why should you be extra cautious at this type of crossing?
COVER 198 CONTENTS PART THREE Oil Level Section 11: Vehicle inspection test • Indicate where dipstick is located. Section 12: Basic vehicle control skills test • See that oil level is within Section 13: On road driving test safe operating range. Level Part three is for drivers who must be above refill mark. need to present a skills test. Coolant Level • Inspect reservoir sight glass, or. SECTION 11: VEHICLE • (If engine is not hot), remove radiator INSPECTION TEST cap and check for visible coolant level. This section covers: Power Steering Fluid • Internal Inspection • Indicate where power steering • External Inspection fluid dipstick is located. • Check for adequate power During the vehicle inspection, you must steering fluid level. Level show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You must be above refill mark. will have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain Engine Compartment Belts to the examiner what you are checking Check the following belts for and why. You will NOT have to crawl snugness (up to 3/4 inch play at under the the hood or under the vehicle. center of belt), cracks or frays. • Power steering belt. 11.1 All Vehicles • Water pump belt. Study the following vehicle parts for • Alternator belt. the type of vehicle you will be using • Air compressor belt. during the CDL skills tests. You should Note: If any of the components listed be able to identify each part and tell above are not belt driven, you must:. the examiner what you are looking for • Tell the examiner which or inspecting. Please see Section 2.1 component(s) are not belt driven. for additional, detailed information. • Make sure component(s) are operating 11.1.1 Engine Compartment properly, are not damaged or leaking (Engine Off) and are mounted securely. Leaks/Hoses • Look for puddles on the ground. 11.1.2 Cab Check/Engine start • Look for dripping fluids on underside Safe Start of engine and transmission. • Depress clutch • Inspect hoses for condition and leaks. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (or park, for automatic transmissions). • Start engine, then release clutch slowly.
COVER 199 CONTENTS Oil Pressure Gauge Emergency Equipment • Make sure oil pressure • Check for spare electrical fuses. gauge is working. • Check for three red reflective • Check that pressure gauge shows triangles, 6 fusees or 3 increasing or normal oil pressure liquid burning flares. or that the warning light goes off. • Check for a properly charged • If equipped, oil temperature gauge and rated fire extinguisher. should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range. Note: If the vehicle is not equipped with electrical fuses, you must Temperature Gauge mention this to the examiner. • Make sure the temperature gauge is working. Wipers/Washers • Temperature should begin to climb • Check that wiper arms and to the normal operating range or blades are secure, not damaged temperature light should be off. and operate smoothly. Air Gauge • If equipped, windshield washers • Make sure the air gauge must operate correctly. is working properly. Lights/Reflectors/Reflector Tape • Build air pressure to governor Condition (Sides and Rear) cut-out, roughly 120-140 psi. • Test that dash indicators work when corresponding lights are turned on: Ammeter/Voltmeter • Check that gauges show alternator ◊ Left turn signal. and/or generator is charging ◊ Right turn signal. or that warning light is off. ◊ Four-way emergency flashers. ◊ High beam headlight. WISCONSIN Speedometer ◊ Anti-lock Braking System • The vehicle must have a functioning (ABS) indicator. speedometer for the CDL Skills Test. • Check that all external lights and reflective equipment are Mirrors and Windshield clean and functional. Light and • Mirrors should be clean and adjusted reflector checks include: properly from the inside. ◊ Clearance lights (red on • Windshield should be clean with rear, amber elsewhere). no illegal stickers, obstructions ◊ Headlights (high and low beams). or damage to the glass. ◊ Taillights. ◊ Backing lights. ◊ Turn signals. ◊ Four-way flashers.
COVER 200 CONTENTS ◊ Brake lights. • Check that the warning ◊ Red reflectors (on rear) and buzzer or light is off. amber reflectors (elsewhere). Air Brake Check (1-2-3 LAB Test) ◊ Reflector tape condition. air brake equipped vehicles only Failure to perform all three components Note: Checks of brake, turn signal of the air brake check correctly and four-way flasher functions must will result in an automatic failure be done separately. You may ask the of the Vehicle Inspection Test. examiner for help checking lights. Air brake safety devices vary. However, Horn this procedure is designed to make sure • Check that air horn and/ any safety device operates correctly as air or electric horn work. pressure drops from normal to a low-air condition. For safety purposes, in areas Heater/Defroster where an incline is present, you will use • Test that the heater and wheel chocks during the air brake check. defroster work. The proper procedures for inspecting Parking Brake Check the air brake system are as follows: • With the parking brake engaged (1) Leaks (trailer brakes released on combination vehicles), check With the air pressure built up to that the parking brake will hold governor cutoff (120–140 psi), shut vehicle by gently trying to pull off the engine, chock your wheels if forward with parking brake on. necessary, release the parking brake (all vehicles), and the tractor protection valve • With the parking brake released (combination vehicle) and fully apply the and the trailer parking brake foot brake. Hold the foot brake for one engaged (combination vehicles minute. Check the air gauge to see if the only), check that the trailer parking air pressure drops more than 3 pounds brake will hold vehicle by gently in 1 minute (single vehicle) or 4 pounds trying to pull forward with the in 1 minute (combination vehicle). Some trailer parking brake on. vehicles may require the key to be in Hydraulic Brake Check the ‘on’ position for all gauges to work. • Pump the brake pedal 3 times, (2) Alarm then hold it down for 5 seconds. The brake pedal should not move Without re-starting the engine, turn (depress) during the 5 seconds. electrical power to the “on” or “battery charge” position. Begin fanning off • If equipped with a hydraulic brake the air pressure by rapidly applying reserve (back-up) system, with the and releasing the foot brake. Low key off, depress the brake pedal air warning devices (buzzer, light, and listen for the sound of the flag) should activate before air reserve system electric motor.
COVER 201 CONTENTS pressure drops below 60 psi or level • Check for power steering fluid leaks specified by the manufacturer or damage to power steering hoses. (3) Button(s) Steering Linkage Continue to fan off the air pressure. • See that connecting links, arms and At approximately 40 psi on a tractor- rods from the steering box to trailer combination vehicle (or level the wheel are not worn or cracked. specified by the manufacturer), the • Check that joints and sockets are not tractor protection valve and parking worn or loose and that there are no brake valve should close (pop out). missing nuts, bolts or cotter keys. On other combination vehicle types 11.2.2 Suspension and single vehicle types, the parking Springs/Air/Torque brake valve should close (pop out). • Look for missing, shifted, cracked Service Brakes Check or broken leaf springs. You will be required to check the application • Look for broken or of air or hydraulic service brakes. This distorted coil springs. procedure is designed to determine that the • If the vehicle is equipped with brakes are working correctly and that the torsion bars, torque arms or other vehicle does not pull to one side or the other. types of suspension components, Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service check that they are not damaged brake and stop. Check to see that the and are mounted securely. vehicle does not pull to either side and that it stops when brake is applied. • Air ride suspension should be This test may show you problems which checked for damage and leaks. you otherwise wouldn’t know about Mounts until you need the brakes on the road. • Look for cracked or broken spring Safety Belt hangers, missing or damaged Check that the safety belt is securely bushings and broken, loose or mounted, adjusts, latches properly missing bolts, U-bolts or other and is not ripped or frayed. axle mounting parts. (The mounts should be checked at each point where they are secured to the vehicle 11.2 External Inspection frame and axle(s). This includes (All Vehicles) mounts used for air ride systems. 11.2.1 Steering Steering Box/Hoses Shock Absorbers • Check that the steering box • See that shock absorbers are secure is securely mounted and not and that there are no leaks. leaking. Look for any missing Note: Be prepared to perform the same nuts, bolts and cotter keys. suspension components inspection on every axle (power unit and trailer, if equipped).
COVER 202 CONTENTS 11.2.3 Brakes Tires Slack Adjustors and Pushrods • The following items must be • Look for broken, loose inspected on every tire: or missing parts. ◊ Tread depth: Check for minimum • For manual slack adjustors, the tread depth (4/32 on steering axle brake pushrod should not move tires, 2/32 on all other tires). more than one inch (with the brakes ◊ Tire condition: Check that tread released) when pulled by hand. is evenly worn and look for Brake Chambers cuts or other damage to tread • See that brake chambers are or sidewalls. Also, make sure not leaking, cracked or dented valve caps and stems are not and are mounted securely. missing, broken or damaged. ◊ Tire inflation: Check for proper Brake Hoses/Lines inflation by using a tire gauge. • Look for cracked, worn or leaking Note: You will not get credit hoses, lines and couplings. if you simply kick the tires to Drum Brake or Rotor check for proper inflation. • Check for cracks, dents or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts. Hub Oil Seals/Axle Seals • See that hub oil/grease seals and axle • Check for contaminates such seals are not leaking and, if wheel has as debris, oil or grease. a sight glass, oil level is adequate. • Brake linings or pads (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin. Lug Nuts • Check that all lug nuts are present, Brake Linings free of cracks and distortions and • On some brake drums, there are show no signs of looseness such openings where the brake linings can as rust trails or shiny threads. be seen from outside the drum. For • Make sure all bolt holes are this type of drum, check that a visible not cracked or distorted. amount of brake lining is showing. Spacers or Bud Spacing Note: Be prepared to perform the same • If equipped, check that spacers are brake components inspection on every not bent, damaged or rusted through. axle (power unit and trailer, if equipped). • Spacers should be evenly 11.2.4 Wheels centered, with the dual wheels Rims and tires evenly separated. • Check for damaged or bent rims. Note: Be prepared to perform the Rims cannot have welding repairs. same wheel inspection on every axle (power unit and trailer, if equipped).
COVER 203 CONTENTS 11.2.5 Side of Vehicle 11.2.6 Rear of Vehicle Door(s)/Mirror(s) Splash Guards • Check that door(s) are not damaged • If equipped, check that splash guards and that they open and close or mud flaps are not damaged properly from the outside. and are mounted securely. • Hinges should be secure Doors/Ties/Lifts with seals intact. • Check that doors and hinges are • Check that mirror(s) and mirror not damaged and that they open, brackets are not damaged close and latch properly from and are mounted securely the outside, if equipped. with no loose fittings. • Ties, straps, chains and binders Fuel Tank must also be secure. • Check that tank(s) are secure, • If equipped with a cargo lift, look cap(s) are tight and that there are for leaking, damaged or missing no leaks from tank(s) or lines. parts and explain how it should be Battery/Box checked for correct operation. • Wherever located, see that battery(s) • Lift must be fully retracted are secure, connections are tight and latched securely. and cell caps are present. 11.2.7 Tractor/Coupling • Battery connections should not Air/Electric Lines show signs of excessive corrosion. • Listen for air leaks. Check that air • Battery box and cover or hoses and electrical lines are not door must be secure. cut, chafed, spliced or worn (steel braid should not show through). Drive Shaft • See that drive shaft is not • Make sure air and electrical bent or cracked. lines are not tangled, pinched or dragging against tractor parts. • Couplings should be secure and free of foreign objects. Catwalk/Steps • Make sure the catwalk is solid, Exhaust System clear of objects and securely • Check system for damage and signs bolted to tractor frame. of leaks such as rust or carbon soot. • Check that steps leading to the cab • System should be connected entry and catwalk (if equipped) tightly and mounted securely. are solid, clear of objects and Frame securely bolted to tractor frame. • Look for cracks, broken welds, Mounting Bolts holes or other damage to the • Look for loose or missing mounting longitudinal frame members, brackets, clamps, bolts or nuts. cross members, box and floor.
COVER 204 CONTENTS Both the fifth wheel and the slide 5th Wheel Skid Plate mounting must be solidly attached. • Check for proper lubrication • On other types of coupling systems and that 5th wheel skid plate is (i.e., ball hitch, pintle hook), securely mounted to the platform inspect all coupling components and that all bolts and pins are and mounting brackets for secure and not missing. missing or broken parts. Platform (fifth wheel) Hitch Release Lever/Safety Devices • Check for cracks or breaks in the • Check that the hitch release lever platform structure which supports is secured and locked in place, the fifth wheel skid plate. pin in place and not damaged. • Release Arm (fifth wheel) • Check that safety chains are • If equipped, make sure the release crisscrossed and secured, free of arm is in the engaged position kinks and excessive slack, cotter and the safety latch is in place. pins to hooks are in place with hooks Kingpin/Apron/Gap pointing in an outward position. • Check that the kingpin is not bent. • If trailer is equipped with electric • Make sure the visible part of the brakes, check that break away apron is not bent, cracked or broken. chains/cables with battery • Check that the trailer is laying flat on backup are not damaged. the fifth wheel skid plate (no gap). • On other coupling systems, check that locking mechanism is secure, does Locking Pins (fifth wheel) not have missing or broken parts. • If equipped, look for loose or Safety chains/cables must be secure, missing pins in the slide mechanism free of kinks and excessive slack. of the sliding fifth wheel. If air powered, check for leaks. Locking Jaws • Make sure locking pins • Look into fifth wheel gap and are fully engaged. check that locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin. • Check that the fifth wheel is positioned properly so the • On other types of coupling systems tractor frame will clear the (i.e., ball hitch, pintle hook, etc.), landing gear during turns. inspect the locking mechanism for missing or broken parts and make Sliding Pintle sure it is locked securely. If present, • Check that the sliding pintle is safety cables or chains must be secure secured with no loose or missing nuts and free of kinks and excessive slack. or bolts and cotter pin is in place.
COVER 205 CONTENTS Tongue or Draw-bar drivers must also check the following • Check that the tongue/draw-bar is (external) lights and reflectors: not bent or twisted and checks for • Strobe light, if equipped. broken welds and stress cracks. • Stop arm light, if equipped. • Check that the tongue/draw- • Alternately flashing amber bar is not worn excessively. lights, if equipped. Tongue Storage Area • Alternately flashing red lights. • Check that the storage area is Student Mirrors/Student solid and secured to the tongue. Crossing Gate • Check that cargo in the storage area In addition to checking the external i.e. chains, binders, etc., is secure. mirrors, school bus drivers must also check the internal and external 11.3 School Bus Only mirrors used for observing students: Emergency Equipment • Check for proper adjustment. In addition to checking for spare • Checks that all internal and external electrical fuses (if equipped), three mirrors and mirror brackets are red reflective triangles, and a properly not damaged and are mounted charged and rated fire extinguisher, securely with no loose fittings. school bus drivers must also inspect • Checks that visibility is not the following emergency equipment: impaired due to dirty mirrors. • Emergency Kit (16 item first • If equipped, check that the student aid kit—Wisconsin). crossing is mounted securely • Body Fluid Cleanup Kit and opens/closes smoothly. Lighting Indicators Stop Arm In addition to checking the lighting • If equipped, check the stop arm indicators listed in Section 10.2 of to see that it is mounted securely this manual, school bus drivers must to the frame of the vehicle. also check the following lighting • Also, check for loose indicators (internal panel lights): fittings and damage. • Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped. Passenger Entry/Lift • Check that the entry door is not • Alternately flashing red damaged, operates smoothly and lights indicator. closes securely from the inside. • Strobe light indicator, if equipped. • Hand rails are secure and the step Lights/Reflectors light is working, if equipped. In addition to checking the lights and • The entry steps must be clear with the reflective devices listed in Section treads not loose or worn excessively. 10.2 of this manual, school bus
COVER 206 CONTENTS • If equipped with a handicap lift, • On enclosed trailers, check the look for leaking, damaged, or front area for signs of damage missing parts and explain how such as cracks, bulges or holes. lift should be checked for correct 11.4.2 Side of Trailer operation. Lift must be fully Landing Gear retracted and latched securely. • Check that the landing gear is Emergency Exit fully raised, has no missing parts, • Make sure that all emergency crank handle is secure and the exits are not damaged, operate support frame is not damaged. smoothly and close securely • If power operated, check for from the inside and outside. air or hydraulic leaks. • Check that any emergency exit Doors/Ties/Lifts warning devices are working. • If equipped, check that doors Seating are not damaged. Check that • Look for broken seat frames doors open, close and latch and check that seat frames are properly from the outside. firmly attached to the floor. • Check that ties, straps, chains • Check that seat cushions are attached and binders are secure. securely to the seat frames. • If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking, damaged or missing 11.4 Trailer parts and explain how it should be 11.4.1 Trailer Front checked for correct operation. Air/Electrical Connections • Lift should be fully retracted • Check that trailer air connectors and latched securely. are sealed and in good condition. Frame • Make sure glad hands are locked in • Look for cracks, broken welds, place, free of damage or air leaks. holes or other damage to the frame, • Make sure the trailer electrical plug cross members, box and floor. is firmly seated and locked in place. Tandem Release Arm/Locking Pins Header Board • If equipped, make sure the • If equipped, check the header board locking pins are locked in place to see that it is secure, free of damage and release arm is secured. and strong enough to contain cargo. 11.4.3 Remainder of Trailer • If equipped, the canvas or Remainder of Trailer tarp carrier must be mounted Please refer to Section 11.2 of this manual and fastened securely. for detailed inspection procedures regarding the following components: • Wheels.
COVER 207 CONTENTS • Suspension system. 11.5.2 Entry/Exit • Brakes. Doors/Mirrors • Doors/Ties/Lift. • Check that entry/exit doors are not damaged and operate smoothly • Splash Guards. from the outside. Hinges should be secure with seals intact. 11.5 Coach/Transit Bus • Make sure that the passenger 11.5.1 Passenger items exit door mirrors and all external Passenger Entry/Lift mirrors and mirror brackets are • Check that entry doors not damaged and are mounted operate smoothly and close securely with no loose fittings. securely from the inside. 11.5.3 External Inspection • Check that hand rails are of Coach/Transit Bus secure and, if equipped, the Level/Air Leaks step light(s) are working. • See that the vehicle is sitting • Check that the entry steps level (front and rear) and if air- are clear, with the treads not equipped, check for audible air loose or worn excessively. leaks from the suspension system. • If equipped with a lift for the Fuel Tank(s) disabled, look for any leaking, • See that fuel tank(s) are secure damaged or missing part and with no leaks from tank(s) or explain how it should be checked lines and the fuel cap is tight. for correct operation. Baggage Compartments • Lift should be fully retracted • Check that baggage and all and latched securely. other exterior compartment Emergency Exits doors are not damaged, operate • Make sure all emergency exits are properly and latch securely. not damaged, operate smoothly and Battery/Box close securely from the inside. • Wherever located, see that battery(s) • Check that any emergency exit are secure, connections are tight warning devices are working. and cell caps are present. Passenger Seating • Battery connections should not • Look for broken seat frames show signs of excessive corrosion. and check that seat frames are • Check that battery box and cover or firmly attached to the floor. door is not damaged and is secure. • Check that seat cushions are attached securely to the seat frames.
COVER 208 CONTENTS 11.5.4 Remainder of 11.6.2 Class B and C Coach/Transit Bus vehicle inspection test Remainder of Vehicle If you are applying for a Class B CDL, you Please refer to Section 11.2 of this manual will be required to perform one of the three for detailed inspection procedures for the versions of a vehicle inspection in the vehicle remainder of the vehicle (i.e. wheels). you have brought with you for testing. Remember, the vehicle inspection must Each of the three tests are equivalent be passed before you can proceed to and you will not know which test you will the basic vehicle control skills test. take until just before the testing begins. All of the tests include an engine start and 11.6 Taking the CDL an in-cab inspection. Then, your test may Vehicle Inspection Test require an inspection of the entire vehicle 11.6.1 Class A vehicle or only a portion of the vehicle which your inspection test CDL Examiner will explain to you. You will If you are applying for a Class A CDL, you also have to inspect any special features of will be required to perform one of the your vehicle (e.g. school or transit bus). four versions of a vehicle inspection in All School and Transit (passenger) buses the vehicle you have brought with you for will require an inspection of the entire testing. Each of the four tests are equivalent vehicle, including any special features of and you will not know which test you will your vehicle (e.g. school bus stop arm, etc.). take until just before the test begins. All tests include an engine start, an in- cab-inspection and an inspection of the coupling system. Then, your test may require an inspection of the entire vehicle or only a portion of the vehicle which your CDL Examiner will explain to you.
COVER 209 CONTENTS CDL Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid Combination Vehicles Engine Start Procedures
Front of Vehicle, Lights/ Rear of Truck/Tractor and Reflectors, Engine Compartment Lights/Reflectors and Steering Components Trailer Components Steering Axle • Front, Side, Lights and Reflectors • Suspension • Frame • Brakes • Landing Gear • Tires • Tandem Release Driver Door Trailer Axle(s) • Fuel Area • Suspension Under Vehicle • Brakes • Drive Shaft • Tires • Exhaust Rear of Trailer and Lights/Reflectors • Frame Drive Axle(s) • Suspension • Brakes • Tires Coupling Devices • Truck • Trailer
COVER 210 CONTENTS Straight Truck or Bus Engine Start Procedures
Front of Vehicle, Lights/ Drive Axle(s) Reflectors, Engine Compartment • Suspension and Steering Components • Brakes Steering Axle • Tires • Suspension Passenger Items • Brakes • (Buses Only) • Tires School Bus Items Driver Door • (School Buses Only) • Fuel Area Side of Vehicle and Lights/Reflectors Under Vehicle Rear of Trailer and Lights/Reflectors • Drive Shaft • Exhaust • Frame
COVER 211 CONTENTS SECTION 12: BASIC initial pull-ups. However, an excessive VEHICLE CONTROL SKILLS number of pull-ups, will count as errors. TEST Outside Vehicle Observations (Looks) This section covers: You may be permitted to safely stop and exit • Skills Test Scoring. the vehicle to check the external position • Skills Test Exercises. of the vehicle (look). When doing so, you must place the vehicle in neutral and set Your basic control skills could be tested the parking brake(s). Then, when exiting using one or more of the following the vehicle, you must do so safely by facing exercises off-road or somewhere on the vehicle and maintaining three points the street during the road test. of contact with the vehicle at all times • Straight line backing. (when exiting a bus, maintain a firm grasp on the handrail at all times). If you do • Offset back/right. not safely secure the vehicle or safely exit • Offset back/left. the vehicle it may result in an automatic • Parallel park (driver side). failure of the basic control skills test. • Parallel park (conventional). The maximum number of times that you • Alley dock. may look to check the position of you These exercises are shown in vehicle is two (2) except for the Straight Figures 12-1 through 12-6. Line Backing exercise, which allows one look. Each time you open the door, 12.1 Scoring move from a seated position where in physical control of the vehicle or on a • Crossing Boundaries (encroachments) bus walk to the back of a bus to get a • Pull-ups better view, it is scored as a “look.” • Vehicle Exits Final Position • Final Position It is important that you finish each exercise Encroachments exactly as the examiner has instructed The examiner will score the number you. If you do not maneuver the vehicle of times you touch or cross over an into its final position as described by exercise boundary line or cone with the examiner, you will be penalized any portion of your vehicle. Each and could fail the basic skills test. encroachment will count as an error. Note: Wisconsin uses the straight line, Pull-ups offset back (right or left) and curved When a driver stops and pulls forward to path (alley dock) backing maneuvers. clear an encroachment or to get a better position, it is scored as a “pull-up.” Stopping without changing direction does not count as a pull-up. You will not be penalized for
COVER 212 CONTENTS 12.2 Exercises Figure 12-3: Offset Back/Left 12.2.1 Straight Line Backing You may be asked to back your vehicle in a straight line between two rows of cones without touching or crossing over the exercise boundaries. See Figure 12-1. 12.2.4 Parallel park (driver side) Figure 12-1: Straight Line Backing The parallel park (driver side) exercise is not used in Wisconsin.
12.2.5 Parallel park (conventional) The parallel park (conventional) exercise is not used in Wisconsin. 12.2.2 Offset back/right You may be asked to back into a space that 12.2.6 Alley Dock is to the right rear of your vehicle. You You may be asked to sight-side back will drive straight forward to the outer your vehicle into an alley. You will drive boundary. From that position, you must past the alley and position your vehicle back the vehicle into the opposite lane parallel to the outer boundary. From that until the front of your vehicle has passed position, back into the alley bringing the the first set of cones without striking rear of your vehicle within three feet of boundary lines or cones. See Figure 12.2. the rear of the alley without touching boundary lines or cones. Your vehicle Figure 12-2: Offset Back/Right must be straight within the alley/lane when completed., See Figure 12.6.
Figure 12-6: Alley Dock
12.2.3 Offset back/left You may be asked to back into a space that is to the left rear of your vehicle. You will drive straight forward to the outer boundary. From that position, you must back the vehicle into the opposite lane until the front of your vehicle has passed the first set of cones without striking boundary lines or cones. See Figure 12.3.
COVER 213 CONTENTS SECTION 13: ON ROAD 13.1 How You Will Be Tested DRIVING TEST 13.1.1 Turns This section covers: • You have been asked to make a turn: • How You Will Be Tested ◊ Check traffic in all directions. ◊ Use turn signals and safely get You will drive over a test route that into the lane needed for the turn. has a variety of traffic situations. At all • As you approach the turn: times during the test, you must drive in a safe and responsible manner and: ◊ Use turn signals to warn • Wear your safety belt. others of your turn. ◊ Slow down smoothly, change • Obey all traffic signs, gears as needed to keep power, signals, and laws. but do not coast unsafely. Unsafe • Complete the test without a coasting occurs when your vehicle crash or moving violation. is out of gear (clutch depressed During the driving test, the examiner will or gearshift in neutral) for more score you on specific driving maneuvers as than the length of your vehicle. well as on your general driving behavior. • If you must stop before You will follow the directions of the making the turn: examiner. Directions will be given to you ◊ Come to a smooth stop so you will have plenty of time to do what without skidding. the examiner has asked. You will not be ◊ Come to a complete stop asked to drive in an unsafe manner. behind the stop line, If your test route does not have certain crosswalk, or stop sign. traffic situations, you may be asked ◊ If stopping behind another to simulate a traffic situation. You vehicle, stop where you can see will do this by telling the examiner the rear tires on the vehicle what you are or would be doing if ahead of you (safe gap). you were in that traffic situation. ◊ Do not let your vehicle roll. Study all of subsection 13.1 to ◊ Keep the front wheels better understand how you will be aimed straight ahead. tested. Subsection 13.1 constitutes • When ready to turn: the CDL Skills Test Guide. ◊ Check traffic in all directions. Note: Licensed commercial drivers ◊ Keep both hands on the steering are subject to retesting by Wisconsin wheel during the turn. DMV and Federal Motor Carrier Safety ◊ Keep checking your mirror to Administration CDL examiners. make sure the vehicle does not hit anything on the inside of the turn. ◊ Vehicle should not move into oncoming traffic.
COVER 214 CONTENTS ◊ Vehicle should finish • Once through the intersection: turn in correct lane. ◊ Continue checking • After turn: mirrors and traffic. ◊ Make sure turn signal is off. ◊ Accelerate smoothly and ◊ Get up to speed of traffic, use change gears as necessary. turn signal, and move into right-most lane when safe to 13.1.3 Urban business do so (if not already there). During this part of the test, you are ◊ Check mirrors and traffic. expected to make regular traffic checks and maintain a safe following distance. Starting one turn from the wrong lane Your vehicle should be centered in the or completing two or more turns into proper lane (right-most lane) and you the wrong lane is a disqualification. should keep up with the flow of traffic but not exceed the posted speed limit. 13.1.2 Intersections 13.1.4 Lane changes • As you approach an intersection: During multiple lane portions of the test, ◊ Check traffic thoroughly you will be asked to change lanes to the in all directions. left, and then back to the right. You should ◊ Decelerate gently. make the necessary traffic checks first, ◊ Brake smoothly and, if then use proper signals and smoothly necessary, change gears. change lanes when it is safe to do so. ◊ If necessary, come to a complete stop (no coasting) behind any 13.1.5 Expressway/rural/ limited access highway stop signs, signals, sidewalks, or • Before entering the expressway: stop lines maintaining a safe gap behind any vehicle in front of you. ◊ Check traffic. ◊ Your vehicle must not roll ◊ Use proper signals. forward or backward. ◊ Merge smoothly into the • When driving through an intersection: proper lane of traffic. • Once on the expressway: ◊ Check traffic thoroughly in all directions. ◊ Maintain proper lane positioning, ◊ Decelerate and yield to any vehicle spacing, and vehicle speed. pedestrians and traffic ◊ Continue to check traffic in the intersection. thoroughly in all directions. ◊ Do not change lanes • When exiting the expressway: while proceeding through ◊ Make necessary traffic checks. the intersection. ◊ Use proper signals. ◊ Keep your hands on the wheel. ◊ Decelerate smoothly in the exit lane.
COVER 215 CONTENTS ◊ Once on the exit ramp, you must ◊ Turn off your four-way flashers. continue to decelerate within ◊ Activate the left turn signal. the lane markings and maintain ◊ When traffic permits, you adequate spacing between your should release the parking vehicle and other vehicles. brake and pull straight ahead. ◊ Do not turn the wheel before 13.1.6 Stop/start your vehicle moves. For this maneuver, you will be asked ◊ Check traffic from all directions, to pull your vehicle over to the side of especially to the left. the road and stop as if you were going ◊ Steer and accelerate smoothly into to get out and check something on the proper lane when safe to do so. your vehicle. You must check traffic ◊ Once your vehicle is back thoroughly in all directions and move to into the flow of traffic, cancel the right-most lane or shoulder of road. your left turn signal. • As you prepare for the stop: ◊ Check traffic. 13.1.7 Curve ◊ Activate your right turn signal. • When approaching a curve: ◊ Decelerate smoothly, brake evenly, ◊ Check traffic thoroughly change gears as necessary. in all directions. ◊ Bring your vehicle to a full ◊ Before entering the curve, stop without coasting. reduce speed so further • Once stopped: braking or shifting is not ◊ Vehicle must be parallel to the required in the curve. curb or shoulder of the road and ◊ Keep vehicle in the lane. safely out of the traffic flow. ◊ Continue checking traffic ◊ Vehicle should not be blocking in all directions. driveways, fire hydrants, intersections, signs, etc. 13.1.8 Railroad crossing ◊ Cancel your turn signal. • Before reaching the crossing, all commercial drivers should: ◊ Activate your four-way emergency flashers. ◊ Decelerate, brake smoothly, ◊ Apply the parking brake. and shift gears as necessary. ◊ Move the gear shift to ◊ Look and listen for the neutral or park. presence of trains. ◊ Remove your feet from the ◊ Check traffic in all directions. brake and clutch pedals. Do not stop, change gears, pass another • When instructed to resume: vehicle, or change lanes while any part ◊ Check traffic and your mirrors of your vehicle is in the crossing. thoroughly in all directions.
COVER 216 CONTENTS • If you are driving a bus, a school over a bridge, you may be asked to tell the bus, or a vehicle displaying examiner what the posted weight limit was. placards, you should be prepared to If your test route does not have a bridge or observe the following procedures overpass, you may be asked about another at every railroad crossing (unless traffic sign. When asked, be prepared to the crossing is exempt): identify and explain to the examiner any ◊ As the vehicle approaches a traffic sign which may appear on the route. railroad crossing, activate 13.1.10 Student discharge the four-way flashers. (school bus) ◊ Stop the vehicle within 50 If you are applying for a School Bus feet but not less than 15 feet endorsement, you will be required to from the nearest rail. demonstrate loading and unloading ◊ Listen and look in both directions students. Please refer to Section 10 of along the track for an approaching this manual for procedures on loading train and for signals indicating and unloading school students. the approach of a train. If 13.1.11 General operating a bus, you may also be driving behaviors required to open the window and You will be scored on your overall door prior to crossing tracks. performance in the following general ◊ Keep hands on the steering wheel driving behavior categories. as the vehicle crosses the tracks. 13.1.11(a) Clutch Usage (for ◊ Do not stop, change gears, or Manual Transmissions) change lanes while any part • Always use clutch to shift. of your vehicle is proceeding across the tracks. • Double-clutch when shifting. ◊ Four-way flashers should Do not rev or lug the engine. be deactivated after the • Do not ride clutch to control vehicle crosses the tracks. speed, coast with the clutch ◊ Continue to check depressed, or “pop” the clutch. mirrors and traffic. 13.1.12(b) Gear Usage (for Manual Transmissions) Not all driving road test routes will • Do not grind or clash gears. have a railroad crossing. You may be asked to explain and demonstrate the • Select gear that does not proper railroad crossing procedures to rev or lug engine. the examiner at a simulated location. • Do not shift in turns. 13.1.9 Bridge/overpass/sign 13.1.13(c) Brake Usage After driving under an overpass, you may • Do not ride or pump brake. be asked to tell the examiner what the posted clearance or height was. After going
COVER 217 CONTENTS • Do not brake harshly. Brake • Cancel turn signals upon completion smoothly using steady pressure. of a turn or lane change. 13.1.14(d) Lane Usage 13.1.18 Immediate • Do not put vehicle over curbs, disqualification (Wisconsin) sidewalks, or lane markings. Crash • Stop behind stop lines, The driver is involved in any crash the crosswalks, or stop signs. driver could have prevented or contacts • Complete a turn in the proper lane on any fixed object or pedestrian. a multiple lane road (vehicle should Dangerous Act finish a left turn in the lane directly Driver almost causes a crash. to the right of the center line). This includes the driver: • Finish a right turn in the • Forcing someone else to right-most (curb) lane. take immediate action. • Move to or remain in right-most • Causing the examiner to take lane unless lane is blocked. action to avoid a crash. 13.1.15 Steering • Backing up because the driver • Do not over or under steer the vehicle. took a turn too short. • Keep both hands on the steering • Driving over a curb. wheel at all times unless shifting. • Not checking traffic or not slowing Once you have completed shift, return down when going through an both hands to the steering wheel. uncontrolled intersection. • Use proper gear and • Rolling back more than 24 inches. downshift, if necessary. • Having both hands off the steering • Be in the right-most traffic wheel for an extended period of time. lane using 4-way flashers. Law violations 13.1.16 regular traffic checks Violating any traffic law. This • Check traffic regularly. includes but is not limited to: • Check mirrors regularly. • Speeding. • Check mirrors and traffic before, • Failing to stop for a stop while in and after an intersection. sign or traffic signal. • Scan and check traffic in high volume • Making one turn entirely areas and areas where pedestrians from the wrong lane. are expected to be present. • Turning into the wrong lane (two times) at the completion of a turn. 13.1.17 Use of turn signals • Failing to signal properly, • Use turn signals properly. affecting other traffic. • Activate turn signals when required and at appropriate times.
COVER 218 CONTENTS Publication notes The Wisconsin Department of Transportation intends that the products and services it offers be accessible to all. If you need accommodations or do not understand any part of this publication, please contact any Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Service Center.
You may reproduce the Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s Manual in whole or in part for yourself or for others. You may charge others the actual or reasonable costs to reproduce the Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s Manual. You may not delete, add, alter or otherwise change the Manual without the express written consent of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Information in this and other handbooks and manuals published by the Division of Motor Vehicles is not all inclusive and is subject to change.
BDS356, July 2021 Ch. 343 Wis. Stats. Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s Manual
COVER 219 CONTENTS