2.15 - 2.16 - Railroad/Highway Crossings & Mountain Driving

Question 1

What factors determine your selection of a “safe” speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?

Answer 1

• Total weight of the vehicle and cargo.
• Length of the grade.
• Steepness of the grade.
• Road conditions.
• Weather.

Question 2

Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?

Answer 2

Because you will not be able to downshift if your speed has already built up.

Question 3

Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.

Answer 3

1. Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown.
2. When your speed has been reduced to approximately 5 mph below your “safe” speed, release the brakes. (This brake application should last for about three seconds.)
3. When your speed has increased to your “safe” speed, repeat steps 1 and 2.

Question 4

What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?

Answer 4

• 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.

Question 5

How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?

Answer 5

More than 15 seconds