Safe Driving Practices - 4 Flashcards
Section 4 focuses on:
Visibility, Driving in traffic, curves and turns, backing
Rule 4.1
Visibility for the driver
General rules that apply to visibility for drivers:
Keep a minimum of 12-15 second eye lead time
Prepare for upcoming problems
Scan mirrors every 3-5 seconds
Look for vehicles and pedestrians
Rule 4.3.3
Blind Spots
Drivers responsibility to ensure all mirrors, cameras, and monitors are working properly
Should be done during the pre-trip
Rule 4.2
Maintaining Space
Energy a truck has when moving is called energy of motion (Kinetic Energy)
Trucks energy of motion doubles when its weight doubles
When a trucks speed doubles:
Drivers must:
Adjust speed according to the traffic conditions
Always have an escape route in case a quick defensive response is needed
Work to keep at least the front and one side around the truck open
Rule 4.2.1
Safe Following Distance
Always watch for sudden stops Following distance is dependent upon factors including: Driver reaction time load weight roadway surfaces and conditions Hills Traffic Pedestrians
Rule 4.2.3
Ensure the truck is seen
Always drive with trucks headlights on
Use proper turn signals to communicate actions
Rule 4.3.1
Speed Limits
Never exceed posted speed limits
Under what conditions does a driver need to adjust speed:
Posted school zones speed limits Current road conditions Vehicle weight Weather Visibility Construction zones Maintain a safe following distance and safety cushion
Rule 4.3.2
Lane Changes
Driver must avoid any unnecessary lane changes
When lane change is necessary driver must:
take quick glances through west coast mirrors to ensure its safe to change lanes
Signal the intention to change lanes well in advance
Adjust the speed to the flow of traffic
Rule 4.3.3
Merging into Traffic
Never try to force your way onto expressway traffic
To merge safely, Driver must:
take quick glances through west coast mirrors to ensure its safe to change lanes
Signal the intention to change lanes well in advance
Adjust the speed to the flow of traffic
Ensure the vehicle in front of the truck clears the expressway entrance before accelerating
Avoid stopping when in the acceleration lane
Rule 4.3.5
Truck Clearance
Important to know truck dimensions so they can avoid a collision with overhead fixed objects like bridges, signs, doorways.
A driver must:
Know the height and width of their truck
Ensure that their truck will clear overhead or other fixed objects
Remember… When in Doubt…
Get out and check it out
Rule 4.3.6
Negotiating Curves and Turnes
DROP 10 BEFORE YOU ARE IN
Must reduce to a minimum speed of 10 mph below posted speed limit before entering a curve or making a turn
Rule 4.5
Intersections and Turning
First step: Recognize intersection is ahead and scan 12-15 seconds ahead. Must drop 10 mph when vehicle is stopped at a sign or a stale green light Look for signs such as: street signs and street lights Parked cars on cross streets Rows of fences and mailboxes Tree or shrub plantings Power lines
Always drop 10 mph when:
A vehicle in motion at a stop sign
Pedestrians are at or approaching the intersection
A vehicle is at or approaching a staggered or angled intersection
Traffic where there is a vehicle waiting or preparing to turn left from oncoming lanes
Rule 4.5.2
Stop Signs/Signal Lights
Must come to a complete stop and ensure that the intersection is clear before crossing or turning
Rolling stops are prohibited
Rule 4.5.3
Signaling
Signaling for a lane change or turning must be made approximately half a block or at least 100 ft in advance
When traveling at speeds of 35 mph or higher, signal at least 300 ft before turning
Rule 4.5.1
Railroad Crossings at Grade
Approach rail road crossings with caution
Two types of situations:
Crossing that has an automatic warning device
Crossing that does not have an automatic device
Rule 4.5.1.1
Crossings equipped with Automatic Grade Crossing Warning Devices
When signals are flashing, a driver must:
- Stop no closer than 15 ft from nearest rail
- Remain stopped until the gates go up and the lights have stopped flashing
- Look carefully in each direction for other approaching trains once the gates go up and or the lights stop flashing
- Gradually pull forward in order to see down the tracks if visibility is less than 300 ft
- Ensure all tracks are clear before crossing until the truck can clear the tracks on the other side without stopping
- Proceed when it is safe
Rule 4.5.1.2
Crossings Not equipped with Automatic Grade Crossings Warning Devices
When approaching a crossing that does not have warning devices, Drivers must:
- Turn on four-way flashers
- Stop no closer than 15 ft from nearest rail
- Roll down the window and turn off the radios and fan to listen
- While stopped look carefully in each direction for approaching trains
- Gradually pull forward in order to see down the tracks if visibility is less than 300 ft
- Ensure all tracks are clear before crossing until the truck can clear the tracks on the other side without stopping
- Never drive onto a railroad crossing until the truck can clear the tracks on the other side without stopping
- Turn off four-way flashers
- Proceed when it is safe
Rule 4.4
Backing
Avoid backing whenever possible
Never back up w/o properly checking
Scan area for fixed objects upon arrival (cars, overhead hazards)
Anticipate actions of people and other vehicles in and around the truck
Respond to changing conditions
Do not back around a corner or into an intersection unless their is no other option
Use the mirrors to scan the area frequently, watching for motion around all sides of the truck
Use the camera if installed on the truck
Do not fixate on one mirror
Driver should alternately check both mirrors
Don’t forget the sides and front of the truck
Remember the size and location of the blind spots for the truck
Never use a cell phone while backing
Rule 4.4.1
Two person backing
A trainer helper
Driver can use another individual if a trainer is unavailable
Driver must discuss with untrained person:
signaling
process if person drops out of sight
which side to stand and spacing
When backing with two people
- Do not put transmission in reverse until the helper is in position and visible
- Stop truck movement if driver loses sight of the helper
- The helper must maintain eye contact with the driver
- Helper must maintain a minimum of 30 ft spacing from the truck if they have to walk backwards or side-to-side
- Helper must not stand on the riding step when the truck is backing
- Helper must not stand in trucks path of travel
- Helper must not walk directly behind the truck when the backup lights or backup alarm are on
- Helper must be aware of potential traffic hazards
