Section 2 - Driving Safely Flashcards
What is the most important reason to inspect your vehicle?
Safety. Safety for yourself and for other road users.
(2.1.1 - Why Inspect)
What can federal and state inspectors do if they judge the vehicle to be unsafe?
The can put it “out of service” until it is fixed.
(2.1.1 - Why Inspect)
List 6 critical items should you check when you stop?
- Tires, wheels, and rims.
- Brakes.
- Lights and reflectors.
- Brake and electrical connections to trailer.
- Trailer coupling devices.
- Cargo securement devices.
(2.1.2 - Types of Vehicle Inspection)
How can you inspect your vehicle during a trip?
- Watch gauges for signs of trouble.
- Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel).
(2.1.2 - Types of Vehicle Inspection)
True or False:
You should do an after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day, or tour of duty on each vehicle you operated.
True
(2.1.2 - Types of Vehicle Inspection)
What is the tread depth minimum requirement for every major groove on front tires?
4/32”
(2.1.3 – What to Look For)
What tread depth should be on all tires except front tires?
2/32”
(2.1.3 – What to Look For)
True or False:
It’s acceptable for fabric to show through the tread or sidewall of tires.
False.
(2.1.3 – What to Look For)
List 9 examples of tire problems.
- Too much or too little air pressure.
- Bad tread wear.
- Cuts or other damage.
- Tread separation.
- Dual tires that come in contact with each other or parts of the vehicle.
- Mismatched sizes.
- Radial and bias-ply tires used together.
- Cut or cracked valve stems.
- Re-grooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on the front wheels of a bus are prohibited.
(2.1.3 – What to Look For)
List 5 examples of wheel and rim problems.
- Damaged rims.
- Rust around wheel nuts may mean the nuts are loose (check tightness)
- Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs means danger.
- Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are dangerous.
- Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are not safe.
(2.1.3 – What to Look For)
List 3 examples of bad brake drums or shoes.
- Cracked drums.
- Shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them.
- Shoes worn dangerously thin, missing, or broken.
(2.1.3 – What to Look For)
List 4 examples of steering system defects.
- Missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, or other parts.
- Bent, loose, or broken parts (such as steering column, steering gear box, or tie rods)
- If power steering equipped, check hoses, pumps, and fluid level. Check for leaks.
- Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees
(2.1.3 – What to Look For)
Why are broken suspension parts extremely dangerous?
- The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load.
- It keeps the axles in place.
(2.1.3 - What to Look For)
What is something suspension related that will put the vehicle “out of service”?
Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If 1/4 or more are missing, it will put the vehicle “out of service”, but any defect could be dangerous.
(2.1.3 - What to Look For)
Cracked, damages, or missing torque rod or arm, u-bolts, springs hangers, or other axle positions parts are examples of what?
Leaking shock absorbers
(2.1.3 - What to Look For)
What should you look for when inspecting air suspension systems?
- Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame members.
(2.1.3 - What to Look For)
Why should you inspect the exhaust system?
Because a broken exhaust system can let poison fumes into the cab or sleeper berth.
(2.1.3 - What to Look For)
What emergency equipment should your vehicle be equipped with?
- Fire extinguisher(s)
- Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers)
- Warning devices for parked vehicles (three reflective triangles or at least 6 fuses or 3 liquid burning flares)
(2.1.3 - What to Look For)
What must you make sure of before each trip?
That the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured.
(2.1.3 - What to Look For)
When must you inspect for proper papers and placarding?
When the cargo contain hazardous materials.
(2.1.3 - What to Look For)
List the seven-step inspection method.
- Vehicle overview
- Check engine compartment
- Start engine and inspect inside the cab
- Turn off engine and check lights
- Do a walk-around inspection.
- Check signal lights
- Start the engine and check
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
Why should you do a vehicle inspection the same way each time?
So you will learn all the steps and be less likely to forget something.
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What should you check when approaching the vehicle?
- Notice the general condition
- Look for damage or vehicle leaning to one side.
- Look under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks.
- Check the area around the vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement (people, other vehicles, objects, low-hanging wires, limbs, etc.)
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
Name the step of the seven-step inspection method:
Review last vehicle inspection report.
Step 1: Vehicle Overview
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
List the six fluids you should check during step 2 of the seven-step inspection method.
- Engine oil
- Coolant level (in radiator)
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Battery fluid
- Automatic transmission fluid
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
List the two hoses you should check the condition of during step 2 of the seven-step inspection method.
- Radiator hose
- Power steering hose
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What three items related to the battery should you check during step 2 of the seven-step inspection method?
- Fluid level
- Connections
- Tie downs
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What must you do before you check the engine compartment?
Check that the parking brakes are on and/or wheels chocked.
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What belts should you check for tightness and wear when checking the engine compartment?
- Alternator
- Water pump
- Air compressor
NOTE: Learn how much “give” the belts should have when adjust right and check each one.
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What should you look for when checking wire insulation?
Cracked, worn electrical wiring insulation.
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What leaks should you look for when checking the engine compartment?
- Fuel
- Coolant
- Oil
- Power steering fluid
- Hydraulic fluid
- Battery fluid
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What is step 3 of the seven-step inspection method?
Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
During step 3 of the seven-step inspection method, what do you do before checking the gauges?
- Get in.
- Start the engine.
- Confirm parking brake is on.
- Put gearshift in neutral (or “park” if automatic).
- List for unusual noises.
- If equipped, check the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) indicator lights.
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What is indicated if the yellow light on the left rear of the trailer stay on?
That the ABS are not working properly.
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What gauges do you check during step 3 of the seven-step inspection method?
- Oil pressure
- Air pressure
- Ammeter and/or voltmeter
- Coolant temperature
- Engine oil temperature
- Warning lights and buzzers
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What should you check for looseness, sticking, damage or improper settings during step 3 of the seven-step inspection method?
- Steering wheel
- Clutch
- Accelerator (“gas pedal”)
- Brake controls
- Foot brake
- Trailer brake (if vehicle has one)
- Parking brake
- Retarder controls (if vehicle has them)
- Transmission controls
- Interaxle differential lock (if vehicle has one)
- Horn(s)
- Windshield wiper/washer
- Lights
- Headlights
- Dimmer switch
- Turn signal
- Four-way flashers
- Parking, clearance, identification, marker switch(es)
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What should you check for when inspecting mirrors and windshields?
Cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or other obstruction to seeing clearly. Clean and adjust as necessary.
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What 3 things must you check when inspecting emergency equipment?
- Spare electrical fuses (unless vehicle has circuit breakers)
- Three red reflective triangles, 6 fuses or 3 liquid burning flares
- Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What 5 optional things can you check when inspecting emergency equipment?
- Chains (where winter conditions require)
- Tire changing equipment
- List of emergency phone numbers
- Accident reporting kit (packet)
- Check Safety Belt. Check that the safety belt is securely mounted, adjusts; latches properly and is not ripped or frayed
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What is step 4 of the seven-step inspection method?
Step 4: Turn Off Engine and Check Lights
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
How do you perform step 4 of the seven-step inspection method?
- Set the parking brake
- Turn off the engine (take the key with you)
- Turn on low beams and four-way emergency flashers
- Get out of the vehicle
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
What is step 5 of the seven-step inspection method?
Step 5: Do Walk-Around Inspection
(2.1.5 - Seven-Step Inspection Method)
