Section 2 - Driving Safely Flashcards
Finished through section 2.1
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
Safety
What things should you check during a trip?
1) Gauges for signs of trouble, 2) use senses to check for problems, and 3) check critical items when you stop (tires/wheels/brakes/rims, lights/reflectors, brake & electrical components to trailer, trailer coupling devices, and cargo securement)
Name some key steering system parts.
Steering wheel, steering shaft, tie rod, power steering cylinder
Name some suspension system defects.
1) Spring hangers that allow the movement of axle from proper position, 2) Cracked/broken spring hangers, 3) Missing/broken leaves in any spring, 4) Leaking shock absorbers, 5) axle positioning parts that are broken, 6) Damaged air suspension system, 7) Any loose/broken frame members.
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
1) Fire extinguisher(s), 2) Spare electrical fuse(s) (unless equipped with circuit breakers), 3) Warning devices (three
reflective triangles or at least 6 fusees or 3 liquid
burning flares).
Minimum tread depth for front tires? Other tires?
Front: 4/32 Other: 2/32
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk around inspection.
1) Low beams and 4-way flashers; 2) High beams; 3) Parking, clearance, side-marker, and identification lights; 4) Turn signals.
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
Leaking.
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
3.
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or other problem.
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the Vehicle inspection?
So that no one can move the vehicle while you are inspecting it, to prevent thief, and prevent locking oneself out.
Why should you back toward the driver’s side?
So that you can see better.
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
Partly engage the clutch before taking foot off the brake. Put the barking brake on whenever necessary to keep from rolling back. Release the parking brake only when there’s enough engine power to keep from rolling back. On a tractor-trailer with a brake hand valve, the hand valve can be used to prevent rollbacks.
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
Because there are blind spots a driver can’t see, but a helper can.
What’s the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
“Stop.”
What are the two special conditions in which you should downshift?
Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve.
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
Before going down grades.
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery. T/F?
False. Retarders help slow a vehicle, easing wear on brakes.
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
Watch your tachometer and shift up when it reaches the top of the range, and also know what speed each gear is good for, using your speedometer to determine gear.
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
12-15s ahead, or about 1 block at city speeds and 1/4 of a mile at highway speeds.
What are two main things to look for ahead?
Watch for vehicles turning into the highway, into your lane, or turning. Watch for brake lights from vehicles in front of you.
What’s your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
Mirrors.
What does ‘communicating’ mean in safe driving?
Signal your intentions. Use blinkers and make gradual, smooth stops/lane changes.
Where should you place reflectors when stopped on a divided highway?
10, 100, and 200ft behind your vehicle, toward oncoming traffic.
What three things add up to a total stopping distance?
Perception, reaction, and braking distance.
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
Four.
