Serious traffic violations are excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following a vehicle too closely, traffic offenses committed in a CMV in connection with fatal traffic accidents, etc.

Back to the driver's side so that you can see better. Backing toward the right side is very dangerous because you can't see as well. If you back and turn toward the driver's side, you can watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window.

The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the value specified by the manufacturer of the power unit and the towed unit(s), including load, or any combination thereof.

Use either the tachometer or the speedometer and upshift/downshift at the right rpm or road speed.

When driving a loud bang, vibrations, or heavy steering can indicate that a tire has failed.

Escape ramps are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers. Escape ramps save lives, equipment and cargo.

Slow down to a safe speed, and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning. It also allows you to speed up as soon as you are out of the curve.

Use windshield washer antifreeze to prevent freezing of the washer liquid.

You cannot inspect sealed loads, but you should check that you don't exceed gross weight and axle weight limits, and that the cargo is properly secured.

’t sleep enough, you "owe" more sleep to yourself. This debt can only be paid off by sleeping.

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.

In a front-wheel skid, the front end tends to go in a straight line regardless of how much you turn the steering wheel. On a very slippery surface, you may not be able to steer around a curve or turn.

You can drive a vehicle that carries hazardous materials if it does not require placards. If it requires placards, you cannot drive it unless your driver license has the hazardous materials endorsement.

It's important to know what's going on behind and to the sides. Check your mirrors regularly. Check more often in special situations.

There are four basic types of retarders: exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric.

A bridge formula permits less maximum axle weight for axles that are closer together. This is to prevent overloading bridges and roadways

Poor weight balance can make vehicle handling unsafe. Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering. It can damage the steering axle and tires.

If line of sight view is obstructed due to hill or curve, move the rear-most triangle to a point back down the road so warning is provided up to 500 feet.

You must keep weights within legal limits. States have maximums for GVWRs, GCWRs, and axle weights.

If line of sight view is obstructed due to hill or curve, move the rear-most triangle to a point back down the road (up to 500 feet) so warning is provided.

Signal continuously. You need both hands on the wheel to turn safely. Don't cancel the signal until you have completed the turn.

When more cargo is piled up in a truck, the "center of gravity" moves higher up from the road. The truck becomes easier to turn over.

As part of your Vehicle inspection, make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured properly.

If an oncoming driver has drifted into your lane, a move to your right is best. If that driver realizes what has happened, the natural response will be to return to his or her own lane.

The following are some causes of vehicle fires: spilled fuel, improper use of flares, under-inflated tires , duals that touch, short circuits, loose connections, improper fueling, loose fuel connections, flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded cargo or with poor ventilation.

The B:C type fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids, not on wood.

Make sure the parking brake is set, turn off the engine, and take the key with you. Turn on headlights (low beams) and four-way emergency flashers and get out of the vehicle.

Your most important consideration is to select a speed that is not too fast for the: total weight of the vehicle and cargo, length of the grade, steepness of the grade, road conditions, and weather.

With hydraulic systems a delay in braking, spongy or unusual feeling pedal, or pulling to one side or the other can mean there are issues.

Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others. The frequent changes of speed is a distracted driver trait.

Alcohol affects more and more of the brain as BAC builds up. The first part of the brain affected controls judgment and self-control.

Remember that when the road is slippery, you need much more space to stop, and should keep more space in front of your vehicle.

If the surface is icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.

Avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water if possible. If not, you should: slow down and place transmission in a low gear, and gently put on the brakes.

Driving in work zones require extra care, and because of the workers risking their lives to keep the road in good condition you should drive slowly, use your hazards, and use your brake lights as communication devices.

You must make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured before each trip.

Inspect the cargo and its securing devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip, and you will need to inspect again after you have driven for 3 hours or 150 miles and after every break you take during driving.

Pre-trip occurs before you leave for your trip, En-route occurs during any break you take while driving, and post-trip occurs when your route is finished.

Go to front of vehicle and check that low beams are on and both of the four-way flashers are working, check that high beams, parking, clearance, side-marker, and identification lights work. Turn on right turn signal and start walk-around inspection, then check the left turn.

I It will take longer to stop, and it will be harder to turn without skidding, when the road is slippery. Wet roads can double stopping distance at any speed, reduce speed, and slow down gradually on a wet road.