New! High Road 2.0! We have a new version of this program. You can find it here: High Road 2.0

Section 2: Driving Safely

This section contains knowledge and safe driving information that all commercial drivers should know. You must take an exam on this information to obtain a CDL. This section does NOT include specific information on air brakes, combination vehicles, doubles or passenger vehicles. You must read other sections of this manual to learn about them.

This section also includes basic information on hazardous materials (HazMat) that all drivers should know. If you need a HazMat Endorsement, please study Section 9.

2.1 Vehicle Inspection

The most important aspect of traffic safety for yourself and others who share the road with you is that you personally inspect your vehicle. A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later. You could have a breakdown on the road that will cost you time and money, or even worse, an accident caused by the defect.

Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge a vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is repaired.

Pre-Trip Inspection

A pre-trip inspection will help you find problems that could cause an accident or breakdown.

Trip Inspection

For safety you should:

• Watch gauges for signs of trouble.
• Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel).
• Check critical items when you stop:
  • Tires, wheels and rims
  • Brakes
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Brake and electrical connections to trailer
  • Trailer coupling devices
  • Cargo securement device

After-Trip Inspection and Report

Conduct an after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day or tour of duty on each vehicle you operate. This may include completing a vehicle condition report listing any problems you find. The inspection report helps the motor carrier know when the vehicle needs repairs.

Inspection Checklist

Tires

• Too much or too little air pressure.
• 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.
• Regrooved, recapped or retreaded tires on the front wheels of a bus are prohibited.
• Bad wear. You need at least 4/32-inch tread depth in every major groove on front wheels (steer tires) and 2/32-inch depth on other tires. No fabric should show through the tread or sidewall.

Wheels and Rims

• Damaged rims.
• Shiny threads or rust around wheel nuts may mean the nuts are loose-check tightness. After a tire has been changed, stop a short while later and re-check tightness of nuts.
• 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.

Brake Drums or Shoes

• Cracked drums.
• Shoes or pads with oil, grease or brake fluid on them (brake pad more than 1/4-inch thick).
• Shoes worn dangerously thin, missing or broken.

Steering System (See Figure 2-1 Below)

• 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 for leaks.
• Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (approximately 2 inches movement at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it hard to steer.

Figure 2-1
Steering System Key Parts