CDL Practice Tests For Safe Driving Page 9

Do the following to correct a drive-wheel braking skid:

• Stop braking – This will let the rear wheels roll again and keep the rear wheels from sliding any further. If on ice, push in the clutch to let the wheels turn freely.
• Turn quickly – When a vehicle begins to slide sideways, quickly steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go— down the road. You must turn the wheel quickly.
• Countersteer – As a vehicle turns back on course, it has a tendency to keep right on turning. Unless you turn the steering wheel quickly the other way, you may find yourself skidding in the opposite direction.

Front-Wheel Skids —

Most front-wheel skids are caused by driving too fast for conditions. Other causes are lack of tread on the front tires, and cargo loaded so not enough weight is on the front axle. 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.

When a front-wheel skid occurs, the only way to stop the skid is to let the vehicle slow down. Stop turning and/or braking so hard. Slow down as quickly as possible without skidding.

When you are in an accident and not seriously hurt, you need to act to prevent further damage or injury. The basic steps to be taken at any accident are:

• Protect the area.
• Notify authorities.
• Assist the injured.

Protect the Area —

The first thing to do at an accident scene is to keep another accident from happening at the same spot.

• If your vehicle is involved in the accident, try to get it to the side of the road. This will help prevent another accident and allow traffic to move.
• If you are stopping to help, park away from the accident. The area immediately around the accident will be needed for emergency vehicles.
• Put on your flashers.
• Set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic. Make sure they can be seen by other drivers in time for them to avoid the accident.

Care for the Injured —

If a qualified person is at the accident and helping the injured, stay out of the way unless asked to assist. Otherwise, do the best you can to help any injured parties:

• Do not move a severely injured person unless the danger of fire or passing traffic makes it necessary.
• Stop heavy bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound.
• Keep the injured person warm.

Care for the Injured —

If a qualified person is at the accident and helping the injured, stay out of the way unless asked to assist.

Truck fires can cause damage and injury. Learn the causes of fires and how to prevent them. Know what to do to extinguish fires. Following are some causes of vehicle fires:

• After accidents – Spilled fuel, improper use of flares.
• Tires – Underinflated tires and duals that touch.
• Electrical system – Short circuits due to damaged insulation, loose connections.
• Fuel – Driver smoking, improper fueling, loose fuel connections.
• Cargo – Flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded, poor ventilation.

Pre-trip inspection:

Make a complete inspection of the electrical, fuel and exhaust systems, tires and cargo. Be sure to check that the fire extinguisher is charged.

Enroute inspection:

Check the tires, wheels and truck body for signs of heat whenever you stop during a trip.

Follow safety procedures:

Follow correct safety procedures for fueling the vehicle, using brakes, handling flares and other activities that can cause a fire.

Monitoring:

Check the instruments and gauges often for signs of overheating, and use the mirrors to look for signs of smoke from tires or the vehicle.

Pull off the road:

The first step is to get the vehicle off the road and stop.

• Park in an open area, away from buildings, trees, brush, other vehicles or anything that might catch fire.
• Do not pull into a service station.
• Notify emergency services of your problem and your location.