Special Conditions and Safety Procedures
Special conditions test judgment: rain, snow, ice, fog, high wind, steep grades, and railroad crossings. In poor visibility, slow down and increase following distance; in high wind, be ready for the trailer to be pushed and reduce speed. On steep downgrades, use a low gear and engine braking, and brake progressively rather than riding the brakes, which can overheat and fade. At railroad crossings, stop, look, and listen, and never try to beat a train; if the trailer is long, make sure there is room to clear the crossing before starting. Know the emergency procedures: if the trailer breaks away, the emergency line loses pressure and the trailer spring brakes apply; if a tire blows, hold the wheel firmly and slow gradually. Traps: thinking you should brake hard on ice, assuming the trailer brakes will hold on a steep grade, or starting across a crossing without room to clear. Rule of thumb: when conditions are bad, reduce speed and increase space. Worked example: on an icy downgrade, shift to a lower gear before the grade and use light, steady braking to avoid a skid.