Safety Regulations, Railroad Crossings, and Hazardous Conditions
Regulations to Know
Commercial drivers must follow hours-of-service rules, inspection requirements, and recordkeeping rules. Know that a driver must inspect the vehicle before and after trips, and must report defects. Know the rules for hazardous materials placards and for transporting passengers. Traps: questions that mix up which records must be kept and for how long, and questions that assume a regulation applies to all vehicles when it applies only to certain weights or cargo types.
Railroad Crossings
Approach every crossing expecting a train. Slow down, look and listen, and do not stop on the tracks. If your vehicle is long or heavy, you may need extra time to clear the crossing; do not start across unless you can clear it completely. Never drive around lowered gates. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get everyone out and move away from the tracks, then call for help. Traps: questions that suggest stopping on the tracks to check for trains, or that say you may cross when gates are down if no train is visible.
Hazardous Conditions
In rain, snow, ice, or fog, reduce speed, increase following distance, and use headlights. Avoid sudden braking and steering. In high winds, slow down and grip the wheel firmly. In extreme heat, watch for tire failure. Traps: questions that say to use cruise control on slippery roads (do not) or to brake hard to test traction.
Rule of Thumb
"Expect a train, expect the worst weather, and never bet on a gate."