Belgium CPC Code 95 key terms

A driving method in which the driver constantly anticipates other road users' mistakes and keeps a safety margin in time and space, so that a hazard can be avoided without sudden braking or swerving.

The gap a driver keeps behind the vehicle ahead, calculated as at least the distance covered in two seconds at the current speed, increased in rain, darkness, tunnels or when following heavy vehicles.

The distance a vehicle still travels between the moment a hazard is recognised and the moment the brakes actually take effect; it grows in proportion to speed and is longer when the driver is tired or distracted.

The distance needed to stop a vehicle once braking has begun. It increases with the square of the speed and is longer on wet, icy or loose surfaces and with worn tyres or a fully loaded vehicle.

The delay between a driver noticing a hazard and starting to act, typically around one second but noticeably longer when fatigued, ill, using a phone or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The grip between tyre and road surface that allows steering, braking and acceleration forces to be transmitted; it falls sharply on wet, icy, oily or gravel-covered roads and limits how hard a driver may brake or corner.

Loss of tyre contact with the road because a film of water lifts the tread off the surface at higher speeds, causing steering and braking to become ineffective until speed drops and the tyres regain grip.

The shift of weight between axles and between the left and right wheels when a vehicle accelerates, brakes or corners, which changes available grip and can make a lightly loaded axle lose adhesion.

The point at which the whole mass of vehicle and cargo can be considered concentrated; the higher it sits, the more the vehicle leans in curves and the greater the risk of rollover or unstable handling.

A situation in which the tractor unit and semi-trailer fold against each other, usually after heavy braking or loss of grip on a slippery surface, leaving the driver unable to steer and blocking the road.

An electronic system that rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure at individual wheels to prevent them locking, so that the vehicle remains steerable during emergency braking on slippery or uneven surfaces.

A system that detects a difference between the driver's intended direction and the vehicle's actual movement and corrects it by braking individual wheels and reducing engine power.

The overturning of a vehicle, most likely in high-sided lorries, tankers and coaches when taking bends too fast, shifting cargo or steering abruptly, especially with a high centre of gravity.

An auxiliary braking device such as an engine brake, exhaust brake or hydraulic retarder that slows the vehicle without using the service brakes, preventing brake fade on long descents.

The gradual loss of braking power when brakes overheat through prolonged use, for example on a long downhill run, which lengthens stopping distance and can be avoided by using an auxiliary brake.

A braking system able to slow the vehicle steadily over a long period, fitted to heavy vehicles so that the service brakes are not overheated on descents or in dense traffic.

The height of the rubber pattern on a tyre; legal minimums apply for lorries and cars, and insufficient depth increases the risk of aquaplaning and lengthens braking distance on wet roads.

The use of lashings, straps, chains, blocking and friction material to stop cargo sliding, tipping or falling off during transport, in line with the applicable standards for the load and vehicle.

The maximum force a lashing or strap may transmit in use, marked on the component; the sum of the lashing capacities must match the weight and friction conditions of the load being secured.

A number describing how strongly a load resists sliding on the loading floor; it depends on the materials in contact and is much lower when the floor or the cargo is wet, oily or dusty.

The share of the total vehicle weight carried by one axle, which must stay within the permitted maximum; overloading an axle damages the road, harms steering and braking and is punishable.

The total permitted weight of a vehicle including its load, fuel and occupants, stated on the registration documents; exceeding it is an offence and affects braking, tyres and road safety.

The way cargo weight is spread over the vehicle and its axles, which must respect axle limits and keep the centre of gravity low and central for stable handling and safe braking.

The periods during which a driver is actually at the controls of a moving vehicle, recorded by the tachograph and counted against the daily and weekly limits set by the social rules for road transport.

The rule obliging a driver to interrupt driving after a set period behind the wheel, with the break taken as uninterrupted time used only for rest and not for other work.

The uninterrupted rest a driver must take within each 24-hour period, which may be a regular period or a reduced one, subject to compensation rules and to how many reduced periods are allowed.

A longer uninterrupted rest taken after a week of work, either regular or reduced, with compensation required for a reduced rest and strict limits on how long may pass between two weekly rests.

Time that counts as neither driving nor rest, such as waiting at a loading dock or travelling as a passenger, which may count towards the daily working time under the applicable rules.

The recording device fitted to goods and passenger vehicles that logs speed, distance, driving time and rest periods, and whose data must be produced for inspection and kept for the required retention period.

The personal smart card inserted into the tachograph to identify the driver and record their activity; it is issued to one driver, must not be lent out and must be replaced if lost or faulty.

The recording, by hand or through the tachograph menu, of activities the device could not register automatically, such as other work, rest or a ferry crossing, which must be completed correctly and honestly.

The period during which a mobile worker is at the employer's disposal and carrying out duties, including driving, loading and paperwork, subject to limits on average weekly hours and night work.

The physical and mental tiredness that slows reactions, reduces attention and increases the likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel; it is managed by planned rest, breaks and avoiding driving during the body's low points.

The natural dip in alertness occurring in the early hours of the morning and again in the early afternoon, when the risk of falling asleep while driving is highest and extra caution or a break is advisable.

The immediate help given to an injured person before professional services arrive, including making the scene safe, checking breathing, controlling bleeding and calling the emergency number with clear information.

The measures taken at an accident site to prevent further collisions, such as warning other traffic, switching on hazard lights, placing a warning triangle and moving people to a safe place.

The alert sent to the emergency services giving the exact location, the number and condition of casualties, the type of vehicles involved and any hazards, then following the operator's instructions.

A style of driving that reduces fuel use and emissions by anticipating traffic, accelerating and decelerating smoothly, keeping engine speed low and avoiding unnecessary idling or heavy braking.

A device that holds a set speed without the driver pressing the accelerator; it saves fuel on steady routes but must not be used in heavy traffic, on slippery roads or where frequent speed changes are needed.