defensive driving

Defensive Driving

Commercial Motor Vehicles

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Session ObjectivesYou will be able to:

•Recognize driving hazards and dangerous conditions

•Avoid potential accidents

•Inspect and maintain your vehicle

•Operate your vehicle safely

•Respond to emergencies and accidents


Motor Vehicle Injury and Death Are Preventable•Around 5,000 CMV-

related fatalities

•More than 120,000 CMV-related injuries

•More than 650 truck drivers died on the job

•Truck drivers have more nonfatal injuries than workers in any other occupation


Driving Hazards•Reckless driving

•Distracted drivers

•Road rage

•Fatigue

•Poor vehicle operating condition

•Alcohol or drugs


Dangerous Conditions•Bad weather conditions

—rain, snow, ice, severe winds, and fog

•Road conditions

•Poor lighting or glaring sunlight


Dangerous Conditions (cont.)

•Heavy traffic

•Busy intersections

•Accidents

•Shifting cargo


Be a Defensive Driver•Recognize hazardous driving situations•Assume other drivers will make mistakes•Make adjustments if a hazard develops•Look ahead for approaching hazards•Watch vehicles to your side and rear•Scan the road before changing speed

or direction•Always use your turn signals•Drive with your lights on


Get Rest and Avoid Fatigue•Get some sleep

•Take frequent breaks

•Keep cab well ventilated

•Adjust your vehicle’s environment


Seat Belts Save Lives•More than 110,000 lives saved in 25 years

•Prevent crashing into dashboard

•Keep you inside vehicle

•Strong bones take shock instead of delicate organs

•Better chance of remaining conscious

•Keep you behind wheel if you swerve or brake suddenly


Drug UseWhen on duty, never possess or use:•Opiates

•Amphetamines

•Narcotics

•Alcohol

•Any other substance that makes you an unsafe driver


Driving Hazard Exercise

Reckless drivers

Distracted drivers

Aggressive drivers

Fatigued drivers

Match the hazardous drivers to the correct potential hazards

Unaware of surroundings

React slower

Create road rage situations

Tailgate

DRIVERS HAZARD


Driving Hazards—Any Questions?•Any questions about

driving hazards and dangerous conditions?

•Any questions about avoiding potential accidents?


Pre-Drive Inspection•Horn, lights, and turn

signals

•Clean windows, mirrors, and lights

•Tire tread and air pressure

•Leaks under vehicle

•Brakes and steering


Maintain Your Vehicle•Regular tune-ups

•Oil changes

•Antifreeze levels

•Brakes

•Battery

•Compressed air system

•Tire changes


Cargo Securement•Cargo must be properly distributed and secured•Check within first 50 miles and make adjustments if

necessary•Recheck if:

• There is a change in duty status• The vehicle has been driven 3 hours or 150 miles


Conduct Start-Up/Back-Up Check•Walk around your

vehicle•Check blind areas

on right and front•Adjust mirrors•After checking, move

vehicle•Start up slowly•Tap horn or recruit

signal person


FuelingWhile fueling a CMV, never:

•Fuel a CMV with engine running

•Smoke or expose any open flame

•Fuel unless the nozzle and intake pipe are in contact


Right-of-Way•Entering traffic,

merging, turning left or right

•Do not force other drivers to brake or steer

•Assume other drivers will not see you

•Move only after “right-of-way” has been given to you


Using and Changing Lanes•Keep a safe following distance

•Scan ahead

•Flash brake lights

•Scan blind spot before changing lanes

•Clean and adjust mirrors


Negotiating Curves•Understand how and

why rollovers occur•Reduce speed before

entering curve•Stay off the shoulder•Ensure cargo is

secured•Top-heavy cargo more

likely to roll over•Trailers roll first


Negotiating Downgrades•Break system

maintenance

•Gear selection

•Light brake pressure

•Do not apply trailer brakes only

•Check brake function before descending long, steep grades


Crossing Intersections•Assume cross traffic may not obey control

signs or signals

•Allow enough time for your entire vehicle and trailer to clear the road

•Approaching drivers may not realize you have a trailer attached

•Keep side lights and reflectors clean


Making Turns•Turns are more difficult

due to vehicle size

•Move to right lane and signal

•Wait for vehicles in other lanes

•Avoid improper tracking


Crossing Railroad Tracks•Stop 15 to 50 feet of,

and not closer than 15 feet to, the tracks

•Stop and look both ways

•Do not shift gears when crossing tracks


Passing•Make sure no one is

passing you•Signal intention to pass•Watch driver you are

passing•Watch for vehicles

entering road•Watch approaching

traffic•Do not get into a race


Pedestrians•Expect the unexpected•Pedestrians have

difficulty judging vehicle speed

•Pedestrians assume you see them

•Make sure they give you right-of-way

•Prevent improper trailer tracking

•Scan blind spots


Reduced Traction•Increase your

following distance•Slow down•Apply brakes gently

and steer smoothly•Brakes are more likely

to lock up when lightly loaded

•Slide sideways on banked curves


Reduced Visibility•Slow down•Watch for stalled or

slow-moving vehicles in front of you

•Turn on fog lamps or emergency flashers

•Keep lights and windshield clean

•Get off the road and wait


True or False?1. Once cargo is properly distributed and secured,

you should not check it because it may then become unsecured.

2. Before startup or backup, you should walk around your vehicle to check for hazards.

Cargo must be checked within first 50 miles.


True or False? (cont.)

3. The most important rule in lane usage is to maintain a safe following distance.

4. You should stop between 5 and 15 feet of railroad tracks.

Stop 15 to 50 feet before tracks.

5. The gear you use for descending a grade should be no higher than that required for ascending the same grade.


Safe Driving Habits—Any Questions?•Any questions

regarding inspections and basic maintenance of your vehicle?

•Any questions regarding how to operate your vehicle safely?


Carry Emergency Supplies•Tire jack and spare tire•Flares•Flashlight•First-aid and tool kits•Jumper cables•Spare lightbulbs•Spare hoses•Gloves•Pry bar•Fire extinguisher•Spare fuses


Emergency Stopping•Turn on flashers and

coast to shoulder

•Set up emergency warning signals

•Call for help

•Use fire extinguisher when necessary

•Replace fuses or bulbs


Emergency Signals•Activate the vehicle’s flashers

•Place warning device within 10 feet of vehicle toward approaching traffic

•Place second device 100 feet away toward approaching traffic

•Place third device 100 feet away

•Never attach flares to your vehicle


Safe Driving Conditions— Any Questions?•Are there any

questions about how to respond to vehicle emergencies and accidents?


Key Points•Inspect and maintain your vehicle •Know driving hazards and dangerous

conditions•Become a proud defensive driver•Wear your seat belt•Follow safe driving practices in all driving

conditions•Keep your lights on and use turn signals•Know how to respond to emergencies

defensive driving

Documents

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load securement

judging safe

drive inspection

recognize