Use either the tachometer or the speedometer and upshift/downshift at the right rpm or road speed.

The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the value specified by the manufacturer of the power unit and the towed unit(s), including load, or any combination thereof.

Remember that when the road is slippery, you need much more space to stop, and should keep more space in front of your vehicle.

If the surface is icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.

Slow down to a safe speed, and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning. It also allows you to speed up as soon as you are out of the curve.

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.

Use windshield washer antifreeze to prevent freezing of the washer liquid.

There are four basic types of retarders: exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric.

I It will take longer to stop, and it will be harder to turn without skidding, when the road is slippery. Wet roads can double stopping distance at any speed, reduce speed, and slow down gradually on a wet road.

When driving a loud bang, vibrations, or heavy steering can indicate that a tire has failed.

If line of sight view is obstructed due to hill or curve, move the rear-most triangle to a point back down the road so warning is provided up to 500 feet.

Driving in work zones require extra care, and because of the workers risking their lives to keep the road in good condition you should drive slowly, use your hazards, and use your brake lights as communication devices.

You cannot inspect sealed loads, but you should check that you don't exceed gross weight and axle weight limits, and that the cargo is properly secured.

These trailers can get stuck on raised crossings: Low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving van, possum-belly livestock trailer). Single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer with its landing gear set to accommodate a tandem-axle tractor.

Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others. The frequent changes of speed is a distracted driver trait.

Escape ramps are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers. Escape ramps save lives, equipment and cargo.

Inspect the cargo and its securing devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip, and you will need to inspect again after you have driven for 3 hours or 150 miles and after every break you take during driving.

A bridge formula permits less maximum axle weight for axles that are closer together. This is to prevent overloading bridges and roadways

Alcohol affects more and more of the brain as BAC builds up. The first part of the brain affected controls judgment and self-control.

You must keep weights within legal limits. States have maximums for GVWRs, GCWRs, and axle weights.

Emergency braking does not mean pushing down on the brake pedal as hard as you can. That will only keep the wheels locked up and cause a skid. If the wheels are skidding, you cannot control the vehicle.

Currently, there are no federal regulations governing the height of splash guards. Each state is free to issue its own regulations, and those regulations vary from one state to another.

When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels. This is called off-tracking. Longer vehicles will off-track more, the rear wheels of the powered unit will off-track some, and the rear wheels of the trailer will off-track even more.

In some weather, water or slush collects on the road. When this happens, your vehicle can hydroplane. It's like water skiing--the tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction. You may not be able to steer or brake.

Hitting overhead objects is dangerous. Make sure you always have overhead clearance.

BAC is determined by the amount of alcohol you drink, how fast you drink, and your weight.

Retarders help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using your brakes. They reduce brake wear and give you another way to slow down.

Multi-speed rear axles and auxiliary transmissions are used on many vehicles to provide extra gears. You usually control them by a selector knob or switch on the gearshift lever of the main transmission.

Oil Level: Indicate where dipstick is located and see that oil level is within safe operating range. Engine Compartment Belts Check belts for snugness up to 3/4-inch play at center of belt with no cracks or frays. Hoses: Inspect hoses for condition and leaks. Valve clearance is the incorrect answer.

Alcohol impairs muscle coordination, reaction time, depth perception, and night vision. It also affects the parts of the brain that control judgment and inhibition. These effects mean increased chances of a crash and chances of losing your driver's license. Accident statistics show that the chance of a crash is much greater for drivers who have been drinking than for drivers who have not.

If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or other problem.

Linings, or the friction material on brake pads, must not be loose or soaked with oil or grease and must not be dangerously thin. Mechanical parts must be in place, not broken or missing. Leaf springs should not have missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaf.

The following are some causes of vehicle fires: Spilled fuel not properly cleaned up; improper use of flares; under-inflated tires and duals that touch; short circuits due to damaged insulation or loose connections; driver smoking in or around the vehicle; improper fueling and loose fuel connections; flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded cargo, with poor ventilation.

Remember, if the vehicle ahead of you is smaller than yours, it can probably stop faster than you can. You may crash if you are following too closely.

Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. At lower speeds, that's about one block.

The following are some causes of vehicle fires: spilled fuel, improper use of flares, under-inflated tires, duals that touch, short circuits, loose connections, improper fueling, loose fuel connections, flammable cargo that is improperly sealed or loaded cargo or has poor ventilation.

Before performing the pre-trip inspection on your vehicle, you must review the inspection report made by the previous driver. Only if defects reported earlier have been certified as repaired or not needed to be repaired, should you sign the previous driver's report.

You should always be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead.

Steering around the object when it is safe to do is the safest action.

Special conditions where you should downshift are: before starting down a hill slow down and shift down to a speed that you can control without using the brakes hard, and before entering a curve slow down to a safe speed and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve.

Axle Weight is the weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles

Turning too sharply, not enough weight on the front axle, and over acceleration are all example of how to cause vehicle skids.

Good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far.

Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled. Steam and boiling water can spray under pressure and cause severe burns.

Escape ramps are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers.

The braking effect of the engine is greatest when it is near the governed rpms and the transmission is in the lower gears.

An ABC fire extinguisher is a multi-purpose extinguisher and usually uses dry chemicals.

Brake linings must not be loose or soaked with oil or grease, and must not be dangerously thin, broken, or missing.

High center of gravity means that much of the load's weight is carried high up off the road. This makes the vehicle top-heavy and easy to roll over.

Wet roads can double stopping distance. You must drive slower to be able to stop in the same distance as on a dry road. Reduce speed by about one-third on a wet road.