If a cargo leak develops while you are carrying hazardous materials, do not continue driving any farther than safety requires. The farther you drive, the larger the contaminated area will become. You should park the vehicle, secure the area, and stay with the vehicle while sending someone else to get help.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)'s Emergency Response Guide provides information about hazardous materials, indexed by proper shipping names and hazardous materials identification numbers.

Smooth bore tanks, which lack internal bulkheads to limit the flow of liquid, are the most vulnerable to surge.

Due to their high centers of gravity, tanks are especially prone to rollovers. When driving a tank vehicle, you should take curves well below the posted speed limit.

Wheels and rims with welding repairs are not safe to be used. Replace any damaged wheels and rims.

If a tractor-trailer is equipped with a trailer brake hand valve, the hand valve can be applied to keep the vehicle from rolling backwards when the vehicle is started from a stop.

Smooth bore tanks lack internal baffles. Compared to other types of tanks, unbaffled tanks are the most prone to front-to-back surge.

To prevent drowsiness on a long trip, strategies include getting adequate sleep beforehand; planning out the route and stopping points in advance; driving with a passenger; and driving at times during which you are normally awake.

Good drivers scan the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicles. Looking ahead will allow you to identify and react to hazards before meeting them. Be sure to specifically look for vehicles that are coming onto the highway, entering into your lane, or turning.

There are two indicators that determine when you need to shift into a higher gear. One indicator is the engine speed (rpm). You should read your vehicle's manual to learn its rpm range and shift up when you reach the top of that range. The other indicator is road speed (mph). You should learn which speeds each gear can accommodate, then keep an eye on the speedometer and shift up as needed.

You must always properly signal before turning or changing lanes.

You should never transport damaged packages of explosives. Do not accept a package that seems damp or has an oily stain.

At a minimum, emergency response information must include the basic descriptions and technical names of the materials being transported; immediate hazards to health; risks of fire or explosion; immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an accident or incident; immediate methods for handling fires; initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fires; and preliminary first aid measures.

Black ice is a layer of ice that is thin and clear enough for the road to be visible through it. This makes the road look as if it is merely wet.

If you must drive in reverse, you should first walk around your vehicle to look at the path of travel and check for obstacles. Because mirrors have blind spots, you cannot rely exclusively on them. It is recommended to use a helper whenever possible.

If your vehicle "pulls" to one side when braking, you may have brake trouble. If there is an issue with your brakes, you should fix the issue before driving. Operating an unsafe vehicle is against federal and state laws.

To travel safely, it is essential that you know what is happening on all sides of your vehicle at all times. Use your mirrors frequently to help you remain aware of your surroundings.

When driving, you should always scan the road for potential hazards. Formulate plans for how to deal with the hazards if they develop into emergencies.

Do not assume that posted height clearances are accurate. If the road was repaved after the sign was posted, or if there is packed snow on the ground, the actual height of the opening may be different than what is indicated. If you are not confident that your vehicle will be able to safely clear an upcoming bridge or overpass, you should slow down and find another path, if possible.

If you must back up, it is safest to back toward the driver's side of the vehicle. This way, as the driver, you will have the best possible view of your path of travel.