Never use the trailer hand valve while parking because doing so may release the air pressure from the braking system, releasing the brakes that are holding the vehicle in place. Instead, use the parking brake or wheel chocks.

Always change lanes slowly and smoothly. If you did not see drivers who are already using the lane you wish to occupy, this will give them a chance to get out of your way or honk their horns to alert you. Always signal before changing lanes.

If you must drive slowly, you should use your emergency flashers to warn other drivers. Be sure that the use of emergency flashers is permitted by local laws.

If loading by hand, load breakable containers of corrosive liquid one by one. Keep them facing upright. Do not drop or roll the containers.

Landing gear, or trailer supports, should always be completely raised before a vehicle is driven. When uncoupling, landing gear should be lowered to make firm contact with the ground. If a trailer is loaded when it is being uncoupled, you should lower the landing gear and turn the crank a few additional times to remove some weight from the trailer.

Be sure to check your mirrors before beginning a drive. Your posture may change day to day and your mirrors may need to be adjusted.

Avoid being an aggressive driver by being realistic about your travel time, making allowance for delays, maintaining reasonable following distances, and not making hand gestures that could anger another driver.

If a shipping paper describes both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, the hazardous materials must be distinguished in one of three ways. They must be entered first on the shipping paper, highlighted in a contrasting color, or properly marked with an "X" in a column titled "HM."

Liquids expand when warmed, so a tank carrying liquid must also contain additional space to accommodate for this expansion. The extra space is known as "outage."

Hazardous materials warning placards are usually diamond-shaped.

When approaching your vehicle before an inspection, make note of its general condition and ensure that it is not damaged or leaning. Look under the vehicle for fresh leaks. Check around the vehicle for hazards to movement, such as people, other vehicles, or low-hanging wires or tree limbs.

While driving, you should consistently check the road ahead for hazards. Develop a plan to deal with any hazards that could arise.

Shipping papers must be quickly accessible in the event of an emergency. While driving, operators must keep the papers in a pouch on the driver’s door or in clear view and within immediate reach while their seat belt is fastened. Shipping papers may be kept on the driver’s seat when the driver is out of the vehicle.

Before loading or unloading a tank with flammable liquids, you should turn off the engine, unless running the engine is necessary to operate a pump. Ground the tank before opening the filling hole and maintain the ground until after closing the filling hole.

If you aren't sure that you have space for your vehicle to safely fit underneath an overhead object, slow down and seek an alternate route if possible.

If you are experiencing a truck fire, you should not attempt to open trailer doors without first feeling the doors to see if they are hot. If the doors are hot, there may be a cargo fire. Leave the doors closed if there is a cargo fire.

Air tanks should be drained daily to remove water and oil buildup. An excess of oil and water in the air tanks can interfere with proper brake function.

Except when parking briefly to perform necessary functions for vehicle operation (such as refueling), never park a vehicle carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or building. Never park such a vehicle within five feet of the traveled portion of a road. Such vehicles should be parked only briefly.

When inspecting your vehicle's engine compartment, be sure to check the oil level; the radiator coolant level and the condition of the hoses; the power steering fluid level and the condition of the hoses, if applicable; the windshield washer fluid level; the battery connections, fluid level, and tie-downs; the automatic transmission fluid level; and the condition and tightness of the belts. Additionally, check for any leaks in the engine compartment and cracked or worn electrical wiring insulation.

When inspecting any style of tank, the most important thing for a driver to check for is leaks. Transporting any type of gas or liquid in a leaking tank is illegal.