When the shipper packages hazardous materials, they certify that the package has been prepared according to Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Unless a package is clearly unsafe or noncomplying with HMR, you may accept the shipper’s certification concerning the proper packaging of a material.

Hydroplaning is a phenomenon during which a vehicle's tires lose traction with the road surface and begin to glide along on water on the road. There does not have to be a large amount of water on the road for this to occur.

When backing with a trailer, turn the top of the steering wheel in the direction opposite of where you want to go. Once the trailer begins turning, you should then switch the direction of the steering wheel to follow the trailer.

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.

It is important to observe other drivers' actions and identify clues that a person could be driving impaired. Drivers who have had too much to drink, are sleepy, are on drugs, or are ill can present hazards to other drivers. One sign that a driver may be impaired is that they stop in inappropriate places, such as at green traffic lights.

In the event of tire failure, hold the steering wheel firmly. Stay off the brakes and let the vehicle slow down on its own. Once the vehicle has slowed considerably, you should brake very gently, pull off the road, and stop.

Retarders are mechanisms in some vehicles that help slow a vehicle and reduce the need for braking. However, using a retarder may cause wheels to skid when they have poor traction. Turn off retarders when traveling under wet, snowy, or icy conditions.

The person in charge of loading or unloading a hazardous materials cargo tank must ensure that a qualified person is always supervising the process. The supervisor must be alert; have a clear view of the tank; be within 25 feet of the tank; know the hazards of the involved materials; know the procedures to follow in the case of an emergency; and be authorized to and capable of moving the tank.

When coupling, make sure you couple matching glad hands. They are often color-coded to help drivers avoid mistakes. Typically, blue is used for service lines and red is used for emergency lines.

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that is clear enough for the road surface to be seen through it. A road covered in black ice may look like it is merely wet.

Because liquids expand when their temperatures increase, some space must be left in a tank to accommodate the expansion. This space is referred to as "outage." The amount of required outage is different for different liquids.

Driving while distracted may result in slowed perception, delayed decision-making, and improper actions. Watch for distracted drivers and avoid them, when possible.

Tank vehicles have a high center of gravity, meaning most of the vehicle's weight is carried high above the ground. Vehicles with high centers of gravity require careful driving to avoid rollovers.

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.

Cylinders and drums are often used to contain hazardous materials. Be sure to take the proper precautions if transporting a cargo of hazardous materials.

Flammable liquids should not be transferred from one vehicle to another on a public roadway, unless being moved due to an emergency. Always warn others of the hazards presented by the materials.

Factors that affect how much liquid is safe to load into your tank include how much the liquid will expand in transit, the weight of the liquid, and legal weight limits. If you are loading a particularly dense liquid, take special care to ensure that you do not exceed legal weight limits.

To warn drivers behind you that you are about to slow down, it may be a good idea to first lightly tap your brake pedal a few times to make the brake lights flash.

To test the trailer service brakes, you should first ensure that the braking system has a normal air pressure level, then release the parking brake. You should then move the vehicle forward slowly and apply the brakes with the hand control. If the trailer service brakes are working properly, you will feel the brakes activate.

The right lanes of a roadway are generally intended for vehicles traveling more slowly than surrounding traffic. If being slowed down by a heavy load, you should stay in the right lane.