Leaks in an exhaust system are extremely dangerous because they may allow toxic fumes into the cab or sleeper berth, endangering drivers and passengers.

You must have a hazardous materials endorsement to transport any hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded.

An operator should drive with care when transporting a cargo of hanging meat. Such a load is unstable, both because it has a high center of gravity and because the swinging of the meat can affect the driver's handling of the vehicle.

It is essential to the safe operation of a CMV that cargo be properly loaded. Improper loading can affect handling and damage the vehicle. Additionally, improperly loaded materials can cause injury or death by falling off of the vehicle.

Empty trucks require longer stopping distances than full trucks because they have less traction available.

A retarder is a device that helps to slow a vehicle, reducing the need for a driver to use the brakes. However, these devices can be noisy and are not permitted everywhere.

In some vehicles, it may be necessary to leave the engine running when checking the automatic transmission fluid level.

When doing a pre-trip inspection on a vehicle with power steering, be sure to check the hoses, pumps, and fluid level. In particular, you should check the hoses for leaks.

If someone is following you too closely, you should open up the space in front of your vehicle to make it easier for the tailgater to pass. Speeding up is counterproductive because the other driver may just continue tailgating you at the higher speed, only increasing the danger.

To avoid engaging in aggressive driving behavior, it is helpful to give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Assume that they have valid reasons for what they are doing and don't take their actions personally.

When driving, you should continually scan the road for possible hazards. Form plans about what you will do if the hazards develop into emergencies.

All commercial motor vehicles are required to be equipped with the proper emergency equipment. This may include spare electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and at least one properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.

In general, a smaller vehicle will be able to come to a complete stop faster than a larger vehicle. Keep this in mind when determining your following distance.

The suspension system performs the vital functions of holding up the vehicle and its load while keeping the axles in place. Defects in the suspension are therefore extremely dangerous.

Bridges tend to freeze before other parts of the road surface. You should be especially careful on bridges when temperatures are near the freezing point.

The tire load, or the maximum safe weight that a tire can carry at a given pressure, is stated on the side of each tire.

If you are being tailgated, you should increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. This will reduce your need to make sudden moves, and will also allow the tailgater more room to pass you. Speeding up when being tailgated is not advised because it may result in the tailgater continuing to follow you closely at the higher speed, only increasing the danger.

In some emergencies, the best strategy for avoiding a hazard may be to drive onto the shoulder. Most shoulders are strong enough to support the weight of a large vehicle.

Cargo that is required to be tied down should be secured by at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo length. However, at least two tie-downs should be used no matter how small the cargo is.

A bus may never carry labeled radioactive materials in the space occupied by people. Small arms ammunition labeled ORM-D and emergency hospital supplies may be carried.