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.

During a trip, you should regularly check the gauge and instrument panels, mirrors, tires, cargo, and lights for signs of trouble.

Wheels or rims with welding repairs are never safe to use.

Always watch for hazards on the road ahead. Doing this will allow you time to react to hazards before meeting them.

Mirror adjustment should be checked prior to the start of any trip. If your vehicle has a trailer, the trailer must be straight in order for the mirrors to be checked accurately.

Because air pressure increases with temperature, you should pay special attention to the tire mounting and pressure when traveling in hot weather.

Tank vehicles carrying liquid cargo are vulnerable to surge. Liquid surge is an occurrence in which a wave of liquid sloshes from one end or side of a tank to the other, causing dangerous effects on handling.

Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner and without regard for the rights or safety of other road users.

Once you have begun to drive after a tire has been changed, you should stop after a short distance to recheck the tightness of the lug nuts.

If you must stop on the side of the road, make sure to use your four-way emergency flashers. This is particularly important at night.

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.

The risk of hydroplaning begins when water has collected on the surface of a road.

The controlled braking method for emergency stops involves applying the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels. Keep steering wheel movements small when braking in this way.

Aggressive driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner. Road rage is defined as operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others, or the intent of physically assaulting another driver or their vehicle.

If a shipping paper lists both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, the hazardous materials must be entered first.

Reduce your speed when traveling on surfaces that provide reduced traction. Reduce your speed by one-half or more when traveling on packed snow.

Rust around wheel nuts can indicate that the nuts are loose. If you find rust near the wheel nuts, check their tightness before beginning to drive.

To drive safely, it is important to remember how much distance your vehicle will need to stop. Stopping distance for a vehicle can change with road conditions, weather conditions, and the quantity of cargo in the vehicle's tanks.

In low temperatures, bridges usually freeze before other road surfaces. When driving in cold weather, especially when weather conditions have been wet, use special caution on bridges and overpasses.

Baffled liquid tanks contain bulkheads with holes in them that allow the movement of liquid. This helps to inhibit the forward and backward surge of liquids. Baffled liquid tanks do not prevent side-to-side surge and may still allow rollovers.