To remain aware of hazards behind your vehicle when backing, you should frequently check your mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. Have a helper watch your blind spots whenever possible.

When examining the engine compartment during a pre-trip inspection, you should check the engine oil level, the radiator coolant level, and the condition of the hoses.

If a cargo of hazardous materials begins to leak, do not move your vehicle any more than safety requires. If you continue to drive, an even larger area will become contaminated. Instead, you should park your vehicle, secure it, stay with the vehicle, and contact the proper emergency personnel. If you do not have access to a phone, you should send someone else to get help.

Potential problems to check for when inspecting brakes include cracked drums; shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.

If you must back up, you should exit the cab and check your path for obstacles before beginning the maneuver. Drive as slowly as you can, checking your mirrors on both sides.

Placards must be placed on the front, the rear, and both sides of a vehicle carrying hazardous cargo. They must be readable from any direction.

When inspecting your vehicle, you should verify that the safety belt is securely mounted, adjusts, latches properly, and is not ripped or frayed.

When driving a tank vehicle, be sure to increase your following distance. Be aware that you could be pushed forward by liquid surge when slowing or stopping.

If your hydraulic braking system will not build up the pressure needed to slow or stop your vehicle, there are a few possible solutions. Try shifting into a lower gear, pumping the brakes, and/or using the emergency brake.

Unless a package is clearly unsafe or does not comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations, you may accept the shipper's certification that it was properly packaged.

Blocking is used to prevent cargo from sliding while in transit.

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.

It is common for drivers to tailgate slow-moving vehicles that cannot keep up with the speed of surrounding traffic. If you are being tailgated, allow the other driver to pass your vehicle.

Always turn the engine off before refueling a vehicle carrying hazardous materials. Someone must always be at the nozzle controlling the fuel flow.

Before driving a tank, check the vehicle for any signs of dangerous leaks. Check the tank's shell, pipes, connections, and hoses. Make sure the valves are in the correct positions before you load, unload, or move the vehicle.

A coolant gauge rising above the highest safe temperature may indicate that there is a problem with the vehicle that could result in engine failure or a fire in the engine. Stop as soon as you safely can and investigate the problem.

You may have to swing right to safely make a left turn. If there are two left turn lanes available at an intersection, you should always begin your turn in the rightmost lane.

The three main factors that determine a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are how much alcohol was consumed; how fast it was consumed; and the person's body weight. The only thing that can lower a person's BAC is waiting for the alcohol to leave their system naturally.

Drivers are usually less alert when driving at night, especially after midnight.

When required, hazardous materials placards must be placed on all four sides of a vehicle transporting hazardous materials.