To avoid hitting anything behind you, make sure that your vehicle does not roll back when you start from a complete stop.

If a tractor-trailer is so equipped, the trailer brake hand valve can be used to stop the vehicle from rolling back when being started from a stop.

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.

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.

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

If the coolant temperature gauge goes above the highest safe temperature, you should stop driving as soon as possible and try to figure out what is wrong. There could be an issue in your vehicle that could lead to engine failure and possibly a fire.

When inspecting your tires, verify that there is at least 4/32 of an inch of tread depth in every major groove on the front tires, and tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch on the other tires. Tires on the same vehicle should all be the same size.

Using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a CMV is both illegal and dangerous.

Under slippery conditions, you should drive slowly and smoothly. Make turns as gently as possible and do not pass other vehicles unless you have to.

If your brakes fail on a downgrade, you will need to quickly find something outside that can stop your vehicle. An escape ramp is the best option. If no escape ramp is available, use the least hazardous available option, such as driving into an open field or side road that flattens out or turns uphill.

Black ice is a layer of ice that is thin and clear enough for the road to be visible through it. The surface will look like a wet road. Always be alert to black ice if the road looks wet when the temperature is below freezing.

When backing with a trailer, begin by turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite of the turn. Once the trailer starts to turn, reverse the direction of the steering wheel to follow the trailer.

You should never assume that you will hear an approaching train. The train operator may fail to sound the horn, or the use of a train's horn may be prohibited in a specific area. Even if the train does sound its horn, noise from inside your own vehicle may prevent you from hearing the train until it is dangerously close.

If you are twice convicted of violating any state law regarding hand-held mobile phone use, your CDL will be disqualified. Consequences will become more severe with subsequent violations.

After a tire has been changed, you should stop a short while later to recheck the tightness of the lug nuts.

If you find yourself being tailgated by another driver, you should increase your following distance and avoid making quick moves. Increasing your speed may only result in the other driver continuing to tailgate you at a higher speed. Do not turn on your taillights or flash your brake lights at the other driver.

The body removes alcohol at a fixed rate. The more alcohol consumed, the longer it will take for the body to remove the alcohol from its system.

Parking brakes should be used whenever you park. If necessary, chock your wheels.

A vehicle inspection report keeps the carrier informed about any problems that need to be fixed.

If confronted by an aggressive driver, it is most important to get out of their way, if possible. Do not make eye contact with the driver, as doing so could provoke them. Do not let them provoke you with their actions.