A leaking exhaust system can introduce carbon monoxide, which is poisonous, into the cab or sleeper berth.

The suspension system holds up a vehicle and its load while keeping the axles in place. Defects in this system are extremely dangerous.

Distractions that can affect safe driving can be classified as physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as talking with passenger), or both (such as talking on a hand-held phone).

A trailer with a high center of gravity is at a greater risk of rolling over than a trailer with a low center of gravity.

In the event of a vehicle fire, you should leave the road and stop in an open area. Do not pull into a service station as fuels at the service station could catch fire. Report the fire and your location to emergency services.

To reduce the risk of developing aggressive driving behavior, you should take measures to manage your stress. One strategy to do this is to simply take a deep breath and accept your circumstances if you realize you will be late to your destination.

Texting while driving is even more dangerous than speaking on a phone while driving. In addition to being mentally distracting, texting is also physically distracting.

You should always slow down to a safe speed and shift into a lower gear before entering a curve.

Ice becomes wet when the weather is just warm enough to melt the ice slightly. Wet ice is much more slippery than ice that is not wet.

Fatigued drivers are slower to see or react to hazards than drivers who are not fatigued. Drivers are impaired in their ability to make critical decisions when they are driving drowsy.

Because air takes time to flow through the air lines to the brakes, air brakes cannot begin working instantly. There is often a brake lag of at least one-half of a second between the moment the brake pedal is pressed and the moment the brakes begin to work.

Potential warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids; yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes; daydreaming; wandering or disconnected thoughts; trouble remembering the last few miles you've driven; missing exits or traffic signs; having trouble keeping your head up; drifting from your lane; following too closely; hitting a shoulder rumble strip; or feeling restless and irritable.

When liquid surges in a tank that is partially filled, the truck tends to be pushed in the direction of the wave. If a truck is being stopped on a slippery surface, the surge may push it forward into an intersection or another vehicle.

When inspecting your windshield, you should look for cracks or other problems that could interfere with your ability to clearly see the road. The windshield wiper arms should be checked for proper spring tension. The wiper blades should be checked for damage, stiff rubber, and improper securement.

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.

In an air brake system, the air compressor pumps air into the air storage tanks. The air compressor is controlled by the air compressor governor.

Landing gear, or trailer supports, should always be completely raised before a vehicle is driven. Landing gear that is not entirely raised could catch on railroad tracks or other hazards on the roadway.

Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires are prohibited on the front wheels of a bus.

Braking after a tire fails can result in a loss of control. Stay off your brakes, if possible, until your vehicle has slowed considerably.

Brake linings should not be loose or soaked with oil or grease. They shouldn't be dangerously thin.