If a converter dolly has air brakes, you can release the brakes by opening the dolly air tank petcock. Releasing the dolly's brakes is the first step you should take when positioning the dolly in front of the rear trailer.

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

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that is clear enough for the road surface to be seen through it. Be alert to black ice any time the temperature is below freezing and the road surface looks wet.

Landing gear, or trailer supports, should always be completely raised before a vehicle is driven. When uncoupling, landing gear should be lowered to make firm contact with the ground. If a trailer is loaded when it is being uncoupled, you should lower the landing gear and turn the crank a few additional times to remove some weight from the trailer.

The force of gravity will cause a vehicle's speed to increase when traveling downhill.

When driving a tractor-trailer combination equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should brake in the same manner that you would if operating a vehicle without ABS.

If brakes are used too much, they will overheat and become less effective. This is referred to as brake fade.

If a converter dolly has spring brakes, you can release the brakes by using the dolly parking brake control. Releasing the dolly's brakes is the first step you should take when positioning the dolly in front of the rear trailer.

If your brakes fail on a downgrade, your best option is to use an escape ramp. If no escape ramp is available, it is a good idea to look for a different escape route, such as a side road or open field.

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

When inspecting your vehicle, you should check the wiper blades for damage, stiff rubber, and proper securement.

You should make frequent mirror checks to monitor the traffic around you. This should help you notice if surrounding vehicles begin to move into your blind spots.

Retarders are mechanisms in some vehicles that help slow the vehicle and reduce the need for braking. The four basic types of retarders are exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric.

Never unlock the pintle hook with the dolly still under the rear trailer. This could cause the dolly tow bar to fly up, possibly causing serious injury.

If the brakes pull to one side or the other when used, it is an indication of brake trouble.

An engine can be rapidly destroyed if it is run without oil. If its oil pressure gauge is low or fluctuating, do not operate a vehicle.

When a vehicle is traveling on a downward slope, the force of gravity will cause its speed to increase.

In an air brake system, a low pressure warning signal should activate if the pressure in the air tanks falls to a level below 60 psi. This signal may be in the form of a warning light or a wig wag.

To make a normal stop in a vehicle that is equipped with air brakes, you should simply press the brake pedal down.

Always drive with caution through work zones. You should make a particular point of reducing your speed when workers are on or near the roadway.