Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after March 1, 1997 must be equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS).

Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) are compatible with air braking systems. ABS helps maintain control of a vehicle and prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking on slippery surfaces. ABS can still provide benefits even if is present on only one axle.

You should test the tractor protection valve by allowing the air supply to properly charge, turning off the engine, then releasing air from the system by pressing the brake pedal several times. The tractor protection valve should move into its emergency position when psi drops to an unsafe level.

Always shift to a lower gear before starting down a hill. Doing this will help your vehicle maintain a safe speed without you needing to use the brakes too much.

It is essential that drivers of doubles and triples are able to correctly couple and uncouple their trailers. Improperly coupling and uncoupling trailers is extremely dangerous.

In adverse weather conditions, special care must be taken when driving a double or triple. They are especially prone to skids, loss of traction, and rollovers.

Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day. It is more difficult for drivers to see hazards, the glare of headlights can affect drivers' vision, and there are more fatigued and impaired drivers on the road.

If you need to back your trailer but cannot back up in a straight path, you should back on a curved path toward the driver's side of the vehicle. This will permit you the best possible visibility while backing.

When inspecting a vehicle, you should ensure that dual tires do not come into contact with each other or with other parts of the vehicle. Tire sizes should not be mismatched, and tires should not be cut or damaged in any way. Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires are not permitted to be used on the front wheels of a bus.

Strategies to reduce the risk of fatigue while driving include getting seven to eight hours of sleep beforehand; scheduling trips for the hours during which you are normally awake; planning to take breaks during the trip; and exercising regularly.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) malfunction lamps are usually yellow. Even if the ABS isn't working properly, a driver will still have access to the vehicle's usual braking functions.

As a precaution, you should always approach a railroad crossing under the assumption that a train is coming. Do not rely only on signals or your hearing to indicate that a train is approaching.

Driving while fatigued is dangerous. Warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing; repeated yawning or rubbing of the eyes; daydreaming or wandering thoughts; and drifting out of your lane.

Always turn on your four-way emergency flashers if you must park on the side of the road. This is especially important when traveling at night.

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.

Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs can be a dangerous defect. Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are not safe to be used. Wheels or rims with welded repairs are not safe.

If a trailer is attached to a tractor, the adjustment of the vehicle's mirrors can only be checked accurately if the trailer is straight.

Combination vehicles need more space on the road than other commercial vehicles because they are longer and need more space to turn and stop. It is especially important to properly manage space when you are operating a combination vehicle.

After you start the engine, keep an eye on the gauges. Oil pressure should rise to a normal level within a few seconds of the engine being started.

Always reduce your speed and downshift before entering a curve.