Shipping papers must be quickly accessible in the event of an emergency. While driving, operators must keep the papers in a pouch on the driver’s door or in clear view and within immediate reach while their seat belt is fastened. Shipping papers may be kept on the driver’s seat when the driver is out of the vehicle.

The shipper of hazardous materials is responsible for identifying the product's identification number; proper shipping name; hazard class; packing group; and correct packaging, labels, marking, and placards.

Radioactive materials are categorized as Class 7 hazardous materials.

When driving through work zones, you should make a particular point of reducing your speed when workers are on or near the road.

While driving, you should continually scan the road to spot potential hazards in advance. Make emergency plans for how to deal with the hazards if they become dangerous.

When inspecting a vehicle's exhaust system, be alert to a number of potential problems, including loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, or vertical stacks; loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts; exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of the vehicle; and exhaust system parts that are leaking.

If you are experiencing a trailer jackknife, you can help your tires regain traction by releasing the brakes. Using a trailer hand brake while experiencing a skid will only cause the skid to continue.

To test the trailer service brakes, you should first ensure that the braking system has a normal air pressure level, then release the parking brake. You should then move the vehicle forward slowly and apply the brakes with the hand control. If the trailer service brakes are working properly, you will feel the brakes activate.

To avoid engaging in dangerous and aggressive driving behavior, you should relax and accept any delays that arise throughout a trip. To help avoid the stress of arriving late to a destination, plan for likely delays when planning your drive.

When inspecting your vehicle's engine, check the belts for tightness and excessive wear. The amount of "give" that is safe for each belt in a given engine will vary, so learn what is appropriate for your vehicle.

Before a trip, you should ensure that air reaches all air brakes on all trailers by opening up the rear emergency line and service line shut-off valves and listening for escaping air. Close both shut-off valves before beginning to drive.

If you discover a leak in a cargo of hazardous materials, identify the materials in question by using the shipping papers, labels, or package location. Do not touch the leaking material.

Before a trip, be sure to inspect all couplings. There should be no space between the upper and lower fifth wheel.

Fatigue and lack of alertness are major hazards when driving at night. Most people are the least alert at night, especially after midnight.

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

Packaging can be an indicator of whether or not materials are hazardous. Cylinders and drums are often used to hold and transport hazardous materials.

Smoking, eating, or drinking are distracting activities and should be avoided while you are driving. Instead, plan ahead and allow yourself time to stop to eat when making a lengthy trip.

Many products classed as poison are also flammable. Take the appropriate precautions if you think your cargo may be flammable.

Backing a truck is always dangerous because the driver may not be able to see everything behind them. CMV operators should avoid backing whenever possible.

Always signal well ahead of a turn or lane change. Signal continuously until you have completed the turn or lane change, then be sure to cancel the signal so you do not confuse other drivers.