As long as the brakes are properly maintained, using air brakes is a safe and effective method of stopping large, heavy vehicles.

To avoid rolling over and jackknifing, doubles and triples must be driven smoothly. To allow this, drivers should look well ahead of their vehicles so they can spot hazards early and have as much time as possible to make the necessary maneuvers.

On flatbed trailers and trailers without sides, cargo must be tied down to prevent it from shifting or falling in transit. There should be at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo. Regardless of the size of the cargo, at least two tie-downs must be used.

If you are being tailgated, it is best to allow more room to open up in front of your vehicle. This will help you avoid the need for sudden stops, which could result in the tailgater rear-ending you, and will make it easier for the tailgater to pass. Speeding up may only make things more dangerous by prompting the other driver to continue tailgating you at a higher speed.

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

To lower the risk of a rollover, load your cargo as closely to the ground as possible. To further reduce this risk, take curves and corners slowly.

On a vehicle with ABS, a yellow malfunction lamp on the instrument panel will illuminate to alert you if the braking system is not working.

If the low air pressure warning light turns on, you should stop and safely park your vehicle as soon as possible. Controlled braking will be possible only as long as enough air remains in the tanks.

Special permits are required for over-length, over-width, and/or overweight loads. They may also be subject to certain driving restrictions.

If you must drive slowly, you should warn drivers behind you by turning on your emergency flashers, as long as local law permits their use.

In rainy weather, roads are often at their most slippery when the rain first begins to fall. Fresh rainwater mixes with oil and grease on the road to form a slick film. As the rain continues, this mixture will eventually wash away.

Be cautious when driving near people who are not paying attention to the road. Be wary of road workers, drivers who are engaged in conversation with passengers, and children near the road.

To travel safely, it is essential that you know what is happening on all sides of your vehicle at all times. Check all mirrors frequently while driving.

If you encounter a distracted driver, make sure to give them plenty of room. Be very careful if you pass their vehicle because the driver may be unaware of your presence and drift into your lane.

Roads are especially slippery when it first begins to rain. Rain water initially mixes with oil and grease on the road to form a slippery film. As the rain continues, this mixture will eventually wash away.

Before coupling together a tractor and a trailer, you should make sure the trailer is at the proper height. If the trailer is too low, the trailer nose may be damaged. If the trailer is too high, it may not be able to couple correctly.

According to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America poll, 60 percent of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy, and 36 percent admit to having actually fallen asleep while driving.

The three main factors that determine a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are the amount of alcohol consumed, how quickly the alcohol is consumed, and the person's weight.

Backing can be dangerous, so avoid doing it whenever you can. If possible, park in such a way that allows you to pull forward to exit your parking space.

In a newer vehicle with air brakes, the parking brake is controlled by a diamond-shaped yellow knob. The knob is pulled out to apply the parking brakes and pushed in to release them.