On- and off-ramps can be dangerous when driving a truck. Remember that posted speed limits for ramps may be safe for cars but too fast for trucks.

When traveling at speeds under 40 mph, you should allow a minimum of one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle's length. At faster speeds, add at least one additional second.

It is important to communicate your intentions to others on the road. Make sure to signal before turning or changing lanes, even if no other vehicles are nearby.

The doors of a trailer should be not be opened in the event of a cargo fire, especially if the cargo includes hazardous materials. Opening trailer doors would increase the fire's oxygen supply, potentially causing the fire to increase in size.

When driving a vehicle with ABS, you should brake in the same manner as you would in a vehicle without ABS.

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

When inspecting an exhaust system, you should verify that parts of the system are not loose, broken, or missing. The system's parts must be properly mounted and should not be rubbing against moving parts of the vehicle.

It is always important to have enough water and antifreeze in a vehicle's cooling system. Despite the name, antifreeze is beneficial to an engine even in hot weather.

When backing up, it is always a good idea for a driver to use a helper who can watch the vehicle's blind spots. The helper should stand near the back of the vehicle in a location where they are visible to the driver.

Distractions while driving can be physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as making conversation with a passenger), or both (such as holding a phone to send texts). Strategies to help you avoid distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; avoiding complex or emotionally taxing conversation while driving; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.

If you must stop on the side of the road, you must place the appropriate emergency warning devices within 10 minutes of stopping.

Air tanks should be drained daily to remove water and oil buildup. An excess of oil and water in the air tanks can interfere with proper brake function.

Drum brakes are attached to the wheels and located on the axles of a vehicle. The braking mechanisms that cause the vehicle to stop can be found inside of a drum brake.

Faster speeds create more heat in the engine and tires, so slow down to avoid dangerous overheating when the weather is very hot.

Press the brake pedal down smoothly and gradually every time you slow or stop. The amount of brake pressure you need to apply depends on the speed of your vehicle and how quickly you need to stop.

When driving a tractor-trailer combination that is equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should brake in the same manner that you would if the vehicle was not equipped with ABS.

When driving during the winter, it is especially important to make sure the coolant and antifreeze are at safe levels.

A tractor protection valve keeps air in a tractor or truck air brake system should the trailer break away or develop a bad leak. The valve will close automatically if the pressure drops to an unsafe level.

If your CMV gets stuck on railroad tracks, you should immediately leave the vehicle and get away from the tracks. Check the signposts or signal housing at the crossing for emergency contact information and call 911, or another appropriate emergency number.

Tractor protection controls in older vehicles may be operated by levers instead of knobs. If an air supply control is set in its "emergency" position, the air supply will be stopped and the trailer emergency brakes will be applied.