A driver transporting chlorine in cargo tanks must keep an approved gas mask and an emergency kit in their vehicle.

When accelerating, speed up smoothly and gradually so your vehicle does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage.

For safe driving, it is essential that you are aware of what is happening on all sides of your vehicle. In addition to watching the road ahead, you should frequently check your mirrors to monitor the road to the sides and to the rear of your vehicle.

The emergency air line controls the emergency brakes on a combination vehicle. A loss of air pressure in the emergency line will cause the emergency trailer brakes to activate.

Drivers are usually less alert when driving at night, especially after midnight.

Be aware of the risk of liquid surge when driving tanks transporting liquid cargo. To prevent the negative affects of surge on your driving, you should start, slow, and stop very smoothly.

When loading hazardous materials, do not use hooks or tools that could damage containers or other packaging.

Driving at excessive speeds is a major cause of fatal crashes. Never drive above the posted maximum speed limit and adjust your speed to fit conditions.

If you see, hear, smell, or feel anything that could indicate trouble while you are driving, you should stop and inspect the source of the unusual occurrence.

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.

A vehicle being equipped with anti-lock brakes on only the tractor or only the trailer provides additional control during braking.

Accelerate smoothly and gradually. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage.

If you are operating a vehicle built before 1998 and are unsure if the trailer has an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you can check under the trailer for wheel speed sensors coming from the back of the brakes.

Because the weight of cargo gives them a higher center of gravity, fully-loaded rigs are 10 times more likely to roll over in a crash than empty rigs.

Combination vehicles have two air lines: a service line and an emergency line.

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.

Driving while distracted may result in slowed perception, delayed decision-making, and improper actions. Watch for distracted drivers and avoid them, when possible.

The added weight of a heavy load will make a vehicle sit lower than usual. A vehicle will often be taller when carrying a light load than when carrying a heavy load. If your vehicle fits under an overpass while carrying a full load, it is not guaranteed that it will fit under the same overpass if it is empty.

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.

Always drive cautiously around a stopped bus. Passengers may cross in front of or behind it, and the bus may prevent them from seeing your vehicle.