When inspecting the fifth wheel before a trip, you should ensure that the release arm is properly seated and the safety latch or lock is engaged. All components should be present and in proper working condition.

Fully-loaded rigs are more vulnerable to rolling over than empty rigs because the weight of the cargo gives the vehicles higher centers of gravity.

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

Texting while driving is a dangerous distraction and is prohibited at all times when operating a CMV.

Making a sudden lane change can be dangerous while driving a combination vehicle. You can avoid the need to make a sudden lange change by looking down the road for upcoming obstacles that will require you to change lanes.

All commercial motor vehicles are required to be equipped with the proper emergency equipment. This may include spare electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and at least one properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.

Trailers built before 1975 are not required to have spring brakes. When parking a trailer without spring brakes, be sure to use wheel chocks to prevent the trailer from rolling.

When inspecting your vehicle's suspension, verify that leaf springs do not have missing or broken leaves. If at least one-fourth of the leaves in a leaf spring are missing, the vehicle will be put out-of-service until the defect is fixed.

The most important reason to inspect your vehicle is to ensure the safety of yourself and other road users.

In low temperatures, bridges usually freeze before other road surfaces. When driving in cold weather, especially when weather conditions have been wet, use special caution on bridges and overpasses.

It is common for drivers to tailgate slow-moving vehicles that cannot keep up with the speed of surrounding traffic. If you are being tailgated, allow the other driver to pass your vehicle.

If used and maintained properly, air brakes are a safe and effective way to stop large, heavy vehicles.

It is important that all of a vehicle's equipment is in proper working condition before beginning a trip. If a trailer's spring brakes do not release when you push in the tractor air supply control, you should make sure the air line connections are properly attached and sealed.

If a trailer begins to jackknife, you should release the brakes and allow the trailer wheels to regain traction with the road. Do not apply the trailer hand brake to attempt to straighten out the rig because it will only prolong the skid. The application of brakes is what caused the wheels to lock in the first place.

Retarders help to slow vehicles, reducing drivers' need to use brakes.

Most newer heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake systems. A dual air brake system has two separate air brake systems which use a single set of brake controls.

Using a trailer hand valve while driving could create a skid. The trailer hand valve should only be used when testing the trailer brakes.

One way to know when it is time to shift gears is to learn your vehicle's operating rpm range. You should shift up when your engine reaches the top of that range. You can also learn which speeds each gear is good for and shift up based on your speedometer.

Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs are dangerous, as are mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings. Be sure your tires and rims are in good condition before operating your commercial motor vehicle.

When operating a new vehicle, you should familiarize yourself with its features and equipment before getting behind the wheel.