If a heavy load prevents your vehicle from keeping up with the speed of other traffic, you should stay in the right lane.

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.

Strong winds can make it difficult to keep a vehicle in its proper lane. Strong wind can be a particular problem when a vehicle is being driven out of a tunnel.

In an air brake system, the air storage tanks hold compressed air to be used by the brakes. The number and size of air tanks varies among vehicles.

Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after March 1, 1997 are required to be equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS).

To keep an engine fire from spreading, you should turn off the vehicle's engine as soon as possible. Do not open the hood if you don't have to.

If you must drive in reverse, you should back up slowly and use the mirrors on both sides of your vehicle. Use a helper to monitor your blind spots whenever possible. You and the helper should agree on a signal for "stop."

While driving downhill, you should hold down the brake pedal until your vehicle reaches a speed 5 mph below your safe speed, then release the brake pedal. Repeat this process.

If you must stop on the side of the road, it is important that you turn on your emergency flashers as a warning to other drivers. This is especially important if you are stopped at night.

When backing a truck, always use the mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. Have someone help you whenever 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.

Driving drowsy is dangerous and should always be avoided. Warning signs of drowsiness include frequent blinking, your eyes closing or going out of focus by themselves, frequent yawning, and drifting between lanes.

It is always safest to assume that other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians don't see you. Be prepared for the possibility that they may suddenly move into your path. It may be safe to lightly tap your horn or flash your lights as you pass.

You should never exceed the speed shown on a "Maximum Safe Speed" sign.

When inspecting your tires, verify that there is at least 4/32 of an inch of tread depth in every major groove on the front tires, and tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch on the other tires. Tires on the same vehicle should all be the same size.

When braking a vehicle equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should not brake any differently than you would if driving a vehicle with a different braking system.

Always watch for hazards on the road ahead. Doing this will allow you time to react to hazards before meeting them.

If you have an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) equipped on only the tractor, only the trailer, or only one axle, you will still have more control over the vehicle when braking than you would without ABS. You should brake normally.

Parking brakes should always be checked before driving as a part of your pre-trip inspection. If the parking brakes do not hold, the vehicle is faulty and should be fixed.

In adverse weather conditions, special care must be taken when driving a double or triple. They are especially prone to skids, loss of traction, and rollovers.