Railroad crossings that are not controlled by any type of traffic control device are known as passive crossings. The decision to proceed across tracks at a passive crossing is entirely up to the driver.

Factors that affect how much liquid is safe to load into your tank include how much the liquid will expand in transit, the weight of the liquid, and legal weight limits. If you are loading a particularly dense liquid, make sure you do not exceed legal weight limits.

A vehicle with tanks that are used to transport hazardous materials must always be stopped before being driven over railroad tracks, even if the tanks are empty.

Focusing on your mirrors for too long can be dangerous because you will have traveled a substantial distance without looking at the road ahead.

Texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle is both illegal and dangerous. Manually entering text into or reading text from any electronic device is considered texting.

Make sure to drive slowly and smoothly on slippery roads. Do not pass slower vehicles unless it is necessary to do so. Avoid frequently changing your speed under such conditions.

Never attempt to beat a train to a railroad crossing. It is very difficult to accurately judge the speed of an approaching train. If you come upon a crossing that is being approached by a train, you must stop and wait for the train to pass before you attempt to cross the tracks.

In bad weather, many automobile drivers will follow large trucks too closely, particularly if visibility is poor.

The shipper of hazardous materials is responsible for correctly labeling and marking them. The driver should make sure that the shipper properly labeled and marked the materials before beginning a trip.

Stopping is not always the safest response to a hazard on the road. You can almost always turn to avoid an obstacle faster than you can stop.

Whenever you pass another driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian, you should assume as a precaution that they do not see you.

If you think the road surface may be becoming icy, you can check for ice on your vehicle by opening the window and feeling the front of the side mirror, mirror support, or antenna. If ice has formed on any of these items, the road is likely becoming icy as well.

Combination vehicles require more skill to drive than single vehicles. Combination vehicles are usually longer and heavier, and are more vulnerable to rollovers.

Cylinders and drums are often used to contain hazardous materials. Be sure to take the proper precautions if transporting a cargo of hazardous materials.

Liquids may surge back and forth in tanks that have been partially filled. Tank drivers should be aware of how surge can affect the handling of their vehicles.

Tank vehicles have high centers of gravity, which makes them vulnerable to rollover.

Federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles before driving to ensure that they are safe to operate.

Beginning between 1997 and 1999, most commercial vehicles, trailers, and dollies are required to be equipped with ABS.

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.

If you begin to feel drowsy while driving, the best thing to do is to stop and get some sleep. A driver trying to push on and finish a trip while fatigued is a major cause of fatal accidents.