General Knowledge Flashcards

YOU ARE CHECKING YOUR STEERING AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS DURING A PRE-TRIP INSPECTION. WHICH OF THESE STATEMENTS IS TRUE?

Answer: Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (2 inches on a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it hard to steer

Excessive steering wheel play is a serious safety defect. Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees, which translates to about 2 inches of movement on a 20-inch steering wheel, indicates loose or worn steering components. This excessive play makes it difficult to maintain precise control of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds, increasing the risk of an accident.

THE KEY POINT IN BALANCING CARGO WEIGHT IS TO KEEP THE LOAD:

Answer: Centered

The key point in balancing cargo weight is to keep the load centered over the axles. Distributing the weight evenly from side to side and front to back helps maintain the vehicle's stability and handling characteristics. An unbalanced load can cause the vehicle to lean, sway, or become difficult to steer, increasing the risk of rollover or loss of control.

CONVEX MIRRORS WILL:

Answer: Show a wider view than flat mirrors

Convex mirrors are designed with a curved surface that allows them to show a wider field of view compared to flat mirrors. This wider view is beneficial for commercial drivers to see blind spots and more of the surrounding traffic. However, a drawback is that objects viewed in convex mirrors appear smaller and farther away than they actually are, requiring drivers to adjust their perception.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN TRAVELING THROUGH A CONSTRUCTION ZONE?

Answer: Watch for holes in the road and drop offs

When traveling through a construction zone, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be vigilant for various hazards. These zones often have uneven surfaces, temporary lane shifts, loose debris, and significant changes in elevation, such as holes in the road or sudden drop-offs. Drivers must reduce speed, increase following distance, and constantly watch for these dangers to ensure safety for themselves and construction workers.

CAN YOUR TRUCK OR BUS BE INSPECTED BY FEDERAL INSPECTORS?

Answer: Yes, and they can also place you out of service

Yes, commercial trucks and buses are subject to inspection by federal inspectors, such as those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These inspectors have the authority to conduct roadside inspections to ensure compliance with federal safety regulations. If a vehicle or driver is found to be in violation of critical safety standards, federal inspectors have the power to place the vehicle or driver out of service until the issues are corrected.

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE CONTROLLED BRAKING?

Answer: To keep the vehicle in a straight line when braking

Controlled braking is a technique used to stop a vehicle quickly while maintaining steering control and keeping it in a straight line. It involves applying the brakes as hard as possible without locking the wheels, and if the wheels begin to lock, easing off slightly until they roll again, then reapplying. This method maximizes braking force while preventing skidding, which is essential for emergency stops without ABS.

CAN YOU USE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION WHEN OPERATING A CMV?

Answer: It should not be used because it can make you sleepy

Many over-the-counter medications, especially cold and allergy remedies, contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness or impair judgment. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) requires full alertness and unimpaired faculties to ensure safety. Therefore, using such medications while driving a CMV is dangerous and should be avoided, as it can significantly increase the risk of an accident.

WHEN YOUR BRAKES ARE WET, IT IS VERY EASY TO:

Answer: Jackknife the trailer

When brakes are wet, they can lose effectiveness unevenly, especially on a tractor-trailer. If the tractor's brakes grab while the trailer's brakes are still wet and less effective, or vice-versa, it can cause the trailer to push the tractor sideways. This loss of control is known as a jackknife, a highly dangerous situation where the trailer swings around to form an acute angle with the tractor.

WHEN CONDUCTING A PRE-TRIP INSPECTION OF THE STEERING SYSTEM, YOU WOULD NOT INSPECT:

Answer: Leaking shock absorbers

During a pre-trip inspection of the steering system, you focus on components directly related to steering control, such as the steering box, power steering fluid, hoses, and linkages. Shock absorbers are part of the suspension system, not the steering system. While important for vehicle control and ride comfort, their inspection falls under the suspension check, not specifically the steering system.

"OFFTRACKING" IS:

Answer: Trailer wheels following a different path than the tractor wheels

Offtracking, also known as "cut-in," is a phenomenon where the rear wheels of a long vehicle, particularly a tractor-trailer, follow a shorter path than the front wheels when making a turn. This means the trailer wheels will track closer to the inside of the turn than the tractor wheels. Drivers must account for off-tracking to avoid hitting curbs, signs, or other vehicles, especially in tight turns or intersections.

YOUR VEHICLE IS IN A TRAFFIC EMERGENCY AND MAY COLLIDE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IF YOU DO NOT TAKE ACTION.

Answer: You can almost always tum to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop

In an emergency, turning to avoid an obstacle is often a more effective evasive maneuver than attempting to stop. Large vehicles, like CMVs, require significant distance to stop, especially at higher speeds. A quick turn can change the vehicle's path more rapidly than braking can reduce its speed enough to prevent a collision, assuming there is an open escape path.

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE WHEN DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER?

Answer: Use windshield washer anti-freeze

In cold weather, water in the windshield washer reservoir can freeze, rendering the system useless and potentially damaging the pump or lines. Using windshield washer anti-freeze ensures that the fluid remains liquid and can effectively clear the windshield of snow, ice, and road grime. This maintains clear visibility, which is crucial for safe driving in winter conditions.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY?

Answer: To help maintain control of the vehicle

Proper gear shifting is essential for maintaining control of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). Shifting correctly allows the driver to keep the engine within its optimal RPM range, providing adequate power for acceleration and maintaining appropriate engine braking for deceleration. This ensures the vehicle responds predictably to driver inputs, especially on grades or in varying traffic conditions, preventing loss of power or excessive speed.

WHAT TYPE OF FIRE WILL WATER EXTINGUISH?

Answer: Tire

Water is effective in extinguishing Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, and rubber. A tire fire, being composed of rubber, falls into this category. However, water should never be used on Class B (flammable liquids like gasoline or diesel) or Class C (electrical) fires, as it can spread the fire or create an electrocution hazard.

YOU SHOULD USE YOUR HORN:

Answer: To help you avoid a collision

The primary purpose of a vehicle's horn is to alert other drivers or pedestrians to your presence or to warn them of a potential hazard. Using the horn can draw attention and give others time to react, thereby helping to prevent a collision. It should be used as a warning signal, not as a means of expressing frustration or impatience.

IN NORMAL DRIVING SOME DRIVERS USE THE HAND VALVE BEFORE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PREVENT A JACKKNIFE. WHICH OF THESE STATEMENTS ARE TRUE?

Answer: This should not be done

Using the hand valve (trailer brake control) by itself to slow down a combination vehicle is dangerous and can easily lead to a jackknife. The hand valve only applies the trailer brakes, which can cause the trailer wheels to lock up and swing out, especially on slippery surfaces. For normal braking, the foot pedal should be used, which applies brakes to both the tractor and trailer simultaneously and proportionally.

WITH LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON, YOU CAN SEE

Answer: 250 feet ahead

Low-beam headlights are designed to illuminate the road directly in front of the vehicle without blinding oncoming drivers. For most Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs), low beams typically provide adequate visibility for approximately 250 feet. Drivers should adjust their speed to be able to stop within the distance they can see ahead, especially at night.

YOU CAN BE PLACED OUT OF SERVICE IF YOUR BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION IS:

Answer: Any amount detectable

For Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers, federal regulations prohibit operating a CMV with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. While a BAC of 0.04% or higher will result in being placed out of service, even a BAC below 0.04% but still detectable can lead to a 24-hour out-of-service order. This emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol for CMV operators.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A TIRE BLOWS OUT AT HIGHWAY SPEED?

Answer: You will feel a vibration

When a tire blows out at highway speed, the sudden loss of air pressure and the violent tearing of the tire casing will cause a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel and/or the vehicle itself. This vibration is often accompanied by a loud bang. The driver must maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and gradually slow down to regain control.

WHEN BACKING TO A DOCK, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS NOT TRUE?

Answer: Back slowly until you bump the dock

It is incorrect and unsafe to back a CMV until it bumps the dock. Bumping the dock can cause damage to the vehicle, the dock, or the cargo. Instead, drivers should back slowly and carefully, using mirrors and a helper if available, to position the trailer precisely without making contact until the final, gentle approach. The goal is to stop just short of the dock or make a very light, controlled contact.