The student will be able to demonstrate hazardous driving skills by:
- Identifying preparation for operation in cold weather.
- Demonstrating proper procedure for expelling moisture from the air tanks after each trip.
- Identifying proper procedures for checking ice accumulation on brakes, slack adjuster, air hoses, electrical wiring, and radiator shutters during operation.
- Performing operational adjustments necessary to maintain control in all weather conditions, including speed selection, braking, and following distance.
- Describing procedures to check the safe operation of brakes after driving through deep water.
- Performing proper use of windshield wipers, washers, and defrosters to maintain visibility.
- Demonstrating the ability to recognize and evaluate changing road conditions that produce low traction, including initial rainfall, ice, snow, and mud.
- Describing and understanding procedures to avoid skidding.
- Identifying procedures to avoid hydroplaning and describing the road and vehicle conditions that produce it.
- Identifying procedures for mounting and dismounting tire chains.
- Identifying procedures for extricating the vehicle from snow, sand, and mud by maneuvering or towing.
- Demonstrating the ability to adjust the rate of change in speed and direction to accommodate road conditions to avoid skidding.
- Describing procedures required to coordinate acceleration and shifting to overcome the resistance of snow, sand, and mud.
- Demonstrating the ability to perform brake checks on equipment prior to mountain driving.
- Identifying procedures required to use the right lane or special truck lane going up grades.
- Identifying procedures required to place the transmission in appropriate gear for engine braking before starting downgrade.
- Identifying procedures required to use proper braking techniques and maintain proper engine braking before starting downgrades.
- Identifying proper use of truck escape ramp when brakes fail on a downgrade.
- Identifying procedures required for observing temperature gauge frequently when pulling heavy loads up long grades.
- Identifying the effect of vehicle weight and speed upon braking and shifting ability on long downgrades.
- Identifying the meaning and use of percent of grade signs.
- Bringing the truck to a stop in the shortest possible distance while maintaining directional control on a dry surface.
- Identifying procedures to make an evasive turn off the roadway and return to the roadway while maintaining directional control.
- Identifying procedures to bring the vehicle to a stop in the event of a brake failure. Identifying procedures to maintain control of the vehicle in the event of a blowout.
- Identifying procedures to bring the truck to a stop in the shortest possible distance while maintaining directional control when operating on a slippery surface.
- Identifying procedures to recover from vehicle skids induced by snow, ice, water, oil, sand, wet leaves, or other slippery surfaces.
- Identifying procedures to counter-steer out of a skid in a way that will regain directional control and not produce another skid.
- Identifying procedures to operate brakes properly to provide maximum braking without loss of control.
- Demonstrating competence in performing basic Commercial Vehicle Driving skills utilizing the CDL testing criteria.
- Demonstrating understanding and knowledge of Commercial Vehicle Driving Laws as required, to safely, and legally operate a commercial vehicle.
