Illinois CDL DMV Endorsement Hazmat 1

For all shipments of hazardous materials, the shipper must use shipping papers to inform drivers and dockworkers of the risks presented by the cargo.

When carrying hazardous materials, it is a good idea to compare the shipping papers to the markings and labels on the packages.

Because of the risks presented by the nature of the materials, government on federal, state, and local levels may impose regulations on the transportation of hazardous materials.

To reduce the chances of becoming fatigued on a long trip, a driver should stop for a break at least once every two hours or 100 miles driven.

Stopping distance is affected by a vehicle's speed. The faster you are driving, the longer your stopping distance will become.

If you encounter a distracted driver, make sure to give them plenty of room. Be very careful if you pass their vehicle because the driver may be unaware of your presence and drift into your lane.

Unless a package is clearly unsafe or does not comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations, you may accept the shipper's certification that it was properly packaged.

When inspecting the engine compartment, you should check the oil level, coolant level, and windshield washer fluid level, among other things.

Bridges usually freeze before the rest of the road. You should be especially careful when crossing bridges if the temperature is near the freezing point.

Rust around wheel nuts may mean that they are loose. Check the tightness of the nuts if you see any rust in the area.

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.

Strategies for avoiding distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.

Potential problems to check for when inspecting brakes include cracked drums; shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.

Alcohol impairment begins long before the legal limit is reached. A 200-pound person will reach a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02 percent after a single drink.

Shippers must retain a physical copy or an electronic image of hazardous materials shipping papers for a minimum of two years after the materials are accepted by the initial carrier. For hazardous waste, this increases to three years.

The use of cargo heaters is not always permitted. When transporting materials that are categorized as Class 1 (Explosives), Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas), or Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) materials, heaters are generally prohibited.

Wheels and rims with welding repairs are not safe to be used. Replace any damaged wheels and rims.

When loading or unloading containers of hazardous materials, you should not use hooks, or any other tools that could damage containers or packaging.

When driving uphill, you are fighting the force of gravity, which will slow down your vehicle.

On a steep downgrade, you must use the engine's braking effect as your primary method of speed control. Be sure to decelerate and downshift appropriately before beginning to drive down the hill.

Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (about two inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it difficult to steer.

If the road appears to be wet but the wheels of other vehicles are no longer generating spray, ice has formed on the road. Drive with extra caution when operating on wet or icy roads.

You may be tailgated when you can't drive fast enough to keep up with other traffic. If a heavy load is slowing you down, stay in the right lane, if possible.

Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires are not allowed to be used on the front wheels of a bus.

A material's ID number must appear on its accompanying shipping paper as well as on its packaging. It must also appear on cargo tanks and other bulk packaging.

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

You must examine each tire on a motor vehicle at the beginning of each trip. The only effective way to check tire pressure is by using a tire pressure gauge.

During the CDL vehicle inspection test, you must be able to inspect your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you are inspecting and why.

For the safety of everyone on the road, it is essential that you maintain adequate cushions of space between your vehicle and other vehicles. This will help ensure that if you need to stop your vehicle, you will be able to do so without hitting someone else.

A pre-trip inspection should include a check of components in the engine compartment, including a check of the engine oil level.