Maine CDL DMV Endorsement Tank 2

When turning, drivers usually look in the direction of their turn. If a driver fails to signal before a turn or lane change, their body movements may still provide a clue that they are planning to turn.

When using a fire extinguisher, you should stand as far away from the fire as possible. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not at the flames. If you are not sure which kind of extinguisher should be used on a fire, particularly a hazardous materials fire, you should wait for the firefighters to arrive and allow them to extinguish it.

When inspecting your windshield, you should look for cracks or other problems that could interfere with your ability to clearly see the road. The windshield wiper arms should be checked for proper spring tension. The wiper blades should be checked for damage, stiff rubber, and improper securement.

Driving while fatigued can be extremely dangerous. Strategies for preventing drowsiness while driving include getting a full night's sleep before a trip; having someone ride with you; scheduling trips for times during which you are normally awake; and avoiding medications that may cause drowsiness. Exercising regularly can increase your energy levels and make you less likely to become tired while driving.

Speeding is the leading cause of death and injury in work zones. Use extra caution when driving near workers in a work zone.

For safe operation, a commercial motor vehicle needs a tread depth of 4/32 of an inch in every major groove on the front tires, and a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch on other tires.

If you are being tailgated, you should increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. This reduces the need for you to make sudden changes in speed or direction while making it easier for the tailgater to pass your vehicle.

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.

Trailers can overturn as a result of the "crack-the-whip" effect. The last trailer in a combination is the most prone to tip over due to this effect. Drivers should be aware of the rearward amplification of their specific vehicles and drive accordingly.

If you experience tire failure, you may hear the loud "bang" sound of a blowout or feel a heavy thumping or vibration in your vehicle. If steering begins to feel heavy, or if the rear of your vehicle begins to fishtail, you should stop to check your tires.

However you choose to deal with a brake failure on a downhill slope, it is important that you make your decision as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to act, the faster your vehicle will be moving, and the harder it will become to stop.

Potential warning signs of fatigued driving include difficulty focusing; frequent blinking or heavy eyelids; yawning repeatedly or rubbing one's eyes; daydreaming; wandering or disconnected thinking; trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs; having trouble keeping one's head up; drifting from one's lane; following a vehicle too closely; hitting a shoulder rumble strip; and feeling restless or irritable.

Hydroplaning occurs on surfaces where water has collected. If there is enough water, vehicles can hydroplane at speeds as low as 30 mph. Hydroplaning becomes more likely if tires are under-inflated or if the tread is worn.

If your brakes fail while you are driving downhill, you should first look for an escape ramp to stop your vehicle. If no ramp is available, you should look for an alternative place to bring your vehicle to a stop, such as an open field or side road that flattens out or turns uphill.

Federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles before every trip, regardless of length.

Baffled tanks are divided by bulkheads with holes in them. These bulkheads inhibit front-to-back surge while still allowing liquid to flow through the whole tank.

Tanks have high centers of gravity. This weight placement makes tank vehicles more likely to roll over than other vehicles, particularly when being operated at high speeds in turns and curves.

When liquid surges in a tank that is partially filled, the truck tends to be pushed in the direction of the wave. If a truck is being stopped on a slippery surface, the surge may push it forward into an intersection or another vehicle.

A trailer with a high center of gravity is at a greater risk of rolling over than a trailer with a low center of gravity.

The service air line carries air and is controlled by either the foot brake or trailer hand brake. The service air line is attached to relay valves, which allow the trailer brakes to be applied quickly.