Massachusetts CDL DMV Endorsement Tank 2

After a trip, you may be required to perform an inspection and file a report on each vehicle that you've driven.

Be aware of the risk of liquid surge when driving tanks transporting liquid cargo. To prevent the negative affects of surge on your driving, you should start, slow, and stop very smoothly.

Before a trip, you should ensure that air reaches all air brakes on all trailers by opening up the rear emergency line and service line shut-off valves to listen for escaping air. Close both shut-off valves before beginning to drive.

In construction zones, do not exceed the posted safe sped limit. Slow down even more when workers are near the roadway.

To improve visibility, you should use high beam headlights at night where it is safe and legal to do so. However, the glare from high beam lights can blind other drivers. You should dim your lights to their low beam setting when driving within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle.

It is important for you to be aware of your surroundings at all times. To do this, regularly check your mirrors.

During a pre-trip inspection, belts in the engine compartment should be checked for tightness and excessive wear.

When turning quickly to avoid an object, turn only as much as is necessary to clear it. Do not apply the brakes while turning.

Aggressive driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others.

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.

It is essential that a driver always uses proper signals to make their intentions known to others on the road.

Before coupling together a tractor and a trailer, you should make sure the trailer is at the proper height. If the trailer is too low, the trailer nose may be damaged. If the trailer is too high, it may not be able to couple correctly.

The shipper of hazardous materials is responsible for identifying the product's identification number; proper shipping name; hazard class; packing group; and correct packaging, labels, marking, and placards.

In the event of tire failure, hold the steering wheel firmly. Stay off the brakes and let the vehicle slow down on its own. Once the vehicle has slowed considerably, you should brake very gently, pull off the road, and stop. Check your tires after coming to a complete stop.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications may have side effects that can impair a person's ability to drive safely. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance, including some over-the-counter medications.

The function of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is to prevent a vehicle's wheels from locking up during hard braking.

Always downshift before beginning to drive downhill. Forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at a high speed could damage the transmission and also lead to a loss of ability to engine brake. Drive at a speed that will allow you to control your vehicle without overusing your brakes. When determining a safe speed to drive, you should take into account the steepness of the grade, the length of the grade, the weight of your vehicle, road conditions, and weather conditions.

Press the brake pedal down smoothly and gradually every time you slow or stop. The amount of brake pressure you need to apply depends on the speed of your vehicle and how quickly you need to stop.

Air tanks should be drained daily to remove water and oil buildup. An excess of oil and water in the air tanks can interfere with proper brake function.

A tank vehicle transporting liquids is less stable than other vehicles and may be prone to roll over or skid if not operated in a safe manner. If you must make a quick stop to avoid an accident while transporting liquid cargo, it safest to use either the controlled braking method or the stab braking method.