2.3.7
Identifying Driving Techniques for Safe
Operation of a Transport
The driver of a transport has many responsibilities toward
the safety of the vehicle, the product, and other vehicles on
the road.
In this module you will learn to identify:
(1) Driving hazards specific to operating transports
(2) Specific transport driving techniques
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 1
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
High Center of Gravity
When the cargo tank is loaded, the center of gravity shifts even
higher. To compensate for this, drivers must drive smoothly,
controlling speed and changes of direction of travel in a planned and
controlled manner.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 1
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Load and Suspension Shifts
Combined with a high center of gravity, liquid surge can cause
dramatic load and suspension shifts. Load and suspension shifts
may result in loss of vehicle control and sometimes a rollover.
Every year, a significant number of drivers are involved in transport
rollovers. Whether the rollover starts with a wheel dropping off a
paved surface or with a tire blowout, the rollover usually is the result
of driver over-steering in reaction to the initial event.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 1
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Load and Suspension Shifts
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 2
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Load and Suspension Shifts
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 2
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Load and Suspension Shifts
5. 4th center of gravity shift;
Abrupt over-steering to right
6. Load re-stabilized;
vehicle out of service
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 2
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Preventing Rollovers
Abrupt braking or steering maneuvers are natural, but mistaken
first reactions.
Note:
It is significant that driver injuries that occur in rollovers
are usually due to not wearing a seat belt or from loose
tools and other unsecured objects that swirl around the
driver during the rollover.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 3
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Condition of Tires
Tires are an integral part of the vehicle suspension and
damaged or under-inflated tires present a hazard to safe
vehicle operation.
Tire manufacturer’s recommendations and OSHA standards
call for special precautions for inflating tires when the tire has
been driven under-inflated at 80% or less of its recommended
pressure.
If the tire is mounted on a multi-piece rim, the tire must be
inflated within a restraining device and protective barrier.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 3
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Handling a Tire “Blowout”
A blowout is the rapid deflation of a tire due to a large puncture
or structural failure. Experience at automotive proving grounds
and with professional driving has shown that the proper
technique for managing a blowout is to:
1. Slightly increase power to the drive wheels.
2. Maintain control of the steering wheel.
3. Steer the vehicle in a straight line.
4. Reduce power, gradually brake and steer the
vehicle to a stop, out of traffic lanes.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 4
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Condition of Tires
Note:
Inspection of tires and wheels is a vital part of your
pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
Federal regulations require drivers hauling hazardous
materials to examine each tire on a motor vehicle at
the beginning of each trip and each time the vehicle is
parked. (49 CFR §397.17)
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 4
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Blind Spots
Transport
Blind
Spots
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 4
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Blind Spots
1. Keep to the right.
2. Stop well back of
the intersection.
3. Don't back up.
PREVENT
BACKING
COLLISIONS
AT
INTERSECTIONS
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 4
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Changing Weather and Road Conditions
Changing weather, road conditions, and traffic are beyond the
control of drivers. Therefore, driving smoothly, controlling
speed and changes in direction, increasing allowance for
stopping distance and staying off the road when conditions are
unsafe are the keys to coping with adverse conditions.
When weather conditions are a factor to consider when driving
a tractor-trailer, the driver must decide when it is safe to
proceed.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 5
Hazards Associated with Tractor-Trailers
Safely Handling Skids – A skid occurs when one or more tires
lose traction and contact with the road surface. Remember that
improper braking often compounds the problem.
If your vehicle begins to skid, use the following techniques:
1. Release the brakes, allowing all wheels to turn.
2. Steer to the direction of the skid, until the vehicle path
straightens—especially important to avoid ‘jackknifing’.
3. Make slight steering corrections after traction and control are
re-established.
4. If the vehicle must be stopped, apply light but consistent
braking and initiate any change in direction slowly and with
slight changes.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 5
Tractor-Trailer Operation
Vehicle Attendance –
A motor vehicle is attended when the person in charge of the
vehicle is on the vehicle, awake, and not in a sleeper berth, or is
within 125 feet of the vehicle and has it within his [her]
unobstructed field of view.
A motor vehicle which contains hazardous materials …. located
on a public street or highway or the shoulder of a public highway
must be attended by its driver. However, the vehicle need not be
attended while its driver is performing duties which are incident
and necessary to his [her] duties as the operator of the vehicle.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 6
Tractor-Trailer Operation
Parking –
A motor vehicle which contains hazardous materials …. must not
be parked on or within 5 feet of the traveled portion of [a] public
street or highway except for the brief periods when the
necessities of operation require the vehicle to be parked and
make it impracticable to park the vehicle any other place.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 7
Tractor-Trailer Operation
Smoking –
No person may smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe
on or within 25 feet of—
a) A motor vehicle which contains explosives, oxidizing
materials, or flammable materials; or
b) An empty tank motor vehicle which has been used to
transport flammable liquids or gases and which, when so
used, was required to be marked or placarded in accordance
with [DOT regulations].
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 7
Tractor-Trailer Operation
Railroad Crossings –
The driver of a motor vehicle [marked or placarded for
Flammable Gas and/or a cargo tank motor vehicle, whether
loaded or empty, used for the transportation of any
hazardous material] shall not cross a railroad track or tracks
at a grade unless he [she] first:
1. Stops the vehicle within 50 feet of, and not closer than 15
feet to, the tracks;
2. Thereafter listens and looks in each direction along the tracks
for an approaching train; and
3. [Determines] that no train is approaching.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 7
Tractor-Trailer Operation
Railroad Crossings –
When it is safe to do so, the driver may drive the vehicle across
the tracks in a gear that permits the vehicle to complete the
crossing without a change of gears. The driver must not shift
gears while crossing the tracks.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 8
Tractor-Trailer Operation
Tunnels, Drawbridges and Posted Hazardous Material Routes
Federal and state regulations also require transport drivers to
observe posted warnings not to enter tunnels or to follow
posted hazardous material routes. Care must be exercised
when approaching drawbridges, including reducing vehicle
speed, observing warning signals and stopping for slow moving
vehicles.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 8
Tractor-Trailer Operation
These items require special attention of cylinder delivery drivers.
Protecting Public and Private Property
Load-Zoned Roads and Bridges
Bridges and Culvert Crossings on Customer Property
Customer Landscaping, Structures and Utilities
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 9
Tractor-Trailer Operation
Routing
Unless there is no practicable alternative, a motor vehicle
which contains hazardous materials must be operated over
routes which do not go through or near
heavily populated areas,
places where crowds are assembled,
tunnels,
narrow streets, or alleys.
Operating convenience is not a basis for determining
whether it is practicable to operate a motor vehicle in
accordance with this requirement.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 10
Time to See If You Got the Key Points of
This Module…
• Complete the Review on pages 11 & 12.
• See if you are ready for the Certification
Exam by checking off the
performance criteria on page 13.
2.3.7 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Pages 11 - 14