Page 46 - Driving Commercial Vehicles Manual

driving commercial vehicles

Construction zones

Look for construction zones ahead and look out for traffic-control persons,
construction workers and equipment. Remember, road construction doesn’t
just occur in the daytime.
In some construction zones, you may need to wait for a pilot car to escort
you through the work zone. Leave plenty of following distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle immediately ahead. Avoid changing lanes in a
construction zone. Also leave space between you, the construction crews and
their equipment.
Traffic-control person ahead.
Check radio, television and websites for the latest in traffic reports and
updates to find out what’s happening along your area roads and intended
route. Consider taking an alternate route.

Danger zones

The section of road a vehicle travels through before it can stop is called the
fast fact vehicle’s danger zone because it’s physically impossible for you to stop in time
to avoid a collision with any object or person.
Professional drivers:
As your speed increases, the length of your danger zone increases. Less than
• set their pace according ideal road conditions, such as rain, snow, ice or gravel, increase the length of
to existing conditions and your danger zone. Driving fast in these road conditions increases your danger
traffic flow
zone even more.
• maintain a safe stopping
distance ahead and Reduce your danger zone by slowing down. Remember, it’s easier to keep out
behind of trouble than get out of trouble.
• maintain driving space all Your danger zone is reduced when your vehicle’s speed is reduced. You also
around their vehicle reduce your danger zone when you cover the brake pedal with your foot
• have time to read the any time you see a potential hazard developing (for example, whenever you
traffic pattern approach an intersection).
• continuously plan an
escape route in case the Truck 1 is approximately 2½
danger zone becomes vehicle lengths from the
occupied. crosswalk when the driver sees
the pedestrian. Under ideal
conditions, the driver may be
able to stop just in time.
The driver of truck 2 can’t
stop in time, even under ideal
conditions.
See Speed and weight facts
in chapter 2.

As soon as you see a
potential hazard in your
danger zone, remove your
foot from the accelerator
Cover brake
here and put it lightly on the
Apply brake here brake pedal. This will help
you apply the brakes sooner
Able to stop here if you need to make an
emergency stop.
If brake is not covered, the vehicle
won't stop before the crosswalk.

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