Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...

ear of your vehicle close to the curb. This will
stop other drivers from passing you on the right.
If you cannot complete your turn without entering
another lane of traffic, turn wide as you complete
the turn. This is better than swinging wide to the
left before starting the turn because it will keep
other drivers from passing you on the right.
railroad-highWay Crossings
Railroad-highway crossings can also cause
problems, particularly when pulling trailers with
low underneath clearance.
• These trailers can get stuck on raised crossings:
— Low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving
van, possum-belly livestock trailer).
— Single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer
with its landing gear set to accommodate
a tandem-axle tractor.
• If for any reason you get stuck on the tracks,
get out of the vehicle and away from the tracks.
Check sign posts or signal housing at the crossing
for emergency notification information. Call 911
or other emergency number. Give the location
of the crossing using all identifiable landmarks,
especially the DOT number, if posted.
BaCking safely
Because you cannot see everything behind your
vehicle, backing is always dangerous. Avoid
backing whenever you can. When you park, try
to park so you will be able to pull forward when
you leave. When you have to back, here are a few
simple safety rules:
• Look at your path.
• Back slowly, using your mirrors.
• Back and turn toward the driver’s side whenever
possible.
• Use a helper whenever possible.
Start in the proper position. Put the vehicle in
the best position to allow you to back safely. This
position will depend on the type of backing to be
done.
Look at your path. Look at your line of travel
before you begin. Get out and walk around the
vehicle. Check your clearance to the sides and
overhead in and near the path your vehicle will take.
Use mirrors on both sides. Check the outside
mirrors on both sides frequently. Get out of the
vehicle and check your path if you are unsure.
Back slowly. Always back as slowly as possible.
Use the lowest reverse gear so that you can easily
correct any steering errors before you get too far
off course. You can also stop quickly if necessary.
Back and turn toward the driver’s side. Back
to the driver’s side so you can see well. Backing
toward the right side is very dangerous because
you cannot see as well. Remember to always back
in the direction that gives you the best vision.
BaCking With a trailer
Backing with a trailer. When backing a car,
straight truck, or bus, turn the steering wheel
toward the direction you want to go. When backing
a trailer, turn the steering wheel in the opposite
direction. Once the trailer starts to turn, you must
turn the wheel the other way to follow the trailer.
• Whenever you back with a trailer, try to position
your vehicle so you can back in a straight line.
If you must back on a curved path, back to the
driver’s side so you can see.
• Back slowly so you can make corrections
before you get too far off course.
Correct drift immediately. As soon as you see
the trailer getting off the proper path, correct it
by turning the steering wheel in the direction of
the drift.
Pull forward. When backing, make pull-ups to
reposition your vehicle when needed.
Use a helper. Use a helper when you can. He or
she can see blind spots that you can’t. The helper
should stand near the back of the vehicle where you
can see him or her. Before you begin backing, work
out a set of hand signals that you both understand.
Agree on a signal for STOP.
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