CDL General Knowledge II

The two main things to look for ahead are traffic and road conditions. This means that while driving, it is important to pay attention to the flow of vehicles and any potential hazards on the road such as potholes, construction zones, or slippery surfaces. By being aware of the traffic and road conditions, drivers can make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

The correct way to view the sides and rear is by checking your mirrors regularly. Mirrors provide a clear and immediate view of the surrounding areas, allowing the driver to be aware of any potential hazards or vehicles approaching from behind. By regularly checking the mirrors, drivers can make informed decisions and adjustments to ensure their safety on the road.

Before driving if you are drowsy, it is important to get some sleep. This is because drowsiness can impair your ability to focus and react quickly while driving, increasing the risk of accidents. Consuming coffee or caffeine pills may provide temporary alertness but cannot substitute for proper rest. Therefore, the best course of action is to prioritize getting enough sleep before getting behind the wheel.

Hydroplaning refers to the phenomenon when the tires of a vehicle lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water. This typically occurs when there is heavy rain or standing water on the road, causing the tires to ride on top of the water rather than gripping the pavement. As a result, the driver may experience a loss of control and steering ability, making it dangerous to drive in such conditions.

Black ice refers to a thin layer of ice that is transparent and clear enough that the road underneath it can be seen. It is called black ice because it often appears as a dark, glossy surface on the road. This type of ice is particularly dangerous because it is difficult to see, making it easy for drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

Swinging wide to the left before turning right can create confusion for other drivers on the road. By doing so, you are indicating that you are planning to make a left turn, which may lead another driver to assume that it is safe to pass you on the right. This can be dangerous as it can result in a collision if you suddenly turn right while the other driver is attempting to pass. Therefore, it is important to avoid swinging wide to the left before turning right to prevent potential accidents.

When stopped on an undivided highway, reflectors should be placed within 10 feet of the front or rear and 100 feet behind and ahead of the vehicle. This ensures maximum visibility for other drivers, allowing them to see the stopped vehicle from a safe distance and take appropriate precautions. Placing reflectors within these specified distances helps to alert approaching drivers of the presence of a stopped vehicle, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions.

Empty trucks do not have the best braking. In fact, empty trucks have less weight and therefore less traction, which can result in poorer braking performance compared to trucks that are fully loaded. The additional weight of a loaded truck helps to improve traction and stability, allowing for better braking capabilities.

If you go twice as fast, your stopping distance will increase by four times. This is because stopping distance is directly proportional to the square of the speed. When you double your speed, the stopping distance will be four times greater because (2^2 = 4). Therefore, the correct answer is four times.

A smaller vehicle can stop faster than a larger one because it has less mass to slow down. The braking system of a smaller vehicle is designed to handle its weight, allowing it to come to a stop more quickly. In comparison, a larger vehicle requires more distance to stop due to its greater mass. Therefore, if the vehicle ahead of you is smaller than yours, it is likely able to stop faster than you can.

"Communicating" in safe driving refers to the act of letting other drivers know that you are present on the road in order to help prevent accidents. This can be done through various means such as using turn signals, headlights, or honking the horn to signal your intentions and alert others to your presence. By effectively communicating with other drivers, you are promoting awareness and reducing the risk of collisions or misunderstandings on the road.

The three things that add up to total stopping distance are perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. Perception distance refers to the distance a driver travels from the moment they see a hazard until they realize the need to brake. Reaction distance is the distance a driver travels from the moment they decide to brake until they actually start to apply the brakes. Braking distance is the distance a driver travels from the moment they apply the brakes until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. All three of these factors contribute to the total stopping distance.

When driving a vehicle, it is important to maintain a safe following distance to allow for sufficient reaction time and prevent accidents. The recommended following distance is typically measured in seconds. The correct answer in this case is four seconds. This means that you should allow a time gap of four seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, especially when driving a 30-foot vehicle at a speed of 55 mph. This allows you enough time to react to any sudden changes in traffic and helps to ensure a safe driving experience.

Decreasing your following distance when someone is following you too closely is not the correct action to take. In fact, it is recommended to increase your following distance in such a situation to ensure safety on the road. By increasing the distance, you provide yourself with more time to react to any sudden stops or changes in traffic. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

The statement suggests that low beams should be used whenever possible. However, this is not correct. Low beams should be used in specific situations, such as driving in fog or rain, or when there is oncoming traffic. In other situations, high beams may be more appropriate for better visibility. Therefore, the correct answer is false.