Driving Large Vehicles and Heavy Equipment
Vehicles on public roadways come in many different shapes and sizes. Most passenger vehicles – cars, vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks – have similar configurations and controls, and drivers of these vehicles understand their capabilities and limitations. However, drivers of large trucks and heavy equipment must use extra caution in order to safely navigate and share the roads with smaller vehicles.
This course covers some of the things that must be considered when driving large vehicles or operating heavy equipment in order to ensure the safety of operators and people who are nearby. Topics covered include blind spot awareness, how to safely back up, dealing with inclement weather and poor road conditions, construction and work zone considerations, minimizing in-cab distractions, and general best practices.
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Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
- List the items you should check before starting up a large vehicle or piece of heavy equipment
- List the additional limitations that large vehicles and heavy equipment have when compared to smaller vehicles
- Identify the blind spots on a large semi-truck
- Describe how you can safely back up a large truck or piece of heavy equipment
- Describe how high winds, standing water, driving in rain or snow, potholes, and sun glare can be hazardous while driving
- List the steps you should take if your vehicle begins to overheat or hydroplane
- List the main reasons large vehicles have longer stopping distances
- List rules that can help improve safety at construction zones and work zones
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What kinds of things should you check or inspect on a vehicle before starting it up?
Check fluid levels, lights, horns, other signals and alarms, mirrors, and hose connections and fittings, especially those associated with the brakes and other hydraulic equipment.
How are large vehicles and heavy equipment more difficult to back up?
They have larger blind spots and are less maneuverable than smaller vehicles.
If you are driving in fog, is it a good idea to use your high beams?
When driving in fog, do not use your high beams. Instead, turn on your fog lights, if available.
What kinds of risks do construction and work zones pose to drivers of large vehicles and heavy equipment?
Drivers of construction vehicles risk injuries from rollovers, collisions, and getting caught or struck by equipment.
What should you do if your vehicle starts to overheat and you are stuck in traffic?
Briefly put your vehicle in Park and lightly depress the accelerator to help circulate the coolant, and then pull off the road as soon as possible.
Sample Video Transcript
Blind spots are different for every vehicle. Every time you change vehicles, find out where the blind spots are. And adjust the seat and mirrors to minimize them. As you are driving, maintain a safe distance with other vehicles. And exercise caution with turning, changing lanes, and backing up. Remember that there’s a good chance that people on foot, and drivers of other vehicles do not understand your limitations.
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