Commercial driver's guide to operation, safety and licensing

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Dispatch computers like those used in taxicabs or delivery trucks Drivers who use dispatch systems for the transport of passengers or logistical transportation tracking devices for commercial purposes can still have mobile data computers installed and activated in their vehicles. All drivers should keep their focus on the road and as such, drivers should not type information into these devices while driving. ‘CB radios’ or ‘Mike Phones’ are exempt for commercial purposes and search and rescue services This legislation is not intended to interfere with well-established commercial operations or search and rescue efforts. Where this type of communication is required to communicate with the driver’s employer or when participating in some type of emergency management situation the use of what are commonly referred to as hand- held CB radios or ‘Mike phones’ are allowed. This law is not about taking away tools for traffic safety. The use of hand-held radios to communicate extreme weather conditions or a hazard on the roadway, such as a collision, could fall under the “emergency” scenario category. Alberta Transportation recognizes that commercial drivers are professionals and anticipates that they will make good safety decisions when choosing to use public radio systems. As with all laws, enforcement officers ultimately have the responsibility to evaluate specific situations to determine if citizens are complying with the law. Tour bus drivers Tour bus drivers must be in compliance with the law and must not drive distracted. There are hands-free units, available to ensure compliance with the law, as well as innovative technology solutions to provide information to passengers. Fatigue Driving while exhausted can make you a road hazard. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as impaired driving because it slows a driver’s reaction time, decreases awareness and can impair judgment like alcohol or drugs. Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of drowsy driving. Other contributing factors include driving alone, driving long distances without rest breaks and driving through the night, or at times when the driver normally sleeps. Taking medication that increases sleepiness or drinking alcohol also contributes to driver fatigue. People most at risk for falling asleep at the wheel are shift workers, commercial drivers, people with untreated sleep disorders, teenagers and young adults. Fatigue-related crashes are common in young drivers because they tend to stay up late, sleep less than they should and drive more often at night. Warning signs of driver fatigue • Yawning • Inability to keep eyes focused and head up CHAPTER TEN Responsible Driving Tips for Commercial Drivers 83
• Having wandering, disconnected thoughts • Driving the past few kilometres without remembering them • Drifting between lanes, tailgating or missing traffic signs • Noticing a vehicle in the rear view mirror that seemed to appear out of nowhere Railway Crossing Most fatigue-related collisions happen between 1 - 4 p.m. and early in the morning between 2 - 6 a.m. Typically, fatigue-related collisions occur at higher speeds and can result in drivers running off the road or vehicles colliding head-on with other vehicles or stationary objects. How to reduce driver fatigue Turning up the radio, opening a window, drinking coffee, chewing gum or eating will help reduce driver fatigue for short periods of time but the following actions will help prevent driver fatigue: • Become aware of your own biological clock and avoid driving during your body’s down time. • Stop if you become sleepy while on the road. • Get plenty of sleep the night before a long trip. • Avoid working all day and then driving all night. Stay overnight rather than driving straight through. • Schedule a break every two hours or every 160 km. Stretch or take a walk to get some fresh air. • Take a mid-afternoon break. Have a 20-40 minute nap. • Travel with an awake and alert passenger. Having someone to chat with will keep the driver awake and the passenger can also let the driver know if he/she is showing any signs of fatigue. Crossing railway tracks can be especially hazardous for drivers of large vehicles because of the following: • Longer vehicles need to travel further and will need more time to clear a crossing. • Heavier vehicles take more time and need more room to stop before a crossing. • Larger vehicles are more likely to derail a train if there is a collision. Suggested approach to stopping • Slow down, shift to a lower gear if you have a manual transmission, and test your brakes. • Check for traffic behind you and then stop gradually. • Stop no closer than five metres (about 16 feet) and no further than 15 metres (about 49 feet) from the nearest rail. • To better hear a train, roll down the window and reduce any noise inside the vehicle. • While stopped, look carefully in each direction for approaching trains. Look around obstructions such as mirrors and windshield pillars. • When waiting, put on your park brakes so that you will not move onto the track. 84 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
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COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S GUIDE to Oper
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Introduction Being a professional d
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This guide, along with the Driver
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5 Operating Class 2 Vehicles 8 Tran
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Information about the Class 7 and 5
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·· You are legally responsible to
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Class 4 Road Test • An applicant
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(ii) that is used or intended to be
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NOTES 16 A Commercial Driver’s Gu
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On April 1, 1989 each province and
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• ensure the vehicle is inspected
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• the driver returns to the home
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If cargo is not properly secured, t
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Purpose of daily vehicle inspection
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There are vehicle inspectors throug
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steering mechanism has no bent, bro
Page 33 and 34: possible, have another person activ
Page 35 and 36: Passenger side of a vehicle All Veh
Page 37 and 38: Step 5 (Air system leaks) Push bot
Page 39 and 40: NOTES 38 A Commercial Driver’s Gu
Page 41 and 42: Maximum overall length 23m (75.5ft.
Page 43 and 44: IF WEIGHT IS DOUBLED BRAKING FORCE
Page 45 and 46: Uncoupling The basic steps for unco
Page 47 and 48: Two bars mean there is only one art
Page 49 and 50: oad or traffic conditions are poor,
Page 51 and 52: Parking Always select a safe place
Page 53 and 54: Reversing from the blind side uses
Page 55 and 56: SCHOOL BUS Information for class 2
Page 57 and 58: Remember, even with a guide, you ar
Page 59 and 60: • If a driver of a vehicle does n
Page 61 and 62: will need to assess the situation a
Page 63 and 64: Examples of Class 3 motor vehicles
Page 65 and 66: Mixer truck operators Mixer trucks
Page 67 and 68: Emergency Medical Services Examples
Page 69 and 70: of other road users and their drivi
Page 73 and 74: As a driver of persons with disabil
Page 77 and 78: The laws on dangerous goods state t
Page 79 and 80: Class 7: 7 Radioactive materials Ra
Page 83: Distracted driving law for commerci
Page 87 and 88: Know the law Controlled crossings 3
Page 91 and 92: Fueling a vehicle Gasoline and dies
Page 93 and 94: e.g., reduce speed when there’s a
Page 95 and 96: Driving defensively Smart driving i
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Commercial driver's guide to operation, safety and licensing

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