Slide 1

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

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15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

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of
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25%

of
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of
7

25%

of
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25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
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25%

an
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25%

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25%

So
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Few
Some
Many
Most

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Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

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25% 25% 25% 25%

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Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

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25% 25% 25% 25%

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Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

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Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
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The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

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Sin

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Stress
Strength
Sober
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Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
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50%

Tr
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1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
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50%

Tr
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1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
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Tr
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1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

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utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

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1.
2.
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Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

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Fa
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1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

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15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
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4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

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1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 2

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 3

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 4

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 5

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 6

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 7

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 8

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 9

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 10

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 11

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 12

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 13

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 14

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 15

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 16

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 17

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 18

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 19

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 20

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 21

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 22

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 23

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 24

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 25

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 26

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 27

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 28

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 29

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 30

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 31

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 32

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 33

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 34

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 35

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 36

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 37

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 38

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 39

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 40

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 41

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 42

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 43

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 44

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 45

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 46

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 47

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 48

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 49

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 50

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

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m
th
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or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

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t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 51

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 52

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 53

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 54

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 55

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 56

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 57

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 58

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 59

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 60

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 61

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 62

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 63

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 64

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 65

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 66

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 67

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 68

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 69

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 70

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 71

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 72

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

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1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

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1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 73

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

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of
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of
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25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

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2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

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25%

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Few
Some
Many
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Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

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25% 25% 25% 25%

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4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

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25% 25% 25% 25%

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Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

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Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
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2.
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4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

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Sin

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Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

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Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

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1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

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1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
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50%

Tr
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1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

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utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

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2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 74

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
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to

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el

m
th
e
or
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ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 75

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 76

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 77

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 78

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 79

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 80

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 81

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 82

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 83

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 84

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 85

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 86

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 87

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 88

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 89

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 90

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 91

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 92

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 93

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 94

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 95

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 96

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 97

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 98

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 99

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 100

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!


Slide 101

Cargo Vans
and
Trailer Towing

Instructors:
John Lindstrom
Jim Rogers

__% of all driving accidents are
the result of excessive speed.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

70% of driving accidents occur
within ___ miles of home.
25%

25%

65

25%

40

25%

25

15
25
40
65

15

1.
2.
3.
4.

______employees who drive experience
an accident while at work.

5o

ut

of
7

25%

of
4
ut

ut
3o

ut

25%

of
7

25%

of
5

25%

1o

2 out of 5
3 out of 7
1 out of 4
5 out of 7

2o

1.
2.
3.
4.

_____ people know someone who
has died in a car accident.

M

25%

M
os
t

25%

an
y

25%

e

25%

So
m

Few
Some
Many
Most

Fe
w

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving
How to stay safe on the road
Excerpts are taken from:
Driving Survival
AAA Auto Guide – Jim Macpherson

Managing Risk While Driving
• Why you should become a “risk manager.”
• Driving sport-utility vehicles, vans and
pickups.
• Backing a large van.
• Towing a trailer.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A
“RISK MANAGER.”

Why You Should Become a
“Risk Manager”
• Don’t become complacent and forget that risk
is always present when you drive.
• Your perception of what’s dangerous isn’t
always accurate.
• Driving is a social event:
– Because you constantly interact with other
drivers, you share your risk with everyone else.

• You can increase or decrease your level of risk.

The “Smith System”
• Developed in the 1950’s.
• Adopt a routine:
– Looking at the road immediately in front.
– Scanning far ahead.
– Checking conditions at the side of the road.
– Checking traffic to the rear.
– Checking the instruments.
– Repeat the sequence.

The “Smith System”
• Adjust steering based on the view of the road
far ahead.
• Maintain an escape path.
• Signal so other motorists will know what to
expect.

Become completely aware of everything
________ ahead of you.

3 to 5 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
30 to 60 seconds

ds

30

to

60

se

co
n

ds
co
n
se

12

to

15

10
o
5t

o

5

se
c

se
co
nd
s

on
ds

25% 25% 25% 25%

3t

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search far ahead:
– To anticipate potential problems.

• Know what’s in front of you:
– Become completely aware of everything 12 to 15
seconds ahead of you.

• Look to the sides in front of you:
– Concentrate not only on the pavement but also on
the sides of the road.

Effective Risk Managers
• Search to the rear:
– Remember, between one-quarter and one-third of
all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collisions.

• Leave space ahead:
– AAA recommends that you leave at least a threesecond gap between your vehicle and the car in
front of you.

• Leave space to one side:
– Give yourself a second means of escape.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be alert at intersections:
– Recognize that a STOP sign or a red light can’t
physically stop an oncoming car.
– Recent statistics show that 2.7 million crashes
occurred at intersections:
• 8,400 deaths
• 995,000 injuries
• Five crashes every minute of every day

Effective Risk Managers
• Compensate for restricted vision:
– Blind spots resulting from your vehicle’s structure
– Obstructions that can restrict vision:
•
•
•
•

Trees, shrubs, and buildings
Parked cars
Poor lighting
Facing into the sun or oncoming high beams

Effective Risk Managers
• Adapt quickly if road narrows:
– The width of your travel lane may change for
many reasons:
•
•
•
•
•

The road itself gets narrower.
Construction.
Potholes.
Parked vehicles.
Motorists who drive or stop outside their lane.

Maintain at least two _______ when
possible.
car lengths spacing
escape routes
working taillights
believable excuses

se
s
ex
cu

ht
s
llig
va

bl
e

ai
be
lie

w

or
k

in
gt

pe
es
ca

le
ng
th
s

sp
a

cin

g

ro
ut
es

25% 25% 25% 25%

ca
r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Effective Risk Managers
• Keep escape routes open:
– Maintain at least two escape routes when
possible:
• You can always change speed.
• Make sure can steer to at least one alternate route in
an emergency.
• Focus on where you want to go, NOT what you want to
avoid hitting:
– People tend to steer in the direction they look.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use the mirrors:
– Proper use of mirrors is critical to risk
management.
– Scan your mirrors every two to five seconds in
traffic.
– Check mirrors frequently:
• When descending a hill.
• When slowing or braking.
• Before any lane change or change in position or
direction

Effective Risk Managers
• Know your limitations at night.
• Night driving is three times as dangerous as
daylight driving:
– Darkness limits visibility.
– Fatigue is a constant companion.
– Night is when many people drink before getting
behind the wheel.

• Increase following distance from threeseconds to six-seconds.

Effective Risk Managers
• Avoid distractions:
– Distracted drivers factor in 25 percent to 50
percent of all vehicle crashes:
• 1.5 million crashes annually.
• Social and economic costs are an estimated $40 billion.

– Plan trips so that you aren’t on the road when
you’re normally sluggish or sleeping.
– If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your
physician before you drive.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– If your mind wanders, remind yourself to stay
focused.
– Avoid talking on the phone while driving.
– Familiarize yourself with the features of your
vehicle's equipment.
– Preset radio stations and climate control.
– Secure items that may move around when the
vehicle is in motion.

Effective Risk Managers
• Manage distractions:
– Avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and reading while
driving.
– Review maps before hitting the road.
– Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in
activities that could divert your attention from
driving.
– Ask a passenger to help you do the things that can
be distracting.

Effective Risk Managers
• Use caution in work zones:
– Stay alert.
– Pay close attention to signs and flaggers.
– Turn on your headlights.
– Don’t tailgate.
– Don’t speed.
– Keep up with traffic flow.
– Don’t change lanes.
– Minimize distractions.

Effective Risk Managers
• Pick up clues to anticipate what other drivers
might do:
– Slowing or braking for no apparent reason.
– Drifting from side to side.
– Slow driving, weaving and stopping well before
stop signs.
– Erratic driving, weaving or significantly exceeding
the speed limit.

Effective Risk Managers
• Be prepared for anything:
– If you can’t see all of the pavement you’ll cover in
the next four seconds, slow down.
– If you think you’re headed into an area of reduced
traction, slow down and leave more space
between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Effective Risk Managers
• Conduct a pre-operations inspection of the
vehicle:
– Overall appearance and condition.
– Inspect all tires and check pressure.
– Check tail lights, signals, headlights and wipers.
– Check brakes, steering and horn.
– Ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured.
– Ensure seatbelts are fastened.

Effective Risk Managers
• NEVER take to the road impaired:
– Sober.
– Rested.
– Healthy.
– Emotionally stable
– Free of medications that affect your motor skills or
concentration.

Effective Risk Managers
• The "I’m Safe" Checklist
– I Illness
Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?

– M Medication
• Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

– S Stress
• Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
• Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?

– A Alcohol
• Have I been drinking within eight hours?
• Within 24 hours?

– F Fatigue
• Am I tired and not adequately rested?

– E Eating
• Am I adequately nourished?

The “A” in I.M.SAFE stands for _____.

ho
l

25%

Al
co

nc
e
id
a
Av
o

25%

t ic

25%

rt

25%

At
hl
e

Alert
Avoidance
Athletic
Alcohol

Al
e

1.
2.
3.
4.

The “S” in I.M.SAFE stands for ____.

e

25%

ce
r

25%

Sin

ng
th

25%

St
re

ss

25%

So
be
r

Stress
Strength
Sober
Sincere

St
re

1.
2.
3.
4.

Managing Risk While Driving

DRIVING SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES,
VANS AND PICKUPS.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What you should think about before driving a
sport-utility vehicle, van or pickup.
• How to load a vehicle.
• Why some trucks are more likely than
passenger vehicles to roll over.

There is no difference between
driving a car and a cargo van?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– More stringent safety requirements apply to
passenger cars.
– Weaker environmental standards, both in terms of
fuel efficiency and emissions, apply to trucks.
– Most trucks are big and heavy, factors many
buyers equate with safety.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Many trucks also seat drivers higher off the
ground, which gives them a better view of the
road ahead.
– Trucks handle differently from cars, and failing to
appreciate those differences can lead to serious
consequences.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• The difference between a car and a truck is
more than academic:
– Large trucks and vans tend to hydroplane in wet
weather conditions.
– Large trucks and vans are affected by the wind
much more than passenger cars.

Cargo vans are prone to rollovers?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Rollover rates are higher:
– Insurance statistics show that other factors hinder
passenger safety in truck crashes.
– Although rollovers occur in only 2.6 percent of all
crashes, they often are deadly:
• 15.3% of deaths in passenger vehicles.
• 24.3% of deaths in pickups.
• 36.3% of deaths in SUVs.

– Rollover crashes are often deadly because
passengers can be ejected.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
– Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a
rollover crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people
ride in a 15-passenger van.
– This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight
raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward.
– As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger
vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an
emergency situation.
– Placing any load on the roof also raises the center of
gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• What situations can cause a rollover?
– A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily
influenced by driver and road characteristics as
well as the design of the vehicle.
– In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has
found that more than 90 percent of rollovers
occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15passenger van.
– The van goes off a rural road.
• If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or
embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

– The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions.
• A tired driver can doze off and lose control.
• The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing
the van to slide sideways off the road.
• The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van
to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

– The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an
emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement.
• Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose
control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

A cargo van can roll over without
skidding?

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Turning maneuvers that are easy in a sport
sedan can be deadly in a truck:
– If you take a corner too quickly most vehicles will
skid sideways.
– If the tires suddenly bite or hit a pothole or curb
during the slide, the vehicle can trip and roll over.
– Some trucks can roll without skidding first:
• Swerving to avoid an obstacle.
• A full load boosts the likelihood of rolling

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Over the past decade, 80 percent of people
killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans
were unbelted.
– Passengers can dramatically reduce their risk of
being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash
by simply using their seat belts.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should
sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride
in a 15-passenger van.
• Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and
wider than a car, it:
– Requires more space and additional reliance on the sideview mirrors for changing lanes
– Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers
– Requires additional braking time.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Carry cargo carefully:
– Load heavier items lower and further forward in
the cargo area.
– Move items ahead of the rear axle.
• Placing heavy items behind the rear axle will adversely
affect handling.

– Raising the load off the floor will affect stability in
corners.
– Avoid using a roof rack, which can raise the center
of gravity.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• All vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity:
– Just because an item fits in the truck doesn’t
mean you can carry it safely.
– Even a heavy-duty truck can be easily overloaded.
– Check the owner’s manual to find out how much
your truck can carry.
– One often overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s
carrying capacity is tire pressure:
• Inflate tires to the maximum pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Driving sport-utility vehicles,
vans and pickups.
• Many trucks handle more sluggishly than cars
and take longer to stop, even when empty.
• Compared to cars, trucks take roughly a car
length longer to stop, and sometimes as long
as three car lengths, from 60 MPH.

Managing Risk While Driving

BACKING A LARGE VAN

When backing a van the
driver should _____.

ct
.. .

..

di
st
ra
d
av
oi

to

th

el

m
th
e
or
e

ign

25%

e.

ir.
.

po
t. .
.
as
ize

25% 25%

.

25%

tu
rn

utilize a spotter
ignore the mirrors
turn to the left
avoid distractions

ut
il

1.
2.
3.
4.

Backing a Large Van
• Decreased visibility and optical illusions:
– The length of the vehicle.
– Driver sits higher.
– Driver sits closer to the front axle.
– Distance between rear axle and rear bumper
limits visibility.
– More blind spots.

Backing a Large Van
• Reference points are different:
– Use a spotter
– Back to the left (driver’s side)
– Use outside mirrors.

• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.

Something tells me
it’s time to take a
break…

Managing Risk While Driving

TOWING A TRAILER

An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer
can have much greater consequences
than carelessness with a small car.

se

50%

Fa
l

50%

Tr
ue

1. True
2. False

Introduction
• If you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and
different challenges on the highway than you
may have previously encountered.

Introduction
• Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and
should be undertaken with great care and an
eye toward safety first.

Introduction
• An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can
have much greater consequences than
carelessness with a small car.

The Tow Vehicle
• It might be wise to ask yourself at this point if the
tow vehicle is really big enough to have the
brakes and suspension it takes to safely tow your
trailer.
• There isn't any good way to overcome a problem
such as this short of trading up to a vehicle with
more capacity.
• If the suspension isn't heavy enough, the brakes
probably leave something to be desired.

The Tow Vehicle
• You can get this type of information from
manufactures of trailers, trucks, and automobiles
but they tend to be optimistic, quoting maximum
capacities rather than recommended capacities.
• Remember also that a half-ton pickup may be
able to carry 1000 pounds of weight in the bed,
but probably cannot support 1000 pounds at the
hitch without special modifications to the
suspension.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• If the brakes fail going down a hill you have a problem
that can cause a disaster.
• You can't have too much brake.
– Disk brakes are better than drum brakes.
– Four electric brakes on your trailer are better than two.
– New pads are better than old pads.

• Don't ride the brakes going down hills as this overheats
brakes, causing them to lose effectiveness.
– Use the engine and lower gears to control the downhill
speed on long hills.

Vehicle and Trailer Brakes
• Learn how electric brakes work and how to adjust
the modern day controllers that actuate them.
– Remember that the slightest pressure to the brake
pedal will apply the electric brakes.
– Keep your foot off the brake pedal unless you intend
to use them.
– A pendulum type control will electronically add more
brake as you stop, but if you have your controller
turned all the way up, the slightest pressure on the
pedal could lock your trailer brakes.

The Hitch
• Have your hitch inspected
by a qualified hitch
installation company, and
have them determine what
the maximum tongue
weight can be.
– This is usually 10% of the
hitch's rated capacity.
– A hitch is rated by not only its
towing capacity but also by
the tongue weight.
– If you have a bumper type
hitch, don't tow anything your
wife can't lift onto the ball.

The Hitch
• Class I
– 2,000 pounds GTW

• Class II
– 3,500 pounds GTW

• Class III
– 5,000 pounds GTW

• Class IV
– 7,500 pounds GTW

• Class V
– 10,000 pounds GTW

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The size of the trailer
ball also varies.
• There are 1-7/8”, 2”,
2¼”, and 2-5/16” sizes,
with the 2” size being
the standard.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• The ball should be
located so the trailer
sits level when
connected to the tow
vehicle.
• The ball should be
lightly greased so the
hitch rotates smoothly
on it.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Safety chains should be
long enough for tight
turns and be crossed
(right to left and left to
right).
– This will help create a
"saddle" if you have a
tongue failure and will
help maintain control
while stopping.

The Trailer Ball and Safety Chains
• Don't allow these
chains to drag on the
pavement, because
they can be ground to
an unsafe condition in a
very short amount of
time.

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• All your lights must
work to be legal and
safe.
– The weakest link is the
connector.
– They corrode easily and
need constant attention
to keep the system
working. (Be careful
when cleaning
connectors not to short
them out.)

Trailer Lighting and Connections
• Remember, electric
brakes also run through
this connector.
• Have an observer
confirm your brake
lights, blinkers and
running lights are
working properly each
time you hook up.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Tires have to be checked frequently with a trailer
because a flat can go unnoticed on multiple axle
trailers while it is being towed.
• Running with a flat can cause it to catch fire and burn
up your rig.
– With multiple axles or tandem wheels it is hard sometimes
to see a flat tire as the other tires are supporting the
weight of the rig and the flat spot is less noticeable.

• A quick check can be made by "thumping" each tire
with a tire iron or rod to make sure they all sound the
same.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• The most common causes of tire failure are
overloading and under inflation.
– Both result in excess flexing of the sidewall which
causes heat buildup and eventual failure.
Continuing to run with a flat can cause it to catch
fire.

Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Wheel lug nut torque is usually much higher
than that specified for passenger car wheels.
– Check your particular trailer's recommended
specifications.

When loading a tandem axle trailer, the
tongue weight should not exceed ___ of the
trailer weight.
25%

25%

25
%

25%

20
%

25%

15
%

10%
15%
20%
25%

10
%

1.
2.
3.
4.

Recommended
Hitch Weight Percentages
TYPE OF TRAILER

PERCENT OF WT. ON
TONGUE

Single Axle

10% minimum/15% maximum

Tandem Axle

9% to 15%

Travel Trailer

11% to 12%

5th Wheel

15% to 25%

Placing the Load
• Arrange the load so that these items are
protected by their location.
• Don't put big, heavy items in a place where
they can't be securely tied down.
• Start with top heavy items if you have them.
• Once you have the heavy items located, check
the tongue weight .

Placing the Load
• Don't forget you can also get one side of a
trailer a lot heavier than the other without a
little planning.
– This can cause a very serious problem when
cornering, even causing the trailer to turn over in
a sudden turn.

• Top heavy loads can cause problems not only
in cornering but also in hard braking.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Your trailer's springs, axles, tires and chassis
were all designed to handle a certain
maximum load.
• This load consists of the empty trailer itself,
plus the added weight of cargo that you add.
– This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
GVWR.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity,
even though it may be well balanced and
seem to handle fine, is a very dangerous
practice.
– Eventually something is bound to fail with
dramatic and unpleasant results.

Determining
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
• Overloading places excess strain not only on
your tow vehicle causing possible failures at
the hitch or in your capacity to safely bring it
to a stop in an emergency, it also overloads
the trailer's frame, axles, bearings and tires.

Weighing the Trailer
• Though it is not necessary to weigh your
trailer every time you load it, it is a good idea
in the beginning to have a good cross-check to
your estimates.

Weighing the Trailer
• Once you have a feel for it, a good estimate is
usually close enough unless you are loading to
near your trailer's maximum limits.
• A 1000-pound error in total weight is only a
150 pound (15%) error in tongue weight.

Wind can create havoc when towing a
trailer, causing ______or sudden pulling to one
side.

at

io
ns

25%

os
cil
l

25%

ng

in
g

25%

bo
un
c

vib

ra
t

io
ns

25%

je
rk
i

1. vibrations
2. bouncing
3. jerking
4. oscillations

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Wind can create havoc when towing a trailer,
causing oscillations or sudden pulling to one
side.
– Thirty mile an hour crosswinds can blow you off
the road if there is a sudden gust.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The only way to help lower the risk traveling in
these conditions is to slow down.
• The safest way is not to drive in extremely
windy conditions.
– That's what the professional haulers do, and so
should you.
– Park it until it's safe to continue.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of
air in front of them and low pressure area to
their rear as they go down the highway.
– This is variable and is dependent on the shape of
the truck and the existing wind conditions.

Driving in Windy Conditions
• The effect is such that as the truck comes up
to pass on your left, first your trailer and then
your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right
by the truck's "bow wave".
• As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will
then pull you back to the left.

Handling Trailer Sway
• If swaying occurs, steer as little as possible
while you slow down.
• Because of your natural lag in reaction time,
quick steering movements will actually make
things worse and cause the oscillation to
increase.

Handling Trailer Sway
• Application of the trailer brake usually tends
to help keep the vehicles aligned, while heavy
braking with the tow vehicle may reduce
trailer stability.
• Until the problem is identified and solved,
travel at reduced speeds.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• You wouldn't think of letting your children
drive on the road without the proper training,
and you shouldn't take a fully loaded trailer
that could be improperly loaded onto a busy
road to learn with.
– It is a skill that has to be developed and a
responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• If you're towing a travel trailer for the first
time, you have to start learning with a full
load.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver
• Drive only when traffic is light and don't drive
where traffic conditions might force you into
driving faster than you are comfortable with.
• Get a friend with this type of experience to
help you learn.

Managing Risk While Driving

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Skills Tests
• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection:
– You will be tested to see if you know whether your
vehicle and trailer is safe to drive.
– You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of
your vehicle and trailer and explain to the
examiner what you would inspect and why.

Skills Tests
• Basic Vehicle Control:
– You will be tested on your skill to control the
vehicle and trailer.
– You will be asked to move your vehicle and trailer
forward, backward, and turn it within a defined
area.
– These areas may be marked with traffic lanes,
cones, barriers, or something similar.
– The instructor will tell you how each control test is
to be done.

Skills Tests
• On-road Test:
– You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your
vehicle and trailer in a variety of traffic situations.
– The situations may include left and right turns,
intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and
down grades, and single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways.
– The instructor will tell you where to drive.

Skills Tests
• Key Points:
– Making right hand turns without hitting the curb
– Watching street signs
– Using proper signals
– Keeping hands on steering wheel
– Checking blind spots/using mirrors
– Correctly coming to a stop and not sending the
instructor out the front window.

Let’s Go Driving!