Commercial Vehicles

Information regarding heavy commercial vehicles.

Beware of Heavy Truck No Zones

Truck TractorI first wrote about drivers whose behaviour in the "no zone" around heavy trucks left much to be desired back in 2004. Little seems to have changed since then as when I listen to the trucking radio channels the most common complaint involves drivers who jam themselves in front of a truck and then slow down.

Q&A - 4 Wheeler Gripe

Q&A ImageI'm a semi truck driver and I've been cut off so many times by passenger vehicles racing around me to take an off ramp. They pull in front and hit their brakes. It's been close a couple times to the point I'm going to buy a dashcam to protect myself.

Q&A - Written Pre-Trip & Log Book

Q&A ImageDoes a vehicle with GVWR 14968 kgs require the driver to maintain a pre-trip/post-trip inspection and a daily log book?  This flat bed truck is not equipped with air brakes and only requires a class 5 licence to drive.  At times, it may be used to travel approx. 120 km (round trip) in the greater Vancouver area.

Q&A - Reporting Jake Brake Violators

Q&A ImageVirtually all city and municipalities have laws regarding the use of Air Brake use in residential areas. However, as usual, there is very little enforcement being done.

Truck drivers either drive too fast or they've grown accustomed to use of Air Brakes with no regard for anyone but themselves. I hear and see this happening all the time in residentail arterial routes.

PHOTOS OF CONCERN - Loose Wheel Nuts

cameraNews reports often tell of heavy commercial vehicles that lose a wheel due to loose wheel nuts like those shown in the photo below. However, this is just as likely to happen to light vehicles and trailers too. Having just installed my own winter tires, this is probably an opportune time to post the picture and remind everyone to review your owner's manual.

Passing a Long Vehicle Turning Right

No Passing On The RightThe driver of this car may not have noticed the flashing right turn signal on the bus, but learned the hard way that it was worth paying attention to. Passing a long vehicle turning right is obviously a dangerous thing to do and should be avoided.

RESOURCE - Bendix Brake School

bendix logoDo you drive or service vehicles with air brake or electronic safety systems on board? The Bendix Brake School is a free resource that teaches how Bendix products work in these applications. While it is manufacturer specific, the information in general will apply to similar offerings by other companies. The material includes a complete airbrake training course whose interactive content includes quizzes and exams.