Accident Procedures, Fires, Compliance & Cargo Safety - Complete Guide
This unit covers critical safety procedures and regulations that every CDL driver must know. Sections 2.20-2.23 address accident procedures, fire fighting, alcohol/drug rules, and hazmat basics. Section 3 covers cargo inspection, weight limits, and securement requirements—all frequently tested on the CDL exam.
Accident Procedures
Three Basic Steps
- Protect the area
- Notify authorities
- Care for the injured
Step 1: Protect the Area
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Move vehicle to side of road | Prevent another accident |
| Turn on four-way flashers | Warn other drivers |
| Set out reflective triangles | Make scene visible |
If stopping to help, park away from the accident—area is needed for emergency vehicles.
Step 2: Notify Authorities
- Use cell phone or CB to call before exiting vehicle
- If no phone, wait until scene is protected, then call or send someone
- Provide exact location
Step 3: Care for the Injured
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Stop heavy bleeding with direct pressure | Move severely injured (unless fire/traffic danger) |
| Keep injured person warm | Leave them alone if qualified help is present |
| Let qualified persons assist | Attempt procedures you're not trained for |
Fires
Causes of Vehicle Fires
| Source | Examples |
|---|---|
| After accidents | Spilled fuel, improper flare use |
| Tires | Under-inflated, duals that touch |
| Electrical | Short circuits, loose connections |
| Fuel | Smoking, improper fueling, loose connections |
| Cargo | Flammable materials, poor ventilation |
Fire Prevention
- Pre-trip: Check electrical, fuel, exhaust systems; verify extinguisher is charged
- En route: Check tires, wheels, body for heat at every stop
- Monitoring: Watch gauges for overheating; check mirrors for smoke
Fire Extinguisher Types
| Type | Use On | Don't Use On |
|---|---|---|
| B:C | Electrical fires, burning liquids | Wood, paper, cloth |
| A:B:C | All fires including wood, paper, cloth | — |
| Water | Wood, paper, cloth | Electrical (shock), Gasoline (spreads) |
B:C is the minimum required for commercial vehicles.
Fire Classes
| Class | Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| A | Ordinary combustibles | Wood, paper, cloth |
| B | Flammable liquids | Gasoline, oil, grease |
| C | Electrical | Wiring, equipment |
| D | Combustible metals | Specialized fires |
Fire Fighting Procedure
- Pull off road to open area—NOT a service station
- Notify emergency services
- Keep fire from spreading:
- Engine fire: Turn off engine, don't open hood, shoot foam through openings
- Cargo fire (van): Keep doors shut (oxygen feeds fire)
- Aim at base of fire, not flames
- Position upwind (wind carries spray to fire)
- Stay as far away as possible while still effective
Special Fire Situations
| Fire Type | Action |
|---|---|
| Engine | Don't open hood; shoot through louvers/underneath |
| Cargo (van) | Keep doors closed |
| Tire | Use lots of water to cool |
| Hazmat | Wait for firefighters if unsure |
Alcohol and Drug Rules
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
| Driver Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| CDL drivers | 0.04% |
| Regular drivers | 0.08% |
Equal Alcohol Content
These contain the same amount of alcohol:
| Drink | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beer (5%) | 12 oz |
| Wine (12%) | 5 oz |
| Liquor (80 proof) | 1.5 oz |
How Alcohol Affects the Body
| Affected First | Affected Later |
|---|---|
| Judgment | Muscle coordination |
| Self-control | Vision |
| Inhibition | Reaction time |
Danger: Impaired judgment means you don't realize you're impaired.
Sobering Up
Only TIME works. The liver processes about 1/3 oz of alcohol per hour.
| Does NOT Help |
|---|
| Coffee |
| Cold shower |
| Fresh air |
| Exercise |
Drug Rules
| Type | Rule |
|---|---|
| Illegal drugs | Prohibited—possession or use while on duty |
| Prescription drugs | OK only if doctor says won't affect driving |
| Over-the-counter | Check warnings—cold medicines can cause drowsiness |
| Stimulants | Don't use to fight fatigue—only REST works |
Consequences
- Traffic accidents (injury, death, property damage)
- Arrest, fines, jail
- End of driving career
Hazmat Basics (All Drivers)
What You Must Know
- How to recognize hazardous cargo
- Whether you can haul it without endorsement
Placards
- Diamond-shaped warning signs
- At least 4 identical placards required
- Placed on front, rear, and both sides
- Must be at least 10 inches square (250mm)
Shipping Papers Location
Keep hazmat papers:
- In pouch on driver's door, OR
- In clear view within reach while driving, OR
- On driver's seat when out of vehicle
Key Rule
Placarded vehicle = Hazmat endorsement required
Driving without endorsement is a crime.
Hazard Classes
| Class | Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives | Ammunition, dynamite |
| 2 | Gases | Propane, oxygen |
| 3 | Flammable liquids | Gasoline, acetone |
| 4 | Flammable solids | Matches, fuses |
| 5 | Oxidizers | Ammonium nitrate |
| 6 | Poisons | Pesticides, arsenic |
| 7 | Radioactive | Uranium, plutonium |
| 8 | Corrosives | Battery acid |
| 9 | Miscellaneous | Formaldehyde, asbestos |
Transporting Cargo Safely
Driver Responsibilities
Even if you don't load cargo yourself, you're responsible for:
- Inspecting your cargo
- Recognizing overloads and poor weight balance
- Knowing cargo is properly secured
- Ensuring cargo doesn't block your view or emergency equipment
Cargo Inspection Schedule
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Pre-trip | Check load is secure and balanced |
| Within first 50 miles | Re-inspect and adjust |
| Every 3 hours or 150 miles | Re-check during trip |
| After every break | Inspect again |
Weight and Balance
Weight Definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| GVWR | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating—max weight of single vehicle |
| GCWR | Gross Combination Weight Rating—max weight of truck + trailer |
| Axle weight | Weight on one axle or set of axles |
| Tire load | Max safe weight per tire at specified pressure |
Effects of Overloading
- Hard steering
- Longer stopping distance
- Brake failure from overwork
- Slow on upgrades, too fast on downgrades
- Damage to roads and bridges
Center of Gravity
| High Center of Gravity | Low Center of Gravity |
|---|---|
| Cargo piled high | Cargo spread low |
| Heavy cargo on top | Heavy cargo on bottom |
| More likely to tip over | More stable |
Rule: Put heaviest cargo on bottom, lightest on top.
Weight Distribution Problems
| Problem | Cause | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Too much weight on steering axle | Cargo too far forward | Hard steering, damage to axle |
| Too little weight on steering axle | Cargo too far back | Hard to steer safely |
| Too little weight on drive axles | Weight shifted wrong | Poor traction, wheels spin |
Securing Cargo
Blocking and Bracing
| Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Blocking | Placed against cargo to prevent sliding |
| Bracing | Goes from cargo to floor/walls to prevent movement |
Tie-Down Requirements
| Cargo Length | Minimum Tie-Downs |
|---|---|
| Any load | At least 2 tie-downs |
| 10 feet or less | 2 tie-downs |
| 10-20 feet | 2 tie-downs minimum |
| Each additional 10 feet | 1 more tie-down |
Rule: At least 1 tie-down per 10 feet of cargo, minimum of 2.
Working Load Limit
Tie-down system must have aggregate working load limit of at least ½ the weight of the cargo being secured.
Header Boards
- Also called "headache racks"
- Protect driver from cargo in crash or emergency stop
- Must block forward movement of cargo
Covering Cargo
Two reasons to cover cargo:
- Protect people from spilled cargo
- Protect cargo from weather
Check covers in mirrors—flapping covers can tear loose.
Sealed Loads
- Cannot inspect contents
- Still must check you don't exceed weight limits
Cargo Needing Special Attention
| Cargo Type | Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Dry bulk tanks | High center of gravity, load shifts | Go slow on curves and turns |
| Hanging meat | Very unstable, high center of gravity | Extra caution on ramps and curves |
| Livestock | Can move and lean | Use false bulkheads; slow on curves |
| Oversized loads | Need special permits | May need escort, special equipment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the three steps at an accident scene?
A: (1) Protect the area, (2) Notify authorities, (3) Care for the injured.
Q: What type of fire extinguisher is required for commercial vehicles?
A: Minimum B:C type (for electrical fires and burning liquids).
Q: Should you open the hood during an engine fire?
A: No. Opening provides oxygen that feeds the fire. Shoot foam through louvers or from underneath.
Q: What is the BAC limit for CDL drivers?
A: 0.04%—half the limit for regular drivers.
Q: What can sober you up faster?
A: Nothing but time. Liver processes about 1/3 oz alcohol per hour.
Q: How soon after starting a trip must you check cargo?
A: Within the first 50 miles, then every 3 hours or 150 miles.
Q: What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any cargo?
A: 2 tie-downs, regardless of size.
Q: How do you prevent a high center of gravity?
A: Put heavy cargo on the bottom, light cargo on top.
Q: Where must hazmat shipping papers be kept?
A: Driver's door pouch, in clear view within reach, or on driver's seat when out of vehicle.
Q: Why keep van doors closed during a cargo fire?
A: Opening doors supplies oxygen that can cause the fire to burn rapidly.
Next Steps
Memorize key numbers:
- B:C fire extinguisher
- 0.04% BAC limit
- 50 miles first cargo check
- 150 miles/3 hours re-check
- Minimum 2 tie-downs
- 1 tie-down per 10 feet
Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our Cargo and Compliance questions.