Accidents, Fires, Compliance & Cargo Cheat Sheet - Quick Reference Guide

Quick reference for exam-critical information from Sections 2.20-2.23 and Section 3: accident procedures, fire fighting, alcohol/drug rules, hazmat basics, and cargo securement.

Accident Procedures

Three Steps (In Order)

Protect the area (flashers, triangles)
Notify authorities (call 911)
Care for injured (don't move unless fire/traffic danger)

Protecting the Scene

Move vehicle to side of road
Turn on 4-way flashers
Set out reflective triangles
If helping, park AWAY from scene

Fire Extinguisher Types (MEMORIZE)

Type	Use On
B:C	Electrical + Burning liquids
A:B:C	Wood/paper/cloth + Electrical + Liquids
Water	Wood/paper/cloth ONLY

B:C = Minimum Required

Never Use Water On:

Fire Type	Why Not
Electrical	Causes shock
Gasoline	Spreads flames

Use Water On:

Tire fires (need lots to cool)

Fire Fighting Procedure

Pull to open area (NOT service station)
Notify emergency services
Keep fire from spreading
Aim at BASE of fire
Position UPWIND

Special Situations

Fire	Action
Engine	Turn off engine, DON'T open hood
Cargo (van)	Keep doors SHUT
Tire	Use lots of water
Hazmat	Wait for firefighters

Alcohol Rules

BAC Limits

Driver Type	Limit
CDL	0.04%
Regular	0.08%

Equal Alcohol Content

Drink	Amount
Beer (5%)	12 oz
Wine (12%)	5 oz
Liquor (80 proof)	1.5 oz

Sobering Up

Only TIME works.

Does NOT Help
Coffee
Cold shower
Fresh air
Exercise

Liver = ~1/3 oz per hour

Drug Rules

Type	Rule
Illegal	Prohibited
Prescription	OK if doctor approves
OTC (cold meds)	Check warnings
Stimulants	Don't use for fatigue

Hazmat Basics

Placards

Diamond-shaped signs
4 required (front, rear, both sides)
At least 10 inches square

Shipping Papers Location

Driver's door pouch, OR
Clear view within reach, OR
Driver's seat when out

Key Rule

Placarded vehicle = Hazmat endorsement required

Cargo Inspection Schedule (MEMORIZE)

When	Action
Pre-trip	Verify secure and balanced
First 50 miles	Re-inspect, adjust
Every 3 hours OR 150 miles	Re-check
After every break	Inspect again

Weight and Balance

Overloading Effects

Hard steering
Longer stopping distance
Brake failure
Slow upgrades, fast downgrades

Center of Gravity

High (BAD)	Low (GOOD)
Heavy on top	Heavy on bottom
Cargo piled high	Weight spread low
Tips over	Stable

Weight Distribution Problems

Too Much on Steering Axle	Too Little on Steering Axle	Too Little on Drive Axles
Hard steering	Can't steer safely	Wheels spin

Tie-Down Requirements (MEMORIZE)

Minimum Tie-Downs

Rule	Requirement
Any cargo	At least 2
Per 10 feet	1 tie-down

Examples

Cargo Length	Tie-Downs
5 feet	2 (minimum)
10 feet	2
20 feet	2
25 feet	3
30 feet	3

Working Load Limit

Tie-downs must equal at least ½ the cargo weight

Securing Methods

Method	Purpose
Blocking	Against cargo to prevent sliding
Bracing	From cargo to floor/walls
Header board	Protects driver, blocks forward movement
Covers	Protects people and cargo

Special Cargo

Type	Hazard	Precaution
Dry bulk tanks	High center of gravity	Slow on curves
Hanging meat	Very unstable	Extra caution on ramps
Livestock	Move and lean	Use false bulkheads
Sealed loads	Can't inspect	Still check weight

Key Numbers to Memorize

Item	Number
CDL BAC limit	0.04%
Fire extinguisher	B:C minimum
First cargo check	50 miles
Re-check interval	3 hours or 150 miles
Minimum tie-downs	2
Tie-downs per length	1 per 10 feet
Working load limit	½ cargo weight
Placards required	4

Quick Quiz

Q: Three accident steps?

A: Protect, Notify, Care

Q: Fire extinguisher type for electrical fires?

A: B:C

Q: Open hood during engine fire?

A: NO (feeds oxygen)

Q: CDL BAC limit?

A: 0.04%

Q: What sobers you up?

A: Only TIME

Q: First cargo check?

A: Within 50 miles

Q: Cargo re-check interval?

A: 3 hours or 150 miles

Q: Minimum tie-downs?

A: 2 (always)

Q: Tie-downs for 20-foot load?

A: 2 (1 per 10 feet, minimum 2)

Q: Heavy cargo goes where?

A: On the BOTTOM

Q: Hazmat papers location?

A: Door pouch, clear view, or driver's seat

Memory Tricks

Fire Extinguisher: "B:C = Burning liquids + Circuits"

Cargo Checks: "50 first, 150 after"

Tie-Downs: "2 minimum, 1 per 10"

Center of Gravity: "Low is slow to roll, high will tip and fly"

BAC Limit: "CDL = 0.04 (half of 0.08)"

Accident Steps: "Protect-Notify-Care"

Driver Responsibilities for Cargo

☐ Inspecting cargo
☐ Recognizing overloads
☐ Knowing cargo is secured
☐ Ensuring view isn't blocked

Next Steps

Memorize cargo check schedule: 50 mi, 150 mi/3 hrs
Know tie-down rules: minimum 2, 1 per 10 feet
Remember B:C fire extinguisher
CDL BAC = 0.04%
Heavy cargo = bottom

Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our Cargo and Compliance questions.