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Equipment Operator Basic - Beginning construction equipment operators manual | Next
Night Driving |
Figure 5-5.—How to exit an expressway safely.
5. Ensure your vehicle is safe to operate the
remainder of your shift.
Check your physical condition. You, as the operator,
have to be honest with yourself. Are you physically able
to drive or operate the equipment for the remainder of
the shift? Any mishap you have on the public road or on
the jobsite that affects the community reflects negatively
not only yourself, but the Navy as well. Stay alert when
driving or operating. Be a good representative.
DRIVING UNDER HAZARDOUS
CONDITIONS
Driving under hazardous conditions requires
special skills and your undivided attention. The
following paragraphs contain some guidelines intended
to make you a good operator under adverse driving
conditions.
SNOW AND ICE
Snow and ice severely limit the traction of a vehicle.
When you are moving over fresh snow, maintain a slow,
steady speed. Rapid acceleration is likely to cause
skidding or cause the wheels to dig in. Should your
vehicle become stuck in a hole in the snow, rocking it
back and forth by shifting from forward to reverse may
enable you to start again. Brakes, when used, should be
applied lightly and released quickly if skidding begins.
Hard-packed snow or ice is more dangerous to drive
on than fresh snow. To increase traction, put chains on
all driving wheels. Snow tires are not much help on ice,
as they add little or no traction and give you a false
feeling of security. Deflating the tires a bit assists in
preventing skidding.
Snow and ice affect visibility, stopping distance,
maneuverability, and vehicle control. For driving under
such conditions, you should take the following
precautions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Adjust the speed of the vehicle to existing
conditions.
Under normal conditions, allow at least one car
length between vehicles for each 10 miles per
hour (mph) of speed you are traveling at.
Increase the normal safe distance between
vehicles to allow for hazardous conditions.
Use tire chains or snow tires on ice or snow;
however, remember that they are only an aid to
increase traction and do not eliminate the
necessity for added caution.
Slow down when approaching bridges,
overpasses, and shady areas in the road; surfaces
in such areas often freeze before regular
roadway surfaces do and remain frozen longer.
Keep the outside of the windshield and windows
clear of snow, ice, and frost at all times, and use
the vehicle defroster to improve visibility. Turn
on headlight and use extreme caution when
driving in fog.
Apply brakes with a light pumping action to
prevent skidding and use engine compression to
help control the vehicle.
5-5
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