CONDUITE COMMENTEE / CIRCULATION POIDS-LOURD

Summary

This instructional video is designed for beginner truck drivers who are apprehensive about driving a heavy vehicle. It covers essential tips on vehicle setup, such as adjusting the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors, as well as proper driving techniques. Key concepts include using the retarder for smooth deceleration, starting on a hill, and safely navigating in different traffic situations like city streets, roundabouts, and highways. The video also emphasizes the importance of speed control and staying calm to reduce stress while learning to drive a large vehicle.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure your seat is adjusted for comfort: Your heel should be on the ground with a slightly bent leg when pressing the pedals.
• 😀 Adjust the steering wheel so that your arms are slightly bent, avoiding a fully extended position.
• 😀 Hold the steering wheel at 9:15 or 10:10 positions for better control and avoid holding it at the top or bottom.
• 😀 Always adjust the mirrors to see the truck's body in the first third and the surrounding environment in the second third.
• 😀 Use the retardation device to slow down the truck without relying on the brakes, especially in descents to prevent brake overheating.
• 😀 Be mindful of the 'hill start assist' button when starting on a slope to prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
• 😀 Always signal when leaving a parking space and check both sides for obstacles or pedestrians before moving.
• 😀 On the road, it’s essential to adjust your speed and keep your distance to avoid stress and ensure a safe driving experience.
• 😀 When driving on highways, keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead (around 50 meters), and stay aware of the traffic flow.
• 😀 Always use your indicators early when merging into traffic or exiting, allowing others to anticipate your intentions and ensuring a smooth transition.
• 😀 In crowded areas like service stations, reduce speed, stay vigilant for pedestrians and maneuver with caution due to the size of the vehicle.

Q & A

What should a beginner do before starting to drive a truck?

Before starting, a beginner should adjust the seat so that their heel is on the ground and their leg is slightly bent when pressing the pedals. They should also adjust the steering wheel to ensure their arms are slightly bent while holding it, and set the mirrors correctly for optimal visibility.

How should the steering wheel be held while driving a truck?

The steering wheel should be held at either 9:15 or 10:10 positions, with hands firmly gripping it. It's important to avoid holding the wheel at the top or bottom. During turns, the right hand should be lifted to the 12 o'clock position to pull right, and the left hand should be similarly lifted for left turns.

What is the correct way to adjust the truck’s side mirrors?

The mirrors should be adjusted so that the first third shows the truck’s body, while the second third displays the environment or surrounding road. This ensures good visibility for both sides of the vehicle.

What is the purpose of the truck's retarder and when should it be used?

The retarder is used to slow down the vehicle without using the brakes. It should be used in descents to avoid overheating the brakes or in normal traffic to ease the vehicle's deceleration. The retarder can be activated by lowering the lever, with several levels of intensity.

How does the truck's 'hill-start assist' function?

The hill-start assist holds the vehicle in place when starting on an incline, preventing it from rolling back. It's not a brake, but it briefly holds the vehicle while the driver releases the brake to accelerate.

When leaving a parking spot, what should be done?

When leaving a parking spot, always use the turn signal to indicate the intent to leave. Ensure to check for any surrounding obstacles or vehicles before proceeding.

What is the correct way to navigate a roundabout in a truck?

When entering a roundabout, signal early and check for any traffic, especially from the left. Keep a safe distance from the right sidewalk to avoid hitting the curb. Also, maintain awareness of other vehicles, as they might try to cut in front of the truck.

How should a driver handle merging onto an highway in a truck?

When merging onto an highway, use the acceleration lane to match the speed of the traffic, signaling early to alert other drivers. Ensure that there is enough space to merge safely without cutting off other vehicles.

What is the recommended speed limit for a heavy goods vehicle on the highway?

The recommended speed for a heavy goods vehicle is typically 90 km/h on the highway. However, if the driver feels uncomfortable, it's advisable to drive at a lower speed, such as 80 km/h, to avoid additional stress.

How should a truck driver approach an exit ramp on the highway?

When approaching an exit ramp, reduce speed gradually using the retarder to avoid sudden braking, as other vehicles may be following closely. Make sure to check behind you for a safe distance and then navigate the exit with caution.