Timpte Tender - Control of Safe Operation

10
Date of Origin – 02/24/11
Updated – 02/03/20
1. You, the operator, have control of the most important factors that affect safe trailer operation and vehicle
stability. Trailers are a tool and, like any tool, are safe only when properly used by a conscientious, trained
and qualied operator.
2. The fth wheel should be securely mounted to the tractor frame and proper connection
between the tractor and trailer veried.
3. The driver should be familiar with the characteristics of the particular trailer and of the load to be
transported.
4. The driver should be familiar with the nature of the roads and trafc which may be encountered during
the trip.
5. Stability – Caution - like any other vehicle, semi-trailers can tip or slide out of
control if turns are negotiated at too high a speed or when making violent
maneuvers such as abrupt lane changes or other evasive actions to avoid
obstacles.
6. Within the relatively narrow connes of road laws limiting vehicle size and weight, together with the
characteristics of available tires, suspensions, and other components, there is little that a manufacturer can
do to affect the inherent stability of a trailer other than keeping the load as low as feasible, considering the
requirements for loading space and adequate tire clearance. This means that the major factors affecting
operational stability are the knowledge and skill of the driver. The predominant causes of rollover
accidents are:
a. Excessive speed
b. Violent swerving or turning
c. Application of brakes or tractor power while turning.
d. Entering curves at too high a speed
7. Tire Characteristics: High pressure truck/trailer tires have different characteristics under high speed corner-
ing conditions than do passenger car tires. Truck/trailer tires are designed for carrying high loads over long
distances. Their lateral stability becomes unpredictable when lateral forces approach .04g. This means
that commercial vehicles must be operated in a conservative manner when cornering.
8. Braking and Acceleration: Either braking or accelerating while cornering can signicantly reduce the stability
of the vehicle and should be avoided. The best driving practice is to decelerate to a safe conservative
speed before entering a corner or approaching congested trafc, and then to apply only moderate power
until a straight path has been re-established.
You, the operator, have the Greatest Control
over Safe Operation.