BumpertoBumper the Complete Guide to TractorTrailer Operations Backing

Bumper-to-Bumper, the Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations Backing Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc. 1

Introduction This topic includes information on backing accidents and how to avoid them. l It also covers techniques for steering while backing and guidelines for docking. l 2 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Overview On completing this lesson, you will be able to: State the biggest problem truck drivers face when backing. l State the parts of the tractor-trailer that are most vulnerable to collision when backing. Also, state why backing accidents happen and how they can be prevented. l 3 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Overview On completing this lesson, you will be able to: List the procedure for steering the tractor in reverse. l Describe how to pre-position the rig before backing. l 4 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Overview On completing this lesson, you will be able to: Describe the process of docking. l Describe the problems associated with parallel parking. l 5 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Backing Is Easy, Isn't It? l Most accidents involving tractor-trailers happen during backing. 6 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Backing Accidents l Backing accidents can be prevented. – Accidents occur most often: to the top of the vehicle l to the rear of the vehicle l on the right side of the vehicle. l – Accidents most often occur due to lack of attention and carelessness by the driver. 7 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Backing Accidents l How to Prevent Backing Accidents – Check the area being backed into before you begin backing. – Use the mirrors. – Keep your right foot poised over the brake pedal. 8 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

How to Steer in Reverse l Three steps to any backing maneuver are: – jacking – following – straightening. 9 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

How to Steer in Reverse 10 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Jacking the Trailer Jack the tractor so it is out of line with the trailer. This starts the trailer going back in a curve. l To follow the trailer, reverse the steering angle of the tractor. l As the trailer moves backwards, the tractor will follow it. l Straighten the tractor. l 11 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Pre-positioning l Pre-positioning is the position into which you place your rig before you begin backing. 12 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Pre-positioning 13 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Pre-positioning The straight back position is easiest and safest. l You line up the truck directly in front of what you want to back up to. l 14 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Pre-positioning l The clear side pre-position is backing from a position which lets you have a clear view in your left rear view mirror of the space you want to back into. 15 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Pre-positioning 16 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Pre-positioning The blind side pre-position makes it more difficult to see the area you're backing into. l This is the most difficult position. l 17 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Pre-positioning 18 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Docking l Steps to proper docking procedure include the following: – Inspect the area. – Pre-position the rig. – Open the trailer doors. – Operate at idle speed only. 19 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Docking l Steps to proper docking procedure include the following: – Back up close to the dock. – Inspect the area behind the trailer and estimate the remaining distance. – Back until the trailer touches the dock. 20 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Parallel Parking l Parallel parking a rig is a difficult maneuver. Each rig will turn differently because of different wheelbases. 21 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Parallel Parking 22 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Parallel Parking Pull forward until the trailer is halfway past the vehicle parked in front of the selected spot. l Turn your steering wheel to the left so your tractor directs the trailer to the right toward the open space. l When the trailer is pointing into the space, straighten the tractor by turning the steering wheel to the right. l 23 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Parallel Parking l l Continue backing. When the middle of your tractor is at the rear of the vehicle in front, your right rear trailer wheels should be about three feet from the curb. Continue the right turn so that the tractor directs the trailer to the left. When your tractor will clear the front vehicle, turn the steering wheel to the left. 24 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Test Your Knowledge What is the biggest problem truck drivers face when backing? l What parts of the tractor-trailer are most vulnerable to collision when backing? l What is the procedure for steering the tractor in reverse? l 25 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Test Your Knowledge What are three pre-positions the driver can back from? l What is the correct docking procedure? l What are the problems associated with parallel parking? l 26 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Observation Skills Test 27 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Summary Backing is easy, isn’t it? l Backing accidents l How to steer in reverse l Pre-positioning l Docking l Parallel parking l 28 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.

Where to Get More Information Bumper to Bumper, The Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations, Chapter 18 l Barrons’ How to Prepare for the Commercial Driver’s License Truck Driver’s Test, Chapter 7 l 29 Copyright 2004 by Mike Byrnes & Assoc. , Inc.