BACKING UP

Backing into other vehicles, objects, power lines, or people is considered negligence on the part of the operator. To avoid backing mishaps, you should use the common practices that are used in the NCF. These practices are as follows:

1. Blow the horn at least twice before reversing the vehicle. This alerts personnel in the surrounding area that a vehicle is preparing to backup.

2. Exit the vehicle and survey the area for items you cannot see from the cab of a truck or equipment before backing in an unfamiliar area.

Check the following: low power lines, fire hydrants, warning poles, guy wires, parked vehicles, and other obstacles.

3. Use a backup guide (signal person). The backup guide signals you from the rear of your vehicle as you perform your backing operations. Survey the area and communicate with the backup guide so you both have an understanding of the backing operation.

Figure 5-3.-Positioning the wheels of a parked vehicle.

NOTE: A majority of the backing mishaps that have occurred in the NCF could have been avoided had the operators used a backup guide.

4. Ensure the reverse signal alarm works when you make the prestart operational inspection. If your vehicle is equipped with a reverse signal alarm, it must work during the entire backward movement of the vehicle.

EXPRESSWAYS

Expressways are designed for high-speed driving, and to avoid mishaps on them, drivers must be more skillful and alert. All expressway entrances have three basic parts: an entrance ramp, an acceleration lane, and a merging area. (See fig. 5-4.)

On the entrance ramp, begin to speed up and check for an opening in traffic. Be sure to signal before entering. As the ramp straightens into the acceleration lane, continue to speed up. Try to adjust your speed so you can move into traffic. Merge into traffic when you can do so safely. You must yield the right-of-way to traffic on the expressway. You cannot always count on other drivers moving over to give you room to enter, but do not stop on an acceleration lane unless traffic is heavy and there is no space for you to enter safely.

When traveling on an expressway, you should never exceed the posted speed limit and should maintain the distance between vehicles needed for safe stopping. Avoid highway hypnosis by taking rest stops and opening vents or windows. Should you have and emergency situation develop, you should get the vehicle off the expressway as fast as safely possible. After coming to a stop, you should look behind you for oncoming or passing traffic before opening any door on the vehicle. When safe to do so, exit the vehicle and place flasher lights or flares behind the vehicle to warn other motorists.

When you are leaving expressways, get in the proper lane well before the turnoff, and use turn signals to warn other drivers. Slow down in the deceleration lane only. Check the posted speed for the exit ramp. (See fig. 5-5.) Be prepared to obey posted signs like stop, yield, or merge. Should you miss your exit, do not stop or backup to the ramp. You must go to the next exit to turn around.

PERIODIC STOPS

Driving for long distances or operating equipment for long periods of time can become hypnotic. You need to stop at least every couple of hours and walk around your vehicle to wake up and loosen up. This improves your awareness and allows you to operate the equipment more safely.

While you are stopped and walking around, look over your vehicle; give it a quick safety inspection.

1. Look at your tires. Check the lug nuts and ensure they are tight.

2. Listen for any air leaks. Look for leaks that may occur during operation from the engine, transmission, or differential.

3. Look at the general condition of your vehicle.

4. Check the load to see if it has shifted.

Figure 5-4.-How to enter an expressway safely.

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.