If there's any danger that the load you're lifting with a crane is too heavy for ropes or straps, or that sharp edges on the load may damage them, you should use chains with compatible tensioners.

It's important to stow away all your electrical cables and air lines safely to avoid causing injury to others. Connectors left lying around can be a trip hazard and can be damaged if they're run over by another vehicle.

If a police officer signals for you to stop, stop as soon as possible in a safe place on the left.

Plan ahead and use your endurance brake (retarder) to help keep your speed in check on long downhill gradients. This can help to prevent your brakes from overheating and fading.

Always think of your own and others' physical safety before lifting any heavy object. Plan the lift and move any other items out of the way. Decide whether you need assistance.

Double red lines indicate that you're on a Red Route and in a no-stopping area. Red Routes also have single red lines, with signs showing the times that restrictions are in force. There are also parking and loading boxes, which have signs explaining the restrictions that apply.

If you become unwell, it will affect your ability to concentrate. You must be fully alert and ready for any hazards that might occur while you're driving. Stop in a safe place and call for help. You may have to call out a relief driver to complete the journey for you.

Driving at high speed on a wet motorway can throw up dense spray, making it very difficult for other drivers to see ahead. Driving more slowly reduces the amount of spray and this makes it safer for other drivers.

Brake fade occurs when the brakes overheat. Good forward planning and correct use of the gears when descending hills, together with proper use of the endurance brake (retarder), can help to prevent brake fade.

A full category D licence entitles you to tow a trailer of up to 750 kg. If you wish to tow a trailer over 750 kg, you must pass an additional test.

Research shows that approximately 40% of SRVIs involve commercial vehicles. The consequences are usually very serious because of the size of the vehicle and the fact that there is no braking before the impact.

If convicted, the current fine for each illegal immigrant brought into the UK is £2000. This fine can be imposed on each responsible person; this includes the vehicle driver, owner and hirer.

If you know which light is going to show next, you can plan your approach. This will help prevent excessive braking or hesitation at the junction.

The headroom under bridges in the UK is at least 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches) unless marked otherwise. However, this might refer only to the highest point of an arch. If your vehicle hits a bridge, you must report the incident to the police. If a railway bridge is involved, you must also report it to the railway authority.

Use your air conditioning only when it's absolutely necessary. Running it continuously increases overall fuel consumption by up to 15%.

Extra care is needed when driving in heavy rain. Reduce your speed and switch on dipped headlights. Tyres will have less grip on a wet road and it will take up to twice the distance to stop when compared with good dry conditions.

The headroom under bridges in the UK is at least 5 metres [16 feet 6 inches], unless otherwise stated. Where the overhead clearance is arched, this headroom is normally only between the limits marked.

The exit from a motorway is indicated by countdown markers. These are positioned 90 metres (100 yards) apart, the first being 270 metres (300 yards) from the start of the slip road. Move into the left-hand lane well before you reach the start of the slip road.

Approaching a junction at the correct speed will allow you enough time to observe and react. Pedestrians crossing here have priority and you must give way to them.

Emergency refuge areas may be found next to the hard shoulder on a smart motorway. If possible, you should use one of these areas, rather than the hard shoulder, when you break down. If the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane, take care when you rejoin the motorway.

Goods vehicles exceeding 2500 kg laden weight must always have their parking lights switched on when they're parked on the road at night. This includes parking in lay-bys: other drivers entering the lay-by must be able to see the vehicle.

When you're driving on a smart motorway, speed limits will show above each lane. These limits are shown inside a red circle and must be obeyed. A red cross will usually appear above the hard shoulder. When the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane, an appropriate speed limit will be displayed instead.

Most incidents happen as a result of a lapse in concentration. Don't let this happen to you. If you start to feel tired, you won't perform as well as you should. Your reactions will slow down, and your anticipation and judgement of hazards will become flawed. If you feel tired, stop and rest as soon as it's safe to do so.

Drivers should carry out a walk-round check daily, as part of a routine. They have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable precautions to ensure that legal requirements are met before they drive any vehicle.

Traffic behind that's returning from the right-hand lane is a hazard to be aware of before you move into the middle lane to overtake. Checking your blind spot can help you see these vehicles before you commit to changing lanes.

Turning off the engine is safer and emits less fumes into the environment. Leaving the engine idling unnecessarily will also waste fuel.

By planning your journey to avoid busy times, you'll avoid the build-up of traffic that often occurs.

A heavy vehicle will lose speed when climbing a steep hill. Changing to a lower gear will help you to maintain an appropriate speed.

Modern anti-lock braking systems rely on electronics for their operation. A warning light on the dashboard shows that the system is operating. This light will usually go out when the vehicle reaches about 6 mph (10 km/h).

The full name of the CMR is the 'Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road'. You'll need this document to transport goods internationally by road. Of the four copies required, the consignor, consignee and originator all have one copy, and the fourth travels with the vehicle.

Plan your overtaking carefully. The weight of your vehicle, combined with the restrictions imposed by a speed limiter, is likely to make your vehicle lose speed on uphill gradients. You should take this into consideration before attempting to overtake another moving vehicle.

Only overtake when it's safe to do so, and don't use the size of your vehicle to intimidate approaching traffic. When overtaking a cyclist, leave plenty of room and, before returning to the left, check in your nearside mirror to make sure you've passed them safely.

When moving a load, make sure you don't have to bend down or stretch up to reach the handles. Also, try to push rather than pull, so you can see where you're going.

During very cold weather, it's tempting to have the heating in the cab turned on full. Be aware that this may help to make you feel drowsy, especially after you've eaten a meal. Open the window slightly to let in some fresh air until it's safe for you to stop and rest.

When refitting a wheel, the nuts should be tightened to the correct torque. They should be rechecked after about 30 minutes if the vehicle hasn't moved, or after 40 to 80 km (25 to 50 miles) of driving.

Closed curtains on large empty vehicles can hold the wind. Strong side wind can blow a semi-trailer off course and, in severe cases, can blow the whole vehicle over onto its side. To reduce the risk of this happening, you should tie the curtains open.

In England and Wales, the national speed limit for lorries over 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass on a single carriageway road is 50 mph. In Scotland, the limit is 40 mph.

A flashing amber light is shown at pelican crossings, but not at puffin crossings. Puffin crossings have sensors that detect when pedestrians are using the crossing.

Wind deflectors lower a vehicle's wind resistance. The vehicle therefore requires less energy to drive it forward, and this reduces its fuel consumption. Ecosafe driving techniques, correct tyre pressures and proper maintenance also help to maximise fuel efficiency.

You should always check all your spray-suppression equipment before a journey. Don't ignore it just because it's dry when you set out. The weather can change on the way.

If you're using a vehicle equipped with an analogue tachograph, you'll need at least one chart for every 24 hours. Your employer should supply you with enough tachograph charts for your entire journey.

The speed limits imposed on vehicles carrying abnormal loads can be frustrating for other drivers, but you mustn't be tempted to exceed them. Remember, the more weight you're carrying, the longer it will take you to stop safely.

When approaching a tunnel, switch on your dipped headlights. Be aware that your eyes might need to adjust to the sudden darkness. You may need to reduce your speed.

Correctly adjusted air deflectors will save fuel. They should be adjusted to guide the airflow over the highest point at the front of the trailer or load and body.

From your raised driving position, you may not be able to see the area directly in front you. The Class VI (Cyclops) mirror on the front of your vehicle can reveal pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who would otherwise be hidden from view. Check this mirror carefully before moving off, especially at pedestrian crossings and in stop/start city traffic.

When securing a load, the driver must use the most suitable type of restraint. Scrap metal is likely to have sharp edges that could wear through straps or ropes. Security of the load is the driver's responsibility; a load that has been correctly secured shouldn't move if an emergency arises.

Sitting in a high cab doesn't always give you all-round visibility. Other road users might assume that you can see them and position themselves out of sight close to your vehicle. Making good use of any extra mirrors can help prevent dangerous incidents, especially when parking.

Check all medicines for their side-effects, such as drowsiness. If you're unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain how you might be affected by the medication.

Block' gear changing means changing up or down to the most appropriate gear without going through each gear in turn. It reduces the number of gear changes, and this can improve fuel consumption.

While moving, hazard warning lights may only be used on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn drivers behind of a need to slow down, due to a hazard ahead.

The flashing amber lights are switched on to warn you that children may be crossing near a school. Drive slowly and be prepared for children running into the road.

Whenever you see this sign, take extra care with these very vulnerable road users.

You must be able to stop safely in the distance that you can see to be clear ahead. This will be the distance illuminated by your headlights or by street lights and will generally be less than you can see in daylight.

The car is the most stable of the vehicles shown. However, all vehicles are affected by side wind and buffeting from larger vehicles. Be aware that your speed and road position could cause unnecessary turbulence when passing smaller vehicles.

The red emergency line is common to both two-line and three-line braking systems. Always set the parking brake before disconnecting any brake line.

Motorcyclists can often pass slow or stationary traffic because of the relatively small size of their vehicle. Take a last look in your right-hand mirror to check for motorcyclists and so avoid turning across their path.

Spray-suppression equipment reduces the amount of spray thrown up to other road users. Check the equipment regularly to make sure it's secure and undamaged.

Wide loads are a hazard to other road users. In addition to having an attendant with you, you must notify the police if your load is wider than 3.5 metres [11 feet 5 inches]. Side markers must also be used to show other road users the limits of your vehicle.

When traffic is heavy, plan well ahead so that you don't block crossings. Leave them clear so that pedestrians can cross safely.

If you're travelling in heavy rain, you should be aware that it could take twice as long for you to stop as it would in dry weather. Increase your distance from the vehicle in front to allow for the longer stopping distance.

You mustn't make a U-turn on roads where this sign is displayed.

Keep a check in your mirrors as you're driving to make sure that the sheets are secure. Air can force itself under the sheets and work them loose.

Heavy braking can cause an articulated vehicle to become unstable and may even lead to jack-knifing; this is more likely to occur when the trailer is unladen.

Learners might take longer to react to traffic situations. Don't unnerve and intimidate them by driving up close behind.

In congested tunnels, you should always obey the instructions given by variable message signs and tunnel officials. Listen out for radio announcements and observe the road signs and signals. Keep your distance from the vehicle in front.

This sign is found where a shallow stream crosses the road. Heavy rainfall could increase the flow of water. If the water looks too deep or the stream has swelled over a large distance, stop and find another route.

Before driving into a tunnel, you should take off your sunglasses. If you don't, you'll find that your vision is restricted - even in a tunnel that appears to be well lit.

Give way to buses whenever you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from bus stops. Look out for people who have left the bus and wish to cross the road. Also look for people rushing to catch a bus: they may be more concerned about catching the bus than watching for traffic.

Look out for variable-message warning signs telling you about

• lane closures
• speed limits
• hazards.

When you're clear of the restriction, you'll see a sign telling you that it has ended.

When diesel fuel spills onto the road, it makes the road surface extremely slippery. This can cause danger for all types of vehicle, but particularly for those with two wheels, which rely on their tyres' grip to remain upright.

Continually using the brakes could cause them to overheat. When that happens, they become less effective. This is called brake fade, and it occurs most often when the driver has to control the vehicle's speed on a long downhill gradient. To help prevent brake fade, use the endurance brake (retarder) and a lower gear to keep the vehicle's speed in check, rather than the wheel-mounted brakes.

Hitting the kerb at speed can split the tyre or put the steering and suspension geometry out of alignment. Have it checked as soon as possible. A sudden puncture in a front tyre could result in a loss of steering control and a serious crash.

Motor vehicles over 7500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) and trailers over 3500 kg MAM should have these markings fitted to the rear of the vehicle/trailer.

It's important to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front at all times. This still applies in congested tunnels, even if you're moving very slowly or have stopped. If the vehicle in front breaks down, you may need room to manoeuvre past it.

DVSA or the police can order an immediate prohibition. The vehicle may be immobilised and you won't be able to drive it until the faults have been rectified. Details are notified to the traffic commissioner. Never use a vehicle that you know is faulty.

Plan well ahead before overtaking. Be aware that a speed limiter may cause you difficulties when overtaking another vehicle, particularly when climbing a hill.

Traffic queues on the motorway are fairly common, often due to the volume of traffic at peak times or to incidents. If you see a queue of stationary traffic ahead, switch on your hazard warning lights for a short while to warn those behind you of a hazard ahead.

You must show consideration to other road users. The reactions of older drivers may be slower and they might need more time to deal with a situation. Be tolerant and don’t lose patience or show your annoyance.

Good forward planning will allow you to deal safely with this situation. You need to assess how your actions will affect other road users. Acting on impulse can have disastrous consequences.

Every year, many people are seriously injured by falling from vehicles. Using suitable steps will lessen the chance of falling. Be aware of the dangers when loading or unloading vehicles.

Always look for the more vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians (especially children), animals and horse riders. All need your consideration. Motorcycles are relatively small, but they can move just as fast as other vehicles, making them easy to overlook.

No motor vehicles are allowed past this sign. Although a motorcycle and car are shown, the restriction applies to all motor vehicles.

It's compulsory for drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. However, if you're making deliveries that are less than 50 metres apart, you may leave the seat belt undone. It would be impractical to keep fastening and unfastening your seat belt over such short distances.

If you stop for pedestrians and they don't start to cross, be patient. Don't wave them across or sound your horn. This could be dangerous if the driver of an approaching vehicle isn't aware of them. The driver may not have seen or heard your signal, making it very dangerous for the pedestrians to start to cross.

You mustn't park or stop on a road marked with double white lines (even where one of the lines is broken) except to pick up or set down passengers.

Always be concerned for the safety of other road users. Be aware of the various factors and situations where you may have to take action to keep more vulnerable road users safe.

Wet roads will increase the time it takes you to stop. Four seconds is the minimum gap you should leave on wet roads. This is double the gap you should normally keep from the vehicle in front on good, dry roads.

When driving downhill, gravity will cause the vehicle to increase speed. More braking effort will be required, and stopping distances will increase.

There are heavy fines for those convicted of bringing illegal immigrants into the UK. This can mean a fine for each illegal person carried. The fine can be imposed on each 'responsible person', including the vehicle driver, owner and hirer.

Caravans are relatively light but have a large surface area. This makes them vulnerable to the turbulence created by large vehicles travelling at speed. The blast of air can destabilise the caravan, causing it to snake, and in extreme cases they can be blown over.

As well as headlights and tail lights, large vehicles have additional lighting to help other road users see the size of the vehicle. All lights should be clean and working properly. Driving at night when your vehicle is poorly lit is dangerous for you and other road users.

An engine fire is serious. If the fire breaches the fuel lines, it can easily spread to the fuel tank. If that happens, both the vehicle and its cargo will probably be lost. Therefore, your priority is to shut off the fuel supply.

If you drive a vehicle carrying dangerous or hazardous material, you must make sure the correct symbol or mark is clearly visible.

The priority when dealing with an unconscious person is to make sure they have a clear airway and can breathe. Stay with the casualty and make sure someone rings for an ambulance.

Motorcycles can be very vulnerable to strong side wind. Allow extra room when overtaking them in windy weather. Check your nearside mirror while alongside and before moving back to the left.

Plan well ahead and take care if you need to move out or straddle lanes due to the length of your vehicle. Other road users may not understand your reasons for doing this and may try to pass on your left. Check your mirrors before and as you turn. It's better to use extra space on the road you're leaving than to find there's not enough room when you turn in.

Look out for signs above your lane or on the central reservation. These will give you importantn information or warnings about the road ahead. To allow for the high speed of motorway traffic, these signs may light up some distance from any hazard. Don't ignore the signs just because the road looks clear to you.