A long lorry with a heavy load will need more time to pass you than a car. It won't be able to accelerate enough to pass you quickly, especially on an uphill stretch of road. Be considerate to the lorry driver - ease off the accelerator and allow the lorry to pass.

Hazardous substances in transit are readily identified by a diamond-shaped warning label. This label carries other information to identify the type of hazard more specifically, such as

• flammable gas
• toxic gas
• corrosive agents.

These are just some of the types of hazard encountered. Strict regulations apply to the storage and carriage of these goods. All drivers of this type of load must receive specific certificated training.

Spilt diesel creates a serious risk to other road users, especially motorcyclists. Take care when refuelling and make sure that all filler caps and tank hatches are properly closed and secure.

When an ambulance is displaying a flashing blue light, try to stop in a safe place to allow it to pass. Make sure you don't endanger any other road users or commit an offence; for example, by driving past a red traffic light.

As you pass pedestrians or vehicles on your left, you should use your nearside mirror and check that you've passed them safely. You need to allow a good safety margin before you move back to the left.

Load security is one of the many responsibilities of the driver. When choosing a site to park your vehicle overnight, you should always look for a location that's legal and well lit. Many allocated lorry parks are patrolled by the police or security firms.

If you're involved in an incident that causes damage or injury to a person or property, you must stop. You must also give your details to anyone who has reasonable grounds to ask for them. If you don't do this, you must inform the police as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours.

There's a particular risk when driving between 2 am and 7 am. This is when the 'body clock' is programmed for sleep in most people. There's another, smaller, dip between 2 pm and 4 pm. If you feel that tiredness is affecting your ability to drive, stop in a safe place and rest.

Look out for restrictions on long vehicles. Length restrictions are found where there isn't much room to turn (for example, in a tunnel) or where there's a risk of grounding.

Before overtaking assess the situation. Look well ahead to see if the cyclist will need to change direction. Be especially aware of the cyclist approaching parked vehicles as they will need to alter course. Do not pass too closely or cut in sharply.

A loose brake pedal would suggest a serious loss of fluid from the hydraulic system. Don't drive your vehicle until the fault has been checked and fixed by a qualified person.

Staying well behind the vehicle in front will improve your view of the road ahead. This will give you more time and room to react to hazards. Use the two-second rule to make sure you're not too close. Don't move out to the right, as this could put you into the path of an oncoming vehicle or obstruct smaller vehicles that wish to overtake.

When transporting livestock, it's important to limit the amount of space they have to move around. If you allow them to move around freely, it could increase the risk of injury to the animals. It will also affect the stability of the vehicle when braking and cornering, and could even cause the vehicle to tip over.

The size and design of some cabs can create blind spots. This is especially true of a sleeper cab. A quick sideways glance might show something you can't see in your mirrors, especially when traffic is merging.

Even though the warning light is showing, there may be sufficient pressure to release the parking brake. However, you mustn't do this, because there may not be enough air pressure to operate the service brake.

A significant number of sleep-related vehicle incidents involve commercial vehicles. There's a particular risk when driving between 2.00 am and 7.00 am, because this is when the body clock craves sleep. It's important to take proper rest before, during and between driving duties.

Demountable bodies have legs that can be lowered so that the carrier vehicle can be driven out from underneath the body. This has an advantage over ISO containers, which require some form of crane or lift to remove the container from the trailer.

Operators must set up an 'effective system' to prevent the carriage of illegal immigrants. This should include documentation with advice on vehicle security and a list of checks to be made. These papers should be produced immediately if an immigration officer asks to see them.

Concentration will be improved by eating regular, light meals timed to fit in with your scheduled rest periods. If you don't eat at all, your blood sugar levels will drop and you'll feel tired. If you just eat snack foods, most of which are sugary or high in fat, your energy levels will peak and then drop - and eating while you're driving is a dangerous distraction.

Vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and caravans could be blown off course by strong winds. You should be aware that your vehicle could cause additional buffeting when you overtake, so allow them plenty of room.

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.

High-sided vehicles such as box vans are affected by side wind, particularly when they're empty. Drivers should slow down and stay alert for other road users affected by the windy conditions.

It's important to use a low gear and keep the engine speed high to prevent water from entering the engine through the exhaust system. In these circumstances, it may be necessary to slip the clutch to keep the road speed as low as possible.

When a warning light or device indicating a loss of brake pressure comes on, you must stop safely and get the fault put right immediately. The safety of you, your load, your passengers and all other road users is at risk.

By using a retarder, the life of the brake linings is extended. This is because a retarder works by slowing the vehicle without using the wheel-mounted brakes.

Suspension faults may result in road damage. Road-friendly suspension reduces the impact on the environment, the road surface and under-road services.

Always have a walk round your vehicle and visually check the wheel nuts whenever you take a break. When a wheel is replaced, it's important to have the wheel nuts rechecked shortly after their initial tightening. Wheel nuts must always be tightened to the torque specified by the manufacturer.

Roof markings on lorries can help police air-support units to identify stolen vehicles. Fleet operators, particularly those that regularly carry vulnerable or dangerous loads, are encouraged to use these markings.

The effects of shock may not be immediately obvious. Try to recognise the warning signs early; prompt treatment can help to deal with it. Symptoms include a rapid pulse, pale grey skin, sweating and rapid shallow breathing.

On motorways, be especially careful when driving over bridges and viaducts. The road here is exposed and in windy weather there's a risk of strong side wind, which may blow you off course or even blow your vehicle over. In severe windy weather, these routes are often closed to drivers of high-sided vehicles.

When emerging, if you can't see, don't go. Be aware that there could be an approaching cyclist or motorcyclist hidden by parked vehicles. Edge out very slowly, checking in all directions, and be ready to stop.

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.

Heavy steering could mean there's a fault with the power steering. It should be investigated as soon as possible. Many large vehicles can become undriveable if the power steering fails completely.

Slow down when you see a warning sign for an uneven road. Be especially careful if you're carrying passengers, livestock or fragile items.

All tyres must be properly inflated and in good condition. Tyre failure on a motorway can have serious consequences. This can be avoided by checking your tyres at the start of each journey.

All tyres must be properly inflated and in good condition. Tyre failure on a motorway can have serious consequences. This can be avoided by checking your tyres at the start of each journey.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal. It will distract you from your driving, because your attention is split between the phone call and your driving.

Cold water will cool the burning tissue and help prevent further damage. It will also reduce swelling, minimise shock and alleviate pain. Use water, or any other liquid, that's clean and non-toxic.

Good forward planning will reduce fuel consumption and engine emissions. This will cause less wear on the vehicle and its tyres, as well as reducing environmental pollution.

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.

When using ropes, the ends should be spliced or otherwise treated to prevent fraying. The rope should be of at least three-strand construction, with a normal diameter of at least 10 mm.

The transition from 'rear wheel lift' to 'roll-over' is more rapid on vehicles equipped with air suspension systems. Make sure you take advantage of any extra training that may be available to drivers of this type of vehicle.

Always indicate your intentions in good time; this will allow others time to alter their speed and course if necessary. Always check your blind spots before changing lanes.

Split-link and iron chains shouldn't be used to secure loads, as they're less reliable than solid-link and steel chains. For more information on the suitability of various-sized steel chains, consult the relevant British Standard (BS) leaflets.

Take care if you're driving an empty high-sided vehicle when it's windy. Watch for places where the conditions could suddenly change, such as a gap between buildings or when passing under a bridge. Reduce your speed and stay alert for other road users who are also affected by these weather conditions.

Driving slowly will give you better control of your vehicle. By using a high gear, you reduce the chance of your wheels spinning and skidding on the snow.

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.

The symbols on the back or side of a lorry should show the type of material that the vehicle will normally be carrying.

SRVIs are more evident in young male drivers, who tend to ignore or deny how they're feeling. The greatest risk is between the hours of 2.00 am and 7.00 am, when the body clock is in a trough. Make sure you take sufficient rest breaks and don't ignore feeling sleepy.

Allow the cyclist plenty of room. Give them space and be prepared for them to change direction. To stay safe, they may travel around the roundabout in the left-hand lane.

Chilled foods are transported at temperatures above freezing point. Drivers need to be trained in hygiene procedures and how to operate refrigeration units.

If you try to overtake another vehicle and realise that you're unable to complete the manoeuvre, ease off the accelerator and drop back behind the vehicle. If the vehicle you're trying to overtake is large, then it will take a long time to pass. You should assess whether you have the time and power to complete the manoeuvre before you try to overtake.

Alcohol can take a long time to leave the body. You may feel all right to drive, but its effect will last for many hours.

Theft of loads from commercial vehicles is a serious problem. You should take steps to safeguard your load when leaving the vehicle overnight. Simply parking with the rear doors close to another vehicle or a wall can act as an effective deterrent to thieves.

You have a legal responsibility to make sure that your vehicle is fully roadworthy. Daily walk-round checks give you the chance to look for any defects with your vehicle.

The law requires you to use projection markers for long or wide loads. It's the driver's responsibility to keep the markers clean and securely fixed. They must also be independently lit at night.

If your vehicle breaks down, try to stop on the left, facing in the same direction as the flow of traffic. This will help other drivers to see you, as your red reflectors will show to the rear. Don't stop on the pavement, as the weight of the vehicle may damage paving stones and underground services.

If any animal you pass on the road becomes unsettled, you should brake gently and come to a stop. A nervous animal is unpredictable, so you should wait until it has settled or passed by. Other road users behind you may have a limited view of the hazard, so use your mirrors and give clear signals if necessary.

The differential allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds; this is necessary for the vehicle to negotiate corners and bends. On a slippery surface, however, it can cause problems: if one wheel has less traction, it can spin, resulting in a complete loss of drive. The 'diff-lock' prevents the wheels from turning independently and so helps to stop this happening.

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.

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.

Use the two-second rule when conditions are good and you're driving on roads carrying faster-moving traffic. Choose a fixed reference point, and when the vehicle ahead passes that point say to yourself 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.' If you reach the object before you finish saying this, you're too close and you need to drop back and check again.

Projection marker boards must be fitted if the load on your vehicle overhangs by more than 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches). This will help other road users who may not notice the projecting load.

When starting an engine fitted with an engine management system, you don't need to press the accelerator, because the engine management system automatically regulates the fuel/air supply. Using the accelerator at start-up wastes fuel, causes increased engine noise and is harmful to the environment.

Pedestrians who are part of an organised walk using the road at night should wear bright or reflective clothing. The walker in front should display a white light, while the one at the back should display a red light. Be particularly careful, slow down and give the walkers plenty of room.

If you're trying to resuscitate someone, it's important that you don't give up on them. Make sure that someone has called the emergency services and continue trying to resuscitate the casualty until medical help arrives.

DVSA and the police carry out frequent roadside checks of commercial vehicles. Where serious defects are found, the vehicle is taken out of use until they're put right. Details of the prohibition are shared with the traffic commissioner.

Before entering a tunnel, you should switch on your dipped headlights; these help you to see and be seen. In many tunnels, using headlights is a legal requirement. You should also remove your sunglasses before you drive into a tunnel.

While overtaking, you'll need to judge carefully when to return to the nearside lane. Check your left-hand (nearside) mirror to make sure the rear of your vehicle is well clear. You should allow for the length of both vehicles and take into account the speed difference. Don't cut in too soon on the vehicle you've overtaken, and don't rely on signals from other drivers; they may be signalling to someone else.

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.

Air-brake systems rely on an engine-driven compressor to keep the reservoir tanks at their operating pressure. Coasting downhill and relying on the brakes to control your speed could result in the loss of sufficient air pressure to operate the brakes effectively.

At night, a pedestrian carrying a red light should be at the back of an organised walk. The walkers should keep to the left, but this won't always be the case. Pass them very slowly. Be aware that the pedestrians may have their backs to you and might not know you're approaching.

Before leaving your vehicle parked, you must stop the engine. The parking brake must be set and the vehicle should be safe and secure when you leave the cab.

If you see a vehicle with a green flashing light, it will be a doctor on an emergency call, so give way by pulling over and letting the vehicle pass. But don't just stop suddenly - choose a safe place as soon as you can to let the doctor's car pass safely.

Blind spots can occur when bodywork - such as a door or window pillar - restricts your view. Different types of vehicle have different blind spots.

You'll need to identify the sign in time, so that you can select an appropriate gear.

Causing excessive smoke is an offence and could contribute to causing an incident or collision. You could also end up creating serious traffic problems if your vehicle breaks down in a difficult location.

You must take extra care when your vehicle is carrying a load. When cornering, weight will be transferred away from the direction in which you're turning. Also, when you're braking, weight can be transferred in several different directions.

Most large vehicles have a rev counter (tachometer) that's divided into coloured bands. This helps you to drive in the most fuel-efficient way and avoid damage to the engine. The green band is the one that gives adequate torque and power with optimum fuel economy.

A driver's week is defined as a period from 00.00 hours on Monday to 24.00 hours the following Sunday.

It's an offence to leave a vehicle unattended on a public road with the engine running. Take care if you have to open the cab door directly into the road. Look for passing traffic - especially cyclists or motorcyclists - that may not be visible in your mirrors.

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.

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).

On a motorway where there's a long uphill gradient, there may be a crawler lane. This helps the traffic to flow by making an extra lane available on the left for slower, heavy vehicles.

Your head restraint should be adjusted so that, in the event of a collision, it protects your neck from whiplash injury.

The brushes are part of a spray-suppression system. They reduce the amount of water thrown up at the sides and rear of the vehicle. Check them regularly for security. If they become worn, make sure they're replaced.

Slow down and be ready to stop if you see animals in the road ahead. Animals are easily frightened by noise and by vehicles passing too close to them. Stop if signalled to do so by the person in charge of the animals.

Sometimes other drivers or riders make a mistake. If this happens, try not to let it worry you. Don't react by sounding the horn, flashing your headlights or shouting at the other driver; it won't help the situation. A professional driver will remain calm and stay focused on their driving.

A poor diet can increase your risk of ill health. It may cause obesity, diabetes or heart disease, which can increase your risk of sudden incapacity at the wheel. There's a greater risk of developing a serious illness - and ultimately an early death. Smoking and a lack of exercise will increase the risks.

Prompt treatment can help to deal with shock. Warning signs to look for include rapid pulse, sweating, pale grey skin, and rapid shallow breathing. While waiting for help to arrive, keep the casualty warm and comfortable, and speak reassuringly to them.

Sulphur produces acidic gases. Diesel fuels with lower sulphur content have been produced to reduce exhaust emissions that harm both people and the environment.

All drivers should play their part to protect the environment against traffic pollution. Make sure the vehicle you drive is properly maintained. Report any defects, such as excessive exhaust smoke, as soon as you can.

If a mandatory speed-limit sign is shown above the hard shoulder, this lane can be used as a running lane. You must stay within the signed speed limit. Look out for any vehicles that have broken down and are blocking the hard shoulder.

Side markers must be displayed if your load is over 2.9 metres [9 feet 5 inches] wide. Make sure that they're clearly visible, at both the front and rear, and that they indicate the actual width of the projection.

Always have wheel nuts checked soon after their initial tightening. They should be tightened to the torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Modern large vehicles are fitted with power-assisted steering. If the steering feels heavy, then there's likely to be a fault, which should be investigated and repaired as soon as possible.

Traffic officers don't have enforcement powers, but they're able to stop and direct people on motorways and some 'A' class roads. They only operate in England and work in partnership with the police at incidents. Traffic officers can be recognised by their orange-and-yellow jackets and their vehicles, which have yellow-and-black markings.

A kingpin or drawbar lock is a visible and effective deterrent to thieves wishing to steal an unattended trailer.