What else should be done before starting a large vehicle besides observing the rearview mirrors?
2 Answers
Before starting a large vehicle, besides observing the rearview mirrors, you should also check the front lower mirrors. Below are specific instructions regarding starting a large vehicle: Precautions: Listen carefully to the sound of the accelerator. When starting the vehicle, there are three distinct sounds during the clutch release: "high-pitched," "steady," and "low-pitched." The "high-pitched" sound indicates the free travel distance of the clutch, while during the "steady" and "low-pitched" sounds, the speed of releasing the clutch must be slowed down. Additional information: Techniques: For starting on flat roads or downhill, you can release the handbrake first, then press the accelerator and release the clutch. However, for uphill starts, you should only release the handbrake when the accelerator sound changes to "steady," otherwise, the vehicle may roll backward. On flat roads and downhill starts, a slight press on the accelerator is sufficient, while uphill starts require adjusting the accelerator pressure according to the slope's steepness—the steeper the slope, the greater the pressure needed.
After driving large vehicles for so many years, before starting off, besides keeping a close eye on the rearview mirror, I also make sure to take an extra glance at the blind spots. Big trucks have numerous blind zones, like near the right-side A-pillar where children or small electric scooters might be hiding. I’ve developed the habit of tilting my head to carefully check, ensuring there are no obstacles. Sound signals are crucial too—I always honk twice to alert people around, especially in crowded areas or near schools, slowing down before starting to prevent blind-spot accidents. On rainy days when the road is slippery, I gently press the accelerator to test tire grip first, avoiding skidding. Also, never forget to check if the doors are properly closed and passengers are secure, starting slowly to give the surroundings time to react. Safety is no small matter; developing these habits saves trouble in the long run. Once while delivering in the city, just because I took that extra look, I avoided a young man suddenly crossing the road—a lesson I’ll never forget.
