Truck terror

[Clint]

There I am, cruising down the interstate. The distance between me and a truck in front of me closes so I slow down to match his speed at a safe distance. I look in my rear view mirror and there's another big rig right on my tail. I look to my left for an escape and there's a third big rig blocking my escape. They aren't intentionally trying to harm me, they are just there and I begin to tremble. I know it's likely one of them doesn't speak english but got his comercial driver's license anyway. I know one of them has been driving way too long and may nod off and drift out of his lane at any time. And I can be pretty sure one has a problem with uncontrolable rage. The equipment they are operating may be licensed in Mexico and the brakes may work properly...then again they may not. I can see one has tires that have gone way beyond their intended life and the truck in front of me doesn't have operating brake lights. I'm probably as close to death as I was when I was in combat.

They roll down the highway with 100,000 pound rigs at speeds beyond their control along with other vehicles that weigh less than one of their tires. They have to be randomly tested for drugs along with airline pilots and train engineers but most will argue they are being put upon because the have to. They are engaged in an extremely dangerous occupation with tremendous responsibilty yet they are being paid poorly and the are far from professional and responsible. The responsible, professionals used to be truck drivers but they were smart enough to be scared to death of what they were doing and moved on to other occupations.

If you think this is an exaggeration you probably enjoy your commute a lot better than I do. I know too much.

[Patsy Warnick]

Those big trucks scare the heck out of me, whether I'm driving or I'm a passenger.
I'll tell my husband - please get past this truck as I'm gripping the door, I'm very tense around them. Too many horror stories involving these trucks.
My husband and I came very close to death with one, I'll never forget the look on the driver's face during that incident, I cried and peed myself.
Everyone should be nervous around these big rigs.

Patsy

[cars]

Originally Posted by Clint

There I am, cruising down the interstate. The distance between me and a truck in front of me closes so I slow down to match his speed at a safe distance. I look in my rear view mirror and there's another big rig right on my tail. I look to my left for an escape and there's a third big rig blocking my escape. They aren't intentionally trying to harm me, they are just there and I begin to tremble. I know it's likely one of them doesn't speak english but got his comercial driver's license anyway. I know one of them has been driving way too long and may nod off and drift out of his lane at any time. And I can be pretty sure one has a problem with uncontrolable rage. The equipment they are operating may be licensed in Mexico and the brakes may work properly...then again they may not. I can see one has tires that have gone way beyond their intended life and the truck in front of me doesn't have operating brake lights. I'm probably as close to death as I was when I was in combat.

They roll down the highway with 100,000 pound rigs at speeds beyond their control along with other vehicles that weigh less than one of their tires. They have to be randomly tested for drugs along with airline pilots and train engineers but most will argue they are being put upon because the have to. They are engaged in an extremely dangerous occupation with tremendous responsibilty yet they are being paid poorly and the are far from professional and responsible. The responsible, professionals used to be truck drivers but they were smart enough to be scared to death of what they were doing and moved on to other occupations.

If you think this is an exaggeration you probably enjoy your commute a lot better than I do. I know too much.

Right clint, I hate when truckers try to intimidate a car on the road, (and many do) by doing just what you said. Whenever I find some dufus right on my tail, be it a truck or even another car, I gradually start to slow down and leave even more safe "stopping" distance (allowing additional distance for the dufus also ) between me and the vehicle in front of me. If I start to go too slow, they usually eventually pass.

Clint, I agree. I used to drive to Florida from New Jersey and stop many times along the way. Now, I don't want to drive along Highway 95 anymore because I'm so afraid of the 18 wheelers. I know that most truck drivers are nice, but there are certain drivers who are too reckless. When you're driving through the Carolinas there are no police guarding the roads. There are only 2 lanes and you have 2 big 18 wheelers driving 90 miles behind you, and you have nowhere to pull over to let them by. What can you do???? I am so devistated by the time I reach my destination because I'm driving 90 miles an hour in the torrential rain because I'm afraid that I'm going to be killed. Now, I take my chances on a plane rather than drive along that road. I wonder if most people feel like me.
Kathy Ellen

[Clint]

Originally Posted by cars

Right clint, I hate when truckers try to intimidate a car on the road, (and many do) by doing just what you said. Whenever I find some dufus right on my tail, be it a truck or even another car, I gradually start to slow down and leave even more safe "stopping" distance (allowing additional distance for the dufus also ) between me and the vehicle in front of me. If I start to go too slow, they usually eventually pass.

Yup, that's the way to make an opening. Knowing the rage some of these guys carry around I think as soon as there's a large enough opening you hit the gas and use the opening to get away. I just don't trust em.

[valerie]

What really scares me is those big ol' tires and rims that can blow at
amost any given moment... no idea what the tire pressure is on those
things but EEK!!

[Patsy Warnick]

Clint, and Kathy Ellen,

I agree with both of you. Sometimes when we travel - thinking different times of the day or night would make a difference - wrong. Nothing's worse than traveling and being boxed in by those trucks. I'll watch my husband look in his mirrors, and there's a truck on his tail. Most are curtious, but ??
Inspections are random, we have too many wrecks weekly involving these trucks.

Our real problem is our highways can not adapt to all the growth - traffic is terrible everywhere, the highways go from 4 lanes to 2 lanes and the trucks own the road, and scare the heck out of everyone.

Patsy

[Uncle Kram]

When anyone tailgates me they can expect to be slowing down to 20mph. If they wanna be up my arse that badly, the very least I expect is a kiss first.

[Ocnbrz]

In my lifetime I have operated all kinds of equipment, including big rigs. In years past many were operated by professional drivers. I wish that were still the case today. Many are paid by the mile, if the truck isn't moving they aren't making any money. The hours are long and the pay stinks. They are constantly being pushed to cover more distance, to move more product in less time. For the independents the cost of fuel and tires alone can drive them out of business. Many are away from home for weeks at a time. Companies cut corners on vehicle maintenance. Yes, the govt. conducts safety inspections of the vehicle and driver but they aren't going to catch all the problems. It's a hard occupation to attract good people to. Long hours, low pay, bad weather, bad drivers, it all adds up to trouble. We have all had our sleepless nights. Imagine that in a rig next to you weighing 100,000 lbs and traveling 60+ miles an hour. Their not going to stop on a dime!

While there are plenty of "bad" truck drivers there is no shortage of "bad" auto drivers either. Aggressive drivers, no matter what they drive are a hazzard to everyone! More than one truck accident was caused by someone in a car that didn't give that truck enough room ... or time to stop, slow down etc.

Be aware that on most highways trucks are restricted to the right two lanes. Don't hang out in their blind spots, Right behind the cabs doors is a spot that is very difficult for a truck driver to see. In Clint's example he was stuck till he could get around them. Having been behind the wheel of both kinds of vehicles I won't ride next to a truck if at all possible. As soon as I can pull away from them I do! Another reason to stay clear of them. Many trucks run recap tires on everything but the steering tires.If the air pressure isn't maintained at a proper level the tire can overheat and will pop. Hence the strips of tire rubber alongside many interstates.

Bottom line is everything we buy was brought to the store by a truck. We are going to have to live with them. The main thing is give them plenty of room. Many of us have cell phones now, if a truck driver is being unsafe report him! But above all watch out for yourself. Nobody else is going to do it for you.

They scare me too Clint- Ever since I was in an accident with one.