Comments on: Dumb Fatal Mistakes

By: Leslie

Leslie — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:04:38 +0000

I am not a 18 wheeler truck driver, my Husband was. He was recently “downsized laid off” from a company who just sent around a pre Christmas announcement on how well the company was doing..ah yeah, okay! Anyhow, I often travelled with him in the 18 wheelers and I have seen some very incredible things people do along the way. Cell phones, lane hogs, the on and off ramps,cars with no indicators or drivers who do not know how to use them trucks who have a lane hog keeping them from lane changing to go around a Police Officer/State Trooper who is dealing with someone on the narrow shoulders. Oh how about this one..how about all the idiots on the road who will get in front of a fully loaded 18 wheeler and slow right down right in front of the truck expecting the trucker to slow his rig down to accomodate them (while they are on their cells usually) Just the size of a truck should be enough for these idiots to know slowing down takes time or worst bringing the truck to a stop takes alot of space and these trucks cannot stop on a dime either. Made me think these people must have a death wish or are plain STUPID!! These people should use public transportation for theirs and others safety!! I loved going trucking with my Husband, but it’s just awful out there. Definitely”NOT” for the weak of heart, for sure. And the pay was getting smaller as the hours were getting longer so that to is a strong incentive to hand in the keys. It really is a jungle out there. The companies do not back you, you have to deal with them and the customers who often times seem to have a real bad attitude..I could go on and on. But when this company actually installed spy cameras into all their trucks, you have to wonder why it’s there..wonder no more its to cover their BUTTS not the truckers. I foresee in the not so far off future alot of truckers walking away from their trucks and real drop in newcomers to fill the empty seats in these abandoned trucks. It’s all gotten so far out of hand. I have seen it from both sides, as a car driver and as an observant passenger in my Husbands truck, and I commend the ones who are able to tolerate all these changes in the industry 80% are for the benefit of the companies and maybe 10% for the drivers and Uncle Sam has to have his share to. God Bless all you still hauling and keep you all safe. Keep it between the lines.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:36:28 +0000

Great post Linda. Couldn’t agree more.

There are alot of distractions out there outside of texting and yet everyday we see an accident, or life taken, caused by someone on the cell phone or texting. Recent data suggests that texting while driving is just as dangerous as having a .08 alcohol level. JUST DON’T DO IT!

http://roadknowledge.wordpress.com

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:15:29 +0000

This talks about stopping in the middle of the road, but people don’t know how dangerous stopping on the shoulder is. You see cop dashcam footage of drivers hitting cops on the side of the road and they have flashing lights going.

I always see people on the shoulder changing drivers. People walk halfway into the right lane like it’s a sidewalk. Cars can pull over anywhere and they choose the most dangerous place (okay, maybe the second most dangerous) to pullover? I feel like stopping and yelling – Pull your head out and think! Don’t wait to be told with another stupid sign.

By: Kathy Hagle

Kathy Hagle — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:43:08 +0000

Honestly, with all the mistakes you pointed out that happened to have this fatal accident. It comes back to this and it is something I have told my son’s and family. It is the fact that driving anything on the road isn’t a right it is a responsibility. Whether is it a Semi truck or a small car it can cause injury and sometimes death. You need to have your attention on the road, not off somewhere else, be aware of weather, traffic patterns, and following distance.
Also be aware if you are not in the condition to even be behind the wheel of a vehicle. Sadly this sort of unaware thing happens often. Including what happened in my own town two weeks ago, when an older lady got her brake and gas peddle mixed up. Slamming her into a beauty salon, killing one customer. So like what Everitt touched on don’t be in a hurry to get there, but be aware.

By: Everitt Mickey

Everitt Mickey — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:02:03 +0000

Now consider the plight of the poor heavy hauler. There he is….driving down the granny lane with a load that’s……fourteen foot wide.

Ahead on the skinny shoulder is a car with a flat tire.

Franticly he puts on his turn signals….desperately ASKING…PLEADING to be let over….(I’m talking to YOU…dryvan drivers)

………..does anyone listen?

Nope….gotta stop or almost stop. And risk getting rear ended.