Truck Drivers!

[ifrasnyjrt]

I can't stand truck drivers on the road. Every time we pull up next to one or get behind one, all these worst case scenarios come to my head! Once when I was driving back from Detroit we almost got crushed by a truck and my dad had to swerve to the side and our driver side mirror got yanked off by a construction cone my dad had to hit :(

[Guest]

Truck drivers have to take hard tests to get a license, take hard tests to be employed by a trucking company, truck drivers have to be excellent drivers to transport a ton or more goods in the truck. On the NJ turnpike, i drive on the truck lanes to avoid an accident because theres too many morons in teh car lanes just waitin for an accident to happen.

[SkyDude]

When taking the NJ Tpike, for example, 99 out of 100 times I will choose the truck lanes over the car lanes because I consider the truck drivers professional and not about to play games like the soccer moms and other tourists in the car lanes. I usually get through quicker and with much less hassle & traffic too. I have always considered truckers more professional, especially considering that they are hauling their carreer. livelihood, reputation and quite a significant chunk of rolling capital and goods down the highway. Some of the weekend vacation tourists and even quite a few of the daily commuters drive like it's their first time on a multi-lane road.

[mcsap]

There are good and bad drivers in all kinds of vehicles. Drive defensively, don't live in the fast lane, signal your intent to move, wear your seat belt and don't take a very stupid move by another driver as a personal attack on your pride.
"Hundreds of vehicles go by me every day, only a few get my attention. Don't be one of the few!"

Yes, I am a police officer.

[Blueboy]

My wife and I haul a 5th wheel trailer south every winter rather than spend it in the snow and cold. We use I-95 for most of our trip. Personally, I'd rather run with professional drivers like truckers, than many of the lame brained four wheel drivers I see out there. I watch some drivers take very serious chances and seem to be an accident looking for someplace to happen. We often stop at truckstops for fuel and eats, plus staying there for the night. I get the opportunity to talk to truckers there or sometimes on the CB radio. I find most to be gentlemen, and just ordinary guys out there to make a living in a rat race world. Truckers won't jeprodize thier rigs or licenses for foolish nonsense. Give them a break, drive defensively and legally. Remember, the life you save might just be your own.
Yes, I am a retired law enforcement officer and my Dad was a trucker.

[OnThePike]

I can't stand truck drivers on the road. Every time we pull up next to one or get behind one, all these worst case scenarios come to my head!

Truck drivers are commercially licensed, state trained and randomly checked for drugs and alcohol. Truck drivers, as well as Bus Drivers (of which I am) must pass statewide federally mandated operating exams every year or two, and must undergo a physical exam biannually. Truck drivers who carry HazMats must endure even more training and scrutinization.

We are the best trained and prepared operators along your journey. We recognize, prepare for, and adjust our driving according to your driving habit- poor or otherwise. Because these vehicles are heavier than your car, and because air brakes are not similar to auto brakes (other than the fact that they're brakes), adjustments must be continiously made throughout the trip.

But accidents do happen. I would venture to say that you have a fear of trucks driving near you. That is because you are insecure with your own driving ability, not because you are worried about the truck driver. Driving isn't for everyone, mind you. Nor am I condecending you with my reply. My intent is to offer some facts and background information about operators of commercial vehicles. Hopefully, this will help you realize your own limitations and do something about it. For now, the best thing you can do is avoid trucks entirely until you're comfortable. Personally, I'd rather have a convoy of trucks alongside me on an open interstate than a pack of family four-wheels. Why? Because I know that the truck drivers are aware of my presence and are less likely to be distracted and cause an accident.

But again, anything can happen and nobody's perfect. Truckers and bus drivers included. However, if you're secure with your own ability and armed with the knowledge concerning commercial vehicles, it should make for a more comfortable trip.

Best of luck to you!

[Anonymous]

For the most part....truckers are fine... but they do not own the road. They need to follow speed limits too. Way too often I see trucks speeding and riding way to close to the backs of cars... flashing lights and all. Passenger cars have just as much right on I95 as a truck. 8)

[maxoverdrive]

This is in response to your fear of trucks on the highway. I am a truck driver. I use I-95 quite fequently, as other roads. Most drivers I know are pros. Only about 1% of all drivers are not US citizens and a couple of drivers I met in Miami to Philly w/containers bought their CDL's from corrupt FL dmv examiners so I would be slightly concerned. But certainly not scared. I've been driving about 15 yrs and in all that time the only thing I did was bump a loading dock (for which I lost my bonus for that month) but in all reality I'm more concerned with adolecent and ederly (no offence) drivers but I keep an ever vigilant eye when I'm on the road. happy motoring.

[lou]

Truck drivers set the best example on how to operate a motor vehicle on the interstate and other highways. You get a few bad apples here and there driving the 18 wheeler but out of 100, 5 are bad truck drivers (ive seen them driving in the left lane doing the speed limit on various highways and interstates). I agree 100% with the people on the forum who thinks the highest about truck drivers. Ive had numerous conversations with truck drivers and been courtious to truck drivers because they deserve the upmost respect while im driving ont eh road with my little mazda. If only every driver had the mindset of a truck driver, there would be very few deaths and accidents on our highways.

[glen65]

I've had a couple of bad experiences with truck drivers, but over all, they all are good and have a hard job to do.
If you don't appreciate them, try and think of one thing you own or one thing in your house that wasn't on a truck at one time or another. Then you will realize how important they are.