One major crash involving a Big truck truck driver who was tired, or inattentive, and we're ALL guilty, and potential killers who just don't care

Ever ask yourself: What about that poor truck driver? Was he tired? iInattentive for a minute? Why?

These trucking companies push, push, push! I have been watching and reading this forum as well. Companies seem to make a habit of pushing drivers. When we first started driving I thought it was just PantherII that did that, then we went to Tri-State so I thought well it must be just the Expedite Industry that pushes drivers. Now after reading this forum I am of the opinion it's all of them. During the busy season there is no rest, no time for a shower, no time for a hot meal, ect. . . Then when a driver has an ACCIDENT it is the drivers fault, he/she is a 'killer' truck driver. That driver should lose his/her license, get a huge fine, be thrown in prison for years after-all it is vehicular homicide!

Of course, doesn't matter that that 4-wheeler that just got knocked off the road came flying around the truck and cut the trucker off. Doesn't matter that 4-wheeler got in front of the truck and slammed on their brakes (we all know these trucks can stop on a dime) No the 4-wheelers are never to blame. After-all their little cars and the truck is big, Kind of like the little kids that keeps throwing rocks at the big kid then runs crying when one of them finally gets his block knocked off. No I agree with you Duck, definitely has to be the truckers fault.

Remember we are not just truck drivers we are also 4-wheelers. I don't think these drivers are speaking of the good 4-wheelers that respect others on the road that don't do these things, I think they are speaking of the little monsters that do which unfortunately is the majority.

I will admit before becoming a driver we viewed trucks as big rolling t##ds! I can remember myself and my husband trying to 'get ahead' of the 'truck'. Use to burn us up to be stuck behind a big lumbering T##d! Well, I am sure a lot, if not all, of you drivers were the same way before you started driving! I think if people in Drivers Ed had to spend a couple of days in the cab of a truck all of us might be a little more respectful of each other (truckers and 4-wheelers).

Remember we all must share the road big trucks and 4-wheelers alike, let's all try to respect each other. Let's not be so fast to classify ACCIDENTS as fault. That is why they are called accidents. No one wanted it to happen, it just did!

I can agree with most of what you've said Pardel, but I question whether some of these incidents should be classified as "accidents"?

Accidents are things that happen without foreseeing what might occur. The way some of these idiots drive out there, I think they're just CRASHES -- looking for a place to happen.
Ergo, that's what I call 'em, "crashes".

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Pontificating Dogmatist

Yes Aftershock, I agree some are incidents, however most are accidents. There are truck drivers that are un-caring and un-safe, however for the most part I don't think that is the usual. I just do not like it when everytime there is an Accident, be it accident or incident, it is automatically the drivers fault.

Take for instance, just yesterday on Eyewitness News (we are here in Barstow CA right now, did not catch where accident was) a truck did not see stopped traffic and hit the rear end of a suburban. The driver of the Suburban was killed and the trucker was transported to the hospital with major injuries. Already the news is reporting that he may be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Do you think the truckdriver wanted to lose his truck (from looking at the yellow truck I would guess it is an O/O it was too nice to be company)? I am sure he did not want to be hospitalized with major injuries either, or be put out of work for no telling how long if not forever. Whatever happened to giving the benefit of doubt to the driver instead of looking for fault. Have you never looked in your mirror to lane change trying to make sure no little 4-wheeler is trying to dart around you only to glance back and have traffic hitting brakes. It is startling. I have had it happen, thank the good lord I was far enough back not to have an accident. Remember, just because a driver has poor judgement, is maybe following just a little too closely (remember it is not easy to leave space between you and that 4-wheeler because they just keep cutting in front of you filling the space in), or is a little tired because (a) he just couldn't sleep last night, or (b) is being pushed by dispatch, ect... this does not make him or her an un-caring, or bad driver, nor does it make the driver a 'killer' driver. It is an accident.

Aftershock I fully realize there are those that are bad or un-caring but for the most part these drivers are just hard-working men and women trying to make a living.

You're preaching to the choir with me, Pardel. Go back and read my posts and see if we're not on the same page on this issue.

Knee-jerk reactions by a few, like,.......................

The media and special interest groups seem to sensationalize ANY "accident", incident or crash involving a Big truck -- when the facts and statistics have proven that over 78% of the time, fatal crashes involving a 4-wheeler and a Big truck --- are the fault of the 4-wheeler.

I blame at least SOME of our poor reputation on those groups who portray us as "killer trucks".
And I say, if they're not part of the solution, they're part of the problem.

Barstow?!
Hail!
You were almost in my home 20 area.
A little farther south on I-15 and you coulda waved hello.
I live about 16 miles from the Ontario Big truck truck stops.

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Pontificating Dogmatist

I am guilty of this up until I rode in a "big truck" now I am such a different driver...there is a lot going on in there, the truck that is! I have so much more respect for all that puts up with this type of stuff...I seriously think every driving person in this country should ride along in a big truck for a couple hours...before they can drive on the streets! But remember even big truck drivers aren't always the best either...can't just blame the 4 wheelers! that isn't fair! we all could improve...remember the golden rule type thing