Dumb things I am now noticing

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by fixedtissue, Jul 3, 2015.

  1. fixedtissue

    fixedtissue Bobtail Member

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    Jun 25, 2015
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    Greetings,

    My paid schooling begins Monday, and as I finish up running errands around home, I am noticing what I think are dumb/illegal driving on the road, both from commercial vehicles and four wheelers.

    Yesterday, a local food distributor's straight truck driving with his gate up, all the way up. Going up steep grades. Loose stuff- produce, canned goods, etc. starting to bounce toward the lip. Accident waiting to happen. How does one forget to roll down and secure the door? And if the door is stuck open, shouldn't the driver call that in, and park the truck until a service vehicle can get out there to fix that?

    Also yesterday, an angry-looking guy in his 20's-30's in a black Chevy driving like a madman in rush hour traffic, on a busy four lane highway. Almost ran right into my side. Trying to drive between lanes, weaving in and out, tailgating, no turn signals, way over the speed limit considering traffic conditions. Just a real ####### jerk.

    Do you guys have any tales/advice you can give this newbie, about bad drivers around you? Thanks.
     
    NavigatorWife Thanks this.
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  3. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    Head on a swivel, back off the pedal a few mph. You cant outrun stupid, but you can let it pass you by.
     
  4. fixedtissue

    fixedtissue Bobtail Member

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    Jun 25, 2015
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    Oh yeah, good advice, even on a Segway.
     
    Vilhiem Thanks this.
  5. RickyDickyDo

    RickyDickyDo Heavy Load Member

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    Here i Colorado i would have called the CSP, they have a 4 diget # to report aggressive behavior and or road rage
     
    fixedtissue Thanks this.
  6. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    Missouri
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    Drive the speed limit. Don't follow too close. Let idiots around you. Better them in front of you than behind you. Concentrate on driving. Nothing else. I don't even listen to the radio if I am in unfamiliar areas.
     
    fixedtissue Thanks this.
  7. fixedtissue

    fixedtissue Bobtail Member

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    Jun 25, 2015
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    That's even me driving in my Yugo!
     
  8. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    South west Missouri
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    By my own perception, it's getting worse. At night you can clearly see the lit screen of cell phones in hand. During the day you see if you look. I'm surprised to see anybody with both hands on the wheel anymore.

    If they're engaged with the phone, it's erratic speed and lane control, tail gating, no indication and inattention. As soon as they finish their text or facebook post, it's speeding, lane changing without indication and tailgating.

    We've all got a ton of stories, I'm sure. It's just become everyday life now. I look at the crosses on the side of the road, read the accident write-ups. I know why it happens.
     
    fixedtissue and d o g Thank this.
  9. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Apr 16, 2014
    high plains colorado
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    Hi fixedtissue, Once in a while, with a rollup door, that does happen. If the gate was up, nothing should fall out. (unless it's stacked on the end) Also, food distributors make like a gazillion stops in a day, so they may only have been going a short distance. ( I know, how hard is it to close the door). Probably forgot. Years ago, drivers would inform other drivers of that, now they probably just laugh.
    As far as 4 wheelers, remember, it's YOUR job to watch out for them, not visa-versa. Like others said, let them get ahead of you, and watch the excitement. Just be ready with the brakes, as those kind of drivers get their due. ( it's kind of gratifying, when it happens in front of you). By all means, if you don't have a dash cam, GET ONE. It may be the only evidence you have in an incident.
     
    fixedtissue Thanks this.
  10. Mr.X

    Mr.X Heavy Load Member

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    I just leave plenty of open space ahead of me, go with the flow, let them do there zig zag thing and watch from a distance. Rush hour is a great time for a nap IMHO, but with that 14 hrs burning away its not always posible these days.
     
    blairandgretchen and fixedtissue Thank this.
  11. HorseShoe

    HorseShoe Road Train Member

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    Jun 29, 2015
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    Advice: Get used to it
     
    fixedtissue and Mr.X Thank this.
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