What are your greatest fears?

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by DigginDog52, Apr 26, 2016.

  1. DigginDog52

    DigginDog52 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 22, 2016
    Portland, Oregon
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    Hi all... I'm new to your forum and I joined because I wanted to better understand truckers and their concerns or fears as it relates to your work. I have my CDL and for a time worked as a bus operator for Tri-Met, a large Portland Oregon based transit agency. I was responsible for moving passengers safely from point to point throughout the city, primarily during morning and afternoon rush hours. When I began my work, I still remember thinking how easily it would be to lose my job over some unfortunate traffic incident that may not have even been my fault. It really bothered me. I also learned that as a professional driver, I would always be considered guilty until proven innocent. And finally, I gained a tremendous amount of respect for the difficult work truckers do. Really, I thought the job would be easy, until I actually got in the drivers seat. What a ride!

    So my question is: "what are some of your greatest fears as you go about your work on the road, and how do you personally deal with those fears?:

    Thanks in advance for your responses!

    Steve M.
     
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  3. stayinback

    stayinback Road Train Member

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    chicago,il
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    I developed a strange fear over time(Been driving 25 years) But I wanna say in 2007-ish....I developed a fear of bridges in a truck (not car though)...

    I'm talking about the Long-High ones built for the Big Boys to go under..

    Examples- Chesapeake bay bridge- Delaware Memorial- Throgs Neck- Sunshine Skyway- Or that real skinny high one in Baltimore on I-695..

    I don't exactly Know WHY this happened to me, But it did..So Now When I have to cross these bridges, Panic sets in and I'll either have to go over them Real Fast or Really Slow as my heartrate elevates

    In a car- Not a problem, Just a truck

    I tried every method to eliminate this "phonia" But I still Panic well in advance of knowing a bridge is coming..Must be phsychological I guess
     
  4. DigginDog52

    DigginDog52 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 22, 2016
    Portland, Oregon
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    Wow... that is a real fear! Are you just going to deal with it, or have you considered getting some professional help?
     
  5. w.h.o

    w.h.o Road Train Member

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    Chicago, il
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    Everytime I load up and drive the first 50 miles, I'm concern how my load is. just a thought on the back of my mind.
    Did I strap it right? Did I protect the strap so it won't cut? What happen if it shift and all the strap cut open.
    Spilling my freight on the interstate concern me but having a 8,000lb, 10 feet high, 17 feet across thick sheet of glass falling onto a vehicle besides me, well guess it's fear to kill someone.

    I had a strap racket fail on me once. Always on my mind if it will happen again
     
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  6. stayinback

    stayinback Road Train Member

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    chicago,il
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    I just deal with it....Don't know what I can do..I have over 2 million accident free miles to my resume, So I guess it must not be too bad....
     
  7. DigginDog52

    DigginDog52 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 22, 2016
    Portland, Oregon
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    Does all of this ever make you think your getting paid too little for risks your taking?
     
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  8. stayinback

    stayinback Road Train Member

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    chicago,il
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    ALL professional drivers who put forth 100% effort are paid too little..

    I mentioned something of this nature a few years back on another thread....

    Unless you work for a Union carrier, Or you Drive a Truck for a Private entity/fleet/manufacturer.....You (the Driver) Are the Lowest paid upon the foodchain of transportation..
    '
    Sad Truth that nobody does anything about..Even Custodians cleaning up a Trucking companies Lounge or shop probably scores a better living than these drivers

    I have been fortunate enough to raise a family and live well by being smarter than the next..But its sad, You have to actually "Outsmart" your fellow drivers to prevail. No Equality whatsoever amongst drivers..No representation or Pride.
     
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  9. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    They get a bad rap from John Wayne Gacy because of his dry humor; wearing a clown suit while burying bodies under his house.
     
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