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Backed into a utility pole

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by J Man, Aug 20, 2012.

Page 2 of 4
  1. Aug 20, 2012 #11
    J Man

    J Man Medium Load Member

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    Thanks for the feedback guys. Since talking to the dispatch I've spoken with Safety and the head dispatcher and both were decent about it. Safety was relieved I reported it and didn't hurt anyone, said that counted for most in his book. Head dispatcher said crap happens, learn from it and he'll put me back to work as soon as the pee test clears. Most of my day is spent backing into crazy spots so I'm scared that I could mess up again. Don't know what to do about that except jump out of the truck and walk the area before I back it up. Won't make people happy because time is always an issue, but if that is what it takes I'll do it.
     
    J Man, Aug 20, 2012
    J Man, Aug 20, 2012
    #11
    aiwiron, CAXPT, Big Don and 1 other person Thank this.
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  3. Aug 20, 2012 #12
    J Man

    J Man Medium Load Member

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    Middle of nowhere
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    Yes I did. Hauled production water to disposals for a couple months to get broken in, after that I've been hauling everything from water, drilling muds, cement, and crude and condensate all in a 130 bbl water truck or occasional 80bbl bobtail. I've got about 10,000 miles with this company (I know that is nothing compared to you OTR types) and only driven through a town with stoplights twice in 6 months.
     
    J Man, Aug 20, 2012
    J Man, Aug 20, 2012
    #12
  4. Aug 21, 2012 #13
    J Man

    J Man Medium Load Member

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    By far this construction stuff is the worst (digging pipelines, new drilling locations, new roads) because of the stinking sand. You stop and your stuck. You turn off the lockers so you can turn better and your stuck. No where to turn around, equipment, wires and trenches everywhere. The heavy equipment operators are trying to teach me how to do it right but its been a real headache. Then I hit a utility pole.
     
    J Man, Aug 21, 2012
    J Man, Aug 21, 2012
    #13
  5. Aug 21, 2012 #14
    aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

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    Sunny Tampa Florida
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    Good to hear they are cool with what happened, you were responsible and that's important. Not one person can say they never had a mishap of some kind and no one was injured.
     
    aiwiron, Aug 21, 2012
    aiwiron, Aug 21, 2012
    #14
    Big Don and J Man Thank this.
  7. Aug 21, 2012 #15
    geargrinder

    geargrinder Medium Load Member

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    Nov 23, 2006
    More than likely waiting.
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    Off roading, oil fields, and construction sites is a lot for new driver. Did you ever consider getting into something a little less demanding while honing your skills? Also who reported the bumping of a temporary utility pole? Don't self report! Drillers are a fairly hearty bunch, prolly would have yanked your bumper with a dozer, and replaced their utility pole without much fanfare. Never hurts to ask the drilling crew, because once you start down the Corporate H&S road everything is a big deal!
     
    geargrinder, Aug 21, 2012
    geargrinder, Aug 21, 2012
    #15
  8. Aug 21, 2012 #16
    J Man

    J Man Medium Load Member

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    Middle of nowhere
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    Oilfield is about the only real driving around here.

    The pole was permanent, but shorter than standard with a single overhead wire. In the past this type of stuff would get swept aside until someone came asking about the pole or the damage to it caused it to fall I suppose (not sure if it was hurt that bad or not) but now everyone is watching everyone out there so you really want to be the one that reports when bad things happen or the fallout is worse. I figured the crew working on the pipeline would report it if I didn't and sure enough someone called in their area supervisor about the same time I called my dispatcher. Anyway, with the damage to the pole and the truck both it wasn't like I was going to hide it, even if I could have gotten them to bend my bumper back.
     
    J Man, Aug 21, 2012
    J Man, Aug 21, 2012
    #16
    Big Don Thanks this.
  9. Aug 21, 2012 #17
    BossOutlaw88

    BossOutlaw88 Road Train Member

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    Don't let that get you down. I only have 8 months experience and I've done everything except flip the truck lol. Take your time and relax. Make sure all of your mirrors are adjusted.
     
    BossOutlaw88, Aug 21, 2012
    BossOutlaw88, Aug 21, 2012
    #17
    J Man Thanks this.
  10. Aug 21, 2012 #18
    snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    just beware of your surroundings.

    i worked construction. there's always crap in the way.

    just pay attention to where you are and what's arround you. and you'll be just fine.
     
    snowwy, Aug 21, 2012
    snowwy, Aug 21, 2012
    #18
    J Man Thanks this.
  11. Aug 21, 2012 #19
    Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Yeah, probably WAY over 15 grand when you look at the labor to replace it.

    Your job is to get the load their s a f e l y. If it is a choice between "FAST" or "SAFE" go with safe every time. As far as the crew being pissed over you taking the time to GOAL before backing, screw them. THEY are not the ones whose jobs are at stake here.

    Hey, it is all part of being a "rookie." We all had to go through the "rookie mistakes." Not a one of us was born with all the skill and knowledge that it takes to be a good driver. Suck it up, learn from it, and get on with the job.

    This is not just "bad" advice. It is TERRIBLE ADVICE if you plan on holding on to your job. You screw up and make a mistake. WE ALL DO. Own it, deal with it, and go on.

    From your posts here, it appears that you have the right attitude. You just need the time to develop your skills. Don't get discouraged and give up. Mistakes are how you get the experience to NOT make mistakes. NOBODY expects a new driver to not have some problems.
     
    Big Don, Aug 21, 2012
    Big Don, Aug 21, 2012
    #19
  12. Aug 21, 2012 #20
    Giggles the Original

    Giggles the Original Road Train Member

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    i am sorry....but this post made me crack up laughin.....

    even if the mirrors are adjusted (which is great advice) isnt gonna help if its something DIRECTLY behind you..... GET OUT AND LOOK still applies....
     
    Giggles the Original, Aug 21, 2012
    Giggles the Original, Aug 21, 2012
    #20
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