comedian Tracy Morgan hurt in bus/truck crash

Following too close and cutting someone off by jumping into the lane is aggressive behavior. As this story unfolds, the Driver (Roper) has already admitted he was unable to avoid hitting the Van from behind. Let's refresh our memories with the Smith Systems five keys...

1. Aim High in Steering
Look 15 seconds into your future. (Don’t just look at the vehicle in front of you)

2. Get the Big Picture
Look for Hazards. (Other Motorists, Pedestrians, Vehicle doors opening)

3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
Don’t stare. (Use your peripheral vision)(Stop the fixed habit stare)

4. Leave Yourself an Out
Monitor the space cushion around you and your bike.

5. Make sure They See You
Use your signals- (Directionals, 4-Way Flashers, Head Lights, Brake Lights, Horn, Hand Signals) Make Eye Contact.


5 very simple Techniques that most drivers use on a daily basis. Then there is the exceptional driver who doesn't.

Which keys would have prevented this crash involving the Walmart Truck and the Mini-Van?

 

At a high rate of speed it can take up to 2 miles for a semi to come to a complete stop.Anyone who drives a semi should know you can't stop on a dime.Not any different then trains.

 

Interesting thread. I was wondering about this after hearing about it on the news, expecting a nice thread on the topic when I had a chance to read it LOL.

I mainly had two thoughts on hearing this news unfold.

First regarding the ELD and other gadgetry likely on a WM fleet truck. I wonder how many lawmakers will point at this accident and note how these devices failed to accomplish greater safety? That is, with all the latest driver nanny gear, how could this still happen? Not asking anyone to answer that, as many already have. My point is that nobody in our legislative and regulatory agencies will acknowledge this massive fail of technology to solve a human error.

Second one nobody's mentioned. With all the chatter about upping the minimum vehicle liability insurance limits, I'm patiently waiting for ATA, one of their big carrier members, or Walmart themselves to issue a PR announcing how this tragic accident is one of many reasons we need this new, higher insurance requirement.

But wait. Walmart probably isn't buying insurance. They, along with the other big carriers are self insured. When the dust settles, they'll write the victims a check. With a waiver of liability, no doubt. The insurance limit doesn't matter to them, yet they will proclaim it is an important piece of regulation that will promote safer commercial transport.

Regarding the tragedy. With the last news I heard about the driver turning himself in, I'm speculating the WM legal team has already scoured the ELD and any other evidence and getting in front of this. Not condemning the driver, as there is not sufficient evidence out there to do so. Doesn't look good, but too early to get the rope out and look for a high branch.

Seriously, all you adequate following distance nuts and ELD fans need to take a breath. Not saying that wasn't the case here, but can't say that it was either. I suppose that there has never been a time that a 4-wheeler hasn't taken your following distance away at some point. Sure, you slow and regain it. Most of the time.

I thought about this yesterday, having a close call of my own. Could have ended up just like this event. Traveling sb on I-77 just north of Lake Norman, NC. I had about 20k lb of cargo and my trailer tandems stretched out. I was in the right lane moving with traffic at the speed limit, 150-200 feet behind the car in front of me. An apparent sudden downpour up ahead had everyone braking for rain drops. I was already on my brakes, jakes on high, before the car I was following even started braking.

Picture perfect. Except for the 4-wheeler on my left that decided to complete his pass while darting 20 feet in front of me, slamming on his own brakes. Having been watching him come up in the mirror, I knew that lane was vacant and had to use it without looking twice. The abs was active as I came around him on 100% brakes, still managing to stop safely. Thank God no other 4-wheeler saw that empty lane and jumped in there hoping to get home 0.5 seconds faster.

Had that turned out worse, maybe a dash cam could have saved my legal bacon. Or maybe not? If a celebrity had been in the car I hit, it would have been in the news and you all would be getting another hanging tree ready without even waiting for more details. Shame on you.

 

Keys 1, 2, & 4 were clearly not used leading up to the collision. Key 3 may not have been used either.

The Smith System is a good tool I have used for 22 years and have nearly 3 million miles safe driving. All Good Kids Like Milk.

 

Keeping plenty of following distance would have prevented it.There's been times ive had to step on my brks in heavy traffic due to construction, maybe a stalled vehicle ect,but never have I hit anyone or anything because I kept far apart from other vehicles.Its just common practice and sense to know that.Don't need any special training.A couple things trk drivers lack is common sense and safety.

 

But 4 wheelers are also guilty of following too closely to semis.In that case I slow way down so he passes me.

 

2 miles, huh? I think I can bring that truck to a complete stop in 3 miles!

 

2 miles 3 miles you get the picture I hope.

 

Judgeing from the video im lead to believe Walmart was traveling at a high rate of speed.The limo bus is completely destroyed.No damage to the trailer but the entire front of the trk is smashed in.Some pretty disturbing photos as well.