Close call. Don't tailgate!

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Michelangelo, Mar 29, 2010.

  1. Michelangelo

    Michelangelo Light Load Member

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    Jan 30, 2010
    It varies...
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    I was traveling in Dallas on I-30W inside the I-635 beltway yesterday. Traffic was pretty thick, especially for a Sunday. I was trying my best to have enough space in front of me, but as usual, 4-wheelers kept filling it up.

    Anyway, my eyes instantly caught a RECLINER CHAIR FALL OUT THE BACK OF A PICK-UP IN FRONT OF ME!

    Without thinking, my hazards came on, and I started slowing down. My mind processed that I wasn't going to be able to stop in time.

    At the very last moment, I was able to squeeze about half-way into the left lane and miss the recliner. I wouldn't be suprised if a serious wreck occured later. I guess all this happened in less than five seconds, but it sure seemed alot longer at the time!

    My point is, while I had what seemed like enough following distance, I DIDN'T! It's astonishing how much space you really need at around 55 MPH.
     
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  3. Kabar

    Kabar Road Train Member

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    Things happen fast. Thats why I hate drivers who tail gate or drive with there foot up on the dash. You may not like it but you have to sit up straight and be ready for anything at a moments notice. cause thats all you are going to get.
     
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  4. brinkj23

    brinkj23 "Asphalt Cowboy"

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    I always harped and harped on my ex who would put her left foot up on the dash when driving long distance. I always said put that #### foot down, "but why im just trying to get comfortable" Well you're not gonna be comfortable when you wreck and your body is split in half. What would happen right now if your foot was up there and you lost a tire, someone wrecked in front of you, a chair fell outta the truck in front of you? Always gotta be ready for the what if and random crap on the road. Glad ya didnt wreck and keep the greasy side down.
     
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  5. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Oct 23, 2005
    Vegas/Jersey
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    It's tough to keep a safe distance in the city. That's why it's always best to aim high in your steering so you can see what's going on down the road. I drove just in the city every day with an over sized truck, 85' long at 105,000lbs. It was in NV so I didn't have any lane restrictions so most of the time I was in the center lane. We all drove in that lane because we didn't hold up any traffic and it's much safer. Of course we stayed out of the left lane but there was no law that said we couldn't use it. So I know it's tough and you did a great job.
     
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  6. Jamester

    Jamester Bobtail Member

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    Mar 27, 2010
    carthage, TX
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    Boy, you almost had a grill full of recliner huh.:biggrin_2559:
     
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  7. ChromeDome

    ChromeDome Road Train Member

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    Lakeland, FL
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    That is why I always drive about 2 mph slower than traffic in the city.
    Yes, it pisses off some drivers, and if it pisses you off then go around.
    I will be in the second lane from the right.
    If you go slightly slower than traffic, then it all just flows around you. 4-wheelers and trucks will jump in front of you, but they will continue on away, so you do not have to change your speed to accommodate them.
    Actually, though many will argue about it. This method keeps traffic backups down. It does not cause them.
    Now, I will say that having drivers do this in several lanes would cause big issues.
    And while I would like to use the right lane, this method does not work there due to constantly having to change speed due to traffic coming on and off the interstate.
     
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  8. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Rosamond, SoCal
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    Following distance is everything, and it cost you nothing.....
     
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  9. rocknsand

    rocknsand Medium Load Member

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    Dec 28, 2007
    Tonganoxie, KS
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    Today I seen 2 people in a pick up with a mattress and springs in the bed not tied down. She was in the right lane and I was in the center about 100 feet back. All of a sudden the mattress just kind of levitated and rose up and flipped out of the truck. Luckly it flipped to the right side of the road and she did stop to retrieve it.
    What are people thinking when they put stuff in the back of a pickup and don't tie it down.
     
    Michelangelo Thanks this.
  10. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    Sep 23, 2007
    Ask my GPS...
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    Smith System teaches 8-seconds between you and the next vehicle... I try to use that as a bare minimum!
     
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  11. kajidono

    kajidono Road Train Member

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    Streetrat
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    They're not thinking at all. I gotta wonder, where are the cops? I wonder that every day. Seems like there's hardly any of them out patrolling, much less enforcing the traffic laws.
     
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