"Following too close"

I couldn't agree more. I think it's a crying shame the way some of the truck drivers are driving these days. I don't know if it's the crappy CDL schools or the job. But there are still some companies out there that will fire you for not driving what we call professional. I worked for ARCO before retiring and since ARCO is the largest gasoline company on the wesy coast they learned along time ago that drivers are an investment and the drivers advertise for the company.

We brought in the Smith System some years ago and even the drivers that have 30 years safe driving like the program. All it does is keep your professional skills honed everyday you drive.The sysytem was written by the old school drivers and has some really good points to follow. You can see what it is by searching the web for the Smith System.

Most all of our driving is done in the cities. Where the traffic changes all the time. It's hard to keep your distance but it can be done for most of the time. But I think these new hot shot (and some old bad habit) drivers think they must "hammer down" to make any money. There's no doubt the system must change but how. When we have companies putting drivers with 6 months experience in as driver trainers the problem is massive.

I hate to say this but I think what is needed is the government to step in and pass some laws on training new drivers. I know the industry is regulated to the max. but some good laws that would promote safe driving would be a plus. But we'd have to see a change in the law makers because they believe the HOS change was put in place to make the roads safer. They could set up a program like the CDL. Have an endorsement that you're quailified to train other drivers. Then make the test hard so the driver would have to study and know how to train. Then they could mandate what is required to be taught in truck driving schools and get rid of the CDL mills. Again it's all my opinion.

 

I agree. I always keep my distance from the vehicle in front of me, especially if a truck is behind me. No matter how much he gets up on my bumper I wont tailgate. I will usually slow down even more. Tailgating is where most of the danger lies, especially if youre behind another truck. There are too many macho drivers and too many drivers that think their payday is more important than anything else out there.

 

You dont have to be a seasoned professional to know that following too close to a vehicle is both stupid and dangerous. It only takes a tiny bit of common sense to maintain a safe distance.

I cant see blaming the schools or the companies for this. It is the driver alone who makes the decision to drive dangerously. In my opinion, this should be rewarded with a large fine for the driver, maybe then they would start backing off some.

Nothing ticks me off more than having a truck ride the bumper of my 4wheeler like Im pulling him with a 10 foot chain.

/vent off

 

I blame the companies that don't have enough sense to put a good driver trainer with the new drivers. I've heard that Swift will make you a driver trainer with 6 months of experience. If the company doesn't care then why should the driver. Granted it takes common sense and it's up to the driver but if that driver works in an environment that does not promote safety then that new driver is going to think it's ok. Of course I'm talking about the drivers that just come out of school and find their first job. Those first few years will shape how a driver will drive. I want the driver that lives for safety and puts safety above all but I'm in the gasoline hauling business and my company demands it. If you teach the new driver safety and then he goes out and blows it off then I believe he should find another type of job. I agree with you on the fines but I think the companies should be held to some responsibility also.

 

Every truck driver should have the chance to drive a full bore tanker with 3/4 of a liquid load on a snowy road surface: that driver would learn very fast about tailgating.

I haul tanker. I use common sense, I drive defensively. I never tailgate if at all possible. It is most challenging at times to keep the distance. But I do my utmost to maintain it. I know from experience what it takes for me to get stopped. I see on a daily basis, truckers that are sitting about 2 car lengths away from the bumper of a 4-wheeler. They make it look bad for the rest of us.

 

By slowing down even more you increase your chances of getting rearended and becoming a road rage statistic. IF there is no one in front of you or next to you the safest thing to do would be to speed up to increase distance and move to the right. That is only if traffic is moderate to light. If people stayed with the flow of traffic and moved right when not passing instead of trying to prove a point everyone's commute would be much easier. I have yet to see a truck,or a car for that matter,ride my bumper in my car unless it is rush hour. Then again I don't try to aggravate anyone by driving slow in the left lane and then whine about tailgaters.It is strange how courtesy works in most cases.

 

To Joettanne, You keep up that point of view it can only help.

 

Incorrect. Defensive driving will teach you to slow down. By speeding up you only have a faster tailgaiter behind you. Slow down and the vehicle behind will have to slow down or switch lanes to pass you.