Saving another driver from trouble

There's only so much you can carry on a bus with you, though.

 

When I ran a flatbed I would always help fellow drivers throw chains and strap if I had the chance. It makes things go alot faster for all parties involved if your waiting in line.

 

I was going to offer to help a flatbedder hold his tarp down after the wind got hold of it but then the wind died down right as I was opening the door to get out.

 

Same same. We'd all team up, shoot the ****, help each other tarp, or pull and fold tarps. Laughing and joking the entire time. I large time was had by all.

 

freightlinerman, you missed the entire point of what witchingHour did, it mattered not about the money, the guy was stranded, needed a friend and didnt have to ride home with a busload of strangers, he was given a ride home by a friend.

 

Last November I had dropped off a 631 scraper in Fairbanks Alaska and I was headed back home and I went through Delta and I could smell brakes. It was dark out and I turned my back up lights on to see if it was me then slapped myself in the face thinking if I am doing 60 mph how am I going to smell my own brakes.

Anyways I got up behind this old early 70's truck and old lowbed and that is where the brake smell was coming from. I have a VHF but no CB so I flashed my light at him and he pulled over. His back drive was smoking heavily as well as one trailer brake. He had no tools so I got out my box and headlamp and flashlight and off to work I went. I backed off the drives as well as the trailer for him. He explained he was having freezing up problems and I gave him some alcohol to help.

As I was doing this work he looked at me and said "You're not from around here" I told him no and asked why. He explained that it isn't very often somebody stops and helps like I was. I told him being from the Yukon and getting taught by the old school drivers I stop for any fellow driver on the road and help.

Once we checked to make sure he was rolling good I told him I would follow him as he only had 15 miles more to go till he got off the highway. I jumped back in my truck stinking like brakes but with a nice big smile on my face with satisfaction and kept with him till he turned off and continued on with my night.

 

Just shows the difference between a "driver" and
a "steering wheel holder"...........

 

If all you do is jump on the radio to tell a driver about a broken spring hanger or trailer lights that aren't working right you've saved that driver a possible dot fine that could be very costly. I've had those situations go both ways, getting and giving help and warnings. Something as simple as helping another driver slide his tandems makes the day better for everyone.

 

If I see something I use the radio. Some trucks don't have them, or maybe it's turned off. Even if it is just a tail light it could save someone a worse electrical repair or burnt wires in case of a short. or maybe prevent a ticket.