Defensive Driving

Never be in a hurry.

 

dont let anyone "push" you down a grade...or try to

 

Be going slow enough for a sharp turn or bend before you enter into it.

 

In traffic every other driver (4 wheeler and truck) wants to die and wants you to kill them, don't let them put you in that position.

It's kind of like when driving my motorcycle my daddy always told me "son, always remember none of these people out here know you. They could care less if you die. In fact they are trying to kill you, don't give them the chance. Assume every vehicle you pass wants to pull out in front of you, every vehicle you follow wants to slam on their brakes, and every vehicle that you pass or that passes you wants to run you off the road".

 

be in the proper gear BEFORE you start down the grade

 

Less than a newbie, but I'll throw my 2 cents in

If you have a truck trying to pass you in the hammer lane and you can safely reduce your speed to let them back into the right lane then do so.

Conversely, if you know you are governed at 65 and you're doing 63 don't try to pass if there is other traffic present never assume that the other driver isn't a jerk and will let you in.

 

To expand on this, make sure you load is secure. Open trailers (flats, s/d's, low boys) straps and chains are tight, tarps wont ballon out. Vans and reefers, load bars set, door latches locked in place. Tanks domes and outflow pipes (i forget the correct term) are sealed, hoses are secured on trailer. Have the emergency respose guide and/or msds if hauling hazmat.

 

I hear it every other time through the gorge from local guys "What is the guy in front some scared a@@ newbie?"

Man if you need to run twenty to stay upright through there so be it! No it's not that bad. Yest it can be done at 50 or maybe 60 in most spots. The reason they slowed everyone down is because when(not if even with the reduced speed and lane) some super boy loses it in there response and clean up time are in the hours or days. The moral is you now how comfortable you are with the load, your truck, and road conditions in general. Take as much time as you need to get through shiny side up.

To those constantly badgering the guys unfamiliar with the Pigeon Forge Gourge I say " There is an entire 'nother lane that if your quick you can easily pass or you can shut your pie hole and enjoy the ride? "