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driving in darkness

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by milestogo, Oct 5, 2007.

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  1. Oct 5, 2007 #1
    milestogo

    milestogo Light Load Member

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    Dec 13, 2006
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    I'm in my 8th month of driving, and a bit concerned about the shorter daylight hours coming faster with the end of the year. Rolling down Interstates is of little concern, but 2 lane driving, 90 degree turns, as well as backing into poorly lit areas has me a bit concerned. I'm an early riser as are most drivers, and 16-18 hours after rising these old eyes aren't as reliable as they are at the beginning of the day

    My company's trailers have the bare minimum for trailer illumination, and
    too often I just can't see the end of the trailer. While instinctually knowing where it is, I'd feel a lot better seeing it, especially during major turns. Instinct doesn't allow for all those things darkness can and often does conceal.

    Any advice or suggestions? Are trailers lit up like Christmas trees as helpful as I perceive them to be, for night driving?
     
    milestogo, Oct 5, 2007
    milestogo, Oct 5, 2007
    #1
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  3. Oct 5, 2007 #2
    wallbanger

    wallbanger "Enemy of showers everywhere"

    1,399
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    Sep 4, 2006
    In the bougy 'burbs of Detroit, MI
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    A well lit trailer is great, on a dark night on the two lane. However, when it starts to rain, all that extra light mixed with streaks of water on your windows and mirrors can make for problems.

    My suggestion is: when backing, turn on your four ways. I find the extra bit of light they throw out can really help you see where it's going. And remember, when backing, don't feel ashamed to G.O.A.L.; Get Out And Look!
    As for driving in the dark, just concentrate on what you need to be doing; keep your turns wide, slow down to the appropriate speed. You don't need to see the rear end (unless you're backing), as long as you are paying attention to what's going on, the trailer will follow your tractor - even is it is a bit unsettling to not see exactly what's happening.
    How is your night vision? Do you wear glasses, and if so, how old are they? I found my night vision got much better when I got a new pair of glasses.
    And bud, if you are regularly doing shifts of 16-18 hours, then maybe you need to back off a bit. Not an order (of course), but a suggestion.
     
    wallbanger, Oct 5, 2007
    wallbanger, Oct 5, 2007
    #2
  4. Oct 5, 2007 #3
    Foxhunt75

    Foxhunt75 Light Load Member

    108
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    Aug 30, 2007
    Boise, ID
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    Buddy of mine had the same problems, He fixed it by starting out earlier. and by the time the sun was just waining, he would just about run out of hours, energy what have you, stopping his day.
     
    Foxhunt75, Oct 5, 2007
    Foxhunt75, Oct 5, 2007
    #3
  5. Oct 5, 2007 #4
    MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    Jan 13, 2007
    Woodville, TX
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    I'v been driving nights for so long I don't think about it I guess.

    hen it's VERY dark I pull down the trolly brake just enough to turn the brake light on, makes lots of light behind you.

    As for turning. I ould think by now you have the "feel" for how to turn your truck. I rarely watch the trailer while turning, you just kinda know where it is. Does that sound to "use the force" to ya?? lol:biggrin_25517:
     
    MedicineMan, Oct 5, 2007
    MedicineMan, Oct 5, 2007
    #4
  7. Oct 5, 2007 #5
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Sep 18, 2006
    the road less travelled
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    MedicineMan uses the trolley brake, that's one of my tricks, I don't use flashers except to warn others because the waist light flashing makes it harder to see what is behind me. I do pretty well in the dark as long as it is dark everywhere. If you have one of those trailers with the arrow lights underneath, they don't flash where you can see them.

    Something else I do is that I run country roads without lighted intersections, so I try to turn right as little as possible, and make left turns as needed, I pick my route to avoid blind intersections and steep hills where I might have to stop and get going again. We had a torsion bar break on a spread axle trailer and pull a guy into the ditch going straight down the road, I don't want that to happen to me while I'm turning right. I also get out and look for ruts and holes, and other things to hit or back in to. I don't think backing into a lagoon on a dark night would be a career enhancing move, either.
     
    25(2)+2, Oct 5, 2007
    25(2)+2, Oct 5, 2007
    #5
  8. Oct 6, 2007 #6
    milestogo

    milestogo Light Load Member

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    Dec 13, 2006
    Downeast
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    Thanks for the ideas. Flashers or trolley brake could in most conditions could give me that little edge I'd feel better having. Yes I wear eyeglasses, and ready for tri-focals. I'm not restricted, but always wear 'em when non-interstate driving.
    BTW, As 4 my 16-18 hour statement,, it's not uncommon for me to awaken after 5-6 hours of sleep. My start to end of day never exceeds the 14 hours, but I'm always awake 16-18 hours of 24, and the eyes are open and working.

    Go Red Sox...
     
    milestogo, Oct 6, 2007
    milestogo, Oct 6, 2007
    #6
  9. Oct 6, 2007 #7
    Attitude:)

    Attitude:) "Love each Day as if it was your last"

    510
    36
    Jul 13, 2007
    TX NM & CO
    0
    I tried some of those cheap yellow tinted glasses to help with glare from lights and they work fairly well.
     
    Attitude:), Oct 6, 2007
    Attitude:), Oct 6, 2007
    #7
  10. Oct 7, 2007 #8
    elharrison

    elharrison "Iam on my way"

    650
    33
    Feb 8, 2007
    WV
    0
    all good advice , i too do alot of night driving , and those suggestions helps me also

    i just take my time around dark sharp corners remember its not a race
     
    elharrison, Oct 7, 2007
    elharrison, Oct 7, 2007
    #8
  11. Oct 8, 2007 #9
    dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    3,713
    May 6, 2007
    Mississippi
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    A quality pair will do wonders for late evening driving. I've been screamed at more than once for not having my headlights on while wearing these. They work that good for me.
     
    dancnoone, Oct 8, 2007
    dancnoone, Oct 8, 2007
    #9
  12. Dec 4, 2007 #10
    palerdr

    palerdr Medium Load Member

    554
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    Nov 18, 2007
    albuquerque,n.m
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    I think you're worrying too much. You'll get it.






     
    palerdr, Dec 4, 2007
    palerdr, Dec 4, 2007
    #10
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