So a lot of us are governed... and at slightly different speeds especially when you factor in weight and terrain. But I cannot understand why this type of thing happens:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61bjG46Vbu8
I got caught behind them last week driving through Minnesota. It took 12 miles and half a mile of traffic on an otherwise desolate stretch of highway for the car hauler to complete his pass when the Transport America guy could have easily let him by. I know there is a stigma about giving two ##### about four wheelers, but if we're being honest with ourselves we need to watch out for them to save our own #####. When you pile a bunch of them up like that their stupidity gradually increases.
So, proper governed truck etiquette (in my humble opinion):
- If you're on a two lane road
- If there's traffic building up
- If the guy passing you makes it halfway past your total length
Then let off just slightly. Just enough to make the whole thing happen right away. IF you think about it, letting up just a little kills only milliseconds off your trip time. I cannot see why this doesn't make sense to some drivers.
Governed Truck Passing Etiquette
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Timecook, May 17, 2013.
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RustyChops41, Ryan Bailey, EddieSC and 15 others Thank this.
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You can look at it another way as well.
If you are trying to pass and it is going to take so long, maybe you should back off and just pull in behind the other guy as well. That guy was not bothering anyone.
Otherwise, just deal with it.Corporal_Clegg, otherhalftw and blacklabel Thank this. -
I drive a 65mph truck and have been out here long enough to know who I can pass in what amount of distance. If I'm in heavy traffic, I either won't bother or will see if the other driver has his/her radio on, and ask if they would let me shoot by them without taking 10 miles to do it. Most of the time something simple (and polite) like that will work. Otherwise I just back my cruise off a little and deal with it until an opportunity arises.
Timecook, j3411, double yellow and 1 other person Thank this. -
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Except that guy who is "not bothering anyone" is heavy and you're not and on a two lane road or a busy 4 lane that can make for a very aggravating experience trying to stay a safe following distance behind when there is a weight/power disparity. It's not about the "1.5 MPH", it the fact that 5 minutes ago there was no one in front of you and now that slower truck is immediately in front of you and impeding your progress as he slows and goes ... and now all the rest of the 67 MPH trucks who fall in behind the 65+/- MPH truck are supposed to match our speed to one driver? For an indeterminate length of time? So an dangerous situation can accumulate for drivers of all types as they now have a packed convoy to deal with instead of a few trucks? I don't think so.
rodeo trucker, Ghost Ryder, cableclown and 1 other person Thank this. -
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RustyChops41, Jakaby, technoroom and 1 other person Thank this.
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I drive a 71 mph truck. This is nothing new out here...
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A governed truck can't speed up, but all trucks can slow momentarily. Too much trouble to cancel the cruise for 30 seconds, I guess. It's just simple common courtesy and a defensive safety tactic to not have someone beside you any longer then necessary, regardless of the circumstances and regardless who may think who is being the dick.
RustyChops41, geargrinder, Jakaby and 6 others Thank this. -
My husband will let off the pedal, to let others by. He also usually travels in the "slow" lane, unless their is alot of traffic on and off the ramps. Then he will move over one, just so he's not constantly hitting the brakes.
He says hills and mts are another place ppl should have some courtisy. Just because you can pass someone going UP that hill doesn't mean you should stay in the left hand lane on the downside and flats.
On two lane roads he will pull over to let others by IF terrain or traffic from the other direction prevents them from passing, often getting on the radio and asking. And yes, we have a time table, but 65 is our speed, why should we hold up a 70 mph truck? OR even worse those very impatient 4 wheelers who will practically just about kill themselves and others trying to get by.
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