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Governed Truck Passing Etiquette

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Timecook, May 17, 2013.

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  1. May 17, 2013 #1
    Timecook

    Timecook Light Load Member

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    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.
     
    Timecook, May 17, 2013
    Timecook, May 17, 2013
    #1
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  3. May 17, 2013 #2
    Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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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.
     
    Roadmedic, May 17, 2013
    Roadmedic, May 17, 2013
    #2
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  4. May 17, 2013 #3
    Wingnut1

    Wingnut1 Light Load Member

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    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.
     
    Wingnut1, May 17, 2013
    Wingnut1, May 17, 2013
    #3
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  5. May 17, 2013 #4
    Timecook

    Timecook Light Load Member

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    In cases where there is a lot of traffic this is a good idea in moderation. In most traffic situations the flow will eventually let up some and there will be a reasonable gap to use for passing. I wouldn't try to convince drivers that the better idea is to stay behind the slower truck though... I think we're all programed to stay ahead in every situation, including (and especially so) in traffic. The last place I want to be is behind someone, especially someone my size.
     
    Timecook, May 17, 2013
    Timecook, May 17, 2013
    #4
  7. May 17, 2013 #5
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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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.
     
    STexan, May 17, 2013
    STexan, May 17, 2013
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  8. May 17, 2013 #6
    Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    Many times I will be on a 2 lane road and just slow down behind the guy until I know there is a very long stretch. I am not governed, but do not see the need to blow the fuel out the pipe for no reason.
     
    Roadmedic, May 17, 2013
    Roadmedic, May 17, 2013
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  9. May 17, 2013 #7
    Timecook

    Timecook Light Load Member

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    Yeah, I think the best course of action is always to get by the slower trucks. I think they would also appreciate it. The key is doing it smart... and that doesn't mean staying beside the slower truck for 12 miles. That's why I made the thread. If you are being passed and they're obviously going to eventually get by you and the situation may take a while, slow down and let it happen. This is one of those mentality changing situations.
     
    Timecook, May 17, 2013
    Timecook, May 17, 2013
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  10. May 17, 2013 #8
    TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    I drive a 71 mph truck. This is nothing new out here...
     
    TruckerPete1990, May 17, 2013
    TruckerPete1990, May 17, 2013
    #8
  11. May 17, 2013 #9
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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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.
     
    STexan, May 17, 2013
    STexan, May 17, 2013
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  12. May 17, 2013 #10
    Aireal

    Aireal Medium Load Member

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    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.
     
    Aireal, May 17, 2013
    Aireal, May 17, 2013
    #10
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