Going Too Slow?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jowsuf, May 22, 2013.

  1. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    Sep 23, 2012
    Bunyan Springs, Colorado
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    If you're holding me up then you're driving too slow. If I'm not behind you then I don't care how slow you go. :biggrin_25523:
     
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  3. steppinwolf

    steppinwolf Bobtail Member

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    Mar 3, 2013
    Santa Fe Tx.
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    well I look at it this way if i have a PSD driving in my truck I am not going to push him into doing anything unsafe.
    the first real curve he or she takes on their own driving is sometimes scary but as many things in life as we do more of them we get more cofidence and then never think about it. It does take time to get use to driving something as large as a simi with or without the load. The PSD's I worry about is the ones that know it all right off the bat!!!!!!
     
  4. ridgerunner77

    ridgerunner77 Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2013
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    nervousness; worry; loss of
    dignity and humiliation; grief; shock and embarrassment;
    annoyance; and aggravation and inconvenience...looks like she wasnt paying attention herself and waited till the last moment to pass like alot of cars do and is looking to get PAID
     
  5. J Man

    J Man Medium Load Member

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    Dec 31, 2011
    Middle of nowhere
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    In my limited experience I've found a good rule of thumb is 5mph less than the posted advised speed (you know those yellow cautionary speed signs). If the situation looks especially nasty I go 10mph under the advised. If there is nothing posted I try to think what I would consider the proper speed for a standard car then drop that by 10mph. As you drive your own truck you will start to find the sweet speeds, but until then just remember that regardless of what your trainer says you can go too slow all day long but you can only go too fast once.
     
    davetiow Thanks this.
  6. Menehune

    Menehune Light Load Member

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    Jan 21, 2011
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    In the begining, as we all remember our begining days, it is advisable to do whatever you feel confortable doing. If anyone does not like your speed, he/she can go around you. It is not a race. Until you feel more comfortable, drive the speed you feel comfortable at. Experience will teach you what is best for you and still be safe. Dont worry about your trainer, just remember it is your license on the line when you are in the drivers seat, not his/hers. Listen to what he/she says and advise them that you dont feel comfortable at whatever speed they want you to go.
     
    laytonrock Thanks this.
  7. CaliforniaxCowboy

    CaliforniaxCowboy Light Load Member

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    Apr 12, 2013
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    I had a trainer who told me to speed up. I also had several who told me to slow down. I had a trainer who thought the company we worked for was a heaven send. And then I had two more who wanted to burn the place to the ground. I had a trainer assure me that you *could* do 62 in California. Swore to God chp would run right past you. Then I had another who wouldn't shut up about his speeding ticket for going just north of 57 1/2. I had trainers who were old, trainers who were young. Trainers with years under neath their belts and trainers who were as fresh faced and wide eyed as I was. But, I never, EVER had a trainer who'd agreed to take the blame for my #### ups, pay for my tickets, or tell the officer it was him who caused that roll over. It's your CDL on the line, your career...your life. If you have a trainer whos pushing you to be unsafe... or whatever "unsafe" is to you, fire them. I had six different trainers in four months time, and you know what, my training certificate looks just as good on the wall as anyone elses ever did...
     
    davetiow and Lepton1 Thank this.
  8. seabring

    seabring Road Train Member

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    Apr 24, 2011
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    I have driven the 18 in Oregon often enough . It actually starts as the 22 in Salem the you split off onto the 18 then hit the 101 north of Lincoln city . This is a winding two lane road that if this OP had a decent trainer he could teach him how to really "drive" the truck. When I take this route it is to deliver loads of scrap paper to the Georgia Pacific mill in Toledo. These loads allways have me at 80k lbs . I've got a 550hp cat with an 18 sp box and gear selection on these roads is crucial. A lot of the curves and bends have to be taken at the correct entry speed and correct gear selection otherwise you will lose momentum and lug down too much trying to pull out of the curve while maintaining momentum and road speed. I would love the opportunity to teach a new driver on these roads. Sounds like the OP's trainer is a douchebag , if he was any good he would realize the potential these roads give for teaching correct gear selection and road speeds. This guys trainer isn't worth jack #### if he can't recognize the opportunity. These roads are slow going for good drivers , so don't beat yourself up OP, just drive to your ability and concentrate on the old adage of "slow is smooth - smooth is fast".
     
    okiedokie Thanks this.
  9. jowsuf

    jowsuf Light Load Member

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    Jan 18, 2013
    Seattle
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    Thanks everyone for the responses. They really put things into perspective for me. I feel a bit more at ease now. Plus, I got a new mentor and we're running team so I won't be bothered so much by someone scrutinizing my every move while I'm driving.
     
  10. biged169

    biged169 Light Load Member

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    Sep 9, 2010
    Salem, Or
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    Hwy 18 actually starts at hwy 99 just outside of Dundee and goes to the 101. Other then that your post is correct. The OP just needs to take it easy and let the experience come to him and not let an idiot trainer ir idiot drivers rush him.
     
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