So you want to run at night?!

2AM roll'n across ID,WY @ 90 in a V8 CAT Super B-train. Those days are gone.

 

Don't limit oncoming "missiles" to two lane roads, Stexan! LOL
Heck, just a few weeks ago, had a 4-wheeler SUV "bullet" coming at me on I-80 in IL. He was going W/B on myyy E/B side of the highway. Comin' at me in the hammer lane (I was in the granny lane) until he got about 200'-250' from my rig, when he then started crossing the lane line, aimed like a gunsight at my center hood emblem. Thankfully, (while my posterior crack was gripping the seat leather) I put all 18 on the shoulder pavement with no room to spare, and he flew by me in the right E/B lane at a "conservative" 80mph. He missed me by less than 12" for sure.
I was thankful for maintaining clean shorts & a "still-on-pavement" unblemished tractor-trailer.

Also, before overtaking a 'poor lane control' vehicle, I agree, and I always take adequate time to "evaluate" their lane control before I pass. And as you say, ALWAYS "keep notice of their position during the entire pass and be prepared to do what you may have to do given the situation".

 

When running at night, I like to stop every 2-2.5 hours or so if possible, just to get out of the truck and walk around with the dog. I know he appreciates it and I do it just to prevent even the possibility of becoming fatigued. It keeps me refreshed getting that brisk night air.

 

Just had a terrible night the other day. Drove 69mph with high beams on, ran into a bunch of debri, no shoulder to go to. Let the biggest piece/gator pass between steers, another smaller piece of sidewall tore away an air line on the trailer. Locked up two tires on one side and I dragged them to *** and popped both in about 3 sec, hardly had time to pull over to a nonexistant shoulder.
Lesson: inspect equipment after even smallest impact, not that I had much time in my case

 

Some of the bears still run the radio at night. I was rolling through Louisiana, had a car almost sideswipe me, hit the left rumble strip, then the right. I backed way off and called out on the CB about the drunk, "Eastbound, you got a drunk at the XX yardstick, white minivan going from shoulder to shoulder.

"What's that mile marker again driver?"

"The XX yardstick. White minivan with _______tags."

" Well, I was about to end my shift...think I will check him out."

Huh? Sure enough, you can tell how they drive that there not ordinary 4 wheelers. Smokey comes gliding up, easy on the steering and slides in behind the minivan. A veteran Bear will drive with that smoothness of an experienced trucker. 4 wheelers hardly ever gain that precision. Even the minivan realized it was a bear. He tried to sober up, wake up, drive straight. That is extremely hard for a 4 to do...and mentally lethal for a drunk. The heavy concentration on driving straight shuts the brain down even faster and the next thing you know they lose control. The van started to shimmy and then almost wiped out completely. Smokey hit the discos and pulled him.

 

I can't think of anything more peaceful than going through a small town in the middle of the night, seeing main street lit up by street lights, the accent lights in the center square as you pass by an old courthouse or church, it's just so quiet and peaceful. You pass by shops and cafes. Maybe even a movie theater with a marquee still lit up. If you're lucky you'll pass a bar built in the 70s that still has an old Schlitz light up sign. On the way out you'll pass through a residential area where kids can leave some of their things out on the lawn and they'll still be there in the morning because people still respect each other's property here and crime is pretty low.

 

I loved night driving when I was OTR. I liked to start between 11pm and 2am. Pretty much guarantees fairly easy parking the next day!

I would always run my high beams when there wasn't oncoming traffic. Scan your gauges, mirrors (I know, it's dark), and various distances you can see in front of you. Don't overdrive your headlights.

If you can manage to curtain off your light and keep your truck temperate for optimal sleep, you are all set! I used to love sleeping during the day and rolling all night. It was pretty much stress free.

Conversations on the CB were more interesting, too. A lot less AUUUUUUDIO.

 

I'm a solar powered driver to the bone, but this is a good thread.

 

First off, Great Post! And wonderful threads that follow!
I too am a night driver running from Colorado to Kansas, three times a week. Though the traffic is very minimal until I get to Wichita morning rush, My biggest two issues are #1 Deer! Remember that the one you see is not the one you will get. Deer are herd animals and when one crosses the road, two or three more are right behind them and they dont like to turn around and go the other way.
#2 Cell phones. Used to be able to count the people that go by with cell phones, now you can only count the people that dont. Even with the new bluetooth laws, some of the truck drivers weave as much as the 4 wheelers. For cryin' out loud folks, usw the blue tooth! If you really have to check your email or play with your MP3 player, at least wait until you are done passing me.
Personally, I go to the library and check out audio books. It keeps me occupied and attentive and I only have to change the cd about every 1.25 hrs. I keep my eyes moving constantly from side to side and in my mirrors. As soon as I see something in the road, be it a critter or a gator, I allready know what evasive manuver that I can safely make to avoid an incident.

Once again, thanks for the post, I think it is a great thread!