bad habits to avoid

That was society as a whole, not just this industry.

 

I am a recently new driver. I always let off the fuel to let the other guy past. Just think of this. What would happen if while you keep pace with him a big gust of wind hits you or him? Now both of you are in an accident. Let him by. I have been only driving a few months but I consider myself a safe driver. Hey I would rather be late with my load than never get there.

 

I have been driving with a mentor, and some of the stuff he does is not exactly what I would be teaching.

1) Exiting on a down sloping off ramp, down shift to 9, brake it down till the clutch needs to be disengaged with no downshifting. If the light is green, he may be into the intersection (coasting) before he finds a gear to pull onward. When I am driving, I hate this because it takes me a bit longer to find the gear, and I like to be a little more in control of the truck.

2) Setting the cruise to switch drivers

3) Setting the cruise to stretch and get something out of the fridge

4) Running hammer down, foot to the floor, against the governor most of the time (73 mph). The speed is not bad in 65-70 zones, but seems to waste fuel. When I drive, I let it gain a bit downhill, then ease up the hills. Really seems to make a big dif according to the computer. It's almost a game between he and I. I will see how high I can get it to average, usually around 7.7, had he will get it to drop back to 6.8, lol.

I would really like input to the first item, since I am kinda developing my way of driving

 

Explain #2 to me, because it sounds scary as hell.

 

Just like it sounds. Set cruise, lower the seat, Tilt the wheel up, slide out while holding the wheel as he slides in. According to him, ppl who dbl do it all the time.

Probably safer than the sexual activities that went on as a teen while driving, but not as much fun, lol, and not worth the risk, IMHO.

 

That right there is screwed up. Not me. I'd be getting off his truck if he didn't want to stop doing that kind of crap..

 

If I may horn in here guys. I have been running over a Mountain pass lately (usually drive off-road) and from what I've gathered some of the worst truck drivers are ones that should know better. Tailgating,crowding the center line on corners,wandering all over the road. Not much respect for themselves or another truck. For you new drivers. If you want to be a good driver it won't take much.