Yes, driving in a pack is a terrible idea. Even in the best of conditions, driving in a pack is a bad idea. All it takes is one mistake from just one of the trucks and it could cause a nasty chain reaction. Bad weather is bad enough, don't make it harder on yourself by bunching up.
When I get in to a situation where visibility is limited and I'm not 100 percent familiar with the road, I try to stay close enough to be able to see the lights of the truck in front of me, use them as a reference point so to speak , but no closer than that. Certainly not close enough to read the plates lol.
Quick advice for new/all drivers.
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by blairandgretchen, Dec 23, 2013.
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The best about snow. not the snow tards. Fills in the pot holes. Looking at you PennDOT.
blairandgretchen and Marksteven Thank this. -
LOL, thats Hilarious -
The best part of your post was reference to Pack Riding. Just about every multiple vehicle wreck including ones in FOG and Whiteouts could be prevented. If i need to drop 10 mph to get away from everyone i will. An empty piece of real estate on the hiway is priceless.tinytim, gpsman, Shaggy and 1 other person Thank this. -
I like to describe truck driving as "operating heavy equipment at high speed in traffic that exhibits little or no regard for your size and weight". The "professional" driver will exhibit that they are maintaining allowances for not only their own inevitable mistakes, but also those of the vast majority of traffic consisting of oblivious and incompetent motorists.blairandgretchen Thanks this.
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Im with you 100% always had cb on in bad weather its a real life saver esp starting at midnite and running all nite...except my company has decided that its unsafe to have a cb distracted driving....I am sure others will follow suite with this idiotic rule made by people who ride the subway to work and have never been up past the 11:00 news...first the drivecam now no cell phones and no cb ..yupp we are living in a backwards world..I dont miss cb much except in winter time...its a tool that if used right can be a life saver....but If you see a Linde tanker no need to try to warn them of an upcoming hazard because we aint got our ears on
blairandgretchen Thanks this. -
A velocity that assures being able to stop well within your sight lines will.blairandgretchen Thanks this.
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Sounds good "on paper", and it is vital in all other driving situations, but if you read and understood the scenario, you would understand.
Do you slow down to less than 20 mph when approaching every steep overpass/hillcrest? On a highway? Even if all other traffic around you is doing 50 mph?
That's what you'd be asking everyone to do, given my described scenario.
Remember,, I'm talking about a rogue section of bad ice immediately over a steep overpass/hillcrest, where previous 100+ miles was clear vision ahead and safe for 50 mph speeds (on a 65 mph speed limit highway).Last edited: Dec 24, 2013
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In my little world, That empty piece of real estate is soon forgotten. 4 wheeler merging into my path. Throws on the hazard lights and creeps 10 mph in a 55 zone and the passing lane has 10 inches of snow lol.
Not a question to you. but to myself should i pass or start the pack
Agree 100%Marksteven and blairandgretchen Thank this. -
I'm pretty sure I understand.
Can you provide an example of any highway grade whose crest requires slowing to 20 mph or less? I do whatever it takes to not outdrive my sightlines.
Completely irrelevant to me. I choose my own velocity, based on MY best judgment, and not the judgment of others, most in 4 wheelers. Am I going to tell the family of someone I run over "Everybody else was going 50..."?
I don't think so, but what's at stake? Push comes to shove, I'm responsible for not running into anything, as others are responsible for not running into me.blairandgretchen Thanks this.
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