Rolled my truck
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Chewy352, Jan 5, 2014.
Page 14 of 23
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Oh stop it. You don't know yet. You didn't do nothing wrong. Other drivers didn't either. Wind Vortex, way it is. companies know this. You did a great job. No one got hurt.
truckon and Truckergirl0720 Thank this. -
lol..............
Truckergirl0720 and truckon Thank this. -
pattyj Thanks this.
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That'll teach him not to mess with me,lol.
truckon and Truckergirl0720 Thank this. -
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Hey Chewy, and pleased to read that you're still alive and kicking here on Planet Earth! I can tell you from firsthand experience that accidents are never fun, especially in a big rig. I had a major accident that frankly should have killed me. This happened in 1997 with a local driving job. The only thing that kept me in the cab was my seat belt. I walked away with 2 broken ribs and a hairline on the third. Four weeks later, I was back behind the wheel.
Your situation sounds definitely scarier though! I've never been in a rollover and don't want to be. I've also seen my share of them too. What complicates it even more with you is the inclement weather.
Here's the question you need to answer for yourself. If you were sitting in the office, would you keep this driver on with your company? If yes, why? If not, why not? I think you need to look seriously at why you'd keep this driver. He's damaged a rig that will probably have issues from now on. The freight is probably seriously damaged as well and the customer probably won't want any part of it. They're going to file a claim to recoup their losses.
I don't say any of this to sound demeaning or accusatory. But it could give you some inkling into the company's thinking. Knowing what a goodly number of other drivers have to say about CRE, it would be pretty fair to say this: your job is toast. Be prepared for that to happen. I would recommend that you start looking now. Don't delay!
Is an accident like this a career stopper? Of course not. You can't hide what you did, as it will appear on your DAC Report. Count on it. Would an accident of this magnitude cause you to rethink driving as a career? I would hope not. Based on that, here are things to consider that I'm sure you know now. Others have also posted their thoughts.
No load is worth your life. Customers may not be thrilled to have a load late, but they would rather it be intact and late than not at all. That's happened to me several times and customers are generally understanding if the truth is communicated to them.
If you see other drivers parking and there are other very few big rigs on the road, it's past time to seek out a parking spot. Find one immediately! The later it gets in the evening, the worse conditions get.
Keep your company in the loop when there are inclement conditions that are starting to get worse. I remember my wife and I parking 2 hours out when we were teaming, as there were very few places back them to park with a blizzard heading our way. During our last year of team driving, we shut down 3 times as we had high dollar freight that just wasn't worth wrecking.
Don't let anyone pressure you from your company to keep moving. You're there; they aren't. You're the one in charge of that rig and the freight on board. And what you say is the law...end of discussion!
Companies may require you to carry chains. But that sure doesn't mean you have to put them on! If I had to throw iron, then it's bad enough to park. There are some companies where it's understood that you're going to run no matter what. Those are the companies you'll want to avoid in your future job searches.
Winter has its own unique challenges. Black ice, stupid drivers who don't know what it means to slow down or get off the road, bob tailing or deadheading to your next load, fuel gelling, you get the idea. I'm sure that you'll hear many others who will tell their stories about what to do or what you should avoid.
It's not over for you by a long shot, but if you want to drive, there are companies who will take a good look and ask you what you'd do differently. Put some serious time and thought into that, and you'll be a better driver for it.
My very best for your future! Please keep us posted on what happens, and we thank you. -
tsavory, zincman, Chewy352 and 1 other person Thank this.
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