Road Rage

Well I understand what you are getting at but the sad thing is I take away from many of the comments that they are the enemy, it is an us vs. them mentality where we - the trucker - has a right of way on the road.

The problem with the idea that they are responsible for merging also says that we are special - we are both responsible. It isn't hard to time things so everything goes smooth, it takes some practice but it can be done.

 

A couple of basics around on ramps.

- The more space open in front of you approaching them the better.

- Sudden speed changes while those who need to merge are figuring out what they're going to do are a bad idea.

 

^^^^this

to quote my trainer, "you must become one with your slowness, grasshopper." and "winding the rpms up aint doing any good, the truck is still slow as heck. shift at lowest rpms ya can and save the fuel"

embrace it, I don't worry bout holding up traffic, they can go around. I do worry about hitting someone, so I scan ahead so I know whats coming down an on ramp.

 

we are not special and they do have to merge,hence that long solid white line in place to allow for acceleration by the merging vehicle.i do agree that timing things will create a better flow.The Op was in a situation that he created and thus has learned from.

 

Why not.....it's not a bad thing to give space when needed or merge if you can, without being a danger to everyone. There are a lot of four wheelers (just like truck drivers) that just don't get it and need a little help but sometimes they just have to figure it out for themselves

 

If I'm in a situation like the OP I stay put. If you cut someone off and cause an accident it's your fault. It's the cars who are merging responsibility to get on the freeway safely. If you start changing lanes you open yourself up to blame if an accident occurs. Hold your lane and if a merging car hits you it's on them! With that said I change lanes when I can do so safely.

 

I do understand what the old hands are saying...I do. I have to agree with Mr H2O, I hold my lane. What about slowing down and allowing a merge? I will back off enough to allow space between me and the vehicle in front of me, and that's as far as I go. The problem nowadays is the person coming down the ramp with the phone held up to the left ear. They're driving blind. They had plenty of space to accelerate, get in front of me and go with the flow. You know what's going to happen...they're going to drive to the bottom of the ramp, look to the left and see a big rig. FULL STOP at the end of the on ramp. Slowing way down to let a driver like this on only put you in jeopardy and really snags traffic flow. Odd sure better for you to avoid an accident with merging traffic if you hold your lane and stay at a constant speed.

 

I've had 4 wheelers come onto the highway,phone in the left ear and not even look to the left when merging. I look to see if they are even paying attention to their driving. and drive accordingly. IMHO The driving skills of 4 wheelers have gotten much worse since I started my career. The distractions are now much greater,their attention is focused in every direction except driving. Many don't use directionals,only drive in the middle lane { so they can zone out } and not even dim their lights.
Our profession is much harder now,but it is a profession for many of us.We have to be more vigilant and expect the short coming of the 4 wheeler.