Am I driving unsafely?

I use to pull down the trolley valve.

 

Drive it like it doesn't have any brakes. Use the kinetic energy to your advantage.

 

I never worry about what a driver is doing behind me,I can only hit the ones in front of me..

 

".....I don't brake check anyone, I just lightly touch the brakes to fire up my brake lights to let them know somethings gonna happen soon....."


The above portion in bold and exaggerated make my point even more.....touching the brakes even lightly activates the brake....obviously, that is called " brake checking " but that's my opinion. You continue driving like you choose to drive there sir....You came on , made a thread , asked a very good question, , and got very good answers. Your driving habits over-all are really good , and really safe....except for the brake touching thing....if your aren't gonna use the brake ...stay off of the pedal....Happy trails , be safe TTTD

 

I wouldn't brake check anyone. Your supposed to worry about how your driving.

 

At least tap the brakes, you don't have to apply them. You should hear a "CLICK" in the glove box of your brake light relay coming on. Just stab the brake for a split second, that's all it takes for the brake lights to flash. I'm always using my jake brakes and some times I don't even use the service brakes, but when people are behind me I will activate the brake lights to warn other drivers behind me. The last thing you want is someone to rear end you.

 

LoboSolo, great thread and IMHO your driving is just fine and a good example for other drivers as well.

I think I understand that your use of light tapping of the brakes to alert drivers behind you of impending need to slow or hazards ahead is fine, as long as it doesn't really slow you that much at all. This is something I use as a courtesy, less than 5 lbs of brake pressure (more like 2-3 lbs) is about right to keep your momentum going but giving drivers behind you a courteous heads up.

As others have indicated, using the 4-ways is also a very good idea. This is something I use fairly often if I see slow or stopped traffic ahead.

Seems like you are basically trying to keep your momentum along without coming to a complete stop unless you have to, let traffic flow around you, and keep good distance in front of you. Sounds to me like a great formula for safe driving, especially for driving a tanker. Wish there were more drivers like you on the road.

 

I believe the FMVSS calls for 2-3 PSI air pressure to activate the brake light switch. Yes, in a quick stop on the free way I always use my four ways. Professional. Easy to spot the losers who don't...

 

freightlinerman Road Train Member Member SinceMar 2011LocationFloridaTrucker?0-1 Year
Lepton1 Road Train Member Member SinceNov 2012LocationLake Elsinore, CATrucker?4 Years
Less than 5 years of experience between you guys....Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer Member SinceDec 2012Locationhunting...../ retiredTrucker?33 Years
Winkjr Road Train Member Member SinceOct 2011LocationMarlton NJTrucker?17 Years
let's see...33 + 17...= 50 years....I guess in the 50 years of combined experience Winkjr and I haven't learned what "break checking" is......wow....

 

Did I miss something?