I-40 closed east of Barstow - 6-7 semi's involved

That's nice, I recall back in yesterday years running across Texas after midnight running those speeds. Sure could make some good time.

 

Somewhat unrelated to this accident but I had a close encounter Monday afternoon. I was running 15 south out of Vegas and climbing the hill past the state line up to Mountain Pass and there was a lot of traffic. I was fairly heavy so I was only doing about 30-35 in the truck lane. A Sierra Transport driver came flying up the hill behind me (pretty sure he was empty) threw on his blinker but traffic wouldn't let him over. I swear this guy never touched the brakes, forced his way into the middle lane by running a 4 wheeler into the fast lane and missed my trailer by what looked like a few feet. It was close enough and he was coming so fast I moved over onto the shoulder because I thought he was going to rear end me. It was almost like we were 3 wide at Daytona for a minute. Anyway, after a few four letter words I got over it. Maybe about 40 miles down the road traffic starts slowing to a stop. I creep along in the right lane until I see an accident partially on the left shoulder and blocking part of the left lane. Low and behold, Mr Speed Racer had managed to rear end a car in the left lane. Now I would never wish an accident on anybody and especially another truck driver but I had to think that Karma had just delivered a harsh lesson to this guy for scaring the crap out of me and the four wheeler back there. I guess the moral of the story is SLOW DOWN! It's good for your health and your employment prospects!

 

Was it Sierra Transport of Chatsworth, Georgia, reefer outfit?

 

Yes it was that company I believe. Silver Pete 386 pulling a reefer.

 

Yes that is the outfit I am thinking of. I had my faith shaken with the current breed of 'professnal drivers' after watching one of their trucks get in a jam about 5 years ago. He was loaded with a california mixed load (produce) and attempting to make a right turn just off 1-40 at the 387A in Knoxvile. Was turning right onto Grand Ave. off 17th. street to go to the produce market there, delivering to Neel's produce, and somehow he didn't swing wide enough across the four lane road to set up for the turn. Tandems at the 41 mark went up on the sidewalk and trailer was being drug against the concrete bridge. The rear right axle started climbing the concrete wall for the bridge railing and was about two feet off the ground when the aluminim wheel shattered and tire blew. He realized he was set up for failure, stopped and made a few back up moves, but not enough to provide clearence for the trailer tandems. Given traffic was buzzing past and around him, so he was in a bind. But I was there and a local lumper was out in traffic trying to flag for him, and he didn't want any help. That was one of those shake my head momemnts wondering just what happened here.

 

Sometimes ya gotta herd them 4 wheelers when they ain't paying attention or being courteous.

His 4 wheeler herding skills aren't up to snuff. He got bit!

 

In the 70's & 80's I hauled many loads for Neal.