Trucks Use Left Lane

Now, now folks. It's a "four-wheeler trick" because you're sitting in the cab of a big truck. But from the driver's seat of my four-wheeler, I've seen plenty of "18-wheeler tricks" -- many of them the same as those you're identifying as poor four-wheeler driving behaviors.

I realize this is a trucker's forum, so I try to bite my tongue when ya'll come down on us "idiot four-wheelers" because I know there ARE plenty of lousy drivers out there... but I saw plenty of stupid tricks by truckers during my most recent trip to and from Michigan.

It swings both ways.

 

That's exactly what I'm talking about. I'ts becoming more and more common to see "4 wheeler tricks" in the big trucks. Now, personally I don't beleive that ALL four wheelers are idiots, there are plenty out there that do a really good job of being aware of their surroundings and handle their buisness. I'm refering to the hard, aggressive tactics that SOME choose to employ. The real problem begins when you get someone into a big truck, and they decide that they know what they're doing and they want to start "drag racing", or cutting off another truck, or any other kind of stupid move just to get ahead of another truck or four wheeler. Usually ending up in a dangerous situation that could be avoided.
Don't get me wrong Ducks, I know there are alot of you out there that care and are looking out for us. Alot of us do the same thing for you guys. The fact that you are here, a a 4 wheelere, that just scores you extra points with me as far as I'm concerned!!

 

I believe that Ohio has signs at construction zones telling you to use the left left because the shoulder is softer when they are working on bridges.

 

Thanks, dumptrucker, for clarifying your post. I misunderstood and thought you were coming down solely on us little guys... and when someone pulls out the big paintbrush and attempts to color us all with one stroke, that's when I feel I need to speak up. I'm sorry I misinterpreted your post.

We all drive the same roads and I just wish there was more respect among the various classes of vehicles out there -- be it four-wheelers, big trucks, busses, motorcycles, bicyclists, emergency responders... and even pedestrians. A good portion of the population has bestowed upon itself a "me first" attitude, and there's just no place for that on the road. "Me first" can be annoying in social situations, expensive in legal issues, but it can be deadly on the roads. <sigh>

Thanks again, dumptrucker, for taking the time to respond to my concern.

 

One other thing to consider is the fact that when you see these 18-wheeler tricks, the driver of the 18-wheeler can see what's going on ahead of him and behind him for miles, and may have information from the CB that made him perform said trick.

But, I won't pretend there aren't bad drivers in the 18-wheelers--just sometimes the 4-wheelers aren't aware of why we're doing what we're doing and it can make it look like we're driving reckless.