winter driving advise

My advice regarding winter driving is to stay home till April! Used to be able to do that, grumble, grumble, grumble...

Mike

 

I would add that the 105 yr drivers should slow down when they come upon slower traffic. Got stuck behind a couple of slow 4 wheelers in a storm the other night. Was down to about 40 mph on a two lane road. Another truck come up behind slowly but then one cowboy comes along and blows by us in a no passing zone doing 60 or so.

Of course the 4 wheelers panic and almost go off the road when he blows by and they are blinded by all the snow blown around. If you can't go a decent speed I agree you should park it but if you can't show a little consideration for the conditions you should have parked it long ago.

 

Parked it long ago... Yep, to many yahoos out here.

Mike

 

One winter I got caught in freezing rain and ice in OK. Cars and trucks were everywhere. The road was blocked for several hours. We finally get going about dark thirty, and are easing on to Amarillo. The rain left rutted out ice several inches thick on the road, and a wicked cross wind was blowing.

I was looking for someplace to park, but none to be had. I am traveling through town in the center lane, driving at a reasonable rate for a road that had three inches of snow over frozen ruts. The road along with the wind was jerking the truck back and forth, and I only had on 20K of freight.

I see headlights just a bouncing along in the left lane, closing quick. Here comes a bull hauler by me going at least 70. It was snowing so bad you could hardly see the end of the hood, but yet this driver thought it was a sunny day.

I finally found an exit with a convenience store next to the underpass. I went in the store, got a drink, parked under the interstate so the wind wouldn't rock the truck as much, and slept till morning.

The next morning the sun was out, so I headed west on the ice. I saw many of the trucks that had passed me, and a few I had passed. They were either in the median or off the side of the road. I must have passed 40 or more in the ditch in NM.

I was lucky not to have been one of them. You can be driving along minding your own business, the wind turn you around, and there is nothing you can do about it.

I was late delivering, but I felt it was safer to stop until I could see better and conditions improved, than to push on. Better late than never.

 

Yeah, I forgot to add that part. Part of being a professional is knowing when to slow down, not because of weather but because of traffic.

My student was just driving up US95 just south of Sandpoint, ID. A car hauler blew past him then proceeded to tailgate an SUV, all while on compact snow and ice. I could almost see the thought go through my students head. he sped up and was rapidly approaching the car hauler when I asked, "See that SUV? If he slams on the brakes can that truck stop in time?" He slowed back down and backed off a bit. The "what if" thought had never crossed his mind, he just figured that if the other truck could go that fast that he should too.

 

I've been keeping it pretty easy, being a new driver. The other day a couple H&R trucks passed by me in southern Montana. The road was packed snow/ice and I was staying in control. These yahoos whipped past me and the funny thing is......I passed them 15 minutes later while they were having a break. They passed me again within the hour and I thought they were long gone. When I stopped in Idaho for my break they passed me again!!

I just think its funny. Drive safe, but consistent, and you'll usually get there at pretty much the same time anyways. Is it worth being a cowboy?

I had a couple trucks on my butt today but I got on the CB and mentioned to them that I am a new driver, and when a good opportunity comes up I'll lift off the gas and let them pass. They thanked me and fell back a bit. That's all it took. I know some people don't like admitting they are a new driver but I do it all the time and it usually helps me out!

 

I've used that line when I've had days when I just couldn't seem to do what I needed to, works like a charm.

 

There is no shame to admitting you are a new driver. Everyone was new at one time. I had been driving many years when I first pulled doubles. It was night the first time, and it felt strange to watch the back trailer swinging back and forth with the road and wind.

The driver behind me knew it was my first time and helped ease my nervousness by telling me what to expect, as he was pulling doubles too.

If you ever need help with anything, don't be afarid to say you are new and would like advice. There maybe some ahole who will pipe in, but most drivers will understand and try to help you.

I respect any driver who ask for help when they need it, new or old timer. Pride has caused many a nightmare.

 

Well, you do know what H&R stands for, right?

(although I understand their reputation has improved)

 

haha, sure do!