helping 4whlrs merge

when i started out i noticed that if i slowed down 'to make a hole' or just kick the cruise off....that worked for men- they'd get on it and get it....but women seemed to slow down with me- the more i coasted and slowed- the more they slowed with me.
Then I noticed that men seemed to always be the ones to feel the need to come flying around me in the passing lane- then shoot across the front of my truck to catch an exit.
-people watching is interesting, i really dont have any advice....just be careful about things you do that put your cdl at risk or you at some kind of liability (i hate to sound like one of those people who would just soon watch someone who needs help then help them out of fear of liability.....i refuse to be that way....it's just food for thought)

It made me wonder while we're pondering....is it not because women are better drivers that their insurance is cheaper, but because their accidents are less likely to occur at faster speeds (as they seem the type to slow down- where men seem to speed out of things)....therefore less chance for severity in the event of an accident. Not that I'm judging men or women....there's a right time for the brake and the gas and a time for 'what now'.....just my thoughts....hope i didn't steal ur thread.

 

Yeah im not sure which one works best either. Seems like every time i let of the cruise or slow down they either slow down with me or mash the brakes at the end of the ramp, and in my head im thinking dude if you wouldve hit the gas pedal you would have been just fine in front of me. But no I always end up just mashing the gas as they mash the brakes and go behind me then get pissed at me wondering why I was such a jerk and didnt let them over. Hmmmm lets think 2000lb car vs 80,000lb truck and trailer, which one excelerates faster........... Have noticed that a single flash of the lights will make em step on it and go, but usually forget cause im trying to move over a lane or make sure they arent gonna hit me.

 

I have always paid attention to what's going on around me, especially when I am preparing to merge onto a highway. I fit my speed to the highway and find my opening.

I've never been the typical chicken woman driver though. I have played the 'beat the boys off the line' game a few times in the past! It's fun, but I am always careful about how I do it.

 

They just need to figure out how to merge period. I have a son with his learners permit, and told him about merging, I said if you are coming onto the interstate and are side by side with a truck if you are towards the front, gas it and merge in front keeping a faster speed until a good distance is created, if he is towards the back ease off the gas and slide in behind, then pass on the left. Its that simple, people just need to learn what the right peddle is for. Any car you ease off the gas and its like hitting the brakes in our trucks. I cant figure out how hard it is for a driver to figure out how to merge. The worst thing I see done is cars coming to a stop and waiting for a big hole, it will be very hard for them to get upto speed on the interstate.

I too in my very short time on the road have tried many things, I dont like slowing down especially with a heavy load, if I am empty, I am more likely to do it. Our official company policy is to adjust our speed to aid in the merge and not switch lanes, as we all know it creates 2 lane changes, which can be dangerous in heavy traffic, but with a truck that tops out at 61 it doesnt leave much to adjust. So I just maintain my speed and ease off the gas if I think it will help, and if its a clear road will get over out of the way, but not in traffic. And I will not ever motion, or signal 4 wheeler, if something goes wrong, it will be my fault cause I gave them the okay. If they slam on there brakes and get behind me its there bad, dont care what gestures I get. If they want to follow me until I stop, will gladly explain to them how trucks run and the actions they should take. The problem is they are ignorant, as were most of us before we started driving, to the way a truck runs down the road.

 

Da women go slower as you do so that you can stare at them..... LOL

 

Well, DUH! We know you guys are always looking at the ladies!

I don't know what it is with women doing that. Drives me nuts, and I am a woman.

 

I admit that merging can be awkward for me when I see any vehicle -- be it another four-wheeler, a motorcycyle, or a big truck -- in the right-hand lane. I'm never sure what the other driver is going to do... so I tend to slow down if there's any possibility I can't merge with sufficient space between vehicles.

Pennsylvania's on-ramps are notoriously short. You come around the ramp and you have to make a decision then and there. There's just not much time for drivers to communicate.

 

whew!.....
one, I know your right!

and on two....I'm glad to hear a women say that, sometimes I wonder if this stuff is in my head....or if I'm just a chovinistic prick. jk.