Anything me (4 wheeler) can do to make things easier?

Agree with all of above...

Leave more space when merging infront of a truck. It takes a lot more for us to stop/slow down then any four wheeler, especially going down a grade at 80k lbs.

On a 2-lane, don't pull infront of us just to turn again in 1/4-1 mile. If we have to brake, it takes a lot to get back up to speed... especially in hilly areas.

In heavy traffic, if a truck is trying to merge into your lane.. let him in. He most likely needs to be in that lane due to truck restrictions or a future exit.
(with above) If you see all trucks going into one lane, most likely the other lane(s) are closed. Keep that in mind so you don't piss everyone off in a construction zone.

If following a truck, be patient. Pass only when it is legal and SAFE to do so.

NEVER text and drive. I have seen way to many people almost wreck infront of me due to texting. Even after they almost run off the road they still have to finish their conversation.

Along with the don't tailgate... Sometimes our tire tread will blow. Only place the rubber will go is behind us. Closer you are the more dangerous it is for you.

IF (and a big IF) I get over for you to merge onto the highway, you need to either speed up past me or slow down and let me over. I've been screwed way to many times letting people on that I don't do it anymore though. I get a lot of "I'm #1's" so I just smile and wave

 

Unless you're going 25 in a 55 after having adequate time to accelerate, then I might not be so patient but I won't take risks or tailgate you. (Don't get me wrong, I understand how long it takes trucks to get up to speed.) I don't have a problem slowing down a little bit for anybody. Living in rural Iowa teaches you to be patient, especially when you get behind farm equipment that takes up the entire road lol

 

to append to my original reply in this thread. ALL drivers should show more courtesy and common sense on the road. Not just truckers. Not just motorcyclists. Not just four wheelers. EVERYONE! I see people make poor decisions due to not paying attention, followed by panic when they finally realize the defecation is about to hit the rotary oscillator.

 

Here's my list of what *I* do for truckers.
1. Move over to the right as a truck is passing me. I'll ride the solid white line, and move over just as soon as I see that truck coming up behind me.
2. I check my mirrors (rear and side) frequently. Be aware of what is on the road around you, in both directions.
3. I do not talk or text and drive. If I have to send a text, I have one of the kids send it. If it's the law for teens and truck drivers, then why the hell is it suddenly "safer" for me to do so just because I'm 40 and driving a station wagon. It isn't. I know this.
4. I tend to drive at the speed limit -5. Knowing this, I stay in the right hand lane, unless I have to move for some jackwagon who doesn't know how to merge from an onramp. I'm moving back there pronto.
5. KNOW YOUR ROUTE. Move over in plenty of time to make your exit/turn. In general, folks, WE know the roads we drive on far better than truckers. We KNOW where the exits/construction/etc are. Make life easier for THEM, don't wait until 20 feet before the turn/exit/construction to move over/merge.
6. My pet peeve: you pass me to beat me to the next exit by 1.5 seconds. Really? (Yes, I've timed it.)
7. Give truckers space. Both in front and behind. Ok, give EVERYONE space. If I pass a slow truck, I don't move over until I can see his windshield in my rear view. Upper cab lights if it's dark. I leave plenty of space in front of me also. Plus, if someone gets in my gap, I will back off until the space I had is there again. I would rather have enough time to react to something ahead than explain to a cop why my hood is under the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of me.
8. It's called courtesy. Leave for your destination with PLENTY of time to get there so you aren't the jackwagon pulling the stupid. That means 15 to 30 minutes extra. If you get there early, read a book, knit, something. And your own body will thank you ... since you aren't stressed, you don't have all that damaging fight/flight steroid running around your system.

 

Thanks for the tips everyone. Keep them coming if you have any more. I'll tell my family about these since we go on road trips often. I'll remember to use them.

 

Stop using the emergancy vehicle turn about in the middle of the interstate and coming out right in front of me or right next to me when I pass. If you have to use it wait for the big truck to pass first. It could mean life or death for you.

 

Yes when you merge onto a freeway, stay back behind the truck till you can go around him on his goodside, i keep my left mirror in my vision at all times, we keep our eyes moving but we can see better down the drivers side of the trucking
When ypu see a truck with a turn signal on, and it is something that you are not sure he is going to do, wait 15 secomds, we are professionals we will get back to that signal that is flashing on our "desk" like a phone call on hold. If the truck is waiting wait with him he may want to make a wide turn and once you go around him then he will flatten you.
PASSING SIDE<<<>>>SUICIDE!

 

I would think at least 95% percent of this would be common sense for most people...It was for me and I've only been driving for a year. Obviously I was wrong.
It amazes me from reading posts on here how many trucks get cut off.

 

Common sense ain't so common any more lol

 

True...Very true