Backed into a utility pole

Title says it all. Been driving about 6 months in the oilfields and was on a construction site trying to turn around a loaded 80bbl bobtail, dodge all of the crews equipment and not get stuck in the foot deep sand. I was dumb, lost situation awareness, had my eyes in the mirrors but was backing nearly straight into a small utility pole that was hidden directly behind the truck. When I started bogging down in the sand I bumped the RPM's up to 13 or 14 to keep it from stalling out so when I hit the pole it hit with enough force to bend the back bumper on the truck and splinter the other side of the pole. I couldn't believe I was so dumb. I'm on suspension now and not sure what the company will do with me. Pole will likely have to be replaced. Truck bumper will have to be either cut and welded or partially replaced. Worst part is I was trained better, and I knew better, and the company expected better from me. Can't help feeling I've just made the world's biggest ### of myself and let myself and everyone else down.

This comes 2 months after having a shoulder give way under me backing into a location. Safety said it wasn't my fault but it still looked really bad and dispatch wasn't too happy that they had to take my load off on another truck and then send equipment out to get me back on the road.

Really down about it. Thinking that two incidents this early in my career could be an indication that this just isn't my thing. Regretting that I ever left that office job...

 

Accidents happen. Don't get down on yourself or your career choice. Good luck!

 

Sometimes a bad start makes for a good ending. We all make mistakes, just be sure and learn from them. Keep a good attitude,accept responsibility, and full steam ahead. You will be OK.

 

you do know where your driving is harder then driving OTR many more chances for problems
I hardly ever have to worry about getting stuck on the interstate good luck

 

You made a mistake and aren't making excuses. I'm sure you'll be fine. A company isn't going to be happy about any incident but that doesn't mean they'll just fire you. It happens and you learn. People have started their first six months off a lot worse than you.

 

hey just look they havent sent you packing just gonna make you stew over it and relize what has happened remember those power poles alone are around 15000 a piece just dont let it happen again. Im sure they have seen much much worse

 

Just shows that you're trying to do a good job for them. Cut her back one notch and keep on going. Take that extra second to fully assess what could happen.

 

Hang in there .Bad things happens to good people.If God closes the door ,will always open the window.good luck
In my 3. month I hit a pole,2 parked cars and speeding ticket.Since 7 years passed all well

 

Don't get too down on yourself. sounds like you have learned from this and it wil make you a better driver. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. I agree with above poster about the oil patch, it is a tougher gig. Did you go straight into that as a newbie?

 

What company do you work for? If its Schneider, I keep an eye out for other jobs!! Schneider oilfield SUCKS!!!!