Cross winds

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Mattchu, Oct 21, 2012.

  1. Mattchu

    Mattchu Light Load Member

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    What do you otr drivers do about strong crosswinds? when do you decide to stop so you dont get blown over?
     
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  3. walstib

    walstib Darkstar

    When I see air between my windy side tandems and the road!...

    That decision has some factors...Do I feel safe, am I carrying 45,000lbs of steel or 15,000lbs of toilet paper(heavier is better of course), how long will I be on the road with the wind at a 90 to my trailer(can I go slow until the crosswind component lessens), what type of trailer am I carrying, what type of wind have I been in before, what timeframe am I on(can I sit it out), how do I see it affecting other trucks on the road...Once you go thru that list you can pretty well make a good decision...

    When winds get to 40mph(if at a 90 to my truck), I get very cautious, at 60mph, I'm looking to park, nothing is that important to deliver...
     
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  4. Mattchu

    Mattchu Light Load Member

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    Sep 9, 2012
    New Bedford, Ma
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    Yea i seen a picture on the news or something of a couple trucks turned on their side all at one so, i thought i would ask if you got a heavy load that would not happen?
     
  5. walstib

    walstib Darkstar

    I saw that...Looked like they were smart and parked as they were evenly spaced and all fell the same distance from road...
     
  6. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Two days last week it was extremely windy,cold and rained. Don't get nervous and drive the speed you feel comfortable with.Wind does'nt bother me.I don't even think about it.Just drive close to the shoulder incase your trailer fishtails.
     
  7. Mattchu

    Mattchu Light Load Member

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    Sep 9, 2012
    New Bedford, Ma
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    yes that would be the one i was talking about. Another question, Is anyone at fault or is that something that cant be helped?
     
  8. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    If you hit another vehicle or object due to the wind and if your company has to pay for it,they will find a way to make you held responsible as a preventable acident and make you pay for it as well as put it on your dac.I know how companies operate.It's pretty much a no win situation with some companies.You shut down due to strong winds,companies lay a guilt trip on you.You drive in heavy wind then hit someone,its your fault as companies see it.
     
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  9. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    See here's what will happen if you hit someone even though it can't be helped.You'll get routed to the term,then go talk to safety and you'll come up with all kinds of excuses like you wanted to shut down but my dispatcher told me he would cut my loads if I dont delver this one,then safety will come back with their its the drivers fault speech ect ect.I know the drill.
     
  10. Mattchu

    Mattchu Light Load Member

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    Sep 9, 2012
    New Bedford, Ma
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    Sounds like you would be between a rock and a hard place in this sit. ...
     
  11. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Pretty much Matt.If you run into a issue like this with your dispatcher or any problems,you call SAFETY immediately then if you by chance still have to go to safety,at least you can use that as a defense.
     
    TRKRSHONEY Thanks this.
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