Drafters, worry about them or not?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by WpgEagleEye, Dec 12, 2011.

  1. WpgEagleEye

    WpgEagleEye Bobtail Member

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    As I'm getting ready to hit the highway today for the first time :hello1: I was wondering how most deal with drafters. Understandably they are the ones putting themselves at risk, but is this something that we should be concerned about other than the damage to the trailer/goods that we are hauling if they slam into us.

    If we do need to worry about these drivers, what are some of the techniques used to discourage this without creating a situation of road rage at the next stop. In the 4 wheeler when being tailgated I used to just keep slowing down (taking my foot off the gas and coasting) until they got the hint that tailgating me when I'm doing the speed limit is only going to take them longer as I'll continue to slow down until they back off. Once they backed off I would resume the speed limit.

    So long story short, do we worry about drafters, and how do we deal with them in a safe manner?
     
  2. blackw900

    blackw900 The Grandfather of Flatbed

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    I just take my foot off the pedal and gradually slow down until they get irritated enough to pass me.

    This technique is particularly funny when you are approaching a grade and have a big motor...Slow'em down to 45 and then hit it and walk away.
     
  3. 1nonly

    1nonly tease-y-ness

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    I agree slowing down usually does the trick. It's harder on a 2 lane road, when some folks are not inclined to pass- ever. I once had to pull off on the shoulder and come to a complete stop to get rid of a particularly pesky pickup that was having a passionate love affair with my bumper. But 99% of the time, slow down a bit and they go on around.
     
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  4. TennMan

    TennMan Road Train Member

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    blackw900 answered it. Merry Christmas !
     
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  5. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    I run dedicated tanks and almost half my miles are empty . Canadians are the worst tailgaters . They'll also jump right out on your bumper as soon as you clear them passing . I can easily get away from those trash haulers after slowing down .
    I had a hypermiler 4 wheeler on my bumper before dawn on the Natcher Expressway in KY one morning . I slowed down to 45 and he still wouldn't pass . Finally another truck passed us and he decided to ride his bumper .
    I run some pretty toxic hazmat. Sometimes I'll get on the CB and tell a tailgater I hope he has a full face respirator because if he doesn't and hits me and causes a leak releasing fumes he'll be dead in 10 minutes . That usually gets them to back off .
     
  6. WpgEagleEye

    WpgEagleEye Bobtail Member

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    So just keep with the slowing down until they get tired of driving slower like in the 4 wheeler. Excellent..

    RickG us Canadians are't all bad, blame it on Mythbusters for proving one could save on their fuel mileage but they have to be right on the bumper. But interesting story, stay safe..

    Well off to do my first run to the US. I'll be heading to Thief River Falls, hopefully it doesn't snow too much today..

    Thanks for the advise, take care and stay safe out there..
     
  7. Scott101

    Scott101 Medium Load Member

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    It goes without saying, but make sure your lights work so it can't get dropped in your lap if they do hit you.

    I don't tailgate. But in low traffic, rural night driving I use to roll up on other trucks kinda close before jumping into the #1 lane to pass. --I didn't want to be hanging out there any longer then needed, and drawing attention to myself.

    One night I was making a move and just about to jump in the hammer lane when the driver in front of me SLAMMED on the binders. --To the point of swerving because he was on them so hard.

    I got on the radio and asked wtf? I expected him to have an attitude about my pass, but he apologised big time and said he fell asleep. Anyway, lesson learned. If I'm that worried about LEO nowadays I just hang back in the slow lane...
     
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  8. celticwolf

    celticwolf Road Train Member

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    I had a Texas Highway patrolmen take care of one for me once :biggrin_25523:

    I just start slowin down when I see the hemorrhoid. Though I have yet to figure out why they love kissin' the butt of a governed truck..
     
  9. Scuby

    Scuby Heavy Load Member

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    Pulling into a rest area also works. Its funny to watch a tailgater follow you into a rest area before they realize where they are. :biggrin_25523::biggrin_25523:
     
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  10. sharp.dressed.man

    sharp.dressed.man Heavy Load Member

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    Wow people really do this to save a few bucks in gas? I'm floored. Are you guys talking other truckers or 4w's or both?

    Insane.