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Driving in traffic

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by 2geez, Oct 26, 2009.

  1. Oct 26, 2009 #1
    2geez

    2geez Bobtail Member

    10
    0
    Oct 15, 2009
    Roanoke, Tx
    0
    When you are driving through a large city that is new to you (with heavy traffic), how do you know which lane to be in when you merge onto another highway?

    a. just get lucky?
    b. lane guidance GPS-type thing?
    c. other friendly truckers on cb?
    d. other?
    e. none of the above?
    f. all of the above?
    g. some of the above?

    I grew up in SoCalifornia, so am used to traffic. Going to work day in and day out, I knew which lanes to be in. Just moved to DFW area and am learning which lanes to be in, but it must be awfully stressful to go to Chicago the 1st time with heavy traffic and not know what lane to be in. What say ye?
     
    2geez, Oct 26, 2009
    2geez, Oct 26, 2009
    #1
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  3. Oct 26, 2009 #2
    jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    3,466
    1,249
    Jul 20, 2009
    Standing in the corner, timed out
    0
    g........................
     
    jtrnr1951, Oct 26, 2009
    jtrnr1951, Oct 26, 2009
    #2
    2geez Thanks this.
  4. Oct 26, 2009 #3
    Rat Fink

    Rat Fink Light Load Member

    190
    122
    Nov 18, 2008
    Lethbridge, AB
    0
    First, I look at my trucker atlas and get an idea of the exit number to take. I also look at my GPS (which I have routed according to safe routes in the trucker atlas). It will give me an idea of how many miles to go to catch my exit and will tell me if its a left or right exit. After that I usually take a guess on the lane that gets me within 1 or 2 lanes of the exit lane. I then keep my eyes open and look at every sign that comes up. The exit signs are usually big enough you can see them from a far enough distance away to give you more than enough time to get into the proper lane(s). My GPS has lane guidance but I find I look out the window at the signs instead. When the sign comes up I usually only have to change 1 lane or so to be in the proper lane. No problemo!
     
    Rat Fink, Oct 26, 2009
    Rat Fink, Oct 26, 2009
    #3
    davetiow, 2geez and kickin chicken Thank this.
  5. Oct 26, 2009 #4
    2geez

    2geez Bobtail Member

    10
    0
    Oct 15, 2009
    Roanoke, Tx
    0
    Thanks for the info. Real close to making the move into trucking. Thought backing would be the real stress-inducer, but after driving into Houston yesterday, realized knowing where you are going and what lane to be in is important, along with a million other things I've learned on this site..

    I'm 54 and doing the career change thing. Probably go to a CDL school here in DFW area after Thanksgiving.

    Thanks again............any other helpful info?
     
    2geez, Oct 26, 2009
    2geez, Oct 26, 2009
    #4
  7. Oct 26, 2009 #5
    kickin chicken

    kickin chicken Road Train Member

    3,240
    3,284
    Jan 4, 2009
    SC
    0
    Hello 2eez and Welcome to the Forum:)

    If you would like, when you have picked a school, please start a thread under,"Trucking Schools", so you can post your experiences in training for all of us to see.

    Best of Luck to You and Your Success!!!
     
    kickin chicken, Oct 26, 2009
    kickin chicken, Oct 26, 2009
    #5
  8. Oct 26, 2009 #6
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,670
    12,211
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    What lane to be in? Another joy of trucking. I always liked entering an interstate with-in the city limits and then finding out my exit was next, from the left lane! Now I gotta get over 4 lanes pretty dang quick. In trucking, you just need to be aggressive at times. I always use the second lane from the right. Much easier to move 3 instead of 4. Plus, it seems like the right lane is forever turning into an exit lane or forced merging into the 3rd lane. Be observant of signs and do your best. :whdat:
     
    Allow Me., Oct 26, 2009
    Allow Me., Oct 26, 2009
    #6
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