Get Out And Look

This is for everyone, but mostly New Drivers. I read on this forum, how they can not find work, due to an incident at another company. When you back up, IF your not sure Get Out And Look. Not long ago, I remember backing into a tight spot, I swear, I got out 5 times, and finally got it in. I do consider myself a Very good driver at backing. I was going to have a contest with some other drivers at work, and PUT a Ski mask over my head, and completely blind, back that truck in the dock. But on one day, I got out 5 times and just had to look, because I WAS NOT SURE. Sure the heck pissed me off, having to get out 5 times. My point to all New Drivers, or Veteran Drivers, I hit nothing, and my day was over. Keeping a PERFECT driving record, IS NOT easy, you have to work at it for your entire career in trucking. I had a few drivers watching me do this, But could care less what they say, or think, my GOAL was to back in the dock and NOT hit anything. 38 years of this, HIT nothing, No Tickets, No Incidents, You can do this also, and never be embarrassed of other drivers looking at you. Safety is YOUR GOAL.

 

okiedokie, I see how long you been at it. I just been lucky, and got out while I can. I had drivers give me the dirtiest looks, and I wouldn`t hesitate to walk over to them and tell them to keep quiet. It drove me nuts to have to get out and climb up in the truck 5 times. I remember years ago, I even got out and had to re-evaluate the whole scene, Then get back in and remember what is saw. Back 10 years ago, I bid on the Spotting job, and I tell ya, I got real good at it. Its never too late for us veterans to learn what we forgot.

 

This is probably an Old post here somewhere, but being reminded of it, never hurts. Reminding each other of Safety habits is always good. I ran across this young man, and he was having a heck of a time getting a trailer in a dock. The company parked M/T trailers in front of you and with had to put it in the middle of 2 parked tractor trailers. He was going from the Blind side, then drove around and tried the other side. I walked over to him and said the blind side gave you more room, but very hard to back in. I guided him through the whole situation, and he got it in. Then walked over and said, How long have you been driving, he replied, 1 year. I said, you had it on the blind side, but you didn`t get out and look. I told him, when ever you get a chance, Practice blind siding as much as you can, And get out and look. I saw him about 3 weeks later, and he thanked me, and said, I took your advise, and I feel much more comfortable, and accurate at blindsiding. I complimented this young man, and Said practice and you`ll get better.
Veteran drivers, when we see a New Driver, Trying the impossible, and they get out and look, and do all the right things, We should walk up to them, and say, "I watched you back that in, Good Job." Words of encouragement are very good.

 

Not a chance. But a good point, to practice. I really cant disagree with you at all for saying that, because, your right.

I saw this guy backing a trailer up, and he had the drivers door completely open and almost leaning out the door. ONLY reason I can think he was doing that, was because the smokestack stuck out far. Its been a long time since I seen someone do that.

Your question, is a VERY good one on the Seatbelt. Thanks