How do you judge your turns?

That's scary to hear, Bro. I was in my sleeper up in Auburn, ME in the Irving at exit 75 off 95 and was 'rudely awakened' by just such a guy who pretty much took off the left front of my cab with the side of his 'forgot it was there' trailer.
I think it would be safe to say, he's not driving anymore but you'll get a laugh out of this conversation we had.

First, he apologizes then says when I start calling the police, "I don't think the police will come, this is private property, I think"
I reply, "Do you think the police would come if I shot you?"
He gives me this look like,... 'really?'

 

What... dude, get a new hobby please

 

Bragging rights first. Being the oldest 'newbie' at NETTTS (New England Tractor Trailer Training School) many years ago, I was challenged by all the 'kids'. I was top honors in every category which proves, "AGE AND DECEPTION WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL OVER YOUTH AND VITALITY"

How do I judge my turns.

Good question and since I still remember one rule of driving I use to this day, once I have the light, it's my intersection... meaning, if I need the space to turn, you gotta move !!! Four wheelers just don't understand that there's a line there for a reason... get behind it and I'll be able to make the turn. If you don't, I will block the ###### intersection and make you move if need be (and the law backs me up on this). I don't have to back up... you do cause I OWN it, you don't.

Now, back to the question. I've always thought when making a left, it's pretty easy if you go as far as the lane you want to turn into with your rear drives then turn sharply left. This is making an 'L' turn.

When turning right it's a judgement call too. You do need to take command of the intersection. Stop short of the traffic signal if in the right lane so that traffic to your right can see your intentions (yes, use your signals). If there is only one lane, you're going to need to 'fishhook' to make the turn safely and that means patience and controlling your lane of travel. I usually will 'split' the lane without crossing into on coming traffic. Go out as far into the intersection as possible, meaning you may have to nose into the center of the intersection then make your cut to the right. Watch your hood mirror and hang out there until you know your tandems are going to clear the curb. This may mean traffic to your right may have to move (and if they want to continue their little driving adventure, they will). Don't get angry, don't yell... chances are, another driver will do your expletives for you.

Unfortunately, there's not a four-wheeler in the world that knows how difficult your job is but they sure want to do whatever they can to make it harder.

The best attitude you can take with you is no attitude at all. Obey the laws of professional driving. Courtesy will get you tickets and cause accidents. Remember, you are not qualified to direct traffic so DO NOT EVER wave for someone to go... they can use that against you in court "well, he/she waved for me to go" --- you just lost your case !!!

Oh... I'm rambling,... sorry.

 

On most heavily travelled truck routes you will see tire tracks...use them as a guide. If you see the tracks continue over the curb...swing wider