How do you not get complacent?

Thats my mentality when I see a Prime truck in front of me

 

Then you wouldn't want to be behind me either. LOL. 62 is as fast as my truck runs. My foot governor won't let it go faster unless I'm empty with a tail wind. Then maybe 65. And no, I don't drive for Prime. It's all about putting as much green as I can in my wallet. Not the tanks.

 

Yeah, but in busy freeways people like you create dangerous situations by not flowing with the traffic. This whole merging and passing is quite stressful for everybody

 

Then I will help keep you from getting complacent. Which is the topic of this particular thread.

 

complacency happens to nearly everyone whether we like to admit it or not. It does not have to be the big things either that we can get complacent with. It can be the smaller things, like not checking our tires each time we stop. Or not checking our 5th wheel latch, or our trailer doors or the padlock on them. The list can go on and on, on the little things.

We have to be vigilant each and every day, in our pre-trips, checking when we stop, and post trips. I think one of the reasons why some can become complacent, is that many of us drive the same trucks day in and day out. Some of us have the same trailer day in and day out.

As a result, we know our equipment, and at times, take for granted everything is ok, making for complacency.

 

Directed Driving is a tool I used to help new drivers stay on top of the overall situation and anticipate situations. As a trainer I'd say "Sweep left" for example, and the trainee would need to sweep all three mirrors and front on the driver's side. Within a second or two the trainee should be able to tell me what is developing behind and to the front left quarter.

"Following" meant the trainee would have to tell me his fast estimate of how many seconds following distance he or she had. "Far" meant the trainee should tell me how far they could see and the situation ahead.

Typically when on a two lane freeway I'd start with a "Sweep Right" as we approached an exit. The trainee should start anticipating any vehicles getting on the on ramp. "Sweep left" might answer something like, "Rollerskates (cars) 200 yards and closing, I'll be pinned". Then the trainee knows they need to start looking to adjust speed as necessary to allow the flow of merging traffic rather than changing lanes.

I use Directed Driving as an internal dialogue to stay on top of situations on the road and it certainly helps me stay alert. Between DD and the fact I RARELY have distractions like a radio going when I drive I've been able to anticipate some potentially deadly situations early.

Look out for what other drivers need. Do they need space? Give it to them. Help everyone get home alive today.

 

I practiced safe driving habits for 30 years in a 4 wheeler before I ever got behind the wheel of a TRUCK. No bad habits for me to overcome, no complacency looming. I do not know about others but, when I get my truck my level of alertness, perception and perspective rises a few notches, it puts me on edge in a way that clears my mind and sharpens my focus. I NEVER want to be the cause of a tragedy, that is enough to keep me from becoming complacent.

 

I think the little things show up faster or blow up in our faces faster than we could ever expect.

 

I'm developing my own little booklet that has a checklist for Pre-Trip, Startup, and Shutdown (among other things) so I have it to use every time.

Just like I do when I fly which I haven't done in a while...

That way I don't forget thins like headlights.....