I screwed up today

rbrtwbstr · Aug 31, 2018

S M D said: ↑

Air your seat up lol.
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Even with the seat jacked up I don't think I'd have seen him. I run a Western Star 4900, and there's a huge blind spot right at the steering tire, no matter how high you sit.

I do run with the seat down though, I'm only 5'6" tall, so my option is either run with the seat down and back, or up and front. I've tried it both ways, I'm much happier with it down.

S M D · Aug 31, 2018

rbrtwbstr said: ↑

Even with the seat jacked up I don't think I'd have seen him. I run a Western Star 4900, and there's a huge blind spot right at the steering tire, no matter how high you sit.

I do run with the seat down though, I'm only 5'6" tall, so my option is either run with the seat down and back, or up and front. I've tried it both ways, I'm much happier with it down.
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I figured off the bat you were in a classic of some kind.

I don’t blame you I run a lo pro legacy in my truck just so I can sit lower and it’s 50x more comfortable

dieselViking · Aug 31, 2018

As much as I love the long hood trucks I don't think I'd ever be able to drive another. I got way too use to the visibility of these snub nose axle backs. And the turn radius.

x1Heavy · Aug 31, 2018

dieselViking said: ↑

As much as I love the long hood trucks I don't think I'd ever be able to drive another. I got way too use to the visibility of these snub nose axle backs. And the turn radius.
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I actually crush cars with cabovers. I prefer that long hood. It actually helps me. I think it's strange to people but for me it's perfect. That hood tells me how it's doing when working hard or even in winter before the rest of the truck gets any ideas.

rbrtwbstr · Aug 31, 2018

dieselViking said: ↑

As much as I love the long hood trucks I don't think I'd ever be able to drive another. I got way too use to the visibility of these snub nose axle backs. And the turn radius.
Click to expand...

We have a Freightliner Century day cab (former Schneider truck) for a spare. I actually find that thing to be tougher to see out of than my Star. But I will say, that thing is fun to beat around. The short wheelbase makes for a rough ride, but it's still fun

Rideandrepair · Aug 31, 2018

rbrtwbstr said: ↑

After 17years behind the wheel, a little over a million miles (I ran local for 15 of the 17 years), all accident free, I had my first one today.

Coming up to a construction zone, left lane closed ahead. So I put the turn signal on, check and double check my mirrors, look out ahead for extra lights to my right, seeing none. Pickup behind in right lane flashes his lights. So I assume it's all clear and start moving over. I felt a slight bump, figured it was a pothole, as they are common around here. Then I heard the noise of metal being wrinkled. And then I see the car that was riding right at my steering tire, which is a blind spot on this truck.

So we pull over, I noticed he has Massachusetts plates. (we're in Harrisburg, PA, at 400am. Odd) Anyways he gets out and is understandably upset. Cussing me out about his car being messed up, which I was upset as well. The lugnuts hit his driver's door and ripped the sheet metal like a can opener. I'm no body shop, but I'd guess about $7k in damage. My truck suffered a bent bumper, a slight scratch on the hood and broken lug nut covers. And hurt my pride.

So I suggested calling the police and let them handle it. I turned around to go back and get my phone, he jumps in the car and takes off. Now I'm in disbelief that this all just happened.

I call the cops to cover my butt, and explained what happened. The cop said not to worry too much, this happens alot. He said the guy either had drugs in the car, the car was stolen, or there was a warrant for his arrest. He didn't want to speak to the cops. No charges filed, just a report over the phone.

What was the lesson here?

I got complacent in my driving. Too comfortable and ####y. I didn't hit a million miles being complacent or ####y.

Always, always always be fully aware of what's around you, and never assume anything.

I might have been lucky that the dude took off, and no charges were filed. Time will tell. But it was a definite wake up call...
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I too had similar experience in 08. I recalled my Father telling me to be carefull that most Drivers first one is 3-5 yrs experience. I had 18 yrs. Nowthat I’m back over 1 mil I really got to remember all that. Thanks for the honesty. So true

daf105paccar · Aug 31, 2018

rbrtwbstr said: ↑

After 17years behind the wheel, a little over a million miles (I ran local for 15 of the 17 years), all accident free, I had my first one today.

Coming up to a construction zone, left lane closed ahead. So I put the turn signal on, check and double check my mirrors, look out ahead for extra lights to my right, seeing none. Pickup behind in right lane flashes his lights. So I assume it's all clear and start moving over. I felt a slight bump, figured it was a pothole, as they are common around here. Then I heard the noise of metal being wrinkled. And then I see the car that was riding right at my steering tire, which is a blind spot on this truck.

So we pull over, I noticed he has Massachusetts plates. (we're in Harrisburg, PA, at 400am. Odd) Anyways he gets out and is understandably upset. Cussing me out about his car being messed up, which I was upset as well. The lugnuts hit his driver's door and ripped the sheet metal like a can opener. I'm no body shop, but I'd guess about $7k in damage. My truck suffered a bent bumper, a slight scratch on the hood and broken lug nut covers. And hurt my pride.

So I suggested calling the police and let them handle it. I turned around to go back and get my phone, he jumps in the car and takes off. Now I'm in disbelief that this all just happened.

I call the cops to cover my butt, and explained what happened. The cop said not to worry too much, this happens alot. He said the guy either had drugs in the car, the car was stolen, or there was a warrant for his arrest. He didn't want to speak to the cops. No charges filed, just a report over the phone.

What was the lesson here?

I got complacent in my driving. Too comfortable and ####y. I didn't hit a million miles being complacent or ####y.

Always, always always be fully aware of what's around you, and never assume anything.

I might have been lucky that the dude took off, and no charges were filed. Time will tell. But it was a definite wake up call...
Click to expand...

Maybe put a small camera there?
Nowadays you can get very cheap.

rbrtwbstr · Aug 31, 2018

daf105paccar said: ↑

Maybe put a small camera there?
Nowadays you can get very cheap.
Click to expand...

I'm considering a dash camera, although that wouldn't have helped prevent the accident, but I could have at least captured his license plate numbers. He ran off before I could write it down.

I'm also considering a small spot mirror for up there, I've seen some TMC trucks that had one tucked behind the bug shield.

daf105paccar · Aug 31, 2018

rbrtwbstr said: ↑

I'm considering a dash camera, although that wouldn't have helped prevent the accident, but I could have at least captured his license plate numbers. He ran off before I could write it down.

I'm also considering a small spot mirror for up there, I've seen some TMC trucks that had one tucked behind the bug shield.
Click to expand...

I would really advice you to look into getting a camera.
You can get waterproof ones that are 2 inches.
I have one for the deadspot on my COE and would not want to miss it.

tommymonza · Aug 31, 2018

That little round mirror on the right fender has saved my Butt from that same exact situation a few times when I got complacent of just a quick scan of my door mirrors.

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