Look out for that tree

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TheRookie2022, Sep 21, 2022.

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  1. TheRookie2022

    TheRookie2022 Bobtail Member

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    Hello fellow truck drivers,
    I had my first “accident” today. I’ve been doing so well. Considering all the crazy drivers here in Vancouver. But a stupid low branch on my passenger side hit the very top of my truck. How am I supposed to avoid super random branches? Like I need to look straight not up all the time. Obviously I look for a low bridge signs
    But I can’t hang more to the left because I’ll take off my mirror. I just don’t know how to avoid this in the future. It’s 6 inch scratch and my boss is pissed. Now I got to go in and fill out an incident report which kind of freaking me out
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2022
    TheRookie2022, Sep 21, 2022
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  2. rockeee

    rockeee Medium Load Member

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    I would not worry about it too much. The boss has to say something otherwise drivers might not care as much if they do damage equipment. Lol the branch is not stupid it's just a thing. You look for it before you get to it. Who do you work for and where was this at? I'm guessing not residential. Anyway, don't dwell on it. He's probably gonna slap your wrist and give you a warning. Do it again and he might give you the handle George of the Jungle.
     
    rockeee, Sep 21, 2022
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  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    One of the joys of truck driving......low tree branches, probably semi-residiantial area. I mlike the ones that have foilage over the branch where you can't tell how long/thick the branch is ! Because those "beefy" branches can do harm
     
    Allow Me., Sep 21, 2022
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  4. rockeee

    rockeee Medium Load Member

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    I did exactly that. Was working local. Took the truck by a tow yard that was selling a 1970 Roadrunner. Not a lot of damage but bent the stack. Had to stop by another truck company where a friend worked and he welded it up straight again lol. Ended up with the car.
     
    rockeee, Sep 21, 2022
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  5. jethro712

    jethro712 Medium Load Member

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    gotta pic so we can see?
    no room on the road to throw hazards on & dukes of hazard it?
     
    jethro712, Sep 21, 2022
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  6. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    All you can reasonably do is slow down to a speed slow enough the damage is minimal, if you cannot move to another lane. You are not required to maintain the speed limit regardless of conditions such as tree limbs, standing water, giant potholes, etc. You probably couldn't avoid the tree limb. It's more of an incident than an accident, IMO. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.
     
    tscottme, Sep 21, 2022
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  7. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    i think you got it all wrong...you hit the tree.....the tree was minding it's own bidness......
     
    buddyd157, Sep 21, 2022
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  8. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    #### happens. Drive millions of miles and you're going to run into #### or it's going to run into you. It's just part of the job. Yeah I've hit tree branches too. Shake it off and keep truckn.
     
    okiedokie, Sep 21, 2022
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  9. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    well, the day i see a tree running into the street, is the day i start drinking.
     
    buddyd157, Sep 21, 2022
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  10. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    Ever drive a log truck. Lol
    That's why loggers roll out at 0200. So they can sneak up on the trees.
     
    okiedokie, Sep 21, 2022
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