This is a chronic problem when driving big trucks with heavy loads. Particulry, I see this problem quite often in Yuma, AZ---the Marines retirement community!! They have about 6 merging points in Yuma, and the ramps are at least 1/4 mile long with a reduced speed thru Yuma of 65 mph. Many times I have traveled 'Thru" Yuma only to have extremely, poor mergers come on as I maintain my speed with heavy loads. I look for the 'gray hair' to expect a slow merger. Often is the times when they merge, cannot make a decision to speed up so as to get in front of me, or slow down so as to merge in behind me. I will hard brake to avoid an accident, but otherwise, my constant speed should be sufficient for them to make a 'merge decision.' This problem has happened several times and the result is a 'road rage' retired-marine pulling in front of me, hitting his brakes, and giving me the finger!! My other friends who drive that same stretch say the same thing. The reason that I bring this up, is that my co. had a 'run off the road' record on me from 8 mos ago as a complaint by a driver---my only in 7 yrs driving!. I never run ppl off the rd, but they may have to drop back and merge late!! What got me, is that I was not notified of the complaint until my review---how can I defend it?!! It didnt affect my review, but still ticked me off, cause I consider myself to be a 'safe driver!' I know that the thru traffic has the right of way, but having to hard brake and maybe even cause an accident on the roadway let alone damage the load, is not providing safe merging!
Merging Right of Way & Big Trucks
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by jamwadmag, Feb 9, 2007.
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Once coming on a short, uphill ramp in St. Louis in rush hour traffic (& loaded heavy), had to run on the shoulder a little bit since no one would let me in and I couldnt stop and get a restart with any speed for another try at it!! ha ha Ppl will yield to a 'crazy bold' trucker...ha ha ha
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If I got a truck in front of me when I'm getting onto the freeway, I'll try to stay behind him. (of course far enough back so he can see me in his side mirrors). When he gets to the end of the ramp I'll merge over to the left,and try to "protect " his path over till he gets up to speed or atleast completly in the lane. Then I'm gone!
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I've noticed many interstate on-ramps no longer are posted with the "YEILD" signage. This is a bad trend. Now we are told to "MERGE", instead. That sort of takes the "rule of law" out of the intersection. In my mind, it's much like removing all the stop signs, and letting us have at it. Duh!
I do not, and will not, drive for other folks. I hold my lane, and speed, unless there is zero danger to be encountered by moving over. Me speeding up isn't really an option with my heavy truck, and slowing down is strictly for emergency situations.
It never fails. Move over to allow someone ease of entrance, and they'll just ride your right side for the next ten miles. Meanwhile traffic is piling up behind you, and eventually trying to pass on the right, as well. Too bad. Either speed up and get in front of me, or, slow down and get behind me because beside of me will put you on the shoulder.
Fellow truckers, this may seem a bit one-sided, but since you are the professionals you are, I will extend a bit more courtesy to you (as a professional favor), and give you the room you need to get your slow arse on the highway.
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