Quick advice for new/all drivers.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by blairandgretchen, Dec 23, 2013.

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  1. Dec 23, 2013 #1
    blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    After a grueling drive on Saturday night/Sunday morning from Tucumcari, NM to Parsons, KS, a couple of things stuck with me to post here.


    When the conditions are bad - snow and ice covered roads, turn your CB on. If you don't have a CB - GET ONE. It doesn't have to be anything expensive, just a cheap unit with an antenna that will get out 1 or 2 miles. I was constantly trying to communicate with drivers that were following too close anyway, to ask them to back off - or tell them what was ahead of me that they were going to need to know, and getting no response.

    I broke a chain on the drivers side just east of Liberal and had to stop on the side of the road to remove it for about 3 minutes. My wife can broadcast that I'm there - but not much use if nobody can hear.

    Just trying to raise a response from westbound traffic was difficult at times. Even if you are a driver from another country, and have a strong accent and limited English - get a CB and learn how to use it. I had to when I first got here, and put up with the odd bashing about the accent. It takes some time to learn some of the lingo - but you'll get there.


    DO NOT DRIVE IN A PACK. For some reason, a lot of drivers bunch up in bad weather - worst possible technique. Space yourselves out. It takes a lot longer to stop if you need to, and driving 15 feet off the guy in front of you isn't going to help - AT ALL.


    I realize that when you're team, the CB is another noise you don't need. Turn the CB down low and keep tuned in. Hearing "West-bound, when you get over that next hill you're at a dead stop" may save you from a collision.

    Be careful and safe - B.
     
    blairandgretchen, Dec 23, 2013
    blairandgretchen, Dec 23, 2013
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  3. Dec 23, 2013 #2
    tow614

    tow614 Road Train Member

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    This is good advice.. I always leave my cb on in bad weather... you may want to stop at a cb shop and check out your cb as well. . I was giving other drivers hell for not answering me then I figured out that the new mic I put in went bad...

    As for running in packs I have never been able to figure that out.... I just go slower when they do that.. I dont care whats behind me.. I just keep my distance and go slow...park as soon as I can...
     
    tow614, Dec 23, 2013
    tow614, Dec 23, 2013
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  4. Dec 23, 2013 #3
    Moz_

    Moz_ Bobtail Member

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    That solid advice I'm a new driver in my second week of training. My trainer has no CB and pushes me to run hard in the ice and snow. I don't want to ruin my career before it begins.

    Thank you for actually giving a word of useful advice to new drivers.
    I guess some of these guy forgot they where rookies once to. But I guess that's how it goes.
    Be safe driver.
     
    Moz_, Dec 23, 2013
    Moz_, Dec 23, 2013
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  5. Dec 23, 2013 #4
    tow614

    tow614 Road Train Member

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    What company do you drive for..

    Personally I would report him to my safety department. ..
     
    tow614, Dec 23, 2013
    tow614, Dec 23, 2013
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  7. Dec 23, 2013 #5
    Moz_

    Moz_ Bobtail Member

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    I'm running for covenant. It was getting bad on the 80w in Nebraska. I pulled her over at a truck stop. He wasn't happy but oh well. He has 4 million miles to my 1500 or so. He doesn't understand I'm not safe to myself or others driving those conditions. Don't get me wrong I drive as safe as I can but I understand I'm not experienced enough for that. This was my 5th shift driving I want many more.
     
    Moz_, Dec 23, 2013
    Moz_, Dec 23, 2013
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  8. Dec 23, 2013 #6
    gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

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    Some people will swear the best trainer is the one who has entered the 5th stage of competency (complacency), is supremely confident of their own abilities and those of all other motorists, and exhibits no fear of being involved in a fatality if it's not their fault..
     
    gpsman, Dec 23, 2013
    gpsman, Dec 23, 2013
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  9. Dec 23, 2013 #7
    fld

    fld Medium Load Member

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    I am glad to hear that you used your good sense and did not allow him to push you to where you felt unsafe.

    I would think that a real trainer would have taken the wheel and SHOWN you how to navigate through that, if he felt it was safe.

    Sometimes the level of incompetence amazes me.
     
    fld, Dec 23, 2013
    fld, Dec 23, 2013
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  10. Dec 23, 2013 #8
    gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

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    People drive habitually, that's why they call them driving "habits" They have great difficulty altering their habits that shouldn't be practiced on clear dry roads in the first place. "I follow too closely all the time and nothing has happened, therefore following too closely is not unsafe".

    I'll never forget the driving advice I got from an old-timer outside their 30 day old truck with nearly all the paint on the front of the hood already apparently sandblasted off. "Tailgating other trucks is a safety technique. It discourages 4-wheelers from getting in and creating unsafe conditions".
     
    gpsman, Dec 23, 2013
    gpsman, Dec 23, 2013
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  11. Dec 23, 2013 #9
    8thnote

    8thnote Road Train Member

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    It is possible to safely drive on snow if you have experience doing it. It is never possible to safely drive on ice. Once you lose traction, you're at the will of the laws of physics. Any time YOU personally do not feel safe, always park it because YOU are ultimately responsible. You did the right thing and you should talk to someone in your safety dept about being pushed by your trainer. Good luck and stay safe.
     
    8thnote, Dec 23, 2013
    8thnote, Dec 23, 2013
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  12. Dec 23, 2013 #10
    tow614

    tow614 Road Train Member

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    I started with covenant 12 years ago. Was fortunate to have a good trainer.

    Never drive in bad weather if you are not comfortable with it.
     
    tow614, Dec 23, 2013
    tow614, Dec 23, 2013
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    pattyj, Moz_, Mr Ed and 1 other person Thank this.
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