Should I expect more from a professional driver?

One thing that I can say with absolute certainty is that more regulation does not mean safer drivers.

It's true that anyone can have a bad day. But the thing that frustrates me is when I see drivers violate the FUNDAMENTAL BASICS of driving.

Ok, it's a bad day. What does that have to do with tailgating, not using your signals, jamming up traffic for miles because of being in the wrong lane, etc?

That, to me, is not a bad day, it's a bad driver. Habits mainly dictate what we do on the road. Bad drivers have bad habits and good drivers have good habits.

Unfortunately, there are many bad drivers with bad, dangerous habits.

 

Bergy! I probably would have done this same thing and then get the driver to explain to the boss what he was doing over there, And the heat makes these guys do strange things even if it is only 75' here in Phoenix on a winters day! I wouldn't sweat it! I would think about what you are doing, I'm wondering what you are doing now? Just wondering... Thanks.

 

confusing pride with professionalism? professionalism with pride? take pride in what you do and come across as/appear to be a professional and your driving life just became more simple and less stressful.

go out of your way trying to be professional and you lose that pride over time simply due to the fact that nobody cares if you are professional.there is no reciprocation. they just want you out of their way
even if you are running 85 mph and maintaining your lane.when being pushed at high rates,somehow a big truck eases onto the rumble strip and could possibly throw loose gravel onto whatever is pushing it causing the pusher to no longer push.all is then well because of the ever present/required by law mudflaps.following too close is hazardous and the law sees those mudflaps and wishes that trucker 'good day".

it is a no win situation so just share the road and go through the gestures,not the middle finger salute ones,as if you were sharing the road with yourself.you'll see and understand when you get out here.

and as they say here in alabama-"don't you drive no slow truck" and if by chance you do,please allow faster traffic to pass-

 

What is your profession now? You doing anything in the industry now?

 

More truth in that statement than I read all night.
The thing with calling in on drivers is there is a big difference in stupid and dangerous. He may have a family to feed and his mind may have been with them for all we know. Was that right blocking the hammer lane no, was he driving dangerously I can't say. If you have not been a driver its not fair for you to make the standards, you have no idea what its really like out here. Like missing your little girls dance recital or birthday may cause you to stare into space in the hammer lane a few miles. Still aware plenty enough to control your rig and not be a menace. I may give a blast from a set real train horns from time to time. If somebody's driving is bad enough to warrant a phone call maybe the company should be second. I guarantee you all of us have done it, professional don't mean perfect.
If you make it you will see what I'm talking about maybe there won't be any body to call in on you when you do. I hate blocking the hammer lane as bad or worse than any body, My rig will roll and I like for it too. Mad enough to spit nails when the heated drag race is finally over, call in I don't have time.

 

I have never called the company on a driver before, but until now, I never really thought about it.

But I have called the police, ONLY if I feel that the truck (or car) is a true danger to other motorists.

I'll have to think about what situation would prompt me to call the company... I'm sure there is one. I think I would rather call to commend a good driver, especially if he did something outstanding in a difficult situation.

 

It was before the new 8 hour/30 minute break rule, but...

Try driving at night and trying to find a place to park for a quick meal.
With the 30 it is even more difficult.

Sometimes it can only be done in the fuel lane because the place is packed full.

And sometimes, it is done not so much out of rudeness as it is done as a legal obligation.
Things out here are not so cut and dry. We sometimes have to make due, and hope for the best.

And 'the best' does not include someone reporting us to our company, to maybe get us fired and blackballed from the entire industry, because they 'feel' slighted in some small way.

 

I'm a truck driver, man. Not a hall monitor.

People with bad driving habits usually get caught doing something stupid/illegal because they can't help it. Let the authorities deal with them.

A few choice words on the cb or maybe a high beam flash works fine....