So how do you merge onto the highway?

You are welcome..Sometimes it takes a post like yours to come to grips of why we are here. To learn, to help, answer questions and also have a little fun. I will say there is a good group of folks on here, we just carried away sometimes.

 

Oh and I'm sure it will happen again just in fun though without trying to be too harsh.

 

Merging a truck is remarkably similar to merging a car except that the truck is bigger. When one attends CDL school, it's assumed that a driver brings this knowledge along for the ride. Aside from the extra length to look out for so as to not crush other vehicles into a red mist, it works the same as in a car. But you're expected to already know how to drive when you go to CDL school.

Driving a truck requires keen attention to surroundings and dynamic situations, plus the ability to anticipate and participate in traffic flows just like when driving a car. The difference is that a truck driver understands and applies compensatory control inputs to accommodate the extra length and acceleration limitations of the heavy combination vehicle. This understanding comes with experience and education and practice. CDL school is only the beginning of a driver's learning process and usually only scratches of the surface of what a driver needs to know to be safe out there.

 

Sorry Mike, but you're wrong on this. There is no qualifier relating to traffic volume. The ramp traffic never has the right of way over the main lane traffic on a limited access highway in any of the lower 48. However, we all try to move over to give each other room out of basic consideration if we aren't blocked. Sometimes we even do it for 4 wheelers.
Frank

 

Never assume the traffic will move for you. A good % of the time they can't move left on our overcrowded highways. I normally activate my left signal as soon as I start the ramp.

 

No Kidding. I asked if truck school teaches this or has the driver get on the ramps. I posted earlier that its hard to go the flow of traffic on a ramp especially if its short and your loaded. I never went to truck school so I dont know what they teach. But for the amount they charge, I would assume they have you do this.

 

I did not say, "Move over" I said make room. By that I meant make a gap.

Mikeeee

 

Anyway, if im on the travel lane and your merging and I meet you at the end ramp guess who stops? Me or you? Thats why many end up driving onto the shoulder because they dont know how to time the merge and they dont look until they are almost at the merge point, but mostly they dont know which pedal to use. Instead of it being a yield its now a stop sign. Oh well right.

 

Are you talking about sex or traffic?