Solo Time

G O A L

 

GOAL

 

Keep a map handy and get familiar with it but don’t be afraid to utilize the technology that’s readily available.

 

Beware the truck stops around the midland/Odessa area after hours. Those stops fill up so full you can't leave once you passed the fuel island. Last time I stopped there after midnight I had to exit the FJ through the weigh station. x.x There's so much fracking going on there, it's madness.

Dallas ain't much better for different reasons. Lots of paid parking there, and the Loves is tiny. Abilene might be a good place to pull in. Keep Abilene Boring.

 

If your trainer was knowledgeable and you got along well, keep in contact with him. You will still find yourself needing some help occasionally.

Luck in battle.

 

Never step in a puddle at a truck stop. Wear real shoes. Back into a parking spot every time you stop your first year. You need the practice.

 

Parking on the shoulder is for an emergency like your truck is on fire, not for a P or editing your playlist. The crashes that happen when moving vehicles hit illegally parked stationary vehicles are fatal.

 

DON'T PARK AT THE FUEL ISLAND.

 

That's because half the freeway system in Dallas is under construction. The lanes are extremely narrow and parts semi's need to pass through going at about 45 mph. And all the new roads and ramps aren't updated by GPS so everyone is making mad dashes every which way trying to get on the right exit that hasn't updated yet. So you add confused, impatient drivers along with slow trucks and you have Dallas.

I35 comes to mind. Take it from me, I have seen it first hand. Some of those bran new drivers will drive down I35 like it's all good, then when one of those sharp, narrow turns appears they just take it like it's all good and fly into the adjacent lane next to them without even looking. Don't drive along side trucks, or any vehicle if you can help it while navigating that stretch.

 

I've only had a couple incidents, nothing major, in 11 years. Both times I was rushing. Just take your time and don't get in a hurry.