It's tough because, like you say, you don't want to be charged with an accident for trying to help spot. But he is your teammate. Besides, you may need a spot from time to time. Personally, I would spot provided: a) they followed my directions (only had 1 co-driver who didn't) b) they didn't make a habit of it (had 1 co-driver that would wake me up for help 10 times a week) Your safety is #1. I would still team with someone prone to scratching trailers, but if I thought they might wind up in a serious accident I was done. That's my best recommendation. I recall that you're currently rehabbing your driving/work history so you don't really have the option of going to a solo company. And maybe you'll find a really good co-driver. But I think you should plan on gutting it out for 6-12months. Mirrors my experience Ain't that the truth? I'd still be there if I had that perfect co-driver. Sadly I don't think they exist (even if they did, that perfect co-driver would probably manage to get on your nerves after 6 months).
He's still trying to get out of a mall parking lot he drove into before Mother's Day when he needed a gift.
To be honest I was just really unsure of what to do. I was afraid that some child or car might come out of nowhere, and that I would be held responsible for guiding him and hitting a pedestrian. I just woke up too and I was really tired. He was literally in front of the store on the crosswalk in the middle of everything. What I don't understand is his judgement of going into the busy shopping center during peak traffic...especially in front of the store.I even told him to stop going into places where a truck is not suppose to be. He puts himself into these situations when they're completely unnecessary.Yes I should of helped, but I really did not know what to do... and I was nervous myself.
I'm hoping that he won't do it again and that this won't be a common occurence either. I mean its only been a month, maybe he might improve. Funny thing is I thought teaming would be a piece of cake. But small things start to irritate me.
During your career as a new driver you and your team mate will run into more situations like this and it will become more easier to get out of it.Then there will be times you stop before getting into a tough situation.Its all part of trucking and a learning exp as well.
