Time for a reality check and a safety lesson. Whether you like it or not.

Oh so the Smith System to the rescue eh? Deja Vu. I have no idea why you think this so called "system" will solve all your problems out there on the highways.
I don't believe in a "cookie cutter" approach. Especially when it's very basic.
Unfortunately I've had this SS rammed down my throat more than once with various companies. IMHO It's more more desperate attempt by companies to try and control us in one way or another.
It maybe OK for rookies, but really !! If you haven't grasped the fundamentals by now as an experienced driver, then you need to move on and go do something else.
I think you're being rather naive. for one thing, you can't teach safety or good driving techniques in a classroom.
As Im from Europe, we take driving a bit more seriously and I, for one wanted to be the best right from the start, as a teenager, well before I drove a truck.
So I went on a series of advanced driving coaching, many conducted by the police depts in the UK. It's a very big deal over there and helps to lower your insurance.
I know for a fact that the instructors I've rubbed shoulders with would laugh at the SS or any other half baked system. These instructors are the best of the best.
They had a wealth of knowledge and it has stood me in Good stead for the future.
Bear in mind too that I have to drive, not only on the right here, but on the left when I go home. Try that on for size.
You don't have such advanced tuition in this country. Well, there is one...in Colorado and I'm thinking I might just go on it just for fun as well as learning some more. Not enough time is spent on technique and mindset. Driving schools want to turn you out ASAP as fast as possible. A recipe for disaster in my book.
What I SEE out there everyday is that drivers react waaaay too slowly to incidents unfolding. Even in very good conditions, never mind Winter. You've got to be quick, not dilly dally around.
Im seeing stuff 20-30 seconds before others have made adjustments. Maybe they don't see what I see or they're just mumbling and bumbling along, oblivious to the impending dangers. Everyone also seems to be in a hurry. Why don't you just take your time to let things unfold. Opportunities will open up so you can pass folks safely without running around like a scolded cat.
I was taught how to read the road, manage my positioning. I watch for certain things. Anticipation is a powerful tool to have. Speed can kill but going too slow can have its own set of dangers too.
All these videos do for me is realize how on earth have I kept out of trouble all these 18 years driving a truck here. Boy, have I been lucky..LOL. But I guess good technique comes in handy too.
ill concede you do need a bit of luck at times but everyday I hone my skills and I'm aware of what needs to be done. Thus I have my own "system" don't need anything else thanks.
As a consequence I'm not too popular with our safety guy. I can't help it if I've damaged his ego. I'm not here to be popular but to deliver our freight safely.
how I do it is my business not his or the company's. Once I'm out on the road they have no say in the matter anyway. You trust or you don't. I have a $100K plus truck to nuture so don't assume I'm gonna be reckless. If you can't trust my capabilities, then that's your problem, not mine.
Sounds like you need the SS so go for it, don't let me stop you, but everyone has his own way of dealing with adverse conditions
Good luck.

 

At 70mph 5 seconds would be 500', that's not too close to anything...

 

Pile ups make their own statement as does black skid marks

 

All these holier then though ramming #### down peoples throat. Let's face it.. The accident rates have not gone up on semis per capita.. Meaning all you old time drivers without the sub standard schooling were wrecking just as much.. Long before Swift, US Express etc.

 

I didn't realize giving advice on how to NOT wreck was cramming #### down people's throats. Learn something new every day.

 

That way a lot of so called drivers would never leave their parking place.

 

Im guessing you were in one of those pile ups this winter? We would love to hear your story.,,