Trucker Etiquette (that's Manners)

Flow. It was a wonderful way of driving back in the day. Two problems today.

1. So many people today are TAUGHT not to use their mirrors, because ‘they are liable for only what’s in front of them.’
2. So many people today do not look far enough ahead to avoid trouble.

So, what happens is this: you are bebopping down the road, step to the left lane to pass a slower truck. You see blue lights on the right shoulder. You back out of it to allow the slower truck the room to get over in front of you. Dipwad is doing the perfect steeringwheelholder bit, going down the road completely oblivious to everything. By the time he sees the blues, he’s almost up on them. Because it isn’t his habit to use his mirrors, he is not proficient at it. He hits the brakes and drops below the minimum speed limit. Way below. Dipwad cannot get over until he sees that you are stopping for him.

Do you stop for Dipwad?

As you go by Dipwad you notice that he has 1 Million Safe Miles.

EDIT: and training a student.

 

I'm curious as to who is supposedly teaching "you're only responsible for what is ahead of you". Every company I know of teaches defensive driving, or some variation thereof, which teaches you to know everything around d you.

 

Nope, have to maintain flow of my lane as well. I'd initially back off half a truck length or more to give them ample room to move over and flash my lights for them. But if they hit their brakes and slow down then I'll speed back up and move to the left edge of the lane when passing if it's a 2 lane highway, move over another lane if it's 3 or more lanes (regardless of truck restrictions).

Nobody behind me or close enough to catch up, I'm more willing to slow down further on a 2 lane or if I can't complete the pass due to other traffic ahead of them in my lane.

 

Stevens Transport. I will attempt to find the thread for you.

 

Here it is.
Keep your head up and level !!. Look straight ahead .. Very very important

 

#### Stevens trucks were getting rear ended on Donner pass for going to slow west bound. CHP fired there ##### up for going 15 mph down the #### mountain and cars rear ending them. Now it was in the S curves but still 15 mph. You don’t see them hardly ever on Donner pass anymore

 

Old days and old ways, common sense and courtesy... All gone by the wayside for me-me-me for the new.

 

Holy crap... just ....wow

 

Amazing, is it not?
Had to clarify what he said, and drop out the conversation.