Two accidents in two months.. what now?

Ok....I don't think there needs to be any more crucifying of the driver here.....let's see if we can give him some non-judgmental, off the high horse advice. OP, when you run, you don't have to run your clock all the way out all the time. Just do it when necessary. In order to avoid driver fatigue, you have to pace yourself. It isn't everyday that you gotta turn 600 or 700 miles. If you have time, learn to break up your long hauls. Most importantly, get sleep!!!!! Yoi can't do a thing out here with out adequate rest. Take the time to rest every time you aren't moving. All that said, do better.

 

Honestly, I hope you never get behind the wheel of another truck…
I’m just going to leave it at that otherwise I’ll get banned from this site.

 

Well they say 3 strikes and you're out.
In your case it may be out forever.
First off you are still a rookie..period.
Don't care how many months or where's you've been.
We all hope if you get back behind the wheel you realize first how fortunate you've been to have not hurt somebody and second, that professional truck driving takes all you got...and in your case more.
I don't know how you were trained but sounds like you have too many bad habits to be successful.
As Clint once said" a man's got to know his limitations "
If you come back into the industry you need a complete reprogramming imho.
I'm not saying it can't be done but you need to be honest with yourself bud.
Good Luck either way.

 

That's more or less what I had to do. Start dumping bad habits and get into methods that were simple from the get-go.

And yes, this crucifying and gate-keeping towards drivers who've failed is counter productive and toxic. Last thing we need is an ex driver who "never gets over it" and ends up at the very least "doing things" to food at the McJob they were forced to get.

Some take criticism and make something of it. Others let it boil inside for years until it either makes them have a heart attack behind the fryer or something else sinister altogether.

 

- - - -
I shortened Your Story a wee bit.

STOP, Step Back and observe your current Family.
Make a List of the Important People in Your Life.
You're MORE IMPORTANT To Your Family ALIVE, than Locked Up (from an accident involving a Death) or Deceased (from an accident) or someone shooting ya involved in an Accident with ya.
Take Care Of You for a little bit.
Things Are Tough All Over However You've Been Given 2 Valuable Lessons.
LEARN From Your Decisions/Mistakes.
STOP DWELLING ON THE PAST, it'll keep ya down.

You may not be able to Drive a Combo again for awhile. That may just be the Cards you were Dealt, maybe not.

I've NEVER wrecked a Tractor-Trailer. I had wrecked numerous 4 wheelers from youthful STUPIDITY involving insane amounts of Alcohol and accompanying Drugs.
NEVER did I hurt any other Human in my frivolous activities, just myself.
Never wanted 2B an O.O., especially after witnessing all the fun from Driving for Them as well expenses, Tags, Permits, Fuel., etc.

You'll Do Well!
Take Some time For YOU & YOURS while checking out Your Available Options.
Keep US Apprised!
Thank You!
CHEERS!!

 

First I’ll start by saying, prayers to your daughter,
I don’t want to come of harsh, but if you’re going to continue driving, you need to learn to not pass your abilities! Learn to stop before your body shuts down! Two at fault accidents in two months, your insurance is going to sky rocket, finding a reputable company to driver for will be challenging as well, by your post, I’m assuming driving a truck is a new career for you? Most rookie drivers will have an accident within the first year, some advice id give?
Find a company job, and stick with it for a couple years or so, try and learn how far you can push your body, driving long period especially by yourself can be very tiring, the more time behind the wheel, the longer you’ll be able to go, best of luck to you

 

Drivers are a dime a dozen, good ones are 2 bits a piece.

 

I feel you totally. I've never had a major accident thank goodness, but you're right about simplifying things. It's better to set smaller, less grandiose goals when you're in a pickle. As you achieve, eventually it starts to look promising.

 

Look into nEMT driving.

That industry loves ex truckers. You can be home every night to hang out with your daughter.

Driving a truck you miss alot of life happening.

 

Cat naps OP, You have to learn how to take them. When you start feeling that nod coming on, You have to pull over anywhere you can park and take a 15 minute to a one hour nap, get up slam some coffee down and you should be good for a few more hours if necessary.

Sleep is what everyone kind of says “suck it up buttercup and get it done” but to me sleep is the most important aspect of this job. I admit I don’t get much. I probably average 4 to 6 hours per 24 hours. But I am 100% better driver when I’m properly rested then if I’ve been up all night.