What happens when we don't pay attention?

In 1984, Kenworth introduced a new concept in trucks that paved the way for the modern aerodynamic trucks that we see today. Paccar began design work for the T600(also known as the Ant Eater) in 1980, predicting that the shrinking margins in the trucking would require more aerodynamic designs. It was the silliest looking truck that I had ever seen. Back then, I was used to driving cab overs most of the time. Prior to the T-600, the conventional tractors of that era had a terrible turning radius and had higher hoods. I got assigned my first T-600 in 1986. I only had about 5 years experience at that time and since it was a new design and most people were driving cab overs, I felt privileged and egotistical. The T-600 introduced several changes. One of the changes was the slanted hood design which sadly meant more bugs on your windshield. The hoods on the early 600's also had a reputation for coming open rather easily. You simply released the side buckles and compared to the classic hoods, you could open them quite easily.

The place is Jackson, MS off of Hwy 49 which I believe today is a Pilot TS. At the time it was called something else. The most unique feature of this TS was that they were equipped with pressure washers. After fueling you could pull up and spray your rig down. I pulled up and sprayed my truck down and closed the hood. I got to talking with another driver about this truck I was driving and when we got done, I went in to get my receipt, hopped in my truck and took off. If you are familiar with exiting this location you will know that it is unlawful to make a left turn onto Hwy 49 as it is a very busy highway. You have to make a mandatory right turn. The other unique feature to this location is that you have to go through a scale house before you can enter the highway. So, I proudly pull out of the TS with my shiny new rig, entered the scale house and came to a rather abrupt stop. As I came to a stop, my hood came flying open right in front of the chicken house.

I could not believe what had just happened. I got busy talking earlier and forgot to latch my hood. I set the brakes and got out to shut my hood. I was so embarrassed that I didn't even bother to look inside. I was waiting for the man to come out and direct me to the parking area for an inspection. I got back in my rig, closed the door, put her in gear looked at the green lights and then looked inside the chicken house. I heard over the intercom "What are you waiting for?" I got the heck out of Dodge I'll tell you. Hopefully that is one of those mistakes that you only make once, right?

Truck driving is a thinking job.
When you quit thinking, that's when you're going to get yourself into trouble.