Why Block The Lane?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TheFriscoKid, Jun 13, 2017.

  1. TheFriscoKid

    TheFriscoKid Light Load Member

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    So they say there is no such thing as a stupid question...hopefully I won't get jumped for this...so here goes nothing.
    Whenever there is an accident or some unforeseen event on the interstate, what is the purpose of trucks blocking a line for miles ahead of the accident? Every time I see this happens 4-wheelers just go around the truck "blocking" the lane. Also doesn't this put that particular driver behind his/her production for the day?
     
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  3. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Hell with the production if there's a back up stay behind and go with the flow of traffic.Four wheelers you see in the other lane they're not going to get very far they'll have to get back over and wait with all the other traffic.
     
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  4. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    The purpose is to limit the amount of merging coming from traffic in the blocked lane. You will be surprised at how quickly the traffic will move past a lane blockage because of this. I have seen 5 and 6 mile backups get cut to a mile or maybe a mile and a half just because a few trucks started blocking a lane closure. I have heard drivers tell stories of cops making them move and writing tickets. However i have never actually seen a cop stop a driver doing this.
     
  5. TheFriscoKid

    TheFriscoKid Light Load Member

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    Light bulb just came on! Thanks!
     
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  6. strollinruss

    strollinruss Road Train Member

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    Keeps you from wearing out your clutch
     
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  7. loose_leafs

    loose_leafs Road Train Member

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    I used to be one of the rolling roadblock "hold off the 4 wheeler" guys.

    From my experience all it does is turn a 2 Mile backup into a 4 Mile backup.

    Since there really is no courtesy anymore, or common sense, If everyone would just ride all lanes till the merge point it would go smoother overall.

    I've been cussed out, sworn at and threatened multiple times for it, but I really don't care. Not saying I'm more important than everyone else, just my .02 that being a rolling roadblock hero accomplishes nothing.
     
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2017
  8. wireflight

    wireflight Bobtail Member

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    This question highlights the difference between socially-minded drivers and antisocial steering-wheel holders, and it's why people such as I believe there shouldn't be different classes of "motor vehicle operator" license:

    Either you pay attention to your surroundings and yield appropriately, and you don't race against others on roads open to traffic not competing in a duly sanctioned special event, and generally do all that you reasonably can to avoid being a poohead, or you don't belong behind the wheel and are a menace to public safety.

    Unfortunately, the government has -- by differentiating classes of drivers, and so forth -- itself become a menace to public safety; conscientious drivers are therefore forced to mitigate the harm by, for instance, the (usually slow-moving, but occasionally stationary) vehicular (aka: "rolling," if it's in motion) roadblock.

    If one gets tested for drugs, then all should be tested for drugs; if one has to keep a log, then all should have to keep logs reflecting the same detail; if one has to have a medical card, then all should: compliance standards should be the same for everyone. And yeah, I'd even say that if one has to keep/pay IFTA amounts, then all should.

    At the end of the day, you'd have much safer roadways, less wasted time and less wasted fuel, and -- because each and every driver was without exception subject to the same procedural requirements as each and every other driver, we'd finally get some common-sense relief in the areas of compliance.
     
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2017
    Reason for edit: Word choice
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  9. tlalokay

    tlalokay Medium Load Member

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    Maybe some "rolling road blocks" are logging sleeper time or 30 minute breaks...
     
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  10. TheFriscoKid

    TheFriscoKid Light Load Member

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    While I don't participate in being the rolling road block...I have to admit I've definitely taken a 30 min break quite a few times while being stuck in the madness! Especially today on 24 westbound! Perfectly legal right?? :cool::cool::cool:
     
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  11. 207nomad

    207nomad Medium Load Member

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    I used to be one myself. But now, with the lack of common sense much less the lack of professional courtesy among drivers, I do not because I'd attempt to do so, but in the lane next to me you have johnny jack a__ steering wheel holder who doesn't have the brains God give a goose and just keeps right on going screwing everything up.
    So, now I just keep going unless another driver asks to set one up on the CB.
     
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