September 30, 2015
A Higher Altitude Perspective
We thought we’d share some (possibly new) insight and perspective in the world of big trucks. We come from the land of cars – referred to as ‘4Wheelers’ by truckers, We still remember our mentality and thoughts regarding big trucks, but now have gained another perspective that is from higher up in the air.
Speed – Most trucks are governed, some not at all. In the interest of fuel mileage and safety, most are governed somewhere between 60 and 75 miles per hour. What this means to 4wheelers is we get in the way a lot. This poses a challenge to the truck driver in trying to navigate around slower trucks as well as cars and not get in the way too much of those that can go faster. Which begs a question…why don’t cars at least go the speed limit? Why does it make a difference you ask? Why do trucks have to pass? Why can’t they just stay in the right lane in a nice neat line? A few reasons – money, schedule, delivery times …oh, and money. Most over the road drivers are paid by the mile. So each mile an hour they can run faster (even 1mph) is more money. It can be anywhere from 38 to 55 cents per mile. So a truck that can run 3 to 5 miles an hour faster than another truck will make a couple dollars an hour more. You’d take that in a raise, wouldn’t you? (remember this section for future reference)
Hills & Law of Physics – Remember the dreaded math story problem….if two trucks are traveling west, both can go 68 mph, one weighs 80,000 lbs. and the other weighs 60,000 lbs…. The weight a truck is pulling will affect its ability to go up and down hills. Heavier loads will get beat going up hills but have the potential to win going down those hills against a lighter weight truck. (not that it is a competition 😉 ) Even though a truck can go faster and weighs less, a heavier slower truck can pass the lighter truck going down a hill. Remember this when you see trucks trying to get by one another. Most experienced drivers know and can recognize the signs and will negotiate accordingly. This is important to the driver in the long run…remember to reference the topic on speed.
How to pass a truck….on a highway…JUST DO IT! Don’t dilly dally next to them. When you see a truck put on a turn signal, it does not mean hang out next to him or jump in the spot he is headed. If you are already next to him, don’t pace, continue with your speed (which should be the speed limit or more if you are in the left land) and get by. There are two sides to a truck, the passing side (left side) and the suicide. Always pass on the left. If a truck gets in the left to pass and you are now finding yourself ‘stuck’ behind, exhibit patience, especially once the truck has cleared the right lane from your perspective. Hi is trying to make sure he is clear from his perspective. Don’t jump in the right lane – the suicide lane, and take his space, as he may very well not see you when trying to get back over.
Merging – When getting onto the interstate, merge at the speed of the traffic. Trucks generally are in the right lane. They will sometime be able to mover over a line if it is clear to allow for more merging room. If they do not, don’t panic and don’t expect them to slow down to let you in. This would be a hazard to the traffic already with the right of way. Traffic on the roadway has no responsibility to deviate their position (speed or lane) to allow you to merge – remember your driver’s ed manual. Instead accelerate and merge – MERGE AT THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC! Ford and
Prius drivers…just do the best you can. 😉
Heavy traffic – Leave that space. When in heavy traffic, truck drivers will attempt to leave a space between him and the vehicles in front of him. Remember stopping/breaking distance? So please do not see that as an opportunity for advancement, it just might end up and an incident of squishament. Trucks weighing amounts that are 25 times the weight of your car do not have 25 times the braking ability. Our braking distance (the time and amount of space we take to stop) is dramatically longer than in your car. Also some trucks are equipped with collision avoidance systems. This system will automatically apply the brakes outside the drivers control if it senses an object to close to the front of the truck. Please leave the space! Think of this also when you are changing lanes in front of a truck.
Nighttime lights and mirrors – Our mirrors are rather large. They gather and reflect a substantial amount of light from vehicles approaching from the rear. Please be kind and aware of the use of your bright lights when behind and passing a big truck. If you are in a lane, being passed by a truck and you would like to let a truck know they are clear to get over in front of you, turn your headlights on and off, do not use your bright lights at night. Truck drivers really appreciate it when the 4Wheelers let them know they are clear to get back over. They will flash their clearance lights or 4-ways as a gesture of thanks…at least the cool ones will!
Rain and headlights – When it is raining the trailer kicks up so much spray our mirrors are ineffective unless you have your headlights on, no matter the time of day. So remember if it is raining or the roadways are wet, turn on your headlights. Also, driving in these conditions please don’t pace or hang out directly next to a truck.
To let you know, truck drivers are not out to be a nuisance to society (yes, there will always be that one guy) This is their job, career, lifestyle, their way of making a living, Getting into an accident with a 4Wheeler is something they definitely want to avoid. That is something that will directly affect their ability to make money and has the potential to end their career. One more request, please put down your phone. We can so very clearly see what you are doing while attempting to drive; texting, checking Facebook, watching videos, all are distracting. We see this everyday. Most trucks have a dash cam that is recording while the truck is moving. Rarely does the footage show the truck at fault in the accident with a 4Wheeler. Either way though it is the car that always loses.
Horns – Remember when we were little and on a road trip, in the back seat, staring out the window, we would pass a truck and try with all our might to get the truck driver to honk those big horns? Truckers still like to honk those big horns! However it is sad to say we see so many kids with their faces buried in their electronics these days. So when you are passing a big truck either nudge your kids and have them give the universal sign or channel your inner kid and do it yourself! Make us smile!!
See you on the road! ~ Hooper and Whistle
