What Would You Do?
Troublemaker
speed limit, when a big, bad truck cut in front of you to pass a slower
moving truck, right?
Mike Murr
elses life in danger....and knowing that so many 4-wheelers are driving
with a phone attached to their ear and there head in their ass or they
are only seeing about the end of their hood...I won't take a chance only
because:
1.I do NOT want to hurt anyone
2.I don't have time to do the paperwork involved with an accident.
3.An extra 10 seconds won't hurt me.
4.The 4-wheelers who drive like nuts will eventually meet their destiny.
Let me ask you one....In the same scenario why will a 4-wheeler never
slow down when they see a situation such as this and let the truck
out?...knowing it takes longer for the truck to stop and to pick their
speed back up.I have had many 4-wheelers purposefully speed up in a
situation such as you have mentioned....Those are the ones I don't cut
off....but yes if they look they will get the finger and there has been a
few times if the asshole would have stopped I would have liked to totally
beat their head in.....
3|33+ hax0r wrote:
> You're driving along the Interstate at 65MPH in the right hand lane.
> Just ahead of you is an 18-wheeler doing 63MPH. As you check your
> mirror, you notice a 4-wheeler in the left lane, approaching fast at
> 75MPH. The speed limit also happens to be 75MPH. The 4-wheeler is
> already in the left lane and is about to pass you. Do you:
>
> a) Wait for a few seconds to allow the 4-wheeler to pass, then begin
> your own pass
>
> b) Begin your pass immediately, forcing the 4-wheeler to slam on his
> brakes to avoid hitting you
>
> c) Begin your pass immediately, and give the 4-wheeler the finger via
> your left side mirror?
>
> Please explain your answer.
>
> ---
> Please Don't Feed the Trolls!
Dave Smith
> You're driving along the Interstate at 65MPH in the right hand lane.
> Just ahead of you is an 18-wheeler doing 63MPH. As you check your
> mirror, you notice a 4-wheeler in the left lane, approaching fast at
> 75MPH. The speed limit also happens to be 75MPH. The 4-wheeler is
> already in the left lane and is about to pass you. Do you:
>
> a) Wait for a few seconds to allow the 4-wheeler to pass, then begin
> your own pass
>
That is what a professional driver would do.
>
> b) Begin your pass immediately, forcing the 4-wheeler to slam on his
> brakes to avoid hitting you
>
> c) Begin your pass immediately, and give the 4-wheeler the finger via
> your left side mirror?
Most often down in order of b, c by too many truck jockeys
Gunslinger
wrote:
>> a) Wait for a few seconds to allow the 4-wheeler to pass, then begin
>> your own pass
>>
>
>That is what a professional driver would do.
>
>>
>> b) Begin your pass immediately, forcing the 4-wheeler to slam on his
>> brakes to avoid hitting you
>>
>> c) Begin your pass immediately, and give the 4-wheeler the finger via
>> your left side mirror?
>
>Most often down in order of b, c by too many truck jockeys
Too true. Unfortunately. There's a lotta idiots driving trucks these days.
__--Gunslinger--__
tscottme
3|33+ hax0r <sh...@ubgznvy.com> wrote in message
news:ni4snugoqi4lv2vhd...@4ax.com...
> You're driving along the Interstate at 65MPH in the right hand lane.
> Just ahead of you is an 18-wheeler doing 63MPH. As you check your
> mirror, you notice a 4-wheeler in the left lane, approaching fast at
> 75MPH. The speed limit also happens to be 75MPH. The 4-wheeler is
> already in the left lane and is about to pass you. Do you:
>
> your own pass
>
> brakes to avoid hitting you
>
> c) Begin your pass immediately, and give the 4-wheeler the finger via
> your left side mirror?
>
>
> ---
> Please Don't Feed the Trolls!
"A" is the right answer, but I'll bet most car drivers don't even notice
how many times each day they cut right in front of a big truck, often
between the truck and a red traffic light before beginning their panic
stop. Oh sure the car may not think of it as a panic stop, but that
80,000 pound vehicle's driver sure thinks it pretty darn close to a
panic. I can't remember how many car drivers have swerved back in front
of me so close that they disappear below the hood of my truck. I guess
they think I will see their brake lights using my psychic powers,
1/100th of a second before they become a greasy stain.
So when car drivers go around generating this sort of "respect" from
other drivers, it's no surprise to me that contempt is the payback. It
shouldn't be, but often it is.
Say!What?
sense thinking is probably not the motivation for most 4 wheelers as they
are mostly concerned what is convenient for THEM! I think most truckers
realize this MAY be 4 wheelers thinking and not resort to one finger salute.
"3|33+ hax0r" <sh...@ubgznvy.com> wrote in message
news:9plunuok5gtdk69t3...@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 10 Sep 2002 18:12:24 GMT, Mike Murr <mur...@worldnet.att.net>
> wrote:
>
> >Let me ask you one....In the same scenario why will a 4-wheeler never
> >slow down when they see a situation such as this and let the truck
> >out?...knowing it takes longer for the truck to stop and to pick their
> >speed back up.
>
> OK, let's compare the two scenarios:
>
> Scenario #1: 4-wheeler going 75MPH continues at 75, complete the pass
> of both trucks in about 5 seconds, and the truck begins his pass.
>
> Scenario #2: 4-wheeler slows down to 65MPH, allows truck to pull out
> in front. Truck takes 60 seconds to complete pass and return to the
> right lane, during which time the 4-wheeler is stuck behind the
> passing truck.
>
> Which scenario is the most fair and minimizes waiting time, for all
> concerned?
>
> >I have had many 4-wheelers purposefully speed up in a
> >situation such as you have mentioned...
>
> No doubt they are speeding up as a courtesy to you. Their intention is
> to complete their pass as quickly as possible and get out of your way
> so that you can make your pass.
>
> >but yes if they look they will get the finger and there has been a
> >few times if the asshole would have stopped I would have liked to totally
> >beat their head in.....
>
> Now this is the part I just don't understand.
>
> How has the 4-wheeler "wronged" you? What has he done that has earned
> a flip of the bird from you, much less a bout of physical violence?
tscottme
> On Wed, 11 Sep 2002 10:55:03 GMT, "tscottme" <blah...@blah.net>
> wrote:
>
> >"A" is the right answer, but I'll bet most car drivers don't even
notice
> >how many times each day they cut right in front of a big truck
>
>
> >So when car drivers go around generating this sort of "respect" from
> >other drivers, it's no surprise to me that contempt is the payback.
It
> >shouldn't be, but often it is.
>
> whereas B and C stem from pure prejudice on the part of 18-wheelers
> against all those moronic 4-wheelers.
>
> ---
> Please Don't Feed the Trolls!
I thought B and C came from your childish mind?
tscottme
> On Wed, 11 Sep 2002 10:55:03 GMT, "tscottme" <blah...@blah.net>
> wrote:
>
notice
> >how many times each day they cut right in front of a big truck
>
>
> >So when car drivers go around generating this sort of "respect" from
> >other drivers, it's no surprise to me that contempt is the payback.
It
> >shouldn't be, but often it is.
>
> whereas B and C stem from pure prejudice on the part of 18-wheelers
> against all those moronic 4-wheelers.
>
> Please Don't Feed the Trolls!
Unfortunately after having 30 close calls each day because some
4-wheeler is practicing for Indy, it's often hard to give them any
respect and feel any concern that they might be delayed for 60 seconds.
I understand you would like to drive on the roads without any other
traffic, but some adults are able to adjust to reality. Think of it
this way, if you were being delayed by another car that has never been
found in the right lane, the results would be the same. Often it's
difficult for people that spend a couple of hours per week on the roads
to have any perspective.
Troublemaker
these types of posts in this NG are nothing more than someone trying to
start an argument. If that is not the case, then I misspoke, and I
apologize. However, I didn't notice a real answer to my question, either.
"3|33+ hax0r" <sh...@ubgznvy.com> wrote in message
news:ptmunu0leaj7nmlol...@4ax.com...
> *Sigh* Let me guess, you are one of those 18-wheelers who picked
> choice 'C', right?
Gunslinger
The problem is, that courtesy HAS to go both ways. When the give-and-take
becomes give-and-give-and-give-some-more, it starts to get pretty wearing. I had
a girl in a car ask me on the CB one time why more truckers weren't very
courteous. I asked her "Do you like dogs?". She said "Yes, but what does that
have to do with anything?" (same as you're asking now, I'd bet <G>). The
conversation proceeded along these lines:
Me: If you petted a dog on the head, and he bit you on the hand, would that turn
you against petting dogs?
Her: Well... no.
Me: If you petted 2 dogs, and BOTH of 'em bit you, would you still pet the 3rd
dog?
Her: Probably so....
Me: If you petted a dozen dogs, and ALL of 'em bit you on the hand, would you
still pet the next dog?
Her: Probably NOT!
Me: Exactly! You'd probably be more likely to kick the little SOB in the teeth,
right?
Her: <laughing> Yessss.....
Me: Well, it's the same thing with us truckers.... we move over to let you by,
and you slow down and pin us in. We get out of *your* way going up a hill, and
you hold us back going down the other side. We let you merge onto the highway,
but you won't let us back over so we can make that next exit. We TRY to be nice
to ya, but you cut us off, stop in front of us, pull out in front of us, and
generally show absolutely NO courtesy at ALL. Pretty soon, after that treatment
all day, we don't really much care about being courteous to ya any more. We'be
been bitten on the hand way too much for one day...
Her: Ya know, I never really thought of it that way before... maybe you're
right.
With that said, A is the correct answer, and the one I choose almost all the
time. It's unfortunate that so many truckers normally choose B or C as a regular
course of action...
__--Gunslinger--__
Capt. Howdy
turn signal I turned on when I had plenty of time to pass safely. I also
wait for the other 10 4-wheelers who caught up to us when the first slows
down beside me and who also ignore my still flashing turn signal.
"Gunslinger" <gunsl...@no.spam.net> wrote in message
news:rjg2ous0t3j764j29...@4ax.com...
Gunslinger
wrote:
>(A), even though the 4 wheeler jumped on the gas as soon as he/she sees the
>turn signal I turned on when I had plenty of time to pass safely. I also
>wait for the other 10 4-wheelers who caught up to us when the first slows
>down beside me and who also ignore my still flashing turn signal.
I'm SO glad you brought that up! The "ignored my turn signal" part, that is. You
see, a turn signal gives you NO right to do ANYthing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I had a dollar for every trucker who has cut me off or pulled out oin front
of me, and the exclaimed (in a whiny voice) ".... b-b-but I had my turn signal
on.....", I'd - well, I don't guess it would be enough to retire, but it'd
damned sure be enough to pay for my upcoming vacation.
__--Gunslinger--__
Utah Reject
65mph if the approaching car was far enough behind me to safely react to the
situation. If the approaching car was too close then I'd have to slow down
until it was safe to get out and pass. Unless we where climbing a steep
grade and the resulting slowing of my vehicle was to the point that I could
not realistically gain enough speed to overtake the truck ahead of me in a
timely manner causing a traffic backup. Then I'd match my speed to the truck
in front of me until we reached the top of the grade and I could gain the
speed necessary to safely pass.
Then again if the approaching car was a safe alert driver and could see what
was about to transpire then the driver of the car would slow down and signal
me that it was OK to come out and pass . Knowing that it would be allot
easier for them to slow from 75mph to 65mph and let me out than to cause me
to slow from 65mph to 40mph. Just a though...
Don.
Utah Reject
comes around. The only problem with this statement is that when the comes
around happens it's most likely an innocent person that receives the
vengeful act.
Don.
"tscottme" <blah...@blah.net> wrote in message
news:biFf9.572996$2p2.23...@bin4.nnrp.aus1.giganews.com...
Utah Reject
"Dave Smith" <adavid...@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:3D7E8B30...@sympatico.ca...
3|33+ hax0r wrote:
Exactly! Truck jokeys not truck drivers.
Don.
Utah Reject
in this case it would be prudent for the truck to let you around before
trying to pass because it will take them a while to pass one another. This
scenario bothers me in a truck just as much as it bothers you in a car.
Usually when faced with this situation if the truck trying to pass just
won't let up and has a cob up his/her butt to pass me then I'll set my
cruise control for about 1-2 mph slower just to get them around and away
from me. Now in your earlier scenario you stated that the approaching truck
was going 2 mph faster than the truck in front. In that instance it will
only take the passing truck 6-10 sec to pass depending on the length of the
truck they are passing. It's sad to say but I get more courtesy out of cars
than trucks anymore on the road so I cannot condemn one or the other because
I get it from both sides. My question is this. Why do truckers have to pass
on a grade knowing that they will take 5 minuets or more to get around the
truck they are passing at witch point they will both most likely reach the
top of the hill before they can get around and why do cars have to speed up
to keep me from getting out to pass another truck climbing a grade going
20-30 mph slower than me ?
Don.
On Tue, 10 Sep 2002 18:12:24 GMT, Mike Murr <mur...@worldnet.att.net>
wrote:
>Let me ask you one....In the same scenario why will a 4-wheeler never
>slow down when they see a situation such as this and let the truck
>out?...knowing it takes longer for the truck to stop and to pick their
>speed back up.
OK, let's compare the two scenarios:
Scenario #1: 4-wheeler going 75MPH continues at 75, complete the pass
of both trucks in about 5 seconds, and the truck begins his pass.
Scenario #2: 4-wheeler slows down to 65MPH, allows truck to pull out
in front. Truck takes 60 seconds to complete pass and return to the
right lane, during which time the 4-wheeler is stuck behind the
passing truck.
Which scenario is the most fair and minimizes waiting time, for all
concerned?
>I have had many 4-wheelers purposefully speed up in a
>situation such as you have mentioned...
No doubt they are speeding up as a courtesy to you. Their intention is
to complete their pass as quickly as possible and get out of your way
so that you can make your pass.
>but yes if they look they will get the finger and there has been a
>few times if the asshole would have stopped I would have liked to totally
>beat their head in.....
Now this is the part I just don't understand.
How has the 4-wheeler "wronged" you? What has he done that has earned
a flip of the bird from you, much less a bout of physical violence?
---
Utah Reject
with a truck driver to see what it truly is like to be in the truckers
shoes. You can argue and bicker back and forth all week but you'll never
understand until you experience what goes on behind the wheel of a truck. I
am not taking up for the idiots out there who have no right to be behind the
wheel of a truck. In your scenario 100% of the professional drivers out
there wouldn't hesitate in doing A. But people like you group us together in
one large bunch saying to yourself "God truck drivers are stupid!" meaning
all of us would do the same thing to you if given the chance.
Don.news:cimunu00rvnrft5p5...@4ax.com...
On Wed, 11 Sep 2002 10:55:03 GMT, "tscottme" <blah...@blah.net>
wrote:
>"A" is the right answer, but I'll bet most car drivers don't even notice
>how many times each day they cut right in front of a big truck
[...]
>So when car drivers go around generating this sort of "respect" from
>other drivers, it's no surprise to me that contempt is the payback. It
>shouldn't be, but often it is.
So in other words, A is the correct, courteous, and lawful response,
whereas B and C stem from pure prejudice on the part of 18-wheelers
against all those moronic 4-wheelers.
---
Capt. Howdy
signal gave me a "right" to do "anything." It also isn't a signal for others
to speed up or to suddenly pull out and pass the truck they've been
tailgating for the last 45 miles.news:5kj3ous073on9k0e9...@4ax.com...
The 48th Ronin at home
"3|33+ hax0r" <sh...@ubgznvy.com> wrote in message
news:c754oucg7e3s5etmo...@4ax.com...
> >
> Is there a signalling code, similar to the flash of the high beams
> that means "your trailer has cleared the front of my truck" and the
> blink of the running lights that means "thank you?"
>
Not to be picky, but flashing the brights is not repeat NOT a sign that
your trailer has cleared the front of my truck...
Turning off your headlights for a moment. or flashing your LOW BEAM lights
in the day time means "if you want to come back over, I have no objection,
and know of no reason why you should not.".. Flashing your high beams comes
from canada and the extrerme north east, but for many U S drivers the High
beam is reserved for the "My high beams mean do not come over " signal...
There is a lot of new drivers who are picking up the canadian high beam
flash because they are either too lazy to reach all the way over to the
light switch ( high beams is a finger away) or because they don't realize
that if you use the high beams for "OK" you have nothing left to indicate
"please do not".
The advent of drls is increasing that trend. Many driver do not think ther
difference between drls and low beams is enough so they opt for the high
beam.. ( most passing drivers would prefer they do nothing to flashing the
high beams but......
What if just as the passing vehicle is in front of you, the grade changes
and you are now accelerating, or there is an alligator in your lane that the
other driver might not have seen, or you can see 2 small red eyes beside the
road ahead ( they probably cannot as angle is very critical on that one...)
I and everyone I have trained for 20 years, and most drivers I know use the
brights on ( but left on to get attention) to try to prevent that passing
driver from coming back in... as a matter of form, I never come back over
for anyone who flashes bright lights as that is the worst thing you can
do... ( this has been discussed on this NG ad nausium) Why would any
person flash bright headlights into a mirror that you can expect the person
driving the truck ahead of you to be looking into at that exact moment... Is
driving right behind a newly night blinded driver a good idea?
> How does a professional and courteous 4-wheeler indicate to a
> professional and courteous 18-wheeler such things as "it's OK for you
> to come out and pass" or "I'll be out of your way in 2 seconds; please
> don't pull out in front of me?"
On a two lane or four lane road, the flash once or twice of the left turn
signal means " please pass", or Pass if you want to". from any vehicle to
any other following vehicle. Continued left turn signal means do not pass I
am going to turn, ( not always to the left as a truck might have to move
left to turn right on a 2 lane).
4 way flashers signal dange do not pass also, but mostly that is reserved
for 4 lane or break down use.
If you feel someone is going to pull out in front of you ( or back in front
of you) use steady high beam to alert the person that they may be comminting
an unsafe act..
rusty
the fourty eighth ronin
spouted off in Misc.transport.trucking:
>On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 01:54:01 GMT, Gunslinger <gunsl...@no.spam.net>
>wrote:
>
>>The problem is, that courtesy HAS to go both ways. When the give-and-take
>>becomes give-and-give-and-give-some-more, it starts to get pretty wearing. I had
>>a girl in a car ask me on the CB one time why more truckers weren't very
>>courteous.
>
>Forgive my ignorance, but do drivers use the CB to coordinate their
>movements on the road? For example, would a driver use the CB to ask
>another driver to let him pass, or to tell another driver it's OK to
>pass?
>
>---
>Please Don't Feed the Trolls!
I have a CB in the truck but only turn it on if I see someone I know,
or if I get to one of those customers who only open the gate or check
in the truck if you call them on the radio... It probably doesn't get
used 3 times a month...
Rusty
Brian Smith
"The 48th Ronin at home" <truc...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:altehv$v0tt$1...@ID-149214.news.dfncis.de...
>
>
> "3|33+ hax0r" <sh...@ubgznvy.com> wrote in message
> news:c754oucg7e3s5etmo...@4ax.com...
> > >
> > Is there a signalling code, similar to the flash of the high beams
> > that means "your trailer has cleared the front of my truck" and the
> > blink of the running lights that means "thank you?"
> >
>
> Not to be picky, but flashing the brights is not repeat NOT a sign that
> your trailer has cleared the front of my truck...
>
> Turning off your headlights for a moment. or flashing your LOW BEAM lights
> in the day time means "if you want to come back over, I have no objection,
> and know of no reason why you should not.".. Flashing your high beams
comes
> from canada
Now, I have to step in and say that living here all my life (in the extreme
east of Canada <g>), that there are not many drivers that flash their high
beams to advise a body to come on back in, to the right lane.
Brian
the fourty eighth ronin
<or...@accesswave.ca> spouted off in Misc.transport.trucking:
>
>Now, I have to step in and say that living here all my life (in the extreme
>east of Canada <g>), that there are not many drivers that flash their high
>beams to advise a body to come on back in, to the right lane.
>
>Brian
>
In the past I only seemed to get a lot of it from "bekkers"..( oh I
forgot the aren't canadians are they?).. But It is a north eastern
phenomenon. Since so many schools are running you see it more from
schneider and other northern companies.
Rusty
Gunslinger
>On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 01:54:01 GMT, Gunslinger <gunsl...@no.spam.net>
>wrote:
>
>>The problem is, that courtesy HAS to go both ways. When the give-and-take
>>becomes give-and-give-and-give-some-more, it starts to get pretty wearing. I had
>>a girl in a car ask me on the CB one time why more truckers weren't very
>>courteous.
>
>Forgive my ignorance, but do drivers use the CB to coordinate their
>movements on the road? For example, would a driver use the CB to ask
>another driver to let him pass, or to tell another driver it's OK to
>pass?
Quite often, yes - but it is decreasing these days as more and more drivers find
other things to do, apparently, than be courteous to their fellow drivers. It
seems discouraging, to me, that so [relatively] few drivers these days seem to
ever even turn the CB on unless *they* need help or directions. They ride
blithely along, unwilling to offer help to others; but when they need help, or
directions, or traffic info they turn the CB on ans ask away (often a question
that was answered only seconds before). You hear these type folks coming up to a
traffic jam, successively turning on the CB and hollering "What's going on up
there?". I hear 'em while I'm taking a detour, because I knew about the jam-up
miles ago..... <vbg> Of course, many of these same drivers turn on the CB as
well as the 500-watt kicker when they get to a truck stop, and then start making
idiotic noises on the radio..... I don't get it. They must be easily amused.
__--Gunslinger--__
tscottme
The major reason most drivers I know don't turn on the CB is precisely
because 90% of what is on the CB is trash. One idiot calling another
idiot an idiot. Some moron talking to another moron, who is tailgating
him, about every problem he has had with his boss since the dinosaurs
went extinct. A play-by-play of last week or last month. Or what I
call "the 100 mile fishing story". Since channel 19 is filled up with
trash, ignorance, and worse. This is just another example of how the
complete lack of discipline and class in the industry makes it harder on
everyone than it needs to be.
Chit chat should move off the channel and the second time someone keys
up to the same person it should move to a different channel.
SloRide9451
Safe truckin'
Slo
Brian Smith
"the fourty eighth ronin" <yo...@nmdatamine.zianet.com> wrote in message
news:3d8574a4...@News.CIS.DFN.DE...
> On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 20:24:09 -0300,
> forgot the aren't canadians are they?)..
Some of them would like not to be, but that's another story. I'm farther
east than they are, and we are civilized down here.
Brian
tscottme
> On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 10:09:00 -0400, "Utah Reject" <nom...@nomail.com>
> wrote:
>
> >Then again if the approaching car was a safe alert driver and could
see what
> >was about to transpire then the driver of the car would slow down and
signal
> >me that it was OK to come out and pass .
>
>
> How does a professional and courteous 4-wheeler indicate to a
> professional and courteous 18-wheeler such things as "it's OK for you
> to come out and pass" or "I'll be out of your way in 2 seconds; please
> don't pull out in front of me?"
>
> that means "your trailer has cleared the front of my truck" and the
> blink of the running lights that means "thank you?"
>
> Please Don't Feed the Trolls!
It's not likely that the same cowboy that would start a roadblock
passing maneuver would see, understand, or participate in any signal a
car could come up with. The best thing to do is to expedite the pass.
Too many times I, in a slow truck, will keep careful eye on some fast
car in the left lane, anticipating his equally quick passing of me, only
to watch him nearly match my speed as he becomes even with my rear
bumper. I'm sure more often than not it's just anxiety causing the
4-wheeler to freeze. This is another reason I stay far back from
someone I anticipate passing. If a car comes up on a truck very close
to a slower vehicle they are more likely to match the truck's speed mere
inches from where the rear bumper would be. The car driver may think
he's holding a place open for the truck, but the space being left open
is so small that it's not clear, when viewed in the mirrors, that there
is enough space. So instead of either vehicle continuing on their way,
everyone slows down until it becomes a real fuster cluck.
SloRide9451
arguments and namecalling, not to mention the truckstop ads and gutter talk for
the entire trip.
I am one of those who turns on the radio when traffic comes to a stop. but I
rarely ask why. I know that in a minute someone else will ask. Some of the
people who ask may have been on another channel, so as not to tie up ch19.
Others may have been listing to commercial radio, or playing a cd, or listening
to a book on tape.
tscottme
> On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 10:49:31 -0400, "Utah Reject" <nom...@nomail.com>
> wrote:
>
> >But people like you group us together in
> >one large bunch saying to yourself "God truck drivers are stupid!"
meaning
> >all of us would do the same thing to you if given the chance.
>
> actual feelings are quite the reverse.
>
> I took a 4000 mile car trip over the summer. While on the Interstates
> I passed countless 18-wheelers. Out of all those encounters, I can
> count on one hand the number of times a trucker pulled a 'B' on me,
> and only once did some psychotic bastard do a 'C'. There is no
> question that the VAST majority of truckers are courteous and behave
> professionally while on the road.
>
> I hope that clarifies my position. :)
>
> ---
> Please Don't Feed the Trolls!
I apologize for making the "childish mind" comment. For the world, I
had the impression you were just another in a long line of car drivers
that pop in here from time to time to complain that some truck
maneuvered in such a way to keep Camaro Bobby from passing on the
shoulder or such.
Gunslinger's post about the dog that bites, is the best explanation of
the hard feelings that rapidly become common once I started driving a
truck. The phrase I came up with after thinking about your original
question was "I'll trade your 60 second delay" for "my 30 near-death
experiences each day". This is one of the main reasons I know have a
job where I drive only at night. I'd rather have a couple of drunks on
the road than 10,000 reckless, hurried soccer mom's in motion.
SloRide9451
seldom his cb was on. Sorry.
alpro
> As I expected, the vast majority of us realize that choice 'A' is the
> correct and courteous choice. However, there is also an undercurrent
> of hostility and prejudice towards 4-wheelers which helps to explain
> why 'B' and even 'C' are sometimes chosen.
I think you're misdiagnosing the problem....
"B" and "C" are chosen for one simple reason....selfishness.
There are those among us out there, that feel as if their particular needs,
schedules, and/or desires are more important than those of the rest of the
world.
This goes for drivers of all vehicles. It also goes for those who cut in line in
a fast food restaurant or checkout line in a store.
People do this at times with no shame whatsoever. I'm sure that these type of
people are what you are seeing.....
~Tony~
alpro
> I have a CB in the truck but only turn it on if I see someone I know,
> or if I get to one of those customers who only open the gate or check
> in the truck if you call them on the radio... It probably doesn't get
> used 3 times a month...
As usual, you miss the point of a poster's question.....
He wasn't interested in the biography of how Rusto uses his CB radio.....
And the correct answer is.....
Yes....drivers often use the CB radio to help others get out to pass and also let them
know when it is safe to return.....
~Tony~
alpro
> It
> seems discouraging, to me, that so [relatively] few drivers these days seem to
> ever even turn the CB on unless *they* need help or directions.
It's certainly their right to do so. Where is it written that for one to truck, that a
CB must be turned on?
> They ride
> blithely along, unwilling to offer help to others; but when they need help, or
> directions, or traffic info they turn the CB on ans ask away (often a question
> that was answered only seconds before).
Hhhhmm.....that could also be easily explained by a person not being able to hear the
answer over the clutter on the airwaves, or the 10,000th rendition of the "orgasm
lady"......
Me? When I get sick of the garbage...I turn on the AM radio. I search for a nice talk
show....
~Tony~
Kenneth
Since you just took a piss in your pisscup you stay in your lane and slow
to 63 and let the 4 wheeler experience"the constalation uriiane" then laugh
as he passes you thinking it was gatorade on his windshield:)
Sincerely
Kennews:ni4snugoqi4lv2vhd...@4ax.com...
> You're driving along the Interstate at 65MPH in the right hand lane.
> Just ahead of you is an 18-wheeler doing 63MPH. As you check your
> mirror, you notice a 4-wheeler in the left lane, approaching fast at
> 75MPH. The speed limit also happens to be 75MPH. The 4-wheeler is
> already in the left lane and is about to pass you. Do you:
>
> a) Wait for a few seconds to allow the 4-wheeler to pass, then begin
> your own pass
>
> brakes to avoid hitting you
>
> c) Begin your pass immediately, and give the 4-wheeler the finger via
> your left side mirror?
>
alpro
> Flashing your high beams comes
> from canada and the extrerme north east, but for many U S drivers the High
> beam is reserved for the "My high beams mean do not come over " signal...
Where did you get this little tidbit? My Mack......made in the USA, mind you,
has a little knob on the turn signal lever, that flashes the high beams as a
means of a signal. Now, I never use it, for all the obvious reasons, but I also
had an "F" model Mack as well, built in 1977 that did the same thing......in
case you want to try to argue that this addition to a Mack was recent.....
I don't think that the flashing of high beams is a "Canadian" thing...
And this is the first time in my life that I have ever heard that flashing high
beams means "do NOT come over"......Gee.....and to think, I've been disregarding
this signal for 20 years.....not that I pay attention to any kind of flashing or
turning off of headlights.....
I found my way out into the passing lane.....I'll decide when it's safe to
return.
> There is a lot of new drivers who are picking up the canadian high beam
> flash because they are either too lazy to reach all the way over to the
> light switch ( high beams is a finger away) or because they don't realize
> that if you use the high beams for "OK" you have nothing left to indicate
> "please do not".
Uh.......huh?.
> The advent of drls is increasing that trend. Many driver do not think ther
> difference between drls and low beams is enough so they opt for the high
> beam.. ( most passing drivers would prefer they do nothing to flashing the
> high beams but......
OPT? Let's see....in order to turn off the DRL's while the truck is moving, one
must do one of two things, depending on the make of truck.....
They must either pull the parking brake knob out, or turn off the engine.....
I don't think they have very much of an option here.....but as you should be
saying, it would be best to do nothing but keep your truck steady while being
passed.
> What if just as the passing vehicle is in front of you, the grade changes
> and you are now accelerating, or there is an alligator in your lane that the
> other driver might not have seen, or you can see 2 small red eyes beside the
> road ahead ( they probably cannot as angle is very critical on that one...)
2 red eyes on a recap that has slung off of a tire? Oh....you're talking about a
REAL alligator.....my bad......<> <>.....
> I and everyone I have trained for 20 years, and most drivers I know use the
> brights on ( but left on to get attention) to try to prevent that passing
> driver from coming back in...
Ah...I see....NOW I know where this coded use of the headlights came from......
> as a matter of form, I never come back over
> for anyone who flashes bright lights as that is the worst thing you can
> do... ( this has been discussed on this NG ad nausium)
That's funny....I don't recall this particular use of headlights ever being
mentioned in here, much less discussed "ad nausium". High beam?..."don't come
back over".....turn 'em off?...."come on over, drivah"....What bunk...
> Why would any
> person flash bright headlights into a mirror that you can expect the person
> driving the truck ahead of you to be looking into at that exact moment... Is
> driving right behind a newly night blinded driver a good idea?
Nope....which is why I do not do a thing. If you pass me.....make your own
decision as to when to come on over. The ONLY exception to this I make, is to
let a driver with an unescorted wide or long load know when he is clear, and
then, it is by CB radio, and I make damn sure to identify the truck by name. I
do not use generalized statements, like "you're clear driver".....
> On a two lane or four lane road, the flash once or twice of the left turn
> signal means " please pass", or Pass if you want to". from any vehicle to
> any other following vehicle.
Not only is this a possibly, WELL outdated use of turn signals, it is probably
illegal in most states nowadays. Why? Probably due to use by some ancient truck
drivers in such a confusing manner.
Turn signals are to be used for one of two purposes. Either to indicate a lane
change or a turn. Any other use is more than likely prohibited in most states.
Since you used the words "2 or 4 lane road", how is one to distinguish between
you indicating an act of permission to pass, and a possible lane change? There
isn't....not for a few moments anyway....while the poor driver behind you tries
to figure out why you are blinking your turn signals, and not moving over or
turning.....
Bad advice.....
> Continued left turn signal means do not pass I
> am going to turn, ( not always to the left as a truck might have to move
> left to turn right on a 2 lane).
Wait....what didja say? You turn on your left turn signal, move left, then turn
on your right turn signal to complete a wide turn? How many times have you been
hit on the right side making this stupid maneuver? What a wonderful way to
confuse the motorist.....He thinks you're going to turn left, and changes lanes
to the right, and then SMACKO!!!! you change the rules of the game, by swinging
right all of a sudden......
I'll bet you didn't know that such a thing would likely net you a big ticket for
improper lane change and/or an an improper turn....Anyone who needs to make a
turn where they feel they are forced to use an adjacent lane is well advised to
ONLY do so, when there is nothing behind them. Nothing you do in the form of
communication will spare you liability if you are involved in an accident, if
you move into another lane, even partially, and are involved in an accident.
More terrible advice Rusto....
> 4 way flashers signal dange do not pass also, but mostly that is reserved
> for 4 lane or break down use.
They are called "emergency flashers".....Again...more signaling that has never
been made public, outside of your little group......
> If you feel someone is going to pull out in front of you ( or back in front
> of you) use steady high beam to alert the person that they may be comminting
> an unsafe act..
Which could also be easily mistaken for "come on out"....
Rusty? Where do you get your information from? You certainly are guilty of
passing on some info that has never been published elsewhere....I'e never seen
these sentences or anything close to them in any driver's license handbook. I've
never seen an article with such wording in any trucking publication.
Do you just make this stuff up?
Headlights are not signaling devices. Although used by some as such, it is not
adviseable to use them that way. As a previous discussion we had in here
illustrated, it CAN get you a ticket.
Turn signals are called that....for one simple reason. You are indicating a TURN
or a direction that the vehicle will be moving, such as in a lane change.
There are no approved use of these devices, outside of those described in
driver's license manuals....
Nice work Rusty.....if nothing else.....always keep 'em confused......right?
If Rusty does it....it MUST be right......
~Tony~
Gunslinger
>> It
>> seems discouraging, to me, that so [relatively] few drivers these days seem to
>> ever even turn the CB on unless *they* need help or directions.
>
>It's certainly their right to do so. Where is it written that for one to truck, that a
>CB must be turned on?
It isn't. It's just another example of the inconsideration and selfishness of
the average truck jockey these days - not willing to [possibly] help someone
else, but expects an immediate answer when *he* needs/wants help.... and yes,
one can listen to the stereo with the CB still on and turned down low.... or
with the RF gain cut back and the squelch turned up so that background noise
isn't a problem.
__--Gunslinger--__
Gunslinger
>The 48th Ronin at home wrote:
>
>> Flashing your high beams comes
>> from canada and the extrerme north east, but for many U S drivers the High
>> beam is reserved for the "My high beams mean do not come over " signal...
>
>Where did you get this little tidbit? My Mack......made in the USA, mind you,
>has a little knob on the turn signal lever, that flashes the high beams as a
>means of a signal.
Many cars have such a switch. It's called "flash-to-pass", and it DOES mean "OK,
here I come, move over or stay out of the way, OK?". I don't know about Canada,
but the "flash-to-pass" is descended from Europe and the Autobahn, IIRC.
>And this is the first time in my life that I have ever heard that flashing high
>beams means "do NOT come over"......Gee.....and to think, I've been disregarding
>this signal for 20 years.....not that I pay attention to any kind of flashing or
>turning off of headlights.....
>
>I found my way out into the passing lane.....I'll decide when it's safe to
>return.
Yup, I agree (with the second part, anyway). I don't really need help in
changing lanes, unless visibility is *really* bad (rare), or unless traffic is
so tight that I have nearly missed an exit (also rare). And I don't consider
high-beams in my mirror as "help", either.
>> The advent of drls is increasing that trend. Many driver do not think ther
>> difference between drls and low beams is enough so they opt for the high
>> beam.. ( most passing drivers would prefer they do nothing to flashing the
>> high beams but......
>
>OPT? Let's see....in order to turn off the DRL's while the truck is moving, one
>must do one of two things, depending on the make of truck.....
>
>They must either pull the parking brake knob out, or turn off the engine.....
.....another place where a CB comes in handy... IF he would bother to turn it
on...
>> I and everyone I have trained for 20 years, and most drivers I know use the
>> brights on ( but left on to get attention) to try to prevent that passing
>> driver from coming back in...
IMO, a rapid *blinking* of the high-beams is best for this, and a much more
clear signal than a single flash.
>> Why would any
>> person flash bright headlights into a mirror that you can expect the person
>> driving the truck ahead of you to be looking into at that exact moment... Is
>> driving right behind a newly night blinded driver a good idea?
>
>Nope....which is why I do not do a thing. If you pass me.....make your own
>decision as to when to come on over. The ONLY exception to this I make, is to
>let a driver with an unescorted wide or long load know when he is clear, and
>then, it is by CB radio, and I make damn sure to identify the truck by name. I
>do not use generalized statements, like "you're clear driver".....
Good idea (I do the same). If I don't see a name, I'll use some sort of
description instead.
>> On a two lane or four lane road, the flash once or twice of the left turn
>> signal means " please pass", or Pass if you want to". from any vehicle to
>> any other following vehicle.
>
>Not only is this a possibly, WELL outdated use of turn signals, it is probably
>illegal in most states nowadays. Why? Probably due to use by some ancient truck
>drivers in such a confusing manner.
>
>Turn signals are to be used for one of two purposes. Either to indicate a lane
>change or a turn. Any other use is more than likely prohibited in most states.
>
>Since you used the words "2 or 4 lane road", how is one to distinguish between
>you indicating an act of permission to pass, and a possible lane change? There
>isn't....not for a few moments anyway....while the poor driver behind you tries
>to figure out why you are blinking your turn signals, and not moving over or
>turning.....
>
>Bad advice.....
actually, not bad advice at all. That signal (a couple of blinks of the turn
signal - not a steady blinking) is from WAY back, and is still used and
understood by lots of folks including 4-wheelers.
>> Continued left turn signal means do not pass I
>> am going to turn, ( not always to the left as a truck might have to move
>> left to turn right on a 2 lane).
>
>Wait....what didja say? You turn on your left turn signal, move left, then turn
>on your right turn signal to complete a wide turn? How many times have you been
>hit on the right side making this stupid maneuver? What a wonderful way to
>confuse the motorist.....He thinks you're going to turn left, and changes lanes
>to the right, and then SMACKO!!!! you change the rules of the game, by swinging
>right all of a sudden......
>
>I'll bet you didn't know that such a thing would likely net you a big ticket for
>improper lane change and/or an an improper turn....Anyone who needs to make a
>turn where they feel they are forced to use an adjacent lane is well advised to
>ONLY do so, when there is nothing behind them. Nothing you do in the form of
>communication will spare you liability if you are involved in an accident, if
>you move into another lane, even partially, and are involved in an accident.
>
>More terrible advice Rusto....
again, NOT bad advice. I think he just didn't explain it clearly. If you need to
make a wide swing for a right turn, you give the left signal (remember, you ARE
changing lanes - or at least partially doing so), move to the left (assuming
it's clear, of course), and BEFORE you leave enough room for someone to start by
on the right you give the right signal (to make a right turn, OK?). I suppose
it's possible you could be cited if an accident were to occur, but I don't think
it would be because of your use of signals. You have in fact made TWO seperate
maneuvers, and correctly signaled BOTH of them.
>> 4 way flashers signal dange do not pass also, but mostly that is reserved
>> for 4 lane or break down use.
>
>They are called "emergency flashers".....Again...more signaling that has never
>been made public, outside of your little group......
Never heard of that one, either.
>> If you feel someone is going to pull out in front of you ( or back in front
>> of you) use steady high beam to alert the person that they may be comminting
>> an unsafe act..
>
>Which could also be easily mistaken for "come on out"....
Again, I would rapidly flash the high-beams for this, not just turn 'em on.
>Rusty? Where do you get your information from? You certainly are guilty of
>passing on some info that has never been published elsewhere....I'e never seen
>these sentences or anything close to them in any driver's license handbook. I've
>never seen an article with such wording in any trucking publication.
Just because something isn't in a driver's license handbook, doesn't mean it
doesn't occur, or that it isn't accepted.
>There are no approved use of these devices, outside of those described in
>driver's license manuals....
Approved? By whom? We ain't talking "approved" here, we're talkin the "real
world".
__--Gunslinger--__
alpro
> It isn't. It's just another example of the inconsideration and selfishness of
> the average truck jockey these days - not willing to [possibly] help someone
> else, but expects an immediate answer when *he* needs/wants help
Amazing....
I'll make you feel better....I don't go out of my way to NOT have my radio on, but then I
don't ask for help either.
I have a cell phone.
Only in MTT can one be accused of being "selfish and inconsiderate" for not choosing to
have the CB on at all times when someone 'might' need assistance. In my experience, if
someone really needs help at a time when MY radio is turned off, there are others to take
up the slack.
Gee.....do you SLEEP with your radio turned on? Do you jump up in the middle of your rest
break if someone breaks for some "local information"?
> .... and yes,
> one can listen to the stereo with the CB still on and turned down low.... or
> with the RF gain cut back and the squelch turned up so that background noise
> isn't a problem.
I'm sorry, but I'm not that concerned all the time with what's going on out there....
I guess I'm one of those....."Truck Jockey's".....
I could really get into all of my reasons, but that would open up a can of worms....
~Tony~
Gunslinger
>
>> It isn't. It's just another example of the inconsideration and selfishness of
>> the average truck jockey these days - not willing to [possibly] help someone
>> else, but expects an immediate answer when *he* needs/wants help
>I'll make you feel better....I don't go out of my way to NOT have my radio on, but then I
>don't ask for help either.
>Only in MTT can one be accused of being "selfish and inconsiderate" for not choosing to
>have the CB on at all times when someone 'might' need assistance. In my experience, if
>someone really needs help at a time when MY radio is turned off, there are others to take
>up the slack.
You seem to be missing the point....
Point being, if you aren't willing to be of help to others, should you expect
others to be willing to help you?
As for your last line above, suppose everybody felt the same way?
__--Gunslinger--__
Roughrider50
on how far back the 4 wheeler is & whether he has an entourage of other
motorists in close proximity. In other words be prepared. If you are to
stupid to heed the trucks turn signals then you have no complaint. This is
especially true in moron states like MI., or Ohio that have a 10-15 mile
split difference....in other words when I pull out in my one stack Mack
governed at 65MPH to pass a Canuck or a Swift truck, someone's gonna hafta
back off or eat my bumper.....in other words if you don't like it complain
to your elected officials...I didn't vote 'em in. Also there's a sign with
the name of my company on the side of the trailer....their listed in
directory assistance, their the ones that set the speed limit on my truck.
Just be assured though that I will give you plenty off time to back off,
what you do with that opportunity is up to you.
--
Roughrider50
Ye Olde Dave
>From: Gunslinger gunsl...@no.spam.net
>Date: 09/13/2002 7:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time
>I'm SO glad you brought that up! The "ignored my turn signal" part, that is.
>You
>see, a turn signal gives you NO right to do ANYthing!!!!!!!
By the same token, when you do signal a lane change (with plenty of room to
get out in time) and you see the nose of the 4-wheeler out there in the left
lane lift as if John Force was launching another run only to try to close the
gap & deny you the room you HAD to successfully do your thing.... well I'm
afraid I'll admit to finishing off the lane change, doing what I have to do and
then getting back over (right after passing that Swift truck).
My opinion is that somebody attempting to intentionally put me in a jackpot
deserves some well considered pre-emptory action... strictly to save them from
commiting that heinous act and damning themselves eternally to 4-wheeler
hell..
You're never gonna believe this sir but...
When you ship it late
It'll still be late when I get it there...
Truckinsp
>I choose "B" with an option to choose "C" if the need arises. It all depends
>on how far back the 4 wheeler is & whether he has an entourage of other
>motorists in close proximity. In other words be prepared. If you are to
>stupid to heed the trucks turn signals then you have no complaint. This is
>especially true in moron states like MI., or Ohio that have a 10-15 mile
>split difference....in other words when I pull out in my one stack Mack
>governed at 65MPH to pass a Canuck or a Swift truck, someone's gonna hafta
>back off or eat my bumper.....in other words if you don't like it complain
>to your elected officials...I didn't vote 'em in. Also there's a sign with
>the name of my company on the side of the trailer....their listed in
>directory assistance, their the ones that set the speed limit on my truck.
>Just be assured though that I will give you plenty off time to back off,
>what you do with that opportunity is up to you.
>--
>Roughrider50
>
You call yourself a driving professional? I call you a driving hazard!!!
alpro
> You seem to be missing the point....
No, I don't think I am. I see where you're coming from....
> Point being, if you aren't willing to be of help to others, should you expect
> others to be willing to help you?
That can encompass a whole lot of things. I help drivers all the time. Where I haul out of,
the customer base is very consistent. I run into drivers all the time who have not been to
various customers. I help them with routing and directions. I help them tarp their loads. I've
ruined shirts and pants helping them fix their trucks.
Now, pursuant to your question, do I on the other hand use the CB radio to "help" others know
where the "bears" are? Absolutely not. Do I use the radio to warn of scale activity?
Absolutely not.
I DO use the radio to warn others of a hazard up ahead of them. I help with directions if
needed, and I can assist. I shame others when they are pushing little old ladies down the
highway.
This is of course, when I have the radio on. I will even turn it on, if the situation warrants
it.
Now, because of this, do I expect everyone to help me when I need it? No. In the case where I
have requested assistance on the radio, sometimes I get it, sometimes I do not.
I can give you a better example of what the 'brotherhood of trucker's' are good for....
January 15, 1994, a Yellow freight truck hit a patch of ice, but just before he did, he panic
braked, causing his back pup to swerve over into my lane. I was just about at the back end of
his trailer when he did this. Naturally, I turned the wheel to avoid hitting him, and went
into the median. I rolled over.
The highway was crammed with trucks. How many witnessed this? At least 15 trucks. How many
stopped? ZERO. Not one. They were talking a mile a minute about what the "stain in my shorts"
must look like, but did they stop?....nope.
I was trapped in the truck. Shortly after I wrecked, the electrical power shorted out, which
killed my lights and radio. Both of my thumbs were broken, as well as my left leg,which was
crushed between the seat and the door. I couldn't move.
To make a long story short, I laid there nearly 6 and a half hours, and it was not until
someone else wrecked 50 feet from me, and I was able to yell loud enough to get help. I almost
froze to death. I almost bled to death.
I'm not too keen on depending on others out there. I guess it was too cold to stop.....
> As for your last line above, suppose everybody felt the same way?
Why not face it? It's a "dog eat dog" world out there. I think when it comes right down to
it....most of them do. This is why I carry a cell phone....spare batteries....AND a
charger......
~Tony~
alpro
> actually, not bad advice at all. That signal (a couple of blinks of the turn
> signal - not a steady blinking) is from WAY back, and is still used and
> understood by lots of folks including 4-wheelers.
I'm sorry, but I do not agree. All this accomplishes is to confuse people. It also
will increase the chance of an accident while turning right, because the FIRST signal
you gave to them, was that you were going left. Add the fact that you begin to go
left, then suddenly swing right.....Bad.....bad......bad idea. Practice this long
enough, and your going to run all over a car who will have every right to eat your
lunch, especially if there are witnesses.
How many drivers leave the right lane, completely, to make wide right turns? Far too
many.....and when they do, if a car INTENTIONALLY runs into that right lane, knowing
what you are doing, and "gets" you to hit him, you're going to be liable.
In most states, if you change lanes for ANY reason, and are involved in a collision,
you are automatically at fault. Case closed.
> again, NOT bad advice. I think he just didn't explain it clearly. If you need to
> make a wide swing for a right turn, you give the left signal (remember, you ARE
> changing lanes - or at least partially doing so), move to the left (assuming
> it's clear, of course), and BEFORE you leave enough room for someone to start by
> on the right you give the right signal (to make a right turn, OK?). I suppose
> it's possible you could be cited if an accident were to occur, but I don't think
> it would be because of your use of signals. You have in fact made TWO seperate
> maneuvers, and correctly signaled BOTH of them.
The "wide turn" method is not supported by law. The only proper way to make a turn is
to not leave the lane you are in and turn right. Now, I am not ignorant to the fact
that this is not always possible, and that sometimes it must be done. The fact
remains, as you say, if done and a car has enough room to run down that right side
while doing it, you're going to be held liable.
In 1986, I had an accident described EXACTLY this way, in Beaumont, Texas. There were
3 lanes of traffic. I had to make a sharp right hand turn into a motel parking lot,
for delivery. I only gave up about half of my right lane, moving into the middle lane
of traffic, while signalling my intention to turn right. In a flash, an 18 year old
girl in a Buick Lesabre (thank God), ran right up to where my front wheel was, doing
about 40 mph. She actually had to run up the sidewalk to get there. She never hit her
brakes (there were no skid marks). The car was totalled. She was not hurt, but tried
to sue me for megabucks.
I fought that claim for more than four years, giving deposition after deposition. I
finally won, but it was not until after I had spent numerous dollars appearing for
negotiations with 3 different law firms, and a final hearing. The funny thing was, I
never received a dime for the damages to my truck. To the best of my knowledge, my
insurance company was never able to recover those charges.
Signalling left, and then right, is not in my opinion, a safe means of communicating
a wide right turn. I have never read in print anywhere, that this is a proper way to
communicate a wide right turn. As you also say, if you must make a wide right turn,
it would be adviseable to not give up that right lane completely, and hold as much of
it as possible. Even though I did this, I had to fight like hell to keep from being
held accountable for the accident. I did everything right, and still was put under
the microscope. Had I given up at any time in the interim, and had quit declaring
that I did nothing wrong, citing numerous times, simple traffic laws to support my
case, I would have lost the case.
What was the fuss all about? The mere presumption that even though my signal was
working properly, and indicated a right turn was about to be made, I went left for a
brief moment. The ONLY thing that ultimately saved my skin, was the fact that she
went up the sidewalk to hit me on the right. If she had been on the traveled portion
of the street, or pavement, I would have lost very early on.
Rusty previously wrote:
> >> If you feel someone is going to pull out in front of you ( or back in front
> >> of you) use steady high beam to alert the person that they may be comminting
> >> an unsafe act..
To which I replied:
> >Which could also be easily mistaken for "come on out"....
>
> Again, I would rapidly flash the high-beams for this, not just turn 'em on.
I still think that even this would tend to confuse someone. The better course of
action is to prepare for the car to come on out, and be ready to brake....if they do.
Any attempt to signal with your headlights could be easily mistaken for your giving
permission to come on out there....
What if they do, and you don't have time to avoid hitting them? You each get your
turn to explain your actions. "Your Honor, I flashed my headlights to let him know
that I did not want him out there...."......"Your Honor, I thought that he was
telling me that I could come on out...." Who's right? Neither of you. The next thing
out of his mouth will be to inform you that headlights are not a form of
communication.
> >Rusty? Where do you get your information from? You certainly are guilty of
> >passing on some info that has never been published elsewhere....I'e never seen
> >these sentences or anything close to them in any driver's license handbook. I've
> >never seen an article with such wording in any trucking publication.
>
> Just because something isn't in a driver's license handbook, doesn't mean it
> doesn't occur, or that it isn't accepted.
That's where you are DEAD wrong. An "accepted" practice, not covered by law can
easily be held to be an illegal act. If you were in here when we had the month long
debate on using the headlights to signal other drivers about a "speed cop" in
Florida, I quoted the law, which described the "proper use of headlights". As
written, it described how headlights were to be used. At the end of that code,
written was language that basically said, if not exactly said "Any use other than
described above, is a violation of code...."
I previously wrote:
> >There are no approved use of these devices, outside of those described in
> >driver's license manuals....
>
> Approved? By whom? We ain't talking "approved" here, we're talkin the "real
> world".
Traffic laws where it concerns the use of lighting, describe the legal way to utilize
lights and signals, so that they are universally understood by all. A driver's
license manual is a summary of those laws, written in layman's terms. Of course, it
cannot address every law that pertains to the operation of a motor vehicle. By the
same token, there is no universal or accepted method of using headlights outside of
illumination of the highway in front of you, that can be supported by law. The ONLY
exception to this, that I have EVER seen in print, is the practice of quickly
flashing your high beam headlights to let a motorist know that you are planning
overtake his/her vehicle at night, and this is usually limited to those roadways with
no passing lanes, or in other words, two lane roads..
My basic stance on this controversial issue is simple. Unless someone can prove to me
that there are laws, codes, or ordinances, in ANY of the 50 states, that allow for
the use of headlights or turn signals in a manner that is the core of this debate, or
as Rusty described, I say that the practice can be held illegal. I can, if need be,
find and quote NUMEROUS codes of law that prohibit uses of lights, outside of those
that the driver's license handbooks describe, which are based upon traffic code.
The mere sentence that is used in most traffic code, after a law is described...."Any
use other than described is a violation"......says it all to me....
~Tony~
Utah Reject
years I find the frustrations of both cars and trucks to be a problem that
only the drivers themselves can handle on a per incident basis. Just because
a minivan cuts me off doesn't mean that the next minivan that comes along is
going to do the same thing. { Although I have allot of minivans do an
awfully lot of stupid things around me ;O) } I think it's just a direct
reflection of our times and the way our modern society shapes our lives
whether we want it to or not. I know if the drivers on this news group think
back to this time last year you all will remember how everyone out on the
road seemed to get along allot better than we do now. I guess it just comes
down to basic human nature.
Don.
On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 10:49:31 -0400, "Utah Reject" <nom...@nomail.com>
wrote:
>But people like you group us together in
>one large bunch saying to yourself "God truck drivers are stupid!" meaning
>all of us would do the same thing to you if given the chance.
I apologize if you came away from my posts with that impression. My
actual feelings are quite the reverse.
I took a 4000 mile car trip over the summer. While on the Interstates
I passed countless 18-wheelers. Out of all those encounters, I can
count on one hand the number of times a trucker pulled a 'B' on me,
and only once did some psychotic bastard do a 'C'. There is no
question that the VAST majority of truckers are courteous and behave
professionally while on the road.
I hope that clarifies my position. :)
---
Trucker
mash the gas they can instantly mash the brakes.I do the same thing when I see them
do this. I finish my lane change all the while hoping like hell that they are
mad...They brought it on themselves.