Precision driving : Another take on truckers’ driving
I’ve often touted truckers, along with other commercial vehicle operators, as some of the best drivers on our roadways. One reason for this is borne of a perform-or-perish scenario. With the sheer exposure these drivers have to traffic and traveled miles, they must do well, since a bad outcome may yield loss of jobs or lives.
A couple of readers, however, take issue with trucker behavior they’ve encountered.
For example, S.R. of Chewelah wrote, “I’m wondering your thoughts about what to do when being followed too close by a big truck. At least two people I know have had a commercial truck follow them too close, restricting their options when wildlife crossed the road. One couldn’t take evasive action and hit several wild turkeys flying low across Highway 395. Another had a similar thing happen, when a deer came across the road. Both people are very good drivers who follow the speed limit and following-distance rules. I’ve had trucks do the same thing to me and at the first available opportunity pull off the road to let them pass. The difficulty comes because there are stretches of Hwy 395 that you can go several miles without such an opportunity. What do law enforcement officers recommend in this situation?”
And B.L. of Pinehurst opined, “I would appreciate your comments to a big rig driving error that I have seen and experienced since I obtained my first driver’s license in 1945. I refer to truckers traveling at highway or freeway speeds who close to within a car’s length behind the vehicle they are about to pass before they execute the passing maneuver. Even at 60 mph, each such action puts the vehicle being passed into extreme danger IF anything occurs before the truck moves left that requires the vehicle in front to hit the brakes.”
Whether it’s an incessant truck, or anything else riding my tail, I treat them the same. First, as I drive my chosen speed (speed limit plus 2-3 mph), I will give the driver behind me a couple of miles to maintain a decent following distance. If they fail that test, I give them one or two chances to pass by slowing slightly in areas that would allow a pass. If that fails to get rid of them, I pull to the shoulder, and even pause for a moment or two to give them a lead — I don’t want to be back behind them at the next grade.
One reason that trucks, and other vehicles with limited passing acceleration, often get so close behind is that they may be trying to set up a pass. They must get super close, then time their pullout just as oncoming traffic clears. I know that this passing practice is perilous, and those trucks doing so probably realize it too. I’m sure that they are on edge, hoping they don’t have to make an emergency stop when in this mode.
Trucks will also do this when anticipating an uphill grade — they want to attain maximum speed before the grade, as they know they will lose speed on the grade. If you are in front of them, they often get right up to your rear bumper — again, not safe, but one of the typical trucker procedures. When this happens, I often speed up a bit so the truck behind me can hit the grade at a higher speed and not follow so closely. I can resume proper speed on the grade, as the truck slows due to the incline.
Again, for easing stress, and gaining safety, I simply pull over for those who perpetually ride my rear — the same action recommended by the State Patrol.
Accident Fault
I have said that being legally right in an accident doesn’t keep it from ruining your day, not to mention your vehicle. Body shop owner J.P. takes that thought a step further with a valid reminder about fault. He says that these days, insurance companies are looking for “contributory negligence.” Even though the other party may receive a ticket at the accident scene, blame may be deemed “shared” by both parties, and each may have to pay for their own damage. Solution? Work diligently to avoid the accident.
Economy Tip
In light of rising fuel prices, economy tips are rolling in. One that I haven’t heard before comes from reader L.B. In his words, “I recently helped a lady friend purchase a very low mileage 94 Lumina APV LS and it came with 4 crossways roof racks. Looked kind of silly with 4 so I removed 2 and was impressed with how heavy the roof racks were. Taking into account the wind resistance, the weight, and the raising of the roll center, I removed the other two for both efficiency and safety. On this model they came off in seconds.”