Driving Tips about Trucks to car motorists
I just made a trip to Los Angeles in our 28 ft. box truck and wanted to make a few comments about driving a truck from the truck driver's view. : ) I think motorists should keep in mind that a big truck cannot stop or speed up very fast. Most trucks are governed to only go about 68 to 70 miles an hour. When a car is entering a highway, speed up around the trucks because it's impossible for us to speed up or slow down fast to let someone in. Also, a car should never speed up and jump in front of trucks to make a quick right or left turn, we then have to jam on our brakes while not stopping very fast and then our load is in danger of getting damaged when these kinds of things occur.
When passing a truck on a highway, get up and around them without delay. Don't hang out next to the truck for several reasons. *We might not see you. *We might be wanting to pass a slower vehicle coming up in front of us. (If we are made to slow down, it takes a while for us to get going again at a higher speed) If something happens in the road and the truck has to swerve, a car might end up rather toasted.
I've found that truck drivers are the most polite and considerate drivers on the road. If they are doing something percieved as inconsiderate, start looking around for the reason why they are being that way. For instance: When a truck driver sees a policeman or something on the side of the road, they always pull into the left lane or even use both lanes if it is of great importance. We do this to keep people safe.
Here in Tempe, I once saw a child run out into the road ahead of me to get a soccor ball and so I turned on my emergency lights and split the lanes and stopped to help protect him from getting run over. A car actually went around me, having gone into the center turn lane without breaking and almost ran over the child. Without doubt, this episode is the main reason I'm writing this little piece. Thanks for listening, I'll get off my soap box now .... : ) Gregory
