Originally Posted by oledoc2u
OK Six...since you are coming into my work environment while you are vacation...let me somehow try to explain why these idiot truckers display this lack of respect for you...since I live on both sides of the fence. We pull a load...sometimes grossing close to 80K lbs...with usually only 400-550hp to make this happen...acceleration comes slowly, most of the good ones are on cruise letting the computer do the driving for best fuel mileage. Oh, if all trucks would just pull those loads the same, but no, all loads, and weights aren't the same, so every truck cruises differently, all trucks pull hills differently. Anyway, here's the rub, for instance, I am cruising, slowly approaching other trucks who are moving slower than me, my approach is slow, right when I need to move out to get around the slower trucks, here comes a little XF hauling butt, do I let him cut me off, lose my momentum, and take miles to get back up to speed, or do I exercise my right to get out and pass, my office, my work environment, I'm passing, he can wait...he can accelerate a heck of faster than I can...to regain even 5 mph loaded can take 2-3 miles according to terrain I am on...mountains, hills, all can kick you in the butt if you don't maintain your speed and get a run at it...cars on the other hand can just pick it right back up, especially a high performance car like ours...no cars ever slow down to let us out, they just want to get by us...welcome to our world, a little respect...next time you approach a group of trucks, and you see one gaining on the others, and you slow to let him get out and pass, see if he doesn't thank you for it after he gets out, or gets back over...all the good ones will...have a safe trip my friend, yours is for fun, theirs is their everyday work...not much fun for them...sorry, this isn't personal at all, but I deal with getting cutoff by cars everyday, and it isn't pleasant for us either....
Glad you spoke up there Doc. I don't drive profesionaly but have done my share of hauling. Our current company truck is a 24 foot Itnl Box governed at 65 MPH and under powered. Unlike cars, big rigs are not push and go vehicles. Navigating a heavy rig is hard labor on a highway full of hills, turns, and people who think driving is something you do while you concentrate on eating a burger and socializing with friends in the car or on the phone.
It is about managing momentum, plain and simple. Most people have no idea the intense, moment to moment full time job it is to make miles and not hurt the load, the vehicle or the fools on the road with you who haven't a clue.
Thanks Doc, for sayin' it like it is.
Guys, keep it in mind while you are squirting from lane to lane having fun, truckers are working hard for a living, not just watching the scenery go by. I read once that a good professional truck driver is not just someone who keeps his rig out of trouble. A goodprofessional is a driver who works to keep every other driver out there safe. Wouldn't it be nice if every car driver lived up to that concept?
And in all honesty, Truck road and fuel taxes pay the bulk of the cost of our wonderful highway system. Wouldn't hurt to thank them or it. At least by giving
them a break once in awhile.
roadster with a stick