Mile Markers
Dave Carter ·
Jun 18, 2010 at 9:31am
A few random thoughts from the driver's seat of an 18 wheeler:
- Never tailgate a big rig. Recently in Chicago, a huge spool of cable rolled back, burst through the trailer doors and onto the street. It was a problem for the truck driver. It was a disaster for the car behind him.
- If you see a sign designating the highway you are on as a "Purple Heart Highway," hold on to your fillings. Most of these roads are so rough and loaded with pot holes that you will have earned a Purple Heart by the time you get to the other end.
- If you see a sign marking the highway as a "Medal of Honor Highway," seek an alternate route.
- Pilot truck stops have the best coffee on the road.
- McComb, Ohio, a beautiful small town southeast of Toledo, was home to two Medal of Honor winners from the Civil War. I finally saw some American flags displayed there.
- I just discovered I have a flat tire on my trailer. I knew it was going to be one of those days when early this morning I tore open the sugar packet, poured the contents in the trash can and dropped the packet in my coffee. Some days...
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Comments :
Jun '10
Re: Mile Markers
Chicagoans love their tailgating...
Which state, in your opinion, has the worst drivers? My money is on Massachusetts ...
Have you ever noticed that in some states (Missouri), drivers seem unaware that the left lane is for passing. Two drivers get side by side and both go 5 mph under the limit... we call it a Missouri road block...
Re: Mile Markers
Samwise Gamgee, you guessed right. In my experience at least, Massachusetts has the worst drivers, tailgated closely by New York City, which in turn could be knocked off the road by New Jersey. It's a fascinating combination of brazen stupidity, careless selfishness, with a dash of kamikaze thrown in for ill will. They all seem to be running late for their next collision.
May '10
Re: Mile Markers
I have to ask Dave - I grew up about 90 minutes south of Kingdom City, Missouri. Is Kingdom City really the trucking mecca it seems to be?
Re: Mile Markers
Matthew, let me put my ignorance on glorious display by telling you that I've never heard of Kingdom City, MO. I have no clue where it is, and I can't even find it in the index of my "Professional Driver's Atlas." I know that Joplin, MO is home to great truck stops that are popular amongst truckers. But Kingdom City might as well be Kingdom Come for all I know about it.
Jun '10
Re: Mile Markers
I KNEW IT! Whenever I pass through Massachusetts I feel like I'm in the middle of a Bangladesh bizarre with people speeding up the shoulders, screaming wildly and showing reckless disregard for human life in an attempt to make it to Maine before the sun goes down on a Friday evening.
May '10
Re: Mile Markers
I think that answers my question there, Dave! The next time you're on I-70 halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City keep your eyes peeled. Kingdom City is basically an off-ramp with fewer people than diesel pumps, at least three full-blown truck stops, probably the most fuel per capita of any municipality on the planet, and excellent country fried steak.