Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
I thought about posting a photo of a grisly accident I saw a few months ago. Deciding against it on grounds of general decorum, I nevertheless ask those of you hitting the highway today to give extra thought to safe driving. It's an unfortunate reality that most people have gone through any sort of driver training exactly once in their lives, and for many of us it is a distant memory. Yet it is the one activity we regularly engage in that is literally a matter of life and death. In my current line of work, I must go through a sort of currency training quarterly, sometimes with a trainer in the truck to check for creeping bad habits, etc. I'm not advocating that for everyone, of course, but please stay alert.
A few suggestions, if I may be so bold.
- Stay out of the pack. People who travel in close-quarter gaggles, at high speeds, are at the mercy of the strangers around them. One person messes up, and everyone in the group pays the price. Let the gaggles move along without you. Grandma's house will still be there.
- Scan the road ahead as far as your vision allows so you aren't surprised when something dumb happens.
- Watch other drivers, not just their vehicles. Often times, a head movement may be the only signal you get that they are about to change lanes or turn.
- When approaching an intersection where you have a green light or the right of way, again, watch the drivers, not just the cars. Make eye contact if possible, so everyone knows who is moving where.
- Give big trucks space. Don't tailgate, since a trailer tire that goes boom could ruin your day. Don't loiter beside them, because a blown steer tire will likely result in loss of control, and you could end up under them. And don't cut them off, because they require much more room to come to a stop than does your vehicle.
- Lastly, assume that the other drivers around you are going to do none of the things listed above, but will instead do something supremely stupid, and plan accordingly.
As for me, my new dispatcher has worked a miracle, allowing me to get home today from Milwaukee on Monday, and I'm truly thankful. I'm also thankful that Peter and Rob took a chance on a trucker and invited me to be a part of this delightful community at Ricochet. One of the highlights of my day is to check in with you folks and see what's cooking. For me at least, it has become a warm and friendly place, sort of like that television show where everyone knows your name, ...what was the name of that show again? Actually, tapping the "Ricochet" icon is almost like coming home for me, no matter where I am. And for a sometimes weary traveler, home is a good place and a wonderful feeling. Happy Thanksgiving all.
- Comment (16)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (2)
Comments :
Nov '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
And we of course, are thankful Dave the Trucker and his good advice.
Jul '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Dave!
Jul '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Happy Thanksgiving! Here's hoping everyone on the highway gives you lots of space and signals before pulling in front of you.
Jun '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Be safe and have a good holiday.
Jun '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Happy Thanksgiiving to you too Dave. Keep an eye on all them other truckers
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Thanks for the advice--I've always wondered about making eye contact at intersections. If you say it's good to do, then I'll do it. (And once you've got them by the eye, so to speak, I've noticed that people are nearly always friendly--there's almost always a smile or a nod.)
Ah, Ricochet. First we deal with open warfare in Korea, then we refine our driving skills. Nuthin' else like it.
Happy Thanksgiving, Dave!
Sep '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Happy Thanksgiving Dave, and safe driving. One of these days I'll formulate a coherent comment on one of your beautifully written post that is a bit meatier than "nice post Dave." According to EJHill, you'll have to watch out for RINOs laying by the side of the road.
Edited on Nov 24, 2010 at 11:49amOct '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Ricochet is a fantastic place, indeed, and Dave your contributions add a wonderful human element. Enjoy Thanksgiving and thanks for letting me into your life. And if I can be so bold as to offer driving advice too, please always drive in the right-hand lane, unless you are passing. Pull over after you pass, and if you are passing a big truck, do not get stuck in his (or her) blind spot. And sadly, Dave is right, you must assume that everyone else is about to do something completely bone-headed.
Happy Thanksgiving. I am a Canadian, and would like to add that I am thankful for my American neighbours (even if they can't spell), and for your founding fathers for attempting such a bold political experiment. You have come to bear great responsibilities in the world, and are our last, best stand.
Nov '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Happy Thanksgiving, Dave. You are the "Voice of the Heartland" on Ricochet – a "real man" with rugged good sense.
May '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
As I reader, I'm glad too, Dave. I always look forward to your posts.
Aug '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Or at least does one of the two. (Where we live, signals and space is a bit much to expect at once).
Oct '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Happy Thanksgiving to you from up North! My family will be gathering, but I'm only able to make it home at Christmas, not Thanksgiving, so I'll be stuck here at work.
I'm thankful that there are so many wonderful people here (though I've been away for a week, if anybody's missed me) and so much intelligent commentary to feed on like turkey.
And thanks for the tips as well!
Jul '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
If I may be so bold to add one more: Watch for motorcycles!
Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Carter.
Jun '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
Dave: I, for one, consider you our primary representive from "drive-over" country (as opposed to fly-over country). The Ricochet family wouldn't be same without you. God Bless you and other Ricocheters this Thanksgiving.
Edited on Nov 24, 2010 at 6:23pmMay '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
On Dave and his driving techniques advice... who will join me in a rousing chorus of "For he's the jolly good fellow, for he's the jolly good fellow, for he's the jolly good fee-eh-low, which nobody can deny!!"
Aug '10
Re: Thanksgiving Thoughts From the Highway
tabula rasa: Dave: I, for one, consider you our primary representive from "drive-over" country (as opposed to fly-over country). The Ricochet family wouldn't be same without you. God Bless you and other Ricocheters this Thanksgiving. · Nov 24 at 6:22pm
Edited on Nov 24 at 06:23 pm
What T.R said.