Safety Message from the Local Trucker

[kirinke]

Here in austin, at least on the I-35 route, they've posted that all semi-trucks need to keep out of the left-hand lane (fast lane), mainly due to the reasons you mentioned above.

When fully loaded, these guys don't move very quick and car drivers get impatient with them. Thus accidents happen. And really, since this has happened, I've seen a noticable improvement on the speed of traffic.

And really, most slower moving vehicles like semi-trucks, gravel trucks, cement mixers and the like really need to keep in the far right lanes. Because they don't move as quick and are harder to control. When in the slower lanes, you don't have that need to drive faster.

But big rigs, especially ones carrying logs and stuff scare the crud out of me. I treat them with major respect....
I hate being behind these guys.... I keep on seeing flashes of 'Final Destination' when I get behind a timber truck...

 

[BOZ]

just being near a big rig is scary for me, even when i'm not the one driving. i don't know how someone could have the... chutzpah... to cut one off.

 

[nerfherder]

Here in austin, at least on the I-35 route, they've posted that all semi-trucks need to keep out of the left-hand lane (fast lane), mainly due to the reasons you mentioned above.

We already have that rule in the UK on Motorways (the equivalent of an Interstate) and it seems to work well, but then we're not allowed to undertake - you can only pass on the right (equivalent of your left).

Cheers,
Liam

 

[Michael Morris]

Here in austin, at least on the I-35 route, they've posted that all semi-trucks need to keep out of the left-hand lane (fast lane), mainly due to the reasons you mentioned above.

When fully loaded, these guys don't move very quick and car drivers get impatient with them. Thus accidents happen. And really, since this has happened, I've seen a noticable improvement on the speed of traffic.

Problem with this is that traffic merges from the right. True story here folks...

In Toronto I was driving in the driving rain with an empty trailer. I had another semi truck in front and in rear of me and was being passed by a semi truck with a car behind it. A driver comes off the ramp and drives perilously close to me, hitting his horn wanting me to yield *to him.* I can't. If I change my speed in any way I risk a collision and I can't go to my left without hitting someone. So I watch in bemused horror as the idiot slams his brakes at the last moment and hits the concrete wall at the end of the exit ramp, his car coming to a rest sitting sideways on the barrier. He didn't touch me, so I kept on going (not like I had a choice).

At the end of a ramp you must yield to the traffic already on the interstate folks.

Now, restricting trucks to the right lane increases the frequency of these types of accidents.

When three or more lanes are available I take the second from the right to avoid merging problems, and you'll find that most truck drivers follow this pattern. Florida is the only state to recognize that this is the safest lane for trucks and mandate it (Trucks stay in center lane except to enter or exit).

 

[Michael Morris]

We already have that rule in the UK on Motorways (the equivalent of an Interstate) and it seems to work well, but then we're not allowed to undertake - you can only pass on the right (equivalent of your left).

Cheers,
Liam

Just want to point out - there is a world of difference between a US semi-tractor and a British Lowrie (About 40,000 lb. and 50' of difference)

 

[Morrus]

Just want to point out - there is a world of difference between a US semi-tractor and a British Lowrie (About 40,000 lb. and 50' of difference)

A British what, now?

I only read this thread because I was checking to see how long it would take Michael to mention that his trucks were the biggest. Not long! -- However, I'm sure that getting hit by a non-American truck is still somewhat unpleasant, and the same principles apply.

[You know I love you really, Michael! In a brotherly kind of way... ]

 

[diaglo]

don't forget to visit my website.

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-119/

 

[Nightcloak]

don't forget to visit my website.

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-119/

Whoa.

And here I thought your occupation was Mad Scientist

By the way. Do you mind if I snag some info from that site for my next safety meeting?

Looks pretty comprehensive compaired to some of the sources I have locally.

 

[nerfherder]

Just want to point out - there is a world of difference between a US semi-tractor and a British Lowrie (About 40,000 lb. and 50' of difference)

I'm confused . You mentioned a 80,000lb truck. Max gross tonnage in the UK is 44 tonnes, which is 97,000lb. Doesn't sound like that much of a world of difference. Either way, you don't want to be in a car that gets hit by either...

Cheers,
Liam

 

[Krieg]

I'm confused . You mentioned a 80,000lb truck. Max gross tonnage in the UK is 44 tonnes, which is 97,000lb. Doesn't sound like that much of a world of difference. Either way, you don't want to be in a car that gets hit by either...

Cheers,
Liam

Let's not forget the Road Trains roaming the Australian Outback.
Max gross tonnage?

115.5!!