What I find really rude is when I do move to the left lane to allow someone to merge and then they hang you out there. I expect if I allow you to merge on be at least courteous enough to let me back into the right lane.
I agree, that's why I pick up pace just a bit just n case but I don't have a limiter and if I see the mergeing traffic not doing that then I resume what speed I was doing lol
They think they're entitled to it,So they feel no obligation to you!We really need meaningful driver's Ed to be mandatory!20 multiple guess questions,and a ride around the block,doesn't cut it!4 wheeler should be trained to drive,like Trucker's are!
This video is so true. Time and time again people can’t seem to merge correctly. Not yielding right of way. No blinkers. It’s especially bad in traffic. There’s no respect and it’s just ignorance
It’s dangerous when people in the right lane hard brake it to let merging traffic on too! I always hold my line when I’m the right lane. 4 wheelers are the worst.
My rule of thumb is that; if you need to brake while on the highway; you are doing something wrong and need to stay off the highway until you figure out what...
That's one of the first things I remember learning from the OTR trainer I was with when I first started. I would want to move over a lane amd he would say NO! STAY PUT. Let them merge into you, it's not your resposibility to move over! I'll move over a lane as a courtesy when there's nobody coming up on the left, but that's the only time.
Exactly! Maintain speed and lane is what we were taught. I will slow down if conditions allow. But people do need to learn to merge correctly. It's crazy!!
I just recently was involved in a near accident while merging in my car. I was traveling down the on ramp and getting ready to merge in front of a semi that was in the right lane. I was going a bit faster then he was, so I had plenty of room to safely merge. The problem was that there was some soccer mom that had been riding my ass all the way down the on ramp, and she was already pissed at how slow I was going, even though I was actually speeding a little bit. Before I had actually merged she immediately decided to head straight to the left lane. This was extremely dangerous because not only did she get so close to that semi that their bumpers nearly touched, but there was ANOTHER semi barreling down the left lane that she obviously didn't see, and he wouldn't have been able to see her. Those two almost made contact and I could hear the left lane truck slam the breaks really hard. He was super pissed too and I could hear him lay on the horn. After that she floored it and started racing past everyone. I was really mad at this point too, just because of her stupidity. It amazes me that just because of her impatience she almost caused an wreck between herself and two semis. And depending on how it went down I could've been hit as well. If one thing went wrong she could have very easily been killed.
Dwight Harris I am a “new age driver”, I believe some of the vets need to go back to school to learn schedule 1 instead of just jumping in a truck and go... We ALL need to learn some new tricks and some old ones. One thing I believe that has helped me in this industry is being humble... cheers....
...That merging thing explains so much about why people slow down and ride next to my steer tires when they're supposed to be merging. I thought people knew that the right lane has the right of way over the merge lane. My ass is in a tanker. I can't swerve to avoid anything. If I don't see the person on the ramp or I have a 4-wheeler determined to stay on my left side till the last minute, I can't safely move. So many people end up almost taking my front end off because they seemed to think "merge" means aim their car at my steer tires and hope for the best.
This is why co-operation among us is so important, and looking out for each other. I drove the Grapevine (I-5) last night and everybody was pretty well behaved. It was nice to see.
3:16 Thank you for pointing this out! The truck driving school that trained me also told me this and so many truck drivers almost got hit by me while merging because they assume i'm gonna get in the left lane. Once another truck driver tried to pass me just to go 1 mph faster than me. Meanwhile a truck merges on the highway without make sure it was safe, going 25 mph (my speed was 55). I had to get in the left lane to avoid hitting him, but there was a car in that lane and he had to use the left shoulder to avoid getting hit by me. 😱 After that, my trainer asks, "are you alright?" The following combination describes the look on my face: 😱😥😡😫😓 Me: "I think I'm gonna quit..." Trainer: "Why?" Me: "I could've died, you could've died, that guy in that car could've died! All because someone tried to force his way on the highway and I was boxed in by that other guy trying to go 1 mph faster than me and couldn't move! This job isn't worth this much stress!" After that I quit.
Ohio Driver if I’m empty yeah I’m gonna pass ya regardless of the terrain. Also many times that driver is loaded heavy and you either slowed them down climbing a hill previously or they’re catching you at the bottom of the hill. I’m going to maintain my speed as long as I can. If they overtake me climbing then I’ll move back to the right, but there’s a reason why they did it. Hell earlier today I had a 4-wheeler brake check me at the bottom of a hill in VA and jumped left to avoid hard braking and losing speed plus potentially shifting the load. My point is, there’s a reason why someone would jump left at the bottom if it’s open.
What annoys the help out of me is if I'm on a highway in the right lane, and someone's on the onramp clearly going faster than me, so I slow down a bit so they can just get in front of me and then they damn near come to a stop after already being completely in front of me.
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EXPLAINING THIS! I have tried to explain this during construction on a 4 lane highway (2 lanes on each side). One of those 2 lanes was CLOSED. I was merging onto that now ONE lane highway and I saw all the semis and cars coming from the right of way traffic so I slowed down. I couldn't get over because of the traffic and I ran out of ramp to merge. I STOPPED and was beeped at and motioned to keep driving INTO THAT TRAFFIC.
We needed this video. Thanks. I also hate when a heavy truck is merging and any 4 wheeler behind it decides to jump directly to the highway at the same truck speed. That's so dangerous
I Agree and support this message in its entirety. I do always try to make room for other Truck Drivers to merge on the interstate because I know how hard it is to build up speed. Now for all those 4 wheelers I wont make a full effort to merge over especially those that try to take the lane from me. Thats the riskiest to us Truck Drivers 4 wheelers think they can just merge on and we are supposed to move over for them I always educate people its a courtesy not a requirement!
As a truck driver I try to accommodate all trucks merging onto the freeway It’s the four wheelers who look up at you at the end of the get on ramp with the cell phone and flip you the bird No turn signal haven’t got the car up to speed they don’t accelerate till They actually get on the freeway. Or worst-case scenario when you lift off the throttle they hit the brakes They need to be educated they need to have a DOT all for themselves
Entrance ramps are the only place I get the finger. Sometimes I move over, sometimes I don't. Thanks for the awesome video. Also, when passing you can view the vehicles way behind you and gauge their pace if they'll catch up to you while passing. I'll hold off until no vehicles are visible behind me to pass, just my way of being courteous.
Your right on here! But, What drives me crazy is the steering wheel holder I start to pass looks in his mirror and speeds up to make me sit in the left lane with a slow pass.
When your governed to 67 your curtious enough to move to the left when you see someone coming down the ramp they merge with no problem then sit right in your blind spot or just at the back of your trailer as traffic piles up behind you
How can we get this video into the hands of thousands of idiots that come off the ramp at full speed with zero concern of who's got the right of way. Great video!
I don't pass on two lane roads unless I absolutely have to. A tractor trailer has a lot more ass than I'm willing to commit to that oncoming lane in most cases.
I wish they would teach this in drivers ed. My boy went through it a year ago and his instructor told him that traffic "usually" makes room. He never actually explained the law and proper way to do it. It's really frustrating that most people on the road don't understand this.
Thought I was going to disagree with your video but I actually agree with you one hundred percent. I use to move over for traffic merging. Until one day a car decided to race from behind me in the left lane and scoop me trying to get back into the right lane. Clipped him. Now I hold my ground unless no one is around. I'll run you off the road if your a car trying to merge before giving up my lane.
You could either speed up or slow down. I do that. And if I feel the need to slow down I will. A good thing is to have a sign for cars on your blind side saying "Speed up to pass or slow down."
You tell ‘em Dave!! I’m in the same boat as you, I don’t know what happened to the fine art of merging. More drivers need to hone their craft! Keep the good advice coming, been watching you since before I hit the road, in the biz five years now and am still always learning. Thanks for all the great advice, keep it coming.
Great video! I’ve had a truck driver haul ass down the ramp with me in the slow lane and two trucks in the hammer lane in the rain! I can’t get over and he was going waaaay too fast he came door to door with me and ran down the shoulder. I’m thinking man slow down it’s pouring rain!!!
When your coming into a city jump in that second lane !! It works for me that way they have room to merge as soon as you come out of that city jump back in the slow lane !!!!
I've been watching your channel for a long time now, I'm a younger driver, 2yrs 3mo driving experience. 2 weeks ago today I passed my skills test for removing the automatic restriction from my CDL.
The problem with governers is that driving 65 instead of 63 is over $2,000 a year. It'd be great if we could do 67 or God forbid the whole speed limit for 15 seconds to get around the guy and make the boss more money too. But that's why you see the professional snail racing. It's a paid sport. It's not like people do it because its exciting.
Most annoying when you move over to allow the vehicle to merge on is when they move into your previously held lane and then match your speed preventing you from moving back in. This is mostly done by car drivers, but I have it happened frequently buy truck drivers as well. If someone is courteous enough to allow you to merge unabatedly, return the courtesy by allowing them to move back over.
I hope this video go viral cause people REALLY need to hear this. In addition to what you said these 4 wheeler have an obsession to drive alone side the trucks for long periods of time & that's part of the problem 🚚
Newer trucks have sensors that activates drive cam system which records following distance. It’s illegal to follow too close hence you try to pass vehicle going slower then you. If someone speeds up while I’m trying to pass then I just move back in right lane as longest it’s safe.
Good point on road tips. Drives me nutts when I come up to a truck going under the speed limit and trying to pass them. The slower truck usually speeds up and paces me while I maintain my current speed. Then I have to gain momentum to get around the truck. After this is done, the truck usually backs off 5 truck lengths. Frickin annoying, for I'm breaking the speed limit while doing this.
Yep, back a few weeks ago (here in SoCal)had a Werner driver do this , he was matching my speed once I was next to him (increased and decreased speed several times before I had enough) , had to go faster then I care to say to make the pass stick and then he was back to 50 or so.
I can’t stand those speed governors. I don’t have one so I don’t have to deal with it. But I can’t stand when guys only run 2 mph faster than the guy in front of him and take forever to pass and hold up everyone in the left lane. I hate when people slow down for people merging. It makes no sense! Speed limit is 70, people on the merging lane is moving at 35, and people slow down for them. I really don’t understand it.
Christopher B. Fields truth! I think the governors cause more traffic hold ups and wrecks than they prevent because they cause the “rubber band” effect
That's because your dumb ass wont pass after. Super trucker just went out the door. Whats wrong he hurt yo wittle feeling cause you can go a wittle faster. Gid help you if they Gov every truck. I think they should.
Thank you for making a video about a seemingly easy to understand but for many tough to follow merging rule. As a trucker, there's a dozen time in a day when i am pushed into lane left to me just because some impatient moron didn't even bother to yield or stop for oncoming traffic assuming the wrong idea. Always felt, there should be a campaign by DOT or something equivalent to educate the public and to even some "Professionals".
Stfu....there are plenty of drivers that suck. That don't work for those companies. You guys make me sick, thinking you're better than those drivers. Pussy.
I can't tell you how many times on a 2 lane, I've had another truck try to pass me over and over and over just to get by me (sometimes a very dangerous pass) and then I ride behind them for the next 30 miles, and they never get out of my direct view. Well said in this video sir, I hope more drivers see this and stop giving me and my old cabover the finger.
I'm governed at 61 and if somone starts to pass I'll slow a bit to make it an easier transition. I'm glad you clarified the merge rules I'll admit I was sort of confused on the matter and I bought into the fallacy.
ThankYou For Affirmation of What’s Correct & Proper. Trainers are Instructing the Opposite While Talking “be safe & don’t let anyone do tell you to do anything illegal...”
Love your stuff, I hate passing another truck when I'm limited to 65 and their doing 50 then suddenly they want to do 70, then show back to 50 after I pull back behind.
I will always disagree when people say you shouldn't pass to gain 2-3mph as long as we're getting paid by the mile. When your pay depends on it, you wanna get to your destination as fast as you can. Just another reason we should all get a salary or hourly pay. It's illegal to pay truck drivers by the mile or by the load in Europe so why can't we make that a law in the US too? I couldn't give two shits if there's a truck going slower than I am if I get paid hourly. Besides, you would actually get paid for all the BS you have to deal with that isn't driving. It's insane that we don't always get paid for our time as it is.
i just love it when trucks in the left lane speed up and prevent the truck in the right lane from moving over into left lane, because of merging traffic. it truly takes a special kind of a steering wheel holder to do that
I couldn’t have said it better I’ll move over if it’s clear and hardly any traffic if there is a lot of traffic I just hold my speed couldn’t count the number of 4 wheelers that have run down the shoulder along side me because they didn’t turn there head and take a look to see where they could fit in
Thank you I have no words to express how grateful I am for your channel I am a surviving truck driver and I am a safe and secure because of you may the heavens shower you with health happiness joy wealth and success thank you,thank you...
I was pulling a set of pikes through Red Deer AB. Hi-way 2, a fast moving (110 KM) heavy use divided 4 lane. Some sweet (I'm guessing) little old lady merging from the right, didn't bother checking to see if it was safe to merge. She was right beside the tractor near the end of the merge lane when I tooted the horn to get her attention. Only then did she check the mirror. I suspect she was surprised to see 2 trailers right beside her. Her only choice was slow down and drive on the shoulder. My only choice (due to heavy traffic in the hammer lane) was to continue in my lane. I basically put her onto shoulder, but, it could have ended up much worse. I find myself tooting a lot in the lower mainland as well. The signs that say "THINK and DRIVE" should say "THINK about DRIVING". Keep those videos coming.
Thanks Roland! I also have a real problem with the quality of the drivers in four wheelers. There should be ongoing testing for some of them or maybe all of them that don't hold a commercial license. They retest us!
Yes very true, with only about 2 years under my belt I still consider myself a rookie driver. Therefore I’m still driving a fleet tractor, heavily controlled for speed and economy. That means not only top speed limits but horsepower/torque is also cut from the stock engine rating. I feel like I’m riding a stubborn mule sometimes.
I like the explanation of land position vs legal position. I was taught when merging to watch for spaces to merge into as opposed to vehicles preventing merge. If I'm on the main road I leave space in front and adjust my speed to let others merge in. And, as explained, move left only if safe to do so.
Keep it up! I am out! 25 years on the road and this new industry is eating me like a cancer. Had a cash buyer purchase my truck last week and I am going back to college. It’s been a pleasure watching your videos, but my own health and sanity are a priority.
A huge part of the population either don't know about it or ignore it. It is pretty sad. This clip needs to go much more viral nationwide. Blessings !.
AMEN! That's me every freaking day I get on the road. If I need to get over (for safe freeway merging/flow of traffic), and I put my turn signal on, it never fails- anyone who's been behind me for miles suddenly feels a life or death urgency to get over 1 lane and stop me from merging left, when there's 1 or 2 more lanes they could've gone to to give me room to safely get around me. And passing? I'm fine with being passed, but please, oh please, keep at passing speed for a minute or so after you get in front of me so I don't have to slowdown even MORE to get a safe stopping distance between us.
Dave, great work. I agree with you on most everything. I miss the old days and the older guys that taught me so much good stuff. Unfortunately, I'm sad to say bc i live in South Carolina, about 15 yrs ago South Carolina removed the yield signs from the entrance ramps on interstates. A buddy of mine, who is now gone from this world, got a ticket from state trooper bc he didn't move over and let the trooper on the interstate. Circa 2003. It's crazy how much "common sense" or logic has been lost with each generation. Keep up the good work.
Very good lesson sir. This is a huge safety issue as well as a thorn in many sides. Definitely worth watching occasionally as a refresher. Some good comments up already
GREAT VIDEO, CHANGING LANES AND 3 MILE DRAG RACES, DICEY TIME ON THE ROADS, I CALL THOSE PASSERS THAT HAVE 1 MPH THAN WHAT I GOT, "HOPE & ROMPS", SO WHAT I DO I, JUST GET OFF THE GAS FOR 5 OR 10 SECONDS, AND LET EM GET ON PAST AND DOWN THE ROAD SAFELY
Dave, you should have mentioned that when merging from an on ramp you should look far enough ahead to pick a spot and adjust your speed to merge smoothly at close to the speed of traffic. And it never hurts to back off a few clicks when you see a driver is going to merge in front of you . It’s all about courtesy and looking far enough ahead to avoid the problems that we encounter daily. If just one new driver pays attention to you videos , you have done a good service to our industry. Thanks !
I’m glad you posted this video now if people would just watch and listen about the merging part cause it’s very true and tons of people think they have the Right of way when they merge and just like you said merging traffic does NOT have the right of way
EXCELLENT ! point on merging i'm about to get my CDL next month like you said NEVER ASSUME! that is stupid to merge and assume someone need to move over for you when it's a fact that we're supposed to know if we have a big enough gap to merge or change lanes.
I totally agree with that merging for incoming vehicle into the freeway. People think that traveling traffic have the obligation to move over, when the reality is that it has to yield.
In regards to merging, I always assumed the traffic flow had the right away. However based on what you said you are 100% correct. Drivers on the ramp feel they have the right away. Especially the 4 wheelers in Conn on I-95. not only do the feel they have the right away , they feel they are entitled to the lane and Big Trucks moving at 65 mph are in their way. My favorite is when they merge in at 35 mph and stay at that speed once they are in the right lane.. Conn drivers suck!!!!!
Good video I see people stopping or not trying to merge and get rear ended. I usually speed up no matter what and get a spot between traffic and its just courtesy to just pull over or slow down to prevent an accident
Great video. If you haven't already, you should do one on proper following distances and procedures for when truckers catch up to a slower vehicle, especially in the rightmost lane of an interstate. Way too many of these "professional drivers" get too close before slowing or attempting to change lanes in these instances.
My truck has this adaptive cruise control where it doesnt give the truck throttle unless there is a ridiculous amount of following distance. The pedal overrides this but its a pain being behind someone who is slower than me. I always pass if I'm gaining any ground. I'm a swifty so I'm already hated by many drivers.
The new feature in the Volvo works a treat...activate the ACC and the cruise sets the gap between you and the driver in front.. no big deal if you slowdown 2-3mph until you can pass a bit quicker....
you bring up an outstanding point because when we're in the right hand lane which is where I usually hang out because I'm governed at 65 merging traffic does expect you to move and they'll challenge you in a small car and sometimes I just think to myself the results of that would be horrifying. and it's happened on more than one occasion that a FedEx or UPS driver will cut you off changing into the right-hand Lane oh I hate that and then slow down if they're going to cut me off I don't care but don't cut me off just to slow down
I have to admit I'm one of those of guys that passes in a governed truck to gain a few mph. Often times It takes me a long time to actually get buy because some drivers play games and they speed up when you try to pass them. I pass those slow drivers because they are often over-breakers and they tend to speed up and slow down all the time which drives me nuts. They also slow down before hills which is the opposite of what they should do. Sorry drivers I know it sucks but I'm not the one that put the governor on my truck. Blame the slow driver with no skill I'm passing.
it's generally confused with the people getting off the highway onto the service/frontage road. in Texas and other states the person exiting the highway onto the service road has the right of way and the traffic on the service road yields to the merging traffic. I think this is where people get confused.
You shoulda called up a DPS officer to take over that argument with him. Officer would have put his ass out of service. Maybe then doofus would've learned, but probably still not. Sounds like that was one stubborn mule! LoL 😂
Maybe it's just me but I think it would help if people that built the on-ramps would build them longer so you can actually get speed and merge with the speed of traffic for example like the four leaf clovers on and off ramps you can pretty much 20 25 mph merging into traffic that is going 70-75 absolutely terrible
Well said, couldn't agree more 👍every defensive truck driver is a thinking driver, best info for new drivers,think what you do, its that simple, be safe take care.😎
It is a courtesy, not an obligation. Sometimes it is a matter of preventing an unnecessary collision. I have seen drivers that absolutely oblivious to their surrounding just putting along on the on ramp. If i didn't move over the would have driven right into my truck. I tend to try to adjust my speed to help merging traffic if it is reasonable. If they aren't paying attention that is on them. We can only do so much but need to do everything we can to help stay out of a wreck.
What I find really rude is when I do move to the left lane to allow someone to merge and then they hang you out there. I expect if I allow you to merge on be at least courteous enough to let me back into the right lane.
Yes!
I agree, that's why I pick up pace just a bit just n case but I don't have a limiter and if I see the mergeing traffic not doing that then I resume what speed I was doing lol
Kirk Gibbs truth! I see that every day and that causes 4 wheelers to try and pass on the left and further prevent you from getting back over
Oh I hate that too. Specially if the traffic is heavy and they get you trapped on the left lane.
They think they're entitled to it,So they feel no obligation to you!We really need meaningful driver's Ed to be mandatory!20 multiple guess questions,and a ride around the block,doesn't cut it!4 wheeler should be trained to drive,like Trucker's are!
When someone pass me I slow down just a lil to help the fellow driver
Don't. You're just inconveniencing the traffic behind you.
I do it as well ✊🏽🚛
Stop doing that or I will not talk to you again.
This video is so true. Time and time again people can’t seem to merge correctly. Not yielding right of way. No blinkers. It’s especially bad in traffic. There’s no respect and it’s just ignorance
It’s dangerous when people in the right lane hard brake it to let merging traffic on too! I always hold my line when I’m the right lane. 4 wheelers are the worst.
My rule of thumb is that; if you need to brake while on the highway; you are doing something wrong and need to stay off the highway until you figure out what...
That's one of the first things I remember learning from the OTR trainer I was with when I first started. I would want to move over a lane amd he would say NO! STAY PUT. Let them merge into you, it's not your resposibility to move over!
I'll move over a lane as a courtesy when there's nobody coming up on the left, but that's the only time.
Totally agree, when I merge I find it easiest to get in when traffic on the highway maintains speed. It's easier to plan your approach.
In some states, it is illegal to "drastically" slow down for merging traffic. Hold your line!
Exactly! Maintain speed and lane is what we were taught. I will slow down if conditions allow. But people do need to learn to merge correctly. It's crazy!!
I just recently was involved in a near accident while merging in my car. I was traveling down the on ramp and getting ready to merge in front of a semi that was in the right lane. I was going a bit faster then he was, so I had plenty of room to safely merge. The problem was that there was some soccer mom that had been riding my ass all the way down the on ramp, and she was already pissed at how slow I was going, even though I was actually speeding a little bit. Before I had actually merged she immediately decided to head straight to the left lane. This was extremely dangerous because not only did she get so close to that semi that their bumpers nearly touched, but there was ANOTHER semi barreling down the left lane that she obviously didn't see, and he wouldn't have been able to see her. Those two almost made contact and I could hear the left lane truck slam the breaks really hard. He was super pissed too and I could hear him lay on the horn. After that she floored it and started racing past everyone. I was really mad at this point too, just because of her stupidity. It amazes me that just because of her impatience she almost caused an wreck between herself and two semis. And depending on how it went down I could've been hit as well. If one thing went wrong she could have very easily been killed.
Enjoy the videos. These new age drivers NEED to hear this stuff!!
Dwight Harris I am a “new age driver”, I believe some of the vets need to go back to school to learn schedule 1 instead of just jumping in a truck and go... We ALL need to learn some new tricks and some old ones. One thing I believe that has helped me in this industry is being humble... cheers....
Tomorrow's lesson: How to tie your shoes.
I'm a rookie. I appreciate this video. I'm starting my orientation on Wednesday. 💨💨💨💨
...That merging thing explains so much about why people slow down and ride next to my steer tires when they're supposed to be merging. I thought people knew that the right lane has the right of way over the merge lane.
My ass is in a tanker. I can't swerve to avoid anything. If I don't see the person on the ramp or I have a 4-wheeler determined to stay on my left side till the last minute, I can't safely move. So many people end up almost taking my front end off because they seemed to think "merge" means aim their car at my steer tires and hope for the best.
This is why co-operation among us is so important, and looking out for each other. I drove the Grapevine (I-5) last night and everybody was pretty well behaved. It was nice to see.
3:16 Thank you for pointing this out! The truck driving school that trained me also told me this and so many truck drivers almost got hit by me while merging because they assume i'm gonna get in the left lane.
Once another truck driver tried to pass me just to go 1 mph faster than me. Meanwhile a truck merges on the highway without make sure it was safe, going 25 mph (my speed was 55). I had to get in the left lane to avoid hitting him, but there was a car in that lane and he had to use the left shoulder to avoid getting hit by me. 😱
After that, my trainer asks, "are you alright?"
The following combination describes the look on my face:
😱😥😡😫😓
Me: "I think I'm gonna quit..."
Trainer: "Why?"
Me: "I could've died, you could've died, that guy in that car could've died! All because someone tried to force his way on the highway and I was boxed in by that other guy trying to go 1 mph faster than me and couldn't move! This job isn't worth this much stress!"
After that I quit.
You gotta love the drivers that try to pass just before going up a hill.
Ohio Driver really gets me when the guy who pulls out to pass is fully loaded, while the guy who is getting passed isn’t!
Ohio Driver if I’m empty yeah I’m gonna pass ya regardless of the terrain. Also many times that driver is loaded heavy and you either slowed them down climbing a hill previously or they’re catching you at the bottom of the hill. I’m going to maintain my speed as long as I can. If they overtake me climbing then I’ll move back to the right, but there’s a reason why they did it. Hell earlier today I had a 4-wheeler brake check me at the bottom of a hill in VA and jumped left to avoid hard braking and losing speed plus potentially shifting the load. My point is, there’s a reason why someone would jump left at the bottom if it’s open.
What annoys the help out of me is if I'm on a highway in the right lane, and someone's on the onramp clearly going faster than me, so I slow down a bit so they can just get in front of me and then they damn near come to a stop after already being completely in front of me.
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EXPLAINING THIS! I have tried to explain this during construction on a 4 lane highway (2 lanes on each side). One of those 2 lanes was CLOSED. I was merging onto that now ONE lane
highway and I saw all the semis and cars coming from the right of way traffic so I slowed down. I couldn't get over because of the traffic and I ran out of ramp to merge. I STOPPED and was beeped at and motioned to keep driving INTO THAT TRAFFIC.
It's sad how many drivers out there just have no sense of courtesy or what the hell they're doing.
We needed this video. Thanks. I also hate when a heavy truck is merging and any 4 wheeler behind it decides to jump directly to the highway at the same truck speed. That's so dangerous
I Agree and support this message in its entirety. I do always try to make room for other Truck Drivers to merge on the interstate because I know how hard it is to build up speed. Now for all those 4 wheelers I wont make a full effort to merge over especially those that try to take the lane from me. Thats the riskiest to us Truck Drivers 4 wheelers think they can just merge on and we are supposed to move over for them I always educate people its a courtesy not a requirement!
I get the bird daily by drivers merging on ramps thinking I'm supposed to move over and can't see the traffic on my left, i just smile and wave 😁
Simple explanation for merging. Merging traffic ALWAYS yields regardless of the vehicle type.
I am a "new age" truck driver. I appreciate the knowledge on merging. That is definitely not taught.
They don't teach it in trucking schools because you should already know this concept from getting your regular personal driver's license.
As a truck driver I try to accommodate all trucks merging onto the freeway It’s the four wheelers who look up at you at the end of the get on ramp with the cell phone and flip you the bird No turn signal haven’t got the car up to speed they don’t accelerate till They actually get on the freeway. Or worst-case scenario when you lift off the throttle they hit the brakes They need to be educated they need to have a DOT all for themselves
Entrance ramps are the only place I get the finger. Sometimes I move over, sometimes I don't. Thanks for the awesome video. Also, when passing you can view the vehicles way behind you and gauge their pace if they'll catch up to you while passing. I'll hold off until no vehicles are visible behind me to pass, just my way of being courteous.
Your right on here! But, What drives me crazy is the steering wheel holder I start to pass looks in his mirror and speeds up to make me sit in the left lane with a slow pass.
When your governed to 67 your curtious enough to move to the left when you see someone coming down the ramp they merge with no problem then sit right in your blind spot or just at the back of your trailer as traffic piles up behind you
David Rigoni, so you just keep going at 67 in the left lane with miles of traffic behind you, because you are courteous
Speed limiters in Europe set between 50 to 56 mph, absolutely mind numbing for anyone doing any distance.
How can we get this video into the hands of thousands of idiots that come off the ramp at full speed with zero concern of who's got the right of way. Great video!
vehicles changing lanes for the merging traffic give a false sense of right of way for the merging traffic, thanks for the info
The merge is a good reason why drivers should be looking miles ahead. Give yourself time to make good decisions.
I don't pass on two lane roads unless I absolutely have to. A tractor trailer has a lot more ass than I'm willing to commit to that oncoming lane in most cases.
I wish they would teach this in drivers ed. My boy went through it a year ago and his instructor told him that traffic "usually" makes room. He never actually explained the law and proper way to do it. It's really frustrating that most people on the road don't understand this.
Thought I was going to disagree with your video but I actually agree with you one hundred percent. I use to move over for traffic merging. Until one day a car decided to race from behind me in the left lane and scoop me trying to get back into the right lane. Clipped him. Now I hold my ground unless no one is around. I'll run you off the road if your a car trying to merge before giving up my lane.
You could either speed up or slow down. I do that. And if I feel the need to slow down I will. A good thing is to have a sign for cars on your blind side saying "Speed up to pass or slow down."
If I see them merging in I just move over to the left lane, if I cant I just keep going.
You tell ‘em Dave!! I’m in the same boat as you, I don’t know what happened to the fine art of merging. More drivers need to hone their craft! Keep the good advice coming, been watching you since before I hit the road, in the biz five years now and am still always learning. Thanks for all the great advice, keep it coming.
I learned way more in trucking school than car . I respect the road. Thank you 🙏🏾
Thank you for this update. It's a sad day when you have to present this to the group known as the professionals. Many blessings.
Great video! I’ve had a truck driver haul ass down the ramp with me in the slow lane and two trucks in the hammer lane in the rain! I can’t get over and he was going waaaay too fast he came door to door with me and ran down the shoulder. I’m thinking man slow down it’s pouring rain!!!
When your coming into a city jump in that second lane !! It works for me that way they have room to merge as soon as you come out of that city jump back in the slow lane !!!!
Good job with those explanations. I wish the kid I put under my trailer while he tried to merge without me seeing him would have watched this!
I've been watching your channel for a long time now, I'm a younger driver, 2yrs 3mo driving experience. 2 weeks ago today I passed my skills test for removing the automatic restriction from my CDL.
The problem with governers is that driving 65 instead of 63 is over $2,000 a year. It'd be great if we could do 67 or God forbid the whole speed limit for 15 seconds to get around the guy and make the boss more money too.
But that's why you see the professional snail racing. It's a paid sport. It's not like people do it because its exciting.
Most annoying when you move over to allow the vehicle to merge on is when they move into your previously held lane and then match your speed preventing you from moving back in. This is mostly done by car drivers, but I have it happened frequently buy truck drivers as well. If someone is courteous enough to allow you to merge unabatedly, return the courtesy by allowing them to move back over.
this is a great video, should send it to all safety departments of trucking companies to teach new drivers
I hope this video go viral cause people REALLY need to hear this. In addition to what you said these 4 wheeler have an obsession to drive alone side the trucks for long periods of time & that's part of the problem 🚚
Newer trucks have sensors that activates drive cam system which records following distance. It’s illegal to follow too close hence you try to pass vehicle going slower then you.
If someone speeds up while I’m trying to pass then I just move back in right lane as longest it’s safe.
Good point on road tips.
Drives me nutts when I come up to a truck going under the speed limit and trying to pass them. The slower truck usually speeds up and paces me while I maintain my current speed. Then I have to gain momentum to get around the truck. After this is done, the truck usually backs off 5 truck lengths. Frickin annoying, for I'm breaking the speed limit while doing this.
Happens every night. Can't understand it either
Yep, back a few weeks ago (here in SoCal)had a Werner driver do this , he was matching my speed once I was next to him (increased and decreased speed several times before I had enough) , had to go faster then I care to say to make the pass stick and then he was back to 50 or so.
The wind draft of your truck pulls them along, causing their speed to increase. Plan for it.
That’s a big thing they do in Utah. Been doing it for years, called the Utah Block.
I can’t stand those speed governors. I don’t have one so I don’t have to deal with it. But I can’t stand when guys only run 2 mph faster than the guy in front of him and take forever to pass and hold up everyone in the left lane.
I hate when people slow down for people merging. It makes no sense! Speed limit is 70, people on the merging lane is moving at 35, and people slow down for them. I really don’t understand it.
Christopher B. Fields truth! I think the governors cause more traffic hold ups and wrecks than they prevent because they cause the “rubber band” effect
That's because your dumb ass wont pass after. Super trucker just went out the door. Whats wrong he hurt yo wittle feeling cause you can go a wittle faster. Gid help you if they Gov every truck. I think they should.
I don’t think ANYONE knows how to merge onto the highway anymore.
Thank you for making a video about a seemingly easy to understand but for many tough to follow merging rule. As a trucker, there's a dozen time in a day when i am pushed into lane left to me just because some impatient moron didn't even bother to yield or stop for oncoming traffic assuming the wrong idea. Always felt, there should be a campaign by DOT or something equivalent to educate the public and to even some "Professionals".
Great video!
Unfortunately not all truckers, 4wheelers or others will watch this or drive right way in a safe manner.
Swift, Schneider, CR England, TMC, Melton, Knight, and Werner need to show their drivers this videos.
Schneider is perfect
Stfu....there are plenty of drivers that suck. That don't work for those companies. You guys make me sick, thinking you're better than those drivers. Pussy.
Having been cut off by a fellow Werner driver, yeah your probably right.
ALL THOSE COMPANIES NEED TO HIRE DRIVERS THAT CAN SPEAK AND READ ENGLISH
Generalization? Boy golly maybe stop assuming the name on the door makes the driver.
I can't tell you how many times on a 2 lane, I've had another truck try to pass me over and over and over just to get by me (sometimes a very dangerous pass) and then I ride behind them for the next 30 miles, and they never get out of my direct view. Well said in this video sir, I hope more drivers see this and stop giving me and my old cabover the finger.
I'm governed at 61 and if somone starts to pass I'll slow a bit to make it an easier transition.
I'm glad you clarified the merge rules I'll admit I was sort of confused on the matter and I bought into the fallacy.
ThankYou For Affirmation of What’s Correct & Proper.
Trainers are Instructing the Opposite While Talking “be safe & don’t let anyone do tell you to do anything illegal...”
23 yr vet of the industry, you are absolutely correct!
Thank you for your very informative videos.
I’ve only been trucking for 30 yrs and enjoy you and your stories.
Thank you again n again 👍👍
Thanks Douglas!
Love your stuff, I hate passing another truck when I'm limited to 65 and their doing 50 then suddenly they want to do 70, then show back to 50 after I pull back behind.
I will always disagree when people say you shouldn't pass to gain 2-3mph as long as we're getting paid by the mile. When your pay depends on it, you wanna get to your destination as fast as you can. Just another reason we should all get a salary or hourly pay. It's illegal to pay truck drivers by the mile or by the load in Europe so why can't we make that a law in the US too? I couldn't give two shits if there's a truck going slower than I am if I get paid hourly. Besides, you would actually get paid for all the BS you have to deal with that isn't driving. It's insane that we don't always get paid for our time as it is.
i just love it when trucks in the left lane speed up and prevent the truck in the right lane from moving over into left lane, because of merging traffic. it truly takes a special kind of a steering wheel holder to do that
I couldn’t have said it better
I’ll move over if it’s clear and hardly any traffic if there is a lot of traffic I just hold my speed couldn’t count the number of 4 wheelers that have run down the shoulder along side me because they didn’t turn there head and take a look to see where they could fit in
Thank you I have no words to express how grateful I am for your channel I am a surviving truck driver and I am a safe and secure because of you may the heavens shower you with health happiness joy wealth and success thank you,thank you...
I was pulling a set of pikes through Red Deer AB. Hi-way 2, a fast moving (110 KM) heavy use divided 4 lane. Some sweet (I'm guessing) little old lady merging from the right, didn't bother checking to see if it was safe to merge. She was right beside the tractor near the end of the merge lane when I tooted the horn to get her attention. Only then did she check the mirror. I suspect she was surprised to see 2 trailers right beside her. Her only choice was slow down and drive on the shoulder. My only choice (due to heavy traffic in the hammer lane) was to continue in my lane. I basically put her onto shoulder, but, it could have ended up much worse. I find myself tooting a lot in the lower mainland as well. The signs that say "THINK and DRIVE" should say "THINK about DRIVING". Keep those videos coming.
Thanks Roland! I also have a real problem with the quality of the drivers in four wheelers. There should be ongoing testing for some of them or maybe all of them that don't hold a commercial license. They retest us!
Some merging traffic expect you to make a complete stop on the interstate to let them on smh its unbelievable
Yes very true, with only about 2 years under my belt I still consider myself a rookie driver. Therefore I’m still driving a fleet tractor, heavily controlled for speed and economy. That means not only top speed limits but horsepower/torque is also cut from the stock engine rating. I feel like I’m riding a stubborn mule sometimes.
I like the explanation of land position vs legal position.
I was taught when merging to watch for spaces to merge into as opposed to vehicles preventing merge. If I'm on the main road I leave space in front and adjust my speed to let others merge in. And, as explained, move left only if safe to do so.
Keep it up! I am out! 25 years on the road and this new industry is eating me like a cancer. Had a cash buyer purchase my truck last week and I am going back to college. It’s been a pleasure watching your videos, but my own health and sanity are a priority.
A huge part of the population either don't know about it or ignore it. It is pretty sad. This clip needs to go much more viral nationwide. Blessings !.
AMEN!
That's me every freaking day I get on the road. If I need to get over (for safe freeway merging/flow of traffic), and I put my turn signal on, it never fails- anyone who's been behind me for miles suddenly feels a life or death urgency to get over 1 lane and stop me from merging left, when there's 1 or 2 more lanes they could've gone to to give me room to safely get around me.
And passing? I'm fine with being passed, but please, oh please, keep at passing speed for a minute or so after you get in front of me so I don't have to slowdown even MORE to get a safe stopping distance between us.
Dave, great work. I agree with you on most everything. I miss the old days and the older guys that taught me so much good stuff. Unfortunately, I'm sad to say bc i live in South Carolina, about 15 yrs ago South Carolina removed the yield signs from the entrance ramps on interstates. A buddy of mine, who is now gone from this world, got a ticket from state trooper bc he didn't move over and let the trooper on the interstate. Circa 2003. It's crazy how much "common sense" or logic has been lost with each generation. Keep up the good work.
Driving three years now always wonder about this thank you 🙏🏾 a 1000 for clearing this up for me .
3:30 finally somebody tell the truth , falacia , thank you sir probably one of the best truck youtubers out there , if it is not the best .
My husband loves this guy. He drives fuel trucks. Thank you for the info 👏🏽
Thank you Lorraine!
I've been passing and merging correctly the whole time, then.
Very good lesson sir. This is a huge safety issue as well as a thorn in many sides.
Definitely worth watching occasionally as a refresher.
Some good comments up already
GREAT VIDEO, CHANGING LANES AND 3 MILE DRAG RACES, DICEY TIME ON THE ROADS, I CALL THOSE PASSERS THAT HAVE 1 MPH THAN WHAT I GOT, "HOPE & ROMPS", SO WHAT I DO I, JUST GET OFF THE GAS FOR 5 OR 10 SECONDS, AND LET EM GET ON PAST AND DOWN THE ROAD SAFELY
Dave, you should have mentioned that when merging from an on ramp you should look far enough ahead to pick a spot and adjust your speed to merge smoothly at close to the speed of traffic. And it never hurts to back off a few clicks when you see a driver is going to merge in front of you . It’s all about courtesy and looking far enough ahead to avoid the problems that we encounter daily. If just one new driver pays attention to you videos , you have done a good service to our industry. Thanks !
God bless you sir ,i am school now and i find your teachings invaluable. Thank you.
I’m glad you posted this video now if people would just watch and listen about the merging part cause it’s very true and tons of people think they have the Right of way when they merge and just like you said merging traffic does NOT have the right of way
EXCELLENT ! point on merging i'm about to get my CDL next month like you said NEVER ASSUME! that is stupid to merge and assume someone need to move over for you when it's a fact that we're supposed to know if we have a big enough gap to merge or change lanes.
I totally agree with that merging for incoming vehicle into the freeway. People think that traveling traffic have the obligation to move over, when the reality is that it has to yield.
Tomorrow's lesson: How to tie your shoes.
Excellent advice. Too bad those who need to hear this won't hear it.
There merging on talking on there phones and half of them are out of blinker fluid
Lol. Blinker fluid
In regards to merging, I always assumed the traffic flow had the right away. However based on what you said you are 100% correct. Drivers on the ramp feel they have the right away. Especially the 4 wheelers in Conn on I-95. not only do the feel they have the right away , they feel they are entitled to the lane and Big Trucks moving at 65 mph are in their way. My favorite is when they merge in at 35 mph and stay at that speed once they are in the right lane.. Conn drivers suck!!!!!
Good video I see people stopping or not trying to merge and get rear ended. I usually speed up no matter what and get a spot between traffic and its just courtesy to just pull over or slow down to prevent an accident
Great video. If you haven't already, you should do one on proper following distances and procedures for when truckers catch up to a slower vehicle, especially in the rightmost lane of an interstate. Way too many of these "professional drivers" get too close before slowing or attempting to change lanes in these instances.
My truck has this adaptive cruise control where it doesnt give the truck throttle unless there is a ridiculous amount of following distance. The pedal overrides this but its a pain being behind someone who is slower than me. I always pass if I'm gaining any ground. I'm a swifty so I'm already hated by many drivers.
The new feature in the Volvo works a treat...activate the ACC and the cruise sets the gap between you and the driver in front..
no big deal if you slowdown 2-3mph until you can pass a bit quicker....
The signs say pass with care! Great video
you bring up an outstanding point because when we're in the right hand lane which is where I usually hang out because I'm governed at 65 merging traffic does expect you to move and they'll challenge you in a small car and sometimes I just think to myself the results of that would be horrifying. and it's happened on more than one occasion that a FedEx or UPS driver will cut you off changing into the right-hand Lane oh I hate that and then slow down if they're going to cut me off I don't care but don't cut me off just to slow down
I have to admit I'm one of those of guys that passes in a governed truck to gain a few mph. Often times It takes me a long time to actually get buy because some drivers play games and they speed up when you try to pass them. I pass those slow drivers because they are often over-breakers and they tend to speed up and slow down all the time which drives me nuts. They also slow down before hills which is the opposite of what they should do.
Sorry drivers I know it sucks but I'm not the one that put the governor on my truck. Blame the slow driver with no skill I'm passing.
The mutual right thing when entering on the highway are a thing we got a here in Sweden... And only here in Sweden, I believe.
Thank you, I'm learning alot from your videos, before I get my AZ license.
A driver in Texas told me the law is that the guy on the on-ramp has the right-of-way. That was one hell of an argument.
Every driver in Missouri must believe that too.
it's generally confused with the people getting off the highway onto the service/frontage road. in Texas and other states the person exiting the highway onto the service road has the right of way and the traffic on the service road yields to the merging traffic. I think this is where people get confused.
You shoulda called up a DPS officer to take over that argument with him. Officer would have put his ass out of service. Maybe then doofus would've learned, but probably still not. Sounds like that was one stubborn mule! LoL 😂
the basic rule of thumb in my country is "is the vehicle in front of you 20 km/h (12 mph) slower than you? if so pass him if not don't"
Thank you. My trainer had me slow down to allow the car to merge. I knew that was wrong
Maybe it's just me but I think it would help if people that built the on-ramps would build them longer so you can actually get speed and merge with the speed of traffic for example like the four leaf clovers on and off ramps you can pretty much 20 25 mph merging into traffic that is going 70-75 absolutely terrible
I gotta agree!
Good video my man, rookie drivers really need to get these points down in their head.
Thanks for the great info. But I have to say it’s sad this has to be said
3:40 tell that to 4 wheelers they always seem buthurt when I keep driving by the ramp
Well said, couldn't agree more 👍every defensive truck driver is a thinking driver, best info for new drivers,think what you do, its that simple, be safe take care.😎
Good video. I learned something about the merge portion. just need the cars to learn this!!! thanks for your time
I remember when my cdl trainer told me that I “ have to move to the left lane ever when a car is merging “ like an obligation. Shame on him Jaja
It is a courtesy, not an obligation. Sometimes it is a matter of preventing an unnecessary collision. I have seen drivers that absolutely oblivious to their surrounding just putting along on the on ramp. If i didn't move over the would have driven right into my truck.
I tend to try to adjust my speed to help merging traffic if it is reasonable. If they aren't paying attention that is on them. We can only do so much but need to do everything we can to help stay out of a wreck.