I give the 18 wheelers all the respect that I can, because my father was a truck driver. He actually died because of a careless driver, that's why my respect for truckers is boundless. But I'm just one person.
Sorry for your loss, I drive the same way, I road with my dad from a toddler to age 17. I started to drive until a work accident on another job profession.
In Russia the truck drivers that get brake checked just push the idiots off the road in the ditches imagine that happening in the states it would end soon
What annoys me is people who think Trucks can stop and go like a car. Then act like you can stop when they cut you off. Much like they do with with trains as well.
That's true, but if a truck driver does note that cars are heading the direction when the light is Green. They should know that, they shouldn't cut us off in the first place. Truckers have just as much to blame.
True,not to mention pulling up at the toll,when they just squeeze in in front of you,not having the foresight or brain matter to think the driver has already calculated his stopping distance and has prepared the truck for the stop.Now the asshole squeezes right in front of you and for what?And people do this even when you have a tanker full of gas,it's beyond me.
@@Zaber_Za so just prepare to stop earlier and roll into the stop instead of coming to a halt with speed at the end point. Im a trucker and this pisses me off too, but its better to just brake earlier and then let them cool off by rolling forward to the desired place, this also avoids harsh braking for when these asshole 4 wheelers cut us off aside from the benefit of putting less wear on the brake components
When I became a truck driver I realized how bad I used to drive. I never had an accident but I had some terrible habits before I became a professional driver.
You guys are not the only ones, I realized that I was a horrible driver. One of the first trucks I drove was a half full septic tank truck. Skidding pass a stop sign drove the lesson into me and I have never forgotten it!
I honestly live by the motto "every 4-wheeler is going to do their damnedest to commit suicide using my truck." It's served me pretty well so far, because expecting EVERYONE to do stupid shit around me makes me that much more prepared for the few who ACTUALLY do stupid shit around me
I’m a ‘four-wheeler’ now, but what made me a safe driver is having been a truck driver for 3 years. I still instinctually check my side mirrors every few minutes to see what my trailer is doing, it’s that ground in. I’m still the of GOAL in an odd backing situation. I also still have a Class A, and still drive with care and awareness like I’m in a truck. I still adjust my driving for road and weather conditions because I drove a truck. It’s interesting how these habits never die, even quitting trucking.
I drive a pickup for work , and either way if I'm in that or the car, and I let a big truck do his thing and give him room /let him in /ect , they give me a double take and are a little cautious.... hey it's cool , do your thing Mister Big Truck! haha one of those damn 4 wheelers is being nice.
I drive my personal vehicles around corners like I do the big truck 😆 wife makes fun of me for how wide my turns are. Jokes on her when I’m not chewing up CV axles from turning so sharp
You are SOOOOOOOOOO right! Even with 7 years of driving tractor-trailer, the number of 4-wheeled idiots almost taking my bumper extention off from cutting me off is nasty!
It happened to me on the practical exam when getting my truck licence. I had wagon and drag combination, bright yellow and this minivan somehow missed me and cut in front of me nearly taking my bumper off. It was on a dual carriage, she was done overtaking and tried moving in. I slammed on my brakes nearly throwing the examiner through the windshield and started apologising. He went livid "flash the batard, let him know what he's done!"
4 года назад
And I am willing to bet at least the majority of those vehicles were women.
Right after I passed my CDL test I landed a job with a construction company. the senior driver for the company told me that an "experienced driver can see into the future". The fact that I was young new into driving truck I did not understand what he meant. A couple of years later I was driving down the interstate in a semi and I seen a car sporadically speeding up and slowing down. It hit me like a ton of bricks and I immediately remembered that old man's statement and thought to my self that car was one to watch out for.
When I was learning to drive from an I suppose you'd call him employer but more of a friend, really cool veteran mechanic, his #1 advice for me was first learn how to drive in the biggest SUV we can find for you as I'll then know how to drive everything else (mid 2000s Toyota Tacoma, loved that god damn tank), and #2 don't be afraid of what other drivers are going to do, make them afraid of you LOL! Obviously he was joking about #2, really it's more like don't be afraid or hesitant when you're driving as that can also be dangerous. I experienced the same thing you described when going to work one day a couple years ago, some girl was driving her camry or whatever that hell boring car, kept just driving weird and unnaturally, so I just stayed on the right lane yeah she was staying in the fast lane go figure, I'm behind her by 2-3 car lengths and she HITS HER BREAKS, IMMEDIATELY REALISES SHES ABOUT TO MISS HER EXIT, AND MAKES THE FUCKING TURN SPLITING AN ENTIRE LANE, WHAT THE FUCK? Seriously if I wasn't careful and just knew this bitch was aiming to kill someone, I know for a fact she did not check her right mirror, hell I might not even be here typing this reply. I'm aiming to get my CDL pretty soon as I'm getting bored of office jobs and it's honestly been a dream of mine so lets hope no one tries to kill themselves on my 20,000lb truck, I ain't tryina send anyone to the all mighty too early here. Thank god for that mechanic I felt like he could have taught me how to drive a semi, I already feel like I do someone just has to give me the truck haha
We truck drivers are like the ww2 bomber pilots. ( b- 17, b-24, b-29,etc.) We deliver our loads to the, or a , Target ,pun intended. On the way we have people in 4 wheelers trying to kill us . Japanese, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan, etc. And the Germans, Audi, BMW , Volkswagen, etc. Also, friendly fire, Mustangs, Chevy pickups, Camaros, f150s, etc. And then anti-aircraft fire from below. DOT, weigh stations, idiot construction projects ,weather, bad dispatch, no place or time to land.Did I mention the DOT clock? So, after 25 successful deliveries we should be able to retire with combat pay.
In my 2 year career of driving I managed to deliver to the correct place while on 1 having the wrong business name and the other having the wrong address. Also plenty of business that can't be bothered to put a sign. I go deliver to a distribution center that has 127 bays AND NO SIGN. its fun to see new guys doing a drop there every once in a while and ask "its this cheap bastards incorporated?"
Mel Keister I just like the pilots back in those days they worked for next to nothing. The average pilot made about $150 a month in the military back in World War II.
I had one 4 wheeler who was driving under the posted limit, i had my left signal on letting them know i was changing lanes to get in front of them and this moron punched it just as i passed him/her & tried cutting me off when i was already 50% into the lane change. They were so pissed at me, he/she tried passing me on the grassy median of the road as i watched in my mirror in disbelief i saw the vehicle spin out of control and flip at least 3-5 times while on the grassy median. The hate 4 wheelers have for big trucks, it's crazy.
I started my trucking career with Stevens Transport. They stressed “protective” driving! They said we as truck drivers need to protect the motoring public, from themselves. It definitely takes a different kind of awareness to anticipate what someone else is going to do but here we are!
I went to Roehl Transport they are the safest starter company out there. Taught us the safe 7. 1. Expect the expected. 2. Know what's happening, 3. Prepare to drive 4. Stay back 5. Yield to others 6. Slow down 7. Reduce the risk.
I drove OTR for 38 years. 4-wheelers are a serious problem, especially today. The 2017 addition of the ELD mandate made it even more complicated because a trucker can't adjust their schedule to avoid as many 4-wheelers as possible. This video is excellent information.
Sucks trying to get into busy shopping centers, people looking at me like I'm lost... Like hello, see my trailer? This 53ft billboard on wheels for the largest business in the shopping center?
I still believe that they should go through a driver remedial course every 5-6years and if they fail they can’t renew their license. Hell look at all the 💩 and hoops we have to go through every year!!!!!!!!!
Your Transit bus maximum human weigh including standing passengers 4 Ton on a 35 ft bus. 60 Ft bus at maximum 7 Tons Double decker bus. Is 8 Ton maximum weight can't compared to a Truck 28 Ft straight truck 5 - 7 Ton cargo weight. Tandem axle or 4 axle 32 ft truck 10 - 20 tons. 53 Ft Trailer up to 30 tons. 53 Ft Flat deck with special specifications 70 Tons B trains is X2 106 ft total. Old day buses use truck hard suspension Last 30 years Buses soft suspension to balance weight reduction.
Aside from lack of basic driving skills or courtesy...... drivers licenses are way too easy to get nowadays. Got mine through HS, they harped on staying away from commercial vehicles, blind spots, maneuvering, etc. Never had any problems with commercial trucks. Plus, many people have a strong sense of self importance. Nobody else matters.
4 wheelers need to have a medical certificate along with a mental acuity test for a driver’s license! Today, some truckers are just as bad, if not worse!!
I am not a trucker. When I am on the road in my car, I do understand it takes much more space and time for truckers to maneuver and stop their vehicle. I give truckers a wide birth when they are making turns at intersections. If I see truck trying to merge, I will signal and move out his way and not force them to slow. When I pass them, I will be several lengths of their vehicle ahead, before I signal and begin to move back into the lane. I appreciate and respect the jobs these men and women have keeping our economy going.
Captured on my dash can 2 weeks ago, going thru Modesto. I was in the right lane, puttering along. Another truck in the center lane ahead of me. A 4 wheeler comes flying up in the middle lane ,and tries to pass the truck on the right. Truck changed lanes at the exact time the car tried to pass. Car locks it up & fishtails, almost got ran up the concrete slope under the overpass. Laughed my ass off !!
I'm a road mechanic for a heavy equipment company, the amount of stupid things I see people in cars do around trucks is astounding. I work on heavy equipment in the western half of New York, I don't see near the amount of windshield time that truck drivers do, but I spend enough time going to and from customers locations to see a ton of dumb things happen. The most recent one was between Syracuse and Rochester on I-90 west. I was westbound and passed a DOT truck with a be prepared to stop sign. Traffic wasn't bad, but there were a few rigs in the right lane going at about 65 mph so I was in the left lane at the time traveling at about 75. I didn't see anything slowing everyone down and I had no one behind me at the time gaining on me so I stuck with the left lane but dropped it down to around 70 or so. About 5 miles later I could see brake lights starting around half a mile ahead of me so I began slowing down. At this point the right lane was fairly full and I still hadn't seen any signs calling for a lane closure yet, normally I'd move right, but I didn't want to start switching lanes before I even knew why I might need to. Traffic came to a slow crawl at that point, around 10-15 mph and it was like that for a good mile or so before I saw the lane closure sign which said the right lane was closed. I was happy I was in the left lane at this point, but saw all the rigs in the right lane so I began to slow down a touch, slow enough for me to start opening a space in front of me big enough to let a truck in. So, at this point I've got a spot just about big enough to squeeze 3/4 of a rig into and I'm still going slow enough to continue opening it. There's a full rig coming up on my right and at this point the right lane is moving a bit quicker than the left lane so he ends up passing my opening and getting his tractor in line with the car in front of me. He seems to realize at this point what I'm doing so he starts to slow down and puts his blinker on. I've got enough room for him to now comfortably fit in, he just needs to slow down enough to open a space to comfortably move over and not be on the ass of the car in front of him. This is when the stupid happens. So, the rig has his blinker on and there's a good amount of space in between his rear bumper and my front bumper, enough that you can fit a car through it verey comfortably as I don't want to be right on his ass when he merges over, I like to keep far enough back on any traffic to give myself time to avoid an accident should that happen, let alone I want him to be comfortable moving over. At this point a black Jeep comes up on his butt, while he's got his blinker on, and decides it wants to use that space between the rig and my truck to get ahead of the rig. The rig is now beginning to change lanes at this point when the Jeep throws it's blinker on, shoots over to my lane and starts accelerating to pass the truck WHILE IT'S ALREADY SWITCHING LANES! I was in my truck swearing about what this idiot was doing when I noticed the trucker just kept merging over, nice and easy. The Jeep driver, instead of slowing back down to be behind the merging rig keeps speeding up and just starts moving left into the shoulder and eventually onto the grass. I was laughing at this point at the idiocy of this Jeep driver and just couldn't believe how dumb some people are. I still don't understand how people can drive like that. Thank you to all the big rig drivers out there. There's some of us out here who know you guys aren't bad drivers and appreciate what you do. I'll keep looking out for you guys as best I can, thanks for bringing everything we all use on a daily basis everywhere!
I'm over in the Hudson valley , and I'm not a truck driver but I drive 25k a yr for work as a gen tech. I went to school to become a master tech out in Cleveland years ago,and thought I wanted to work on trucks until I learned about generators. Lol what I've seen, what I've seen out here on the road.....too much bs to list. I'll tell ya though , rt 22 over here is like a darn truck show every day , there's tons of mint trucks here usually hauling a dirt trailer.
I had an unmarked in Oregon merging, and they damn near took my front bumper off. I hit the airhorn because I didn't know. Didn't realize who I airhorned until they pulled onto the shoulder. And nope I didn't get a ticket. I was simply telling them...hey I am here. I had to hit my brakes pretty hard to avoid them as it was
@@akumaz9635 - Yep, because they are allowed to use their laptops and phones while they drive, technically only if it's work related, but we all know how that works.
My biggest challenge as a 4-wheeler driving around truck is simply not understanding what is involved in driving a large truck. My closest experience is the occasional rental of a U-Haul, something that doesn’t come close to driving a full tractor-trailer rig. Watching videos such as yours helps me to understand somewhat, particularly the pressures of working as a commercial truck driver. Having a CB radio in my car has also helped me to understand what truckers are dealing with. This video had many good points. I’d like to think that they only apply to a minority of the four-wheelers, that many four-wheelers want to help truck drivers. I think that we all can fall victim to only remembering the bad actors, both four-wheelers and trucks. I think many truck drivers are willing to share their experience and knowledge of driving a big truck in a constructive, cooperative way? How can we facilitate this? Certainly driver’s education for driving a car is little more than a joke.
I think some of the worst drivers are the mutants that work at warehouses... If your in an industrial park. I believe they have a few things going on , they hate trucks because we bring them work and they don't want to work, plus they are used to them being around so they are opportunistic to drive around /cut you off.
I have the greatest respect for truck drivers. Being able to maneuver those big ass trucks in small places. If itwere not for these truckers, we wouldn’t t have the clothes on the stores, food, etc. I hate it when I see a trucker with his/her signal on to merge or whatever and the asshole in in the next vehicle speeds up so the trucker can’t merge.
I have said this for many years: most people (but not all!) simply do not know how to drive around trucks. I think it should be mandatory in every high school driver’s ed class and every state endorsed driving school that they know the basics about trucks such as stopping distance, blind spots, changing lanes safely in front of them, etc. Too many people are simply ignorant of these lifesaving facts. If everyone knew how to drive safely around trucks because they were REQUIRED to learn this in order to obtain a license, many accidents/deaths could be prevented. Sometimes simple solutions to complex problems are simply ignored.
I once had a cager come up to me when I was washing my truck at home. He started popping off about how truck drivers think we own the road. I replied that with the amount of "road use" taxes that I pay, I DAMN sure do own them! Then I "escorted" him off of my property!
Between fuel taxes, our 2290 annual road tax, higher toll rates, AND state & federal Income taxes to boot, we have EVERY right (if not more!) to be on public roadways as they do. All they pay are a few pennies per gallon at the gas pump as well as income taxes, that’s it. Plus, we ARE the economy, they are not.
I’m one of the drivers of a “four wheeler” that IS aware of what’s going on around me. I DONT text and drive, I very very rarely answer a phone call when driving, and I ALWASY check around me before turning or changing lanes. The only thing I do that is potentially dangerous is I blast my stereo as loud as it goes. I have avoided numerous accidents that would have been very bad because I pay attention.
Another great post. You must assume that a 4 wheeler would rather cause an accident than yield the right of way. If you don't, I promise it will come back to bite you.
I drove a box truck and open back 30ft for 4 yrs and I know what you guys deal with even-though I don’t drive an 18 wheelers. You guys have my respect. When I drive my personal car. I always give the truck the right of way
Dave everything you're saying is definitely true. However, today (unfortunate I might add) the "Me First" mentality has plagued way too many truck drivers. "Me first" to go up the hill, "Me First so I'm going to speed through the construction zone, and worst thing is "Me First" going down the hill. I was almost rear ended going down Cabbage Hill in Oregon yesterday. I run that hill at 100,000 pounds every day. WAY TOO MANY TRUCKS ARE GOING DOWN THE HILL TOO FAST!!! I got cut off by CR England two days ago and four days ago got cut off by ExPo who totally forgot about his third trailer! I'm 36 years old. I've had a CDL since 2003. I've got 2 weeks left and unfortunately I'm done with truck driving for good. I can't take it anymore. Thanks for all you do, Dave. Hopefully your safety message gets out to more drivers.
I completely agree. We have the same problem in the UK. Everyone here hates trucks but the thing here is we can't do more than 56Mph on the motorway even thought the speed limit for trucks is 60 and cars is 70Mph. when I put on my indicator to overtake another truck and even sometimes a car for some reason, you can see the cars behind suddenly accelerate. Personally I would like to see a 2 week truck driver strike over here. They would soon change their attitude towards us when we are back in the 1800's
I couldn't agree with you more. I have been in support of a trucker strike here in the US for years. Jimmy Carter started the destruction of the trucking industry here and it has slowly been stolen from the drivers. A 2 week strike would quickly make our nations realize how vitally important trucks are. I have also wanted our drivers licenses to cost at least $1500.00 American and for it to be mandatory to spend an entire day in the passenger seat of an 18 wheeler in order to get a drivers license. I see quite a lot of ignorance from 4 wheelers every day. I don't feel every act is intended to cause a problem, they simply don't know that their actions do cause a problem.
The biggest problem is the right hand lane swoop passers. They think passing big rigs on the right is exciting until they get wedged under the trailer wheels.
What if you're going to turn Right on the intersection and the trailer will continue to go straight? Can we not sneak from the right side anymore or what?
You also have those drivers that get in the hammer lane doing 5-10 under the speed limit with an empty right lane and just ride. Only after 10-20 cars blow their passenger door off do they finally move over where they should have been 20 miles back.
Former trucker here. Passing on the right is just as safe as passing on the left. If you can't see anyone on the right side then your mirrors aren't set up right. It's your job whether as a trucker or as a four wheeler to check your blindspot before changing lanes
Yep, this about sums up most truck drivers too. I was driving my car, and I had a loaded dump truck driver blast his horn at me, and then chase me at high speed down the interstate, all because I was going to slow for him on the on ramp. Yes I have a class A, i know how to drive. Another time i was trying to come out in heavy traffic driving 18 wheeler. Another 18 wheeler sped up in the lane i needed instead of getting over or slowing down. I said thanks for the professional courtesy to him on the radio, and he started to go off on me swearing and cussing. Yes I agree 4 wheeler's are a pain in the ass, but no more than other trucks. Just a whole lot more of them.
I hate 4wheelers passing trucks while merging and they stay in lane at the same truck speed creating a big hazard, the on ramps are supposed to be used for building speed and catch up with the incoming traffic.
Before I even started driving truck I would always look at ramps for what they are for. On ramp, you better be going same speed as the traffic you’re trying to enter, it’s far easier to make adjustments in the 💩est of car than a truck. After seeing a tire blow on a truck, you have to want to die to ride directly next to one for any longer than you have to. Other truckers that are governed a mile or two slower than others need to back down a bit instead of drag racing turtles and being a prick. If I can go 70 and the limit is such, let’s not block the road any longer than needed. I’ve been miles passing and when I finally get around the prick I’m out of his way in less distance than it takes to pass some times. I caught up to you for a reason, governed at 70, maybe I’m empty or I just have more power and can keep it moving better, let me get out of your way.
Imagine a radar cruise control that prevented a car from going too slow if the path in front of them was clear? Or even better, a siren that screams in their ears every time they merge too soon and don't leave enough space. In a way I can't wait for full vehicle automation. Though the freedom factor ways against that heavily.
4 года назад
Regardless of what type of vehicle, a car, motorcycle, pickup truck, SUV, or even an 18 wheeler blasting past a Yield sign? It happens to me a lot. Too bad I can't give their vehicle some serious body work on their vehicles to teach them a lesson. A judge would automatically say I was behind them, so I'm at fault.
When I pass one or several. I distance myself. Especially, when I need to use the lane they're on. That way, they have room behind me. Now, if another car were to force themselves in between us.... I can't say.... It was my fault, now can I?
Its not the “me first” attitude from the 4wheelers that bothers me... its the “me first” attitude from other truck drivers that are the problem! I get passed by loaded trucks in the most dangerous situations, what seems like every day!! People need to learn that the “speed limit” is the upper limit, not the minimum !! Other drivers have yelled at me on the radio “the least you can do is the speed limit!!”... no! The MOST someone can do is the speed limit! Its also funny how other drivers (of any vehicle) have the mentality of “dont slow me down” like everyone needs to get off the road to let the speed demons go by... people need to grow the fk up!! “Hurry up” is NOT in my job description!! Too many people are WAY too impatient.
With the development of automatonaus brakeing on semis and Eaton auto shift and Volvo I shift or idiot shift and Mack M drive or moron drive they are now letimg four wheelers into trucking and about 10 years ago I - H had a system that could parallel park a semi just like the system on the Lincoln Continental everyone wants to be a big rig driver but when it’s time to put up or shut up they don’t because they can’t perform
That's right, most o.t.r. drivers seem to have no regard for local drivers (day cab) in the l.a. / orange county area, if you're not in the right lane 100 percent of the time they tailgate you and try to take your mirror off when they pass. & even when you are in the right lane sometimes.
Two of my favorite quotes I've on 4-wheelers during training was "Dont like trucks? Don't buy stuff." And "If you didnt wanna get stuck behind me, you shoulda left earlier." Those 2 quotes keep me level headed during my work hours.
I agree but mainly most people are pretty cautious around trucks and they won't get in a tug of war with them. I would say about 10 to 20% do or will. Some of these truckers need to have a little patience also because I'm on the road 24/7 team driving and they can't let a group of cars pass before they get over to pass another truck they'll cut the whole group of vehicles off. So I think everybody could do their part. We all need to be a little more patient with each other.
And another thing, these 4 wheelers are driving so fast these days its almost impossible for a semi truck to keep up with traffic even merge onto the interstate these days..
I have been hauling since May this year. During these few months behind a big wheel I have noticed that the amount of idiots in traffic is actually extremely high. You don't pay attention to other drivers going over the speed limit and passing others in a cautious location before you are driving a thirty tonne slow-stopping mace of a vehicle yourself. Makes me think of the times i've probably acted like a dumbass in the eyes of truckers..
My brother used to drive truck to help friends haul cattle and my brother in law is currently in otr driving. I have respect for all the professional drivers and the trucks on the road.
I like to think that after driving 4 wheelers for 37 years AND appreciating truckers on the road for the past 20 years that I now can go to CDL school and see if I have what it takes to become a truck driver.
@Smoking Joe so true, I went to the swift academy when I got mine and I owed them a year. It wasn't that bad except it's an accelerated course and if you fail a test twice, then you owed them a couple thousand dollars. Thank God my roommates were adults and took it serious, it made it easier to study/learn.
Spot on Dave. The auto industry keeps holding their hand too and jamming more safe technology into their cars. Which in turn doesn't teach them anything about safe driving and only allows them to pay less attention. Auto industry and trucking industry is using technology so you apparently don't have to have any skill.
They need to learn about PRESIDENT Eisenhower, the interstate and us routes were designed for transport. Maybe we should lobby for times no four wheelers should be on our roads!
I've always been a good driver since I first got my license when I was 17, because I always took it seriously. Getting my cdl 5 years ago and driving a semi has given me a whole new perspective. With that said, lately I've been of the opinion that the average 4 wheeler should have to take both a written test and a road test when renewing their license. Make that a mandatory condition, then maybe the roads could be a little safer. Just an idea. Hey, be safe, everyone.
That would be ok but after they pass the test and look Kool there back to driving unsafe speeding etc.truckers get in a accident or tickets there out of the game .everyday does not effect.there job.example see a cop in the middle you see brake lights as soon as cars get by back to speeding.most cops today just waiting for a 911 call accident Cars fly bye they just sit there anymore
Good on you guys for owning your previous driving habits. I’m sure I had some bad habits prior to getting a cdl too. One thing I always knew to do though was to give the big trucks room in intersections. I always thank the the few four wheelers when show some courtesy.
I had a Dodge Durango hit the side of my 38k-lb loaded trailer 2 weeks ago. The hood portion of his vehicle went under my trailer. I don't know how I did not roll over him but he bounced off my trailer and then back into his left lane and into the guardrail. He totaled his vehicle. My trailer had a couple of scrapes, a broken air dam and two broken floor support beams.. surprisingly when he hit me it just felt like a nudge or a bump and did not affect my driving which was great for me. The cop told me that a witness said he was swerving around on the highway for quite some time as if he was texting. His excuse was he had a brake malfunction.. these people can be really scary.
Everyone should see this, truck driver or no truck driver. I dont drive a truck but I respect the heck out of them and I wanna do anything I can to make life easier on them
I just discovered this channel a few days ago and I have subscribed, great content and really glad you are putting this info out there for new guys to learn , it definitely takes a lot of the mysticism out of being a driver lol. I guarantee it ain't just the big trucks that have to worry about idiot 4 wheeler drivers, I've had several close calls in a 1 ton and 40 ft flat bed hotshot rig , stay safe out there!
Driver of 20yrs here. Good video, everything said here is the truth. Almost every incident or close call on the road is the STUPID crap from society in their "four wheelers"
You are so correct and most four wheelers think that the truck has to yield for them so they can merge onto the freeway. But when you look at the driver they have a phone in their hand or they're feeding their face with food
You have to do a video on bus drivers . I have had quite a few close calls with city bus drivers . In Seattle I had one whack my mirror and just kept on , I was not able to even get a good look at the bus it went by and I was stuck behind another truck . Thankfully it didn't do any damage my mirror folded away .
Not many Professional Truck Drivers on the road anymore but a bunch of steering wheel holders who don’t know what mirrors are for cause they never used them in their cars !!!
Like those too dumb to realize there's a truck behind them waiting to pass and they're holding up the passing lane? Then when some impatient truck passes in the far left lane they completely ignore them like nothing is wrong. Far right lane empty for miles cause everyone wants to pass this lunatic.
Trucks and trains. Two things that most driver hate because they think that they slow them down too much. Yet if it weren't for both of them, we wouldn't be getting the products we get.
Agreed with all but #4. In my experience as a food delivery driver about 50-60% of traffic jams are caused by slow vehicles on the highway, and many other types of jams can be made worse by that. Trucks are not fast vehicles - this is by no means the fault of the driver, but that does mean that if trucks could, if possible, steer clear of urban cores during rush hours that would probably be beneficial to all. Now to deal with the other class of slow drivers that you mentioned in this video as they tend to irritate me as well.
The truth is it’s not just car drivers who are a menace. I’ve only been driving for 7 years but in those 7 years I’ve seen truckers be real menaces on the road. I expect car drivers to speed, tailgate, not give a damn about anything or one around them. But when you hold a commercial license you are held at a higher standard. You know better than to do those things your doing that you know is very dangerous. So we need to cut this whole blame the car driver for every single problem, and be the professionals we are supposed to be
Car drivers while coming on from the on ramp are eating ,texting not paying attention,a tractor trailer in the right lane and a car passing on the left ,,,so now tell me the trucker is in what f in way is at fault!!! Drive a dang truck get experience then blame us!! Other wise pay attention speed up or brake we can't n you can hush
Dont forget the four wheelers trying to get to work to unload/load the truck s for the day/night. I was large car driver myself and I'm out of the trucking business since 2010.lol
People tend to blame that which is most visible to them and that which they have daily personal contact. This is why for example, so many are pissed at cops these days when the people they should be pissed at are the cops' bosses! Unfortunately there is a small but growing cohort of truck drivers out there who are doing no favors to themselves, their brethren nor their industry and the industry as a whole is in a head long, profit driven, short sighted race to the bottom. New drivers are not taught well enough and don't fully appreciate the responsibilities of their position nor the realities of the road. Something I always tried to live by; if you expect the other guy to do the wrong/stupid thing, and prepare for that eventuality, you'll seldom be disappointed. Keep up the good work, Dave; you're the best!!
As someone who's planning to get their CDL (I either want to get into big rigs or dump trucks), can you recommend some more resources even other channels maybe specific videos from Dave or anyone else so I can go into the training no matter how basic it may or may not be with as much as I need to know? I've worked with truckers before and spoken to a couple so I definitely have a feel for it, hell I'm pretty sure I even know how to drive at least the semi, just need to wrap my head around how to naturally reverse with a trailer and all that. Every trucker I've spoken to kept telling me just go for it, they can easily tell I'd love doing it I suppose, guess it's just the kind of person you gotta be born as.
I got unrealistically angry at one lady last year around Christmas. I was in Denver and I was heading home to Kansas. Just pulled out of the department store I delivered to and turned left in front of this lady who just flew into the parking lot after I began turning. She slammed on the brakes and sat there and shook her head annoyingly at me. I didn't do or say anything, however it was so frustrating to me that I had been away from home for months without seeing my wife or daughter and she couldn't stand waiting 10 seconds for me to turn. It really irked me and the stupid thing is, this is how most other drivers are too. If a few seconds is going to ruin your day, you need to seriously reevaluate your life.
Well as a 4 wheeler driver, I must agree with you completely. I must say tho, being raised around folks that drive trucks, I do try to be courteous & give the trucks some room. Stay safe.
Dave right with ya on that. Which brings me back to saying there should be more question on class c licenses about trucks to help the general population to understand the ramifications of being stupid
I’m a gas hauler and couldn’t tell you the shear stupidity of the four wheelers out there. Had a guy the other day get pissed off because I was blocking the air pump (right next to the gas drops) and he was waiting for me to move. It was a “one way in and out” store so he had to move first, he got more pissed when I asked him to do that lol. Not to mention people running over my cones and almost run over my hoses while dropping the gas! I bet most of us could write a novel or two about the idiots out there!
It's been over twenty years since I drove a big truck, but I figured out even as a teenager that it's good practice to give truckers lots of room. I have long said that part of earning one's driver's license, even a Class D license, should involve some time in a simulator to experience what it's like to be at the wheel of a Large Car with idiots in cars zipping in and out of traffic around you. It *might* give at least a couple of Class D drivers some perspective and help them be better drivers. I'm also an advocate for requiring periodic retesting of all drivers, with continuing education requirements, to help EVERYONE be safer on the roadways. And I have a peeve about people who follow too close. I was taught to leave a two-second gap in front of me; three seconds in bad weather, and more if I'm driving something really heavy. It seems like I'd never get anywhere, but I don't seem to crash...
"Ban all the trucks from roads during rush hour"...Hell yes I am all for it a as a driver. Maybe we can get them to turn the HOS rules back to when most drivers did just that "avoid rush hours" Split drive lines, no clock start crap. Same with sleep, split with 8 total in a 24...basically like it was in 93 when I came in, before HOS change. Use this group to lean on em to force the change back.
Coming from a four-wheeler: "Don't like trucks? Stop buying stuff. Problem solved!" I ALWAYS let the trucks go ahead. I know from riding in a truck that they can't stop/go like we can. Cutting in front of a truck= suicide.
I agree the majority of four wheeler drivers do not have their mind on driving. Since every time I am driving, I see other four wheeler drivers, that I cannot believe they actually past a driver's test. Now I learned when I was younger and wasn't driving yet. Too have respect for the professional truck driver's and give them the room that they need. Because I know that they are just out doing their job. One example is cutting my lights on and off when they have safely cleared my vehicle. That way if they want to move back over into the right lane they know they are clear. Another is paying attention too where the truckers are around me that way I can be able too give them a way of escape. Even if it is doing something such as slowing down, or moving into another lane temporary, in order to give them more room too stop or slow down. Basically, I work at working with other drivers. Including the truckers, that way everyone is able too get down the room safely. Although again it is insane how people will do dumb things around 18 wheeler's. Because they are just being selfish and not willing too work with others on the roadway.
2:18 about topic 3 It is called Dunning-Kruger effect. The stupid overconfidence an individual has, due the little knowledge they have over any subject. When the really true is that: "What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean". EDITED: Awesome video, very valuable topics you have quoted.
Story time. Hauling granite curb east bound on Massachusetts turnpike coming up on x 14 I95 split right lanes are exit only car in the backing up exit traffic decided to not exit and continue on the turnpike cut right in front of me the car disappeared in front of the hood I literally floorboarded the brake pedal smoked my brakes and if the left lane wasn't clear I would have hit that car honestly it was so close I don't know how I didn't. Stay alert keep checking your mirrors be aware of everything going on around you because it happens in a split second. Stay safe everyone
I just try to put myself in the truck driver place and I give him ample space to do what ever maneuver he has to do. I often get thumbs up and friendly waves from truck drivers! The guy is working for all of us for God's sake!
So very true. As a farmer and trucker I see it just as hard. When you have wide equipment that you are moving field to field you usually havecto have a spotter or lane cleaner to help move as well as not being in the road certain times and definitely not after dark.
I love when i’m backing in anywhere and they think that it’s time to resume traffic flow the moment i leave exactly a car width of room off my nose. Or even during my back-in, and am swinging the nose around they will still come flying by me.
Sadly, most 4 wheelers don't treat each other any better these days. They just don't care! I grew up in a small town in north Idaho with a logging economy. Trucks, particularly logging trucks and chip haulers, were EVERYWHERE. Not just on freeways and big roads, but little two lane mountain roads. So it's second nature to me to take truckers into account and do my own driving as safely as possible so you guys can do your jobs properly. I've never driven bigger rigs myself(outside of 10 days across Canada with a 26 ft U-Haul and a car hitched on back). My background is race driving and rallies, which I did plenty of in my youth. So it is also true I probably have a level of skill most average motorists don't.
I'm a local semi driver, was talking to a otr driver the other day, he was telling me that in NY, 4wheelers will immediately go park behind a semi as soon as they hear your backup alarm, trying to get themselves hit so to get a insurance claim. NY is the bordering state to where I drive, done the NY route a couple times, thankfully it's up north, mostly farm land
I give the 18 wheelers all the respect that I can, because my father was a truck driver. He actually died because of a careless driver, that's why my respect for truckers is boundless. But I'm just one person.
Thank you ! Need more people like you on the road.
Sorry for your loss, I drive the same way, I road with my dad from a toddler to age 17. I started to drive until a work accident on another job profession.
Thank you 🙏 all we as truck drivers want is to do our job in a safe and timely manner
agreed brother
In Russia the truck drivers that get brake checked just push the idiots off the road in the ditches imagine that happening in the states it would end soon
Oh it does and as long as you have a dash cam to show they were the idiot they cant do shit
What annoys me is people who think Trucks can stop and go like a car. Then act like you can stop when they cut you off. Much like they do with with trains as well.
Trains can't turn (swerve); everyone knows where it is going. Still 100's of collisions annually.
That's true, but if a truck driver does note that cars are heading the direction when the light is Green. They should know that, they shouldn't cut us off in the first place. Truckers have just as much to blame.
Good statement. I have my A card, but work as an engineer on the railway. You should see the dumb things that they do at crossings.
True,not to mention pulling up at the toll,when they just squeeze in in front of you,not having the foresight or brain matter to think the driver has already calculated his stopping distance and has prepared the truck for the stop.Now the asshole squeezes right in front of you and for what?And people do this even when you have a tanker full of gas,it's beyond me.
@@Zaber_Za so just prepare to stop earlier and roll into the stop instead of coming to a halt with speed at the end point. Im a trucker and this pisses me off too, but its better to just brake earlier and then let them cool off by rolling forward to the desired place, this also avoids harsh braking for when these asshole 4 wheelers cut us off aside from the benefit of putting less wear on the brake components
Each and every word you said is 200% true... It's the "ME FIRST" attitude that causes problems
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
When I became a truck driver I realized how bad I used to drive. I never had an accident but I had some terrible habits before I became a professional driver.
Me too! My driving improved 100% if not more when I got my commercial driver's license
You guys are not the only ones, I realized that I was a horrible driver. One of the first trucks I drove was a half full septic tank truck. Skidding pass a stop sign drove the lesson into me and I have never forgotten it!
Same
That wake up call is a eye opener. Happens to every new driver.
Facts it made me look at my self before I became a professional driver
I honestly live by the motto "every 4-wheeler is going to do their damnedest to commit suicide using my truck." It's served me pretty well so far, because expecting EVERYONE to do stupid shit around me makes me that much more prepared for the few who ACTUALLY do stupid shit around me
I always tell my GF "what's the dumbest thing every single car can do, and expect them to do it" and thats just driving cars.
I’m a ‘four-wheeler’ now, but what made me a safe driver is having been a truck driver for 3 years. I still instinctually check my side mirrors every few minutes to see what my trailer is doing, it’s that ground in. I’m still the of GOAL in an odd backing situation. I also still have a Class A, and still drive with care and awareness like I’m in a truck. I still adjust my driving for road and weather conditions because I drove a truck. It’s interesting how these habits never die, even quitting trucking.
I drive a pickup for work , and either way if I'm in that or the car, and I let a big truck do his thing and give him room /let him in /ect , they give me a double take and are a little cautious....
hey it's cool , do your thing Mister Big Truck!
haha one of those damn 4 wheelers is being nice.
I drive my personal vehicles around corners like I do the big truck 😆 wife makes fun of me for how wide my turns are. Jokes on her when I’m not chewing up CV axles from turning so sharp
You are SOOOOOOOOOO right! Even with 7 years of driving tractor-trailer, the number of 4-wheeled idiots almost taking my bumper extention off from cutting me off is nasty!
It happened to me on the practical exam when getting my truck licence. I had wagon and drag combination, bright yellow and this minivan somehow missed me and cut in front of me nearly taking my bumper off. It was on a dual carriage, she was done overtaking and tried moving in. I slammed on my brakes nearly throwing the examiner through the windshield and started apologising. He went livid "flash the batard, let him know what he's done!"
And I am willing to bet at least the majority of those vehicles were women.
Yeah you have to slow down for idiots who race lanes to get in front of you narrowly
Right after I passed my CDL test I landed a job with a construction company. the senior driver for the company told me that an "experienced driver can see into the future". The fact that I was young new into driving truck I did not understand what he meant. A couple of years later I was driving down the interstate in a semi and I seen a car sporadically speeding up and slowing down. It hit me like a ton of bricks and I immediately remembered that old man's statement and thought to my self that car was one to watch out for.
When I was learning to drive from an I suppose you'd call him employer but more of a friend, really cool veteran mechanic, his #1 advice for me was first learn how to drive in the biggest SUV we can find for you as I'll then know how to drive everything else (mid 2000s Toyota Tacoma, loved that god damn tank), and #2 don't be afraid of what other drivers are going to do, make them afraid of you LOL! Obviously he was joking about #2, really it's more like don't be afraid or hesitant when you're driving as that can also be dangerous. I experienced the same thing you described when going to work one day a couple years ago, some girl was driving her camry or whatever that hell boring car, kept just driving weird and unnaturally, so I just stayed on the right lane yeah she was staying in the fast lane go figure, I'm behind her by 2-3 car lengths and she HITS HER BREAKS, IMMEDIATELY REALISES SHES ABOUT TO MISS HER EXIT, AND MAKES THE FUCKING TURN SPLITING AN ENTIRE LANE, WHAT THE FUCK?
Seriously if I wasn't careful and just knew this bitch was aiming to kill someone, I know for a fact she did not check her right mirror, hell I might not even be here typing this reply. I'm aiming to get my CDL pretty soon as I'm getting bored of office jobs and it's honestly been a dream of mine so lets hope no one tries to kill themselves on my 20,000lb truck, I ain't tryina send anyone to the all mighty too early here. Thank god for that mechanic I felt like he could have taught me how to drive a semi, I already feel like I do someone just has to give me the truck haha
We truck drivers are like the ww2 bomber pilots. ( b- 17, b-24, b-29,etc.) We deliver our loads to the, or a , Target ,pun intended. On the way we have people in 4 wheelers trying to kill us . Japanese, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan, etc. And the Germans, Audi, BMW , Volkswagen, etc. Also, friendly fire, Mustangs, Chevy pickups, Camaros, f150s, etc. And then anti-aircraft fire from below. DOT, weigh stations, idiot construction projects ,weather, bad dispatch, no place or time to land.Did I mention the DOT clock?
So, after 25 successful deliveries we should be able to retire with combat pay.
Thats exacty right! Great story!
In my 2 year career of driving I managed to deliver to the correct place while on 1 having the wrong business name and the other having the wrong address. Also plenty of business that can't be bothered to put a sign. I go deliver to a distribution center that has 127 bays AND NO SIGN. its fun to see new guys doing a drop there every once in a while and ask "its this cheap bastards incorporated?"
Mel Keister I just like the pilots back in those days they worked for next to nothing. The average pilot made about $150 a month in the military back in World War II.
Brilliant, both accurate and funny!
I'd say that's pretty much right on Target.... as i deliver to them... lol
I had one 4 wheeler who was driving under the posted limit, i had my left signal on letting them know i was changing lanes to get in front of them and this moron punched it just as i passed him/her & tried cutting me off when i was already 50% into the lane change. They were so pissed at me, he/she tried passing me on the grassy median of the road as i watched in my mirror in disbelief i saw the vehicle spin out of control and flip at least 3-5 times while on the grassy median. The hate 4 wheelers have for big trucks, it's crazy.
he'll never do that again i promise you that.
Wow!
Sounds to me like he/she/it got exactly what they were asking for!
They do it all the times as soon as you signal to change lanes they speed up more.
Avg truck driver drives 110k-150k a year.. 4 wheelers, 10k-12k a year.. that tells the whole story on who has more experience. Great vid.
Lmfao bro come on now even McDonald’s pays more that 12k. And 110k is not “average” for a driver. Relax man
@Hodgy You obviously didn’t comprehend what he wrote 🤦🏽♂️
Thank you!
@@Zero67891 LOL!!!! He talks about MILES!!!!! Not bucks!!!!!
@@sstevocamaro Obvious 4 wheelers right there.
I started my trucking career with Stevens Transport. They stressed “protective” driving! They said we as truck drivers need to protect the motoring public, from themselves. It definitely takes a different kind of awareness to anticipate what someone else is going to do but here we are!
If you can't master the art of anticipating you want be in this business long
I went to Roehl Transport they are the safest starter company out there. Taught us the safe 7. 1. Expect the expected. 2. Know what's happening, 3. Prepare to drive 4. Stay back 5. Yield to others 6. Slow down 7. Reduce the risk.
I drove OTR for 38 years. 4-wheelers are a serious problem, especially today. The 2017 addition of the ELD mandate made it even more complicated because a trucker can't adjust their schedule to avoid as many 4-wheelers as possible. This video is excellent information.
Sucks trying to get into busy shopping centers, people looking at me like I'm lost...
Like hello, see my trailer? This 53ft billboard on wheels for the largest business in the shopping center?
Most people, forget that trailers bring the products. 🤣
people think trucks are just out here driving around just to drive around lol
I still believe that they should go through a driver remedial course every 5-6years and if they fail they can’t renew their license. Hell look at all the 💩 and hoops we have to go through every year!!!!!!!!!
Jeff Proctor😤
Good stuff , I'm a transit bus driver and this applies to us as well. Pulling away from a stop is by far the most hazardous part of our daily routine
Jared DeMott your job would be tough, at least my loads can’t back talk me
Your Transit bus maximum human weigh including standing passengers 4 Ton on a 35 ft bus.
60 Ft bus at maximum 7 Tons
Double decker bus. Is 8 Ton maximum
weight can't compared to a Truck 28 Ft straight truck 5 - 7 Ton cargo weight. Tandem axle or 4 axle 32 ft truck 10 - 20 tons.
53 Ft Trailer up to 30 tons.
53 Ft Flat deck with special specifications 70 Tons B trains is X2 106 ft total.
Old day buses use truck hard suspension
Last 30 years Buses soft suspension to balance weight reduction.
Aside from lack of basic driving skills or courtesy...... drivers licenses are way too easy to get nowadays. Got mine through HS, they harped on staying away from commercial vehicles, blind spots, maneuvering, etc. Never had any problems with commercial trucks. Plus, many people have a strong sense of self importance. Nobody else matters.
Absolutely True! And when they run a red light and hit you they lie and claim You ran the red light, Get a drive cam!
4 wheelers need to have a medical certificate along with a mental acuity test for a driver’s license! Today, some truckers are just as bad, if not worse!!
I am not a trucker. When I am on the road in my car, I do understand it takes much more space and time for truckers to maneuver and stop their vehicle. I give truckers a wide birth when they are making turns at intersections. If I see truck trying to merge, I will signal and move out his way and not force them to slow. When I pass them, I will be several lengths of their vehicle ahead, before I signal and begin to move back into the lane. I appreciate and respect the jobs these men and women have keeping our economy going.
Captured on my dash can 2 weeks ago, going thru Modesto. I was in the right lane, puttering along. Another truck in the center lane ahead of me.
A 4 wheeler comes flying up in the middle lane ,and tries to pass the truck on the right. Truck changed lanes at the exact time the car tried to pass. Car locks it up & fishtails, almost got ran up the concrete slope under the overpass. Laughed my ass off !!
I'm a road mechanic for a heavy equipment company, the amount of stupid things I see people in cars do around trucks is astounding. I work on heavy equipment in the western half of New York, I don't see near the amount of windshield time that truck drivers do, but I spend enough time going to and from customers locations to see a ton of dumb things happen. The most recent one was between Syracuse and Rochester on I-90 west.
I was westbound and passed a DOT truck with a be prepared to stop sign. Traffic wasn't bad, but there were a few rigs in the right lane going at about 65 mph so I was in the left lane at the time traveling at about 75. I didn't see anything slowing everyone down and I had no one behind me at the time gaining on me so I stuck with the left lane but dropped it down to around 70 or so. About 5 miles later I could see brake lights starting around half a mile ahead of me so I began slowing down. At this point the right lane was fairly full and I still hadn't seen any signs calling for a lane closure yet, normally I'd move right, but I didn't want to start switching lanes before I even knew why I might need to. Traffic came to a slow crawl at that point, around 10-15 mph and it was like that for a good mile or so before I saw the lane closure sign which said the right lane was closed. I was happy I was in the left lane at this point, but saw all the rigs in the right lane so I began to slow down a touch, slow enough for me to start opening a space in front of me big enough to let a truck in.
So, at this point I've got a spot just about big enough to squeeze 3/4 of a rig into and I'm still going slow enough to continue opening it. There's a full rig coming up on my right and at this point the right lane is moving a bit quicker than the left lane so he ends up passing my opening and getting his tractor in line with the car in front of me. He seems to realize at this point what I'm doing so he starts to slow down and puts his blinker on. I've got enough room for him to now comfortably fit in, he just needs to slow down enough to open a space to comfortably move over and not be on the ass of the car in front of him. This is when the stupid happens.
So, the rig has his blinker on and there's a good amount of space in between his rear bumper and my front bumper, enough that you can fit a car through it verey comfortably as I don't want to be right on his ass when he merges over, I like to keep far enough back on any traffic to give myself time to avoid an accident should that happen, let alone I want him to be comfortable moving over. At this point a black Jeep comes up on his butt, while he's got his blinker on, and decides it wants to use that space between the rig and my truck to get ahead of the rig. The rig is now beginning to change lanes at this point when the Jeep throws it's blinker on, shoots over to my lane and starts accelerating to pass the truck WHILE IT'S ALREADY SWITCHING LANES! I was in my truck swearing about what this idiot was doing when I noticed the trucker just kept merging over, nice and easy. The Jeep driver, instead of slowing back down to be behind the merging rig keeps speeding up and just starts moving left into the shoulder and eventually onto the grass. I was laughing at this point at the idiocy of this Jeep driver and just couldn't believe how dumb some people are. I still don't understand how people can drive like that.
Thank you to all the big rig drivers out there. There's some of us out here who know you guys aren't bad drivers and appreciate what you do. I'll keep looking out for you guys as best I can, thanks for bringing everything we all use on a daily basis everywhere!
I'm over in the Hudson valley , and I'm not a truck driver but I drive 25k a yr for work as a gen tech.
I went to school to become a master tech out in Cleveland years ago,and thought I wanted to work on trucks until I learned about generators.
Lol what I've seen, what I've seen out here on the road.....too much bs to list.
I'll tell ya though , rt 22 over here is like a darn truck show every day , there's tons of mint trucks here usually hauling a dirt trailer.
Thanks for the story. I hope you "flashed" your lights to let the big rig in and to signal it is by.
Safe driving.
Not only gas. Truck brings the cars too so they can cut trucks off.
And the tires to put on the cars. I haul lots of tires
Good point.
They delivered the car that cut them off...
I had an unmarked in Oregon merging, and they damn near took my front bumper off. I hit the airhorn because I didn't know. Didn't realize who I airhorned until they pulled onto the shoulder. And nope I didn't get a ticket. I was simply telling them...hey I am here. I had to hit my brakes pretty hard to avoid them as it was
Oh well then you didnt know. Cops are among the worst drivers out there.
@@akumaz9635 - Yep, because they are allowed to use their laptops and phones while they drive, technically only if it's work related, but we all know how that works.
"They're not smart enough...." lol Most people drive with their emotions and forward facing cameras are your friend.
My biggest challenge as a 4-wheeler driving around truck is simply not understanding what is involved in driving a large truck. My closest experience is the occasional rental of a U-Haul, something that doesn’t come close to driving a full tractor-trailer rig. Watching videos such as yours helps me to understand somewhat, particularly the pressures of working as a commercial truck driver. Having a CB radio in my car has also helped me to understand what truckers are dealing with. This video had many good points. I’d like to think that they only apply to a minority of the four-wheelers, that many four-wheelers want to help truck drivers. I think that we all can fall victim to only remembering the bad actors, both four-wheelers and trucks. I think many truck drivers are willing to share their experience and knowledge of driving a big truck in a constructive, cooperative way? How can we facilitate this? Certainly driver’s education for driving a car is little more than a joke.
I think some of the worst drivers are the mutants that work at warehouses... If your in an industrial park.
I believe they have a few things going on , they hate trucks because we bring them work and they don't want to work, plus they are used to them being around so they are opportunistic to drive around /cut you off.
I don't hate working at Costco. Or any other warehouse. The pay is what sucks. And the people sometimes, are intolerable.
You know what, I thought I was the only one noticing that suddenly the cars get 10x more aggressive once your coming up on your pick up/delivery lel
Mutants...🤣🤣🤣🤣. I can't breathe...😂😂😂
First thing I was told in CDL training, Never trust another driver on the road - be it cars or other trucks.
And don't assume anything.
I have the greatest respect for truck drivers. Being able to maneuver those big ass trucks in small places. If itwere not for these truckers, we wouldn’t t have the clothes on the stores, food, etc. I hate it when I see a trucker with his/her signal on to merge or whatever and the asshole in in the next vehicle speeds up so the trucker can’t merge.
THANK YOU 👍👍
NOW... If We could get Millions of Other 4-Wheelers to Understand what We know as COURTESY... We'd Make Progress Brother.
I have said this for many years: most people (but not all!) simply do not know how to drive around trucks. I think it should be mandatory in every high school driver’s ed class and every state endorsed driving school that they know the basics about trucks such as stopping distance, blind spots, changing lanes safely in front of them, etc. Too many people are simply ignorant of these lifesaving facts. If everyone knew how to drive safely around trucks because they were REQUIRED to learn this in order to obtain a license, many accidents/deaths could be prevented. Sometimes simple solutions to complex problems are simply ignored.
I once had a cager come up to me when I was washing my truck at home. He started popping off about how truck drivers think we own the road. I replied that with the amount of "road use" taxes that I pay, I DAMN sure do own them! Then I "escorted" him off of my property!
Between fuel taxes, our 2290 annual road tax, higher toll rates, AND state & federal Income taxes to boot, we have EVERY right (if not more!) to be on public roadways as they do. All they pay are a few pennies per gallon at the gas pump as well as income taxes, that’s it. Plus, we ARE the economy, they are not.
GREAT Comments Brothers! 👍👍
I’m one of the drivers of a “four wheeler” that IS aware of what’s going on around me. I DONT text and drive, I very very rarely answer a phone call when driving, and I ALWASY check around me before turning or changing lanes. The only thing I do that is potentially dangerous is I blast my stereo as loud as it goes. I have avoided numerous accidents that would have been very bad because I pay attention.
Another great post. You must assume that a 4 wheeler would rather cause an accident than yield the right of way.
If you don't, I promise it will come back to bite you.
😆so true I always gotta tell myself "I gotta drive for the 4wheelers there in ah big rush.
I drove a box truck and open back 30ft for 4 yrs and I know what you guys deal with even-though I don’t drive an 18 wheelers. You guys have my respect. When I drive my personal car. I always give the truck the right of way
Dave everything you're saying is definitely true. However, today (unfortunate I might add) the "Me First" mentality has plagued way too many truck drivers. "Me first" to go up the hill, "Me First so I'm going to speed through the construction zone, and worst thing is "Me First" going down the hill. I was almost rear ended going down Cabbage Hill in Oregon yesterday. I run that hill at 100,000 pounds every day. WAY TOO MANY TRUCKS ARE GOING DOWN THE HILL TOO FAST!!! I got cut off by CR England two days ago and four days ago got cut off by ExPo who totally forgot about his third trailer! I'm 36 years old. I've had a CDL since 2003. I've got 2 weeks left and unfortunately I'm done with truck driving for good. I can't take it anymore. Thanks for all you do, Dave. Hopefully your safety message gets out to more drivers.
You know the old saying: "You can go to slow down a hill 100's of times; only once to fast."
I completely agree. We have the same problem in the UK. Everyone here hates trucks but the thing here is we can't do more than 56Mph on the motorway even thought the speed limit for trucks is 60 and cars is 70Mph. when I put on my indicator to overtake another truck and even sometimes a car for some reason, you can see the cars behind suddenly accelerate. Personally I would like to see a 2 week truck driver strike over here. They would soon change their attitude towards us when we are back in the 1800's
I couldn't agree with you more. I have been in support of a trucker strike here in the US for years. Jimmy Carter started the destruction of the trucking industry here and it has slowly been stolen from the drivers. A 2 week strike would quickly make our nations realize how vitally important trucks are. I have also wanted our drivers licenses to cost at least $1500.00 American and for it to be mandatory to spend an entire day in the passenger seat of an 18 wheeler in order to get a drivers license. I see quite a lot of ignorance from 4 wheelers every day. I don't feel every act is intended to cause a problem, they simply don't know that their actions do cause a problem.
Most every idiot in a 4 wheeler driving bad is on the phone.
The biggest problem is the right hand lane swoop passers. They think passing big rigs on the right is exciting until they get wedged under the trailer wheels.
What if you're going to turn Right on the intersection and the trailer will continue to go straight? Can we not sneak from the right side anymore or what?
You also have those drivers that get in the hammer lane doing 5-10 under the speed limit with an empty right lane and just ride. Only after 10-20 cars blow their passenger door off do they finally move over where they should have been 20 miles back.
Former trucker here. Passing on the right is just as safe as passing on the left. If you can't see anyone on the right side then your mirrors aren't set up right. It's your job whether as a trucker or as a four wheeler to check your blindspot before changing lanes
Yep, this about sums up most truck drivers too. I was driving my car, and I had a loaded dump truck driver blast his horn at me, and then chase me at high speed down the interstate, all because I was going to slow for him on the on ramp. Yes I have a class A, i know how to drive. Another time i was trying to come out in heavy traffic driving 18 wheeler. Another 18 wheeler sped up in the lane i needed instead of getting over or slowing down. I said thanks for the professional courtesy to him on the radio, and he started to go off on me swearing and cussing. Yes I agree 4 wheeler's are a pain in the ass, but no more than other trucks. Just a whole lot more of them.
I hate 4wheelers passing trucks while merging and they stay in lane at the same truck speed creating a big hazard, the on ramps are supposed to be used for building speed and catch up with the incoming traffic.
Before I even started driving truck I would always look at ramps for what they are for. On ramp, you better be going same speed as the traffic you’re trying to enter, it’s far easier to make adjustments in the 💩est of car than a truck.
After seeing a tire blow on a truck, you have to want to die to ride directly next to one for any longer than you have to.
Other truckers that are governed a mile or two slower than others need to back down a bit instead of drag racing turtles and being a prick. If I can go 70 and the limit is such, let’s not block the road any longer than needed. I’ve been miles passing and when I finally get around the prick I’m out of his way in less distance than it takes to pass some times.
I caught up to you for a reason, governed at 70, maybe I’m empty or I just have more power and can keep it moving better, let me get out of your way.
Imagine a radar cruise control that prevented a car from going too slow if the path in front of them was clear? Or even better, a siren that screams in their ears every time they merge too soon and don't leave enough space. In a way I can't wait for full vehicle automation. Though the freedom factor ways against that heavily.
Regardless of what type of vehicle, a car, motorcycle, pickup truck, SUV, or even an 18 wheeler blasting past a Yield sign? It happens to me a lot. Too bad I can't give their vehicle some serious body work on their vehicles to teach them a lesson. A judge would automatically say I was behind them, so I'm at fault.
When I pass one or several. I distance myself. Especially, when I need to use the lane they're on. That way, they have room behind me. Now, if another car were to force themselves in between us.... I can't say.... It was my fault, now can I?
I hate it when cars race into another lane without signaling
I've driven about 4 million miles in big trucks and I totally agree with this video. Right on , Brother!
Its not the “me first” attitude from the 4wheelers that bothers me... its the “me first” attitude from other truck drivers that are the problem!
I get passed by loaded trucks in the most dangerous situations, what seems like every day!!
People need to learn that the “speed limit” is the upper limit, not the minimum !! Other drivers have yelled at me on the radio “the least you can do is the speed limit!!”... no! The MOST someone can do is the speed limit!
Its also funny how other drivers (of any vehicle) have the mentality of “dont slow me down” like everyone needs to get off the road to let the speed demons go by... people need to grow the fk up!!
“Hurry up” is NOT in my job description!! Too many people are WAY too impatient.
With the development of automatonaus brakeing on semis and Eaton auto shift and Volvo I shift or idiot shift and Mack M drive or moron drive they are now letimg four wheelers into trucking and about 10 years ago I - H had a system that could parallel park a semi just like the system on the Lincoln Continental everyone wants to be a big rig driver but when it’s time to put up or shut up they don’t because they can’t perform
Hal Kael you got that right!
Agreed. Well said
Amen!
That's right, most o.t.r. drivers seem to have no regard for local drivers (day cab) in the l.a. / orange county area, if you're not in the right lane 100 percent of the time they tailgate you and try to take your mirror off when they pass. & even when you are in the right lane sometimes.
Two of my favorite quotes I've on 4-wheelers during training was "Dont like trucks? Don't buy stuff." And "If you didnt wanna get stuck behind me, you shoulda left earlier." Those 2 quotes keep me level headed during my work hours.
Like both of those!
Too bad I have a set time my company lets me leave... could you leave 15 minutes late so I don't get stuck behind you on the 2 lane?
That's why I always try to be courteous and stay away and be careful around trucks. I'm not even a professional driver, just a trucking enthusiast.
Appreciate it Mike!
I agree but mainly most people are pretty cautious around trucks and they won't get in a tug of war with them. I would say about 10 to 20% do or will. Some of these truckers need to have a little patience also because I'm on the road 24/7 team driving and they can't let a group of cars pass before they get over to pass another truck they'll cut the whole group of vehicles off. So I think everybody could do their part. We all need to be a little more patient with each other.
You're right!
GREAT Comment! 👍👍
My truck is named The Flying Fortress.
If it doesn't have a US military shark scheme, ill be disappointed.
Good idea. It would look great with the naked lady in my nose at. Protected by 13 ma deuces, 2nd Ammendment.
My escort would be a real Mustang.
I named mine Fenrir after the Wolf. The mighty magical chain that binds it is Glepnir (tractor always bound to trailer sworn to carry the burden).
And another thing, these 4 wheelers are driving so fast these days its almost impossible for a semi truck to keep up with traffic even merge onto the interstate these days..
If the speed limit is 70, most people will do 85
I have been hauling since May this year. During these few months behind a big wheel I have noticed that the amount of idiots in traffic is actually extremely high. You don't pay attention to other drivers going over the speed limit and passing others in a cautious location before you are driving a thirty tonne slow-stopping mace of a vehicle yourself. Makes me think of the times i've probably acted like a dumbass in the eyes of truckers..
My brother used to drive truck to help friends haul cattle and my brother in law is currently in otr driving. I have respect for all the professional drivers and the trucks on the road.
I like to think that after driving 4 wheelers for 37 years AND appreciating truckers on the road for the past 20 years that I now can go to CDL school and see if I have what it takes to become a truck driver.
@Smoking Joe so true, I went to the swift academy when I got mine and I owed them a year. It wasn't that bad except it's an accelerated course and if you fail a test twice, then you owed them a couple thousand dollars. Thank God my roommates were adults and took it serious, it made it easier to study/learn.
Spot on Dave. The auto industry keeps holding their hand too and jamming more safe technology into their cars. Which in turn doesn't teach them anything about safe driving and only allows them to pay less attention. Auto industry and trucking industry is using technology so you apparently don't have to have any skill.
They need to learn about PRESIDENT Eisenhower, the interstate and us routes were designed for transport. Maybe we should lobby for times no four wheelers should be on our roads!
I've always been a good driver since I first got my license when I was 17, because I always took it seriously. Getting my cdl 5 years ago and driving a semi has given me a whole new perspective. With that said, lately I've been of the opinion that the average 4 wheeler should have to take both a written test and a road test when renewing their license. Make that a mandatory condition, then maybe the roads could be a little safer. Just an idea. Hey, be safe, everyone.
That would be ok but after they pass the test and look Kool there back to driving unsafe speeding etc.truckers get in a accident or tickets there out of the game .everyday does not effect.there job.example see a cop in the middle you see brake lights as soon as cars get by back to speeding.most cops today just waiting for a 911 call accident Cars fly bye they just sit there anymore
Good on you guys for owning your previous driving habits. I’m sure I had some bad habits prior to getting a cdl too. One thing I always knew to do though was to give the big trucks room in intersections. I always thank the the few four wheelers when show some courtesy.
Thanks for watching Nate!
I’ve been driving 6 months. Already lost count how many times I’ve been aggressively cut off.
All man keep doing what your doing there gonna cut you off all the times.
I had a Dodge Durango hit the side of my 38k-lb loaded trailer 2 weeks ago. The hood portion of his vehicle went under my trailer. I don't know how I did not roll over him but he bounced off my trailer and then back into his left lane and into the guardrail. He totaled his vehicle. My trailer had a couple of scrapes, a broken air dam and two broken floor support beams.. surprisingly when he hit me it just felt like a nudge or a bump and did not affect my driving which was great for me. The cop told me that a witness said he was swerving around on the highway for quite some time as if he was texting. His excuse was he had a brake malfunction.. these people can be really scary.
They sure as hell can! And liars too! Brake malfunction!
Smart Trucking I think he meant to say BRAIN malfunction! 🤣🤪
Everyone should see this, truck driver or no truck driver. I dont drive a truck but I respect the heck out of them and I wanna do anything I can to make life easier on them
Appreciate it Kale, thanks!
Great video Dave. I usually sum it up as most 4 wheelers are @holes
I'''d say that's a fair summation!
I just discovered this channel a few days ago and I have subscribed, great content and really glad you are putting this info out there for new guys to learn , it definitely takes a lot of the mysticism out of being a driver lol. I guarantee it ain't just the big trucks that have to worry about idiot 4 wheeler drivers, I've had several close calls in a 1 ton and 40 ft flat bed hotshot rig , stay safe out there!
Thank you for subscribing!
Welp it's time to start proposition bulldozer
Unfortunately too many lawyers waiting to pounce
@@LuisLopez-tp2gf ⁹⁹
Thank you for sharing sir.
Thank you!
One other thing that is a big problem. Those damn Penske, Uhaul box trucks! Those guys rent those trucks and think they're a "big truck" lol
Driving in a 4 wheeler is hard enough surrounded by idiots. I can't imagine how hard it is driving an 80,000 lb truck around them. Respect.
Driver of 20yrs here. Good video, everything said here is the truth. Almost every incident or close call on the road is the STUPID crap from society in their "four wheelers"
You are so correct and most four wheelers think that the truck has to yield for them so they can merge onto the freeway. But when you look at the driver they have a phone in their hand or they're feeding their face with food
You have to do a video on bus drivers . I have had quite a few close calls with city bus drivers . In Seattle I had one whack my mirror and just kept on , I was not able to even get a good look at the bus it went by and I was stuck behind another truck . Thankfully it didn't do any damage my mirror folded away .
Not many Professional Truck Drivers on the road anymore but a bunch of steering wheel holders who don’t know what mirrors are for cause they never used them in their cars !!!
Like those too dumb to realize there's a truck behind them waiting to pass and they're holding up the passing lane? Then when some impatient truck passes in the far left lane they completely ignore them like nothing is wrong. Far right lane empty for miles cause everyone wants to pass this lunatic.
that's why we truckers need to be the better people, like you said IT'S the 4-wheelers road! Well the road would not be there without us!!!
Yup!
Trucks and trains. Two things that most driver hate because they think that they slow them down too much. Yet if it weren't for both of them, we wouldn't be getting the products we get.
Agreed with all but #4. In my experience as a food delivery driver about 50-60% of traffic jams are caused by slow vehicles on the highway, and many other types of jams can be made worse by that. Trucks are not fast vehicles - this is by no means the fault of the driver, but that does mean that if trucks could, if possible, steer clear of urban cores during rush hours that would probably be beneficial to all. Now to deal with the other class of slow drivers that you mentioned in this video as they tend to irritate me as well.
The truth is it’s not just car drivers who are a menace. I’ve only been driving for 7 years but in those 7 years
I’ve seen truckers be real menaces on the road. I expect car drivers to speed, tailgate, not give a damn about anything or one around them. But when you hold a commercial license you are held at a higher standard. You know better than to do those things your doing that you know is very dangerous. So we need to cut this whole blame the car driver for every single problem, and be the professionals we are supposed to be
You're right, I've seen it too!
Car drivers while coming on from the on ramp are eating ,texting not paying attention,a tractor trailer in the right lane and a car passing on the left ,,,so now tell me the trucker is in what f in way is at fault!!! Drive a dang truck get experience then blame us!! Other wise pay attention speed up or brake we can't n you can hush
We all know that brother...that just wasn't the topic of the video. Stay safe.
Absolutely Brother... Call the Cops and Report the reckless truckers.
Call the Cops and Report the reckless So-Called "Stuper-Truckers"
Dont forget the four wheelers trying to get to work to unload/load the truck s for the day/night.
I was large car driver myself and I'm out of the trucking business since 2010.lol
Interstate highways: wide lanes, limited access, slow curves. These were built to move freight, and troops if necessary.
People tend to blame that which is most visible to them and that which they have daily personal contact. This is why for example, so many are pissed at cops these days when the people they should be pissed at are the cops' bosses!
Unfortunately there is a small but growing cohort of truck drivers out there who are doing no favors to themselves, their brethren nor their industry and the industry as a whole is in a head long, profit driven, short sighted race to the bottom.
New drivers are not taught well enough and don't fully appreciate the responsibilities of their position nor the realities of the road.
Something I always tried to live by; if you expect the other guy to do the wrong/stupid thing, and prepare for that eventuality, you'll seldom be disappointed.
Keep up the good work, Dave; you're the best!!
As someone who's planning to get their CDL (I either want to get into big rigs or dump trucks), can you recommend some more resources even other channels maybe specific videos from Dave or anyone else so I can go into the training no matter how basic it may or may not be with as much as I need to know? I've worked with truckers before and spoken to a couple so I definitely have a feel for it, hell I'm pretty sure I even know how to drive at least the semi, just need to wrap my head around how to naturally reverse with a trailer and all that.
Every trucker I've spoken to kept telling me just go for it, they can easily tell I'd love doing it I suppose, guess it's just the kind of person you gotta be born as.
I got unrealistically angry at one lady last year around Christmas. I was in Denver and I was heading home to Kansas. Just pulled out of the department store I delivered to and turned left in front of this lady who just flew into the parking lot after I began turning. She slammed on the brakes and sat there and shook her head annoyingly at me. I didn't do or say anything, however it was so frustrating to me that I had been away from home for months without seeing my wife or daughter and she couldn't stand waiting 10 seconds for me to turn. It really irked me and the stupid thing is, this is how most other drivers are too. If a few seconds is going to ruin your day, you need to seriously reevaluate your life.
Well as a 4 wheeler driver, I must agree with you completely. I must say tho, being raised around folks that drive trucks, I do try to be courteous & give the trucks some room. Stay safe.
Dave right with ya on that. Which brings me back to saying there should be more question on class c licenses about trucks to help the general population to understand the ramifications of being stupid
Thanks for the video sir,.. I go through all day dealing with bad 4 wheeler is not easy.
I’m a gas hauler and couldn’t tell you the shear stupidity of the four wheelers out there. Had a guy the other day get pissed off because I was blocking the air pump (right next to the gas drops) and he was waiting for me to move. It was a “one way in and out” store so he had to move first, he got more pissed when I asked him to do that lol. Not to mention people running over my cones and almost run over my hoses while dropping the gas! I bet most of us could write a novel or two about the idiots out there!
I know I could!
Every time l leave 4 seconds of space ahead of me cars just move on in as if I'm the Welcome Committee
It's been over twenty years since I drove a big truck, but I figured out even as a teenager that it's good practice to give truckers lots of room.
I have long said that part of earning one's driver's license, even a Class D license, should involve some time in a simulator to experience what it's like to be at the wheel of a Large Car with idiots in cars zipping in and out of traffic around you. It *might* give at least a couple of Class D drivers some perspective and help them be better drivers.
I'm also an advocate for requiring periodic retesting of all drivers, with continuing education requirements, to help EVERYONE be safer on the roadways.
And I have a peeve about people who follow too close. I was taught to leave a two-second gap in front of me; three seconds in bad weather, and more if I'm driving something really heavy. It seems like I'd never get anywhere, but I don't seem to crash...
Thank you to all the truckers out on the road and stay safe on the road
"Ban all the trucks from roads during rush hour"...Hell yes I am all for it a as a driver. Maybe we can get them to turn the HOS rules back to when most drivers did just that "avoid rush hours" Split drive lines, no clock start crap. Same with sleep, split with 8 total in a 24...basically like it was in 93 when I came in, before HOS change. Use this group to lean on em to force the change back.
Coming from a four-wheeler: "Don't like trucks? Stop buying stuff. Problem solved!"
I ALWAYS let the trucks go ahead. I know from riding in a truck that they can't stop/go like we can. Cutting in front of a truck= suicide.
I agree the majority of four wheeler drivers do not have their mind on driving.
Since every time I am driving, I see other four wheeler drivers, that I cannot believe they actually past a driver's test.
Now I learned when I was younger and wasn't driving yet. Too have respect for the professional truck driver's and give them the room that they need. Because I know that they are just out doing their job.
One example is cutting my lights on and off when they have safely cleared my vehicle. That way if they want to move back over into the right lane they know they are clear. Another is paying attention too where the truckers are around me that way I can be able too give them a way of escape. Even if it is doing something such as slowing down, or moving into another lane temporary, in order to give them more room too stop or slow down.
Basically, I work at working with other drivers. Including the truckers, that way everyone is able too get down the room safely.
Although again it is insane how people will do dumb things around 18 wheeler's. Because they are just being selfish and not willing too work with others on the roadway.
It's all about everyone getting down the road safely and efficiently.
2:18 about topic 3
It is called Dunning-Kruger effect.
The stupid overconfidence an individual has, due the little knowledge they have over any subject.
When the really true is that:
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean".
EDITED:
Awesome video, very valuable topics you have quoted.
Story time. Hauling granite curb east bound on Massachusetts turnpike coming up on x 14 I95 split right lanes are exit only car in the backing up exit traffic decided to not exit and continue on the turnpike cut right in front of me the car disappeared in front of the hood I literally floorboarded the brake pedal smoked my brakes and if the left lane wasn't clear I would have hit that car honestly it was so close I don't know how I didn't. Stay alert keep checking your mirrors be aware of everything going on around you because it happens in a split second. Stay safe everyone
Once again bro.....bang on the money. Keep it comin'😁
Thanks! Will do!
I just try to put myself in the truck driver place and I give him ample space to do what ever maneuver he has to do. I often get thumbs up and friendly waves from truck drivers! The guy is working for all of us for God's sake!
So very true. As a farmer and trucker I see it just as hard. When you have wide equipment that you are moving field to field you usually havecto have a spotter or lane cleaner to help move as well as not being in the road certain times and definitely not after dark.
I love when i’m backing in anywhere and they think that it’s time to resume traffic flow the moment i leave exactly a car width of room off my nose. Or even during my back-in, and am swinging the nose around they will still come flying by me.
Sadly, most 4 wheelers don't treat each other any better these days. They just don't care! I grew up in a small town in north Idaho with a logging economy. Trucks, particularly logging trucks and chip haulers, were EVERYWHERE. Not just on freeways and big roads, but little two lane mountain roads. So it's second nature to me to take truckers into account and do my own driving as safely as possible so you guys can do your jobs properly. I've never driven bigger rigs myself(outside of 10 days across Canada with a 26 ft U-Haul and a car hitched on back). My background is race driving and rallies, which I did plenty of in my youth. So it is also true I probably have a level of skill most average motorists don't.
Look out for that 4 wheeler he's "doing a text"
I have a simple philosophy I follow. I treat all 4 wheelers as their first day driving solo on the roads.
Well said, Everything you talked about is 100% accurate !
You are 1000% right !
I'm a local semi driver, was talking to a otr driver the other day, he was telling me that in NY, 4wheelers will immediately go park behind a semi as soon as they hear your backup alarm, trying to get themselves hit so to get a insurance claim. NY is the bordering state to where I drive, done the NY route a couple times, thankfully it's up north, mostly farm land
I absolutely LOVE your vids, I’ve shared this multiple times
Thank you Tom!
Thank you for your service !