When you make a wrong turn onto US 119, and keep going!!
In my previous post I mentioned that I had previously driven over the road before, and like many here, I’m going out there again. Notice I said “going”, not hoping to go, but I’m getting prepared to go. Each day you should talk to recruiters, visit this site, and TruckingTruth’s truck driving forum.
Taking those actions will get you to where you desire to go. Even though I’ll need to go back to school for training to drive again, I’m not concerned because I’ve been on US 119 in Letcher County, Kentucky. I mentioned at the start of this post, I made a wrong turn.
Letcher County, KY. is in the southeast section of Kentucky, bordering Virginia. In my opinion, it is home to some of the finest truck drivers I’ve ever seen. The mountains there are over 3000 feet. There are no guardrails and the view below is spectacular! It is the type of drive where the driver must swing into the oncoming lane in order to keep the trailer from being ripped by the jagged rocks on your right side.
The day drivers approaching you on your left, see your approach, and think nothing about throwing it in reverse and backing up, to give you clearance! I knew that day, I could drive, but I also knew I’d never be in the class of those truckers that do it every day in Letcher County, Kentucky.
The new drivers here will get road experience. I hope it’s not similiar to US 119, as I really hope you never have reason to be there. Of course, if you live there, I hope you get home often! Oh those day drivers on US 119, I forgot to mention that they do get a good chuckle before they throw it in reverse!
At that point in time, way before GPS and computers, drivers used only a map if they didn’t have directions sent to them by their fleet manager, etc. I wasn’t clever enough to really know all the intricacies that are part of the Truckers Rand McNally. I’m sure it’s much easier out there these days.
Those of you on the road, be safe out there! Those of us not yet there, prepare!
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LOL..Don’t ya love the wrong turns. About 10 years ago, I had ran really hard on very little sleep, not to mention having a cranky 6 month old in the jump seat. I had to deliver in New York and asked at the toll booth for directions to my exit. There was a police officer there that was more than happy to tell me which exit I needed. I however, at 2 am, accidently took the wrong exit. I missed the BIG sign that says NO TRUCKS ALLOWED. I accidently took the Shay Stadium exit. Big Mistake, however after a few adjustments I was able to barely get around the corners to get back to the big road. I never made that mistake again in that area. For the new drivers out there, you definitely don’t want to take that exit. You could have literally stuck a sheet of paper between my trailer and the overpass as I was making my turns.