Another Worry Of Mine...jackknifing

Go to section on combination vehicles on the high road test. Here i am, cruisin along, thinking ill ace the cdl exam one day (thanks to truckingtruth), and then i started reading about jackknifes. (JackkniVES?)

You probably know where im going with this worry! Im scared to death (as you guys mentioned in my other thread, that fear is a good thing!) ill try to keep that fear, but still remain confident. Makes me almost want to go back into IT, though. 😜

Bean wrote:

Go to section on combination vehicles on the high road test. Here i am, cruisin along, thinking ill ace the cdl exam one day (thanks to truckingtruth), and then i started reading about jackknifes. (JackkniVES?)

You probably know where im going with this worry! Im scared to death (as you guys mentioned in my other thread, that fear is a good thing!) ill try to keep that fear, but still remain confident. Makes me almost want to go back into IT, though. 😜

Bean, the infamous FUD Factor (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) has a grip on you. A healthy fear is good, as long as it isn't paralyzing. Worry on the other hand is something else, try not to dwell on whatever it is (usually outside of your direct control) that causes this. Right now, at this moment you don't know exactly what you are fearing. Jack-knifing is the result of tractor or trailer traction loss and can be caused by many things. The least of which is a combination of excessive speed, inattentiveness, slippery surfaces, or an empty/light trailer. It's usually not one thing that causes a jack-knife situation but a combination of events and situations.

When you are learning how to drive and subsequently during more extensive road training you will be taught to recognize situations and conditions that could potentially cause loss of traction and quickly make adjustments to compensate. Practicing safe following distance, braking distance, safe operation during inclement weather, safe operation through construction zones, careful space management, anticipation skills, and consistent focus, you will realize that most jack-knife situations are avoidable. Staying out of trouble is the key to this. Try to take it one step at a time and not worry too much. It will drain your energy, cause distraction and worst case become the bane of your career.

You can flip your car and kill people too. What prevents that? Defensive driving.

I was intimidated about jk as well. Until I drove in WY. I was in 6th gear driving very slowly and maintain control. The guy behind me sped past me . Slid across the road and jk into the median grass. One night I was at Walmart and in the 3 hours I waited for my load the entire lot turned to ice. The trailer slid and I saw the word prime coming at me... I sped up just a little and got in front of it before the trailer hit a pole. Again... I was going slow enough that the trailer didn't have enough momentum to fly away.

Once u get out here and know what to do the worry goes away. The vigilance and observance doesnt. U always have to be aware of everything. Be prepared for that car at the red light gunning his engine or the kids and dog playing on the side of the road. I go way below speed limit in towns.. on interstate in mountains and fog. Screw the people behind me.. I put my hazards on and do what I think is safe. They can go around me. The difference between me and that guy flying by me in WY is that I now still have a job. I bet he lost his.. so was speeding worth it?

It's OK to be terrified. But don't be paralyzed. I thought of this yesterday when I drove in San Francisco for the first time. I had to block an intersection and cross a commuter rail line while backing in off the street. When I was done, I thought I might puke from the nerves. But I did it safely. Terrified not paralyzed.

Having enough sense to worry about it speaks volumes. You'll be fine. If you glance over stuff like that and don't think twice about it you might think of finding a different job. Lots of scary stuff that comes with this job but with training and experience you do what you can to avoid it.

Case in point... Lot lizards if it's an empty lot near but not at a truckstop in West Memphis either don't park there or don't answer the door😵

Thanks yall - ill refer to this thread often to keep me psyched (hopefully!).

And one little non driving tid bit. Years ago a friend told me that worrying is paying interest on a debt you havent taken. You have yet to get behind the wheel of a big rig. Read some training diaries. You will start with baby steps. The more you learn about defensive driving the better you will be. As I drive to and from work or for work, I am constantly trying to think like a truck driver. Thinking of what I have covered in The High Road Training. I increase my following distance. Look further ahead of me. And pay attention to the trucks I see every day. Good luck. I am looking forward to your post as a solo driver when you tell us you can't believe all that you were worried about.

And one little non driving tid bit. Years ago a friend told me that worrying is paying interest on a debt you havent taken. You have yet to get behind the wheel of a big rig. Read some training diaries. You will start with baby steps. The more you learn about defensive driving the better you will be. As I drive to and from work or for work, I am constantly trying to think like a truck driver. Thinking of what I have covered in The High Road Training. I increase my following distance. Look further ahead of me. And pay attention to the trucks I see every day. Good luck. I am looking forward to your post as a solo driver when you tell us you can't believe all that you were worried about.

*like. Especially the worry tid-bit.

I really wish I could just reach through my computer screen and get a group hug going...thank you tons for the support and encouragement to you all. I'll def. let yall know how tgings are going...*back to lurking* 😜