I Asked About Mountain Driving Before Here Is The Reason Why

We were on a trip a few years back in a rented 40 food diesel motorhome towng our car going to Florida and did go in the smokie mountains misting outsid a little foggy and a tractor trailer flew by us like a bat out of you know what. About ten minutes later we were coming down a grade slowly and around a curve and there he was on his side slammed into the mountain. He was standing outside his truck on a cell phone. Sorry but I did not feel sorry for him, at the rate of speed he passed us up going down the hill in the misty foggy weather it was bound to happen. Thank god he was not hurt but bet his pride was laying on his side both trainer and truck smashed into the mountain side.

And out here in Phoenis going up to flagstaff and coming down I dont even like parts of camp verde in the car some truckers go by me 80 miles an hour down hill and I wonder all the time is that normal they just know how or what. I just know I would not feel comfortable flying down hills at those speeds.

thanks again for answering me Ron

Ron, that trucker who ended up on his side could have lost his braking due to brake failure or maybe his brakes burnt out. We can't assume that he ended up on his side because of recklessness, that might be the case but it also could have happened due to things out of his control.

Also, you must remember that you're the driver and you control the speed of your vehicle. No one is forcing you to go down a mountain at 70 mph. The decision is up to you. Just because these drivers did/do it doesn't mean you have to. Take mountains slowly.

I understand what you say maybe something happened to cause it but I assure you the conditions were nasty that night and he flew unbelievably fast by us. I was glad he did not get hurt but is was scary to see it. Also as you point out just because others feel safe flying down the hills does nto mean I have to your are correct as you state a driver is captain of his own ship. I most likely would be the one they laugh at passing me up going like a turtle down them. I just hate being the laughing stock on the road lol. thanks Ron

Ron lemme ask you something? Do you know the names of all the people driving down the road? Have you ever met them all? No you haven't so who cares if they are laughing at you or whatever else, you have never met them and will never see them again once they go by you. Just because you decide to be safe or take something slower because of your comfort level doesn't mean you are the laughing stock on the road, it means you are safe and cautious driver.

First night I'm with my trainer I'm in Rockwall, Tx at the TA of 30 I think. Anyways, anyone who has been there knows that there is an exit ramp from the highway is about 50 yards from the truck exit. I sat there for 15 minutes till there was enough room and I was comfortable enough to pull out. My mentors cb was on and I was hearing it from the drivers behind me but did I care? No. Have I ever seen them again since that night? No. When I am behind the wheel that's my life I hold in my hands plus whoever is around me, I'm going to do what im comfortable with even if I do go a little slower and somebody decides to tell me I'm number 1.

Logan said it right.....When TSB was training me, we HAD to run, cuz we had truck payments to make. But TSB told me to drive at the speed I was comfortable at, and ignore whoever flew by, honked, or commented on the cb. And thats what I did....there were times that I'd drive across NE at 60 mph...just cuz my nerves needed a rest. As I gained more confidence, I got "off the porch" like a good puppy and ran with the big dogs..and out ran some of the big dogs !! But you have to get that confidence before you don't want to put your life, and everyone else's on the line.

Logan is absolutely right. You are the captain of the 80,000 pound 6 story building that is hurling down the road. Drive how you were taught and how you are comfortable. I was taught to take turns in 4th gear or lower, I STILL do it because taking a turn faster is not going to get me anywhere faster except in a ditch. Like Star said as well, who cares what the people around you are saying, pointing, laughing, whatever... none of it matters. All that matters is that you get home alive.