Almost Got Rear Ended Driving Training Truck

Had a 4 wheeler riding me like a dirty diaper the other day. Flat and level running about 62, 10 of my dot bumper. Slow down to 55, still didn't pass. So I come to a steep grade and gravity works it's magic. At 45 hit the flashers and he is still back there. Finally at 32 he gets the hint and passes. The under whelming mental acuity of some folks still to this day astounds me.

I don't seem to be tailgated much, what happens to me much more is moving into the left lane to allow traffic on. They speed up and trap me in the left lane by sitting even with my bumper. I'll slow down so they pass and I can get behind them but then they decide to slow down and hang out on the side of me. USUALLY turning on my turn signal and moving to where I'm closer to the center line (while still staying in current lane) gets them to speed off. I admit it isnt the most professional thing but it really irks me when I'm trying to be courteous and give them space to merge on then they're idiots. It only happens when I'm running against the governor, otherwise I'll speed up to 70 from the 65 I usually have cruise set at and then drop back down after im back over.

I'd be interested to know how others handle this occurence. I cant slow down too much because then I risk really getting stuck in that lane as everyone passes me on the right.

I’ve had two four wheelers pass me on the left shoulder.

I find it amusing. Especially when a few minutes later I catch up to them at an off ramp, or they have to stop to pee and then have to pass me again later on.

Just ignore them.

I dont deal with tailgaters a lot. Usually on two lane roads though where it is difficult to pass. The times I most often get rude gestures is on the interstate while moving over for emergency vehicles on the shoulder. I guess the car drivers get mad when they are forced to slow down for 5 seconds until I get back over. I'm amazed at how often a car will try to pass on the right side in these situations. They are oblivious to the fact that there is a vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder.

Old School... I believe your "off topic" is very relevant information for new drivers. Scams such as a 4 wheeler claiming you hit them, or in your case, claiming something fell your truck and trying to get you to pull over are increasingly common these days. Cars targeting truckers are on the rise and I believe you were being targeted by scammers.

Your response was perfect. For new drivers, never ever pull over for a 4 wheeler trying to signal you to stop. Its just not safe. Call law enforcement (911) if you need too or pull into an open scale house.

I'd be interested to know how others handle this occurence. I cant slow down too much because then I risk really getting stuck in that lane as everyone passes me on the right.

Probably get some flack for this, but I very rarely leave my lane for merging four wheelers. Lane changing was one of our biggest causes of accidents, so I use throttle control instead. If the car coming down will reach the dotted lines before me, I let off the throttle a bit and they merge in front of me. If I’m going to get to the dotted line before them, I keep on it and they can work in behind me. If it’s a steady flow off the ramp, traffic is probably too busy to get over anyway, or I’m already in the next lane over because it’s three or more lanes and they can work themselves in around me. I will get over for trucks though, though I often just fall in behind them too since they’re usually faster than me anyway.

AndHe.. I do the same. West Side has been my only company and when I was in orientation, they preached "live in your lane". More accidents do indeed happen during lane changes so they're big on "no unnecessary lane changes ". If people think I'm an ass.. i really don't care. I haul lots of forklifts and tall paper rolls so it's not generally safe for me to be whipping in and out of various lanes.

For any new drivers who are interested, my company has a YouTube video that's titled West Side Transport Road Test. Its about 30 minutes long but it basically is describing the Smith system and its how we are expected to drive.