Overcoming Fear

About a year ago, I got in an accident with a trailer truck, it was a small one, like a box truck but it was signaling right, and I was in the right lane. When I noticed that his wheels was going close to me I honked, and kept thinking but instead he ran into me and kept going. Luckily, I got his plates. I see it too often that it leads to accidents, even deaths. But, if I'm driving a company vehicle could I buy a blind spot mirror for the semi or truck whatever that I'm driving?

I remember years ago when I was younger, my little brother pushed me off a 6ft pool and ever since then I'm scared to go swimming. I just don't want this to cloud my mind that I'm going to get in an accident but it's much worse to get an a accident with a company vehicle than your own car. Especially the damage and how much would be liable for.

But yeah, I'm planning to go to school on Saturday and I really want to get my CDL as I could have a long term career. But I don't want the past to effect my future... thank you.

About a year ago, I got in an accident with a trailer truck, it was a small one, like a box truck but it was signaling right, and I was in the right lane. When I noticed that his wheels was going close to me I honked, and kept thinking but instead he ran into me and kept going. Luckily, I got his plates. I see it too often that it leads to accidents, even deaths. But, if I'm driving a company vehicle could I buy a blind spot mirror for the semi or truck whatever that I'm driving?

I remember years ago when I was younger, my little brother pushed me off a 6ft pool and ever since then I'm scared to go swimming. I just don't want this to cloud my mind that I'm going to get in an accident but it's much worse to get an a accident with a company vehicle than your own car. Especially the damage and how much would be liable for.

But yeah, I'm planning to go to school on Saturday and I really want to get my CDL as I could have a long term career. But I don't want the past to effect my future... thank you.

Harry, this is EXACTLY why we recommend company paid/sponsored training!!!! What if, after you dump 2k or 4k or MORE into your 'cdl school' and you are not 'hireable' due to your past?????? It happens, sadly, and often.

I'm not sure if the peeps on here have offered you this (or maybe 'I' EVEN HAVE!)

Best place to start is : (like so....)

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Paid CDL Training Programs

Too tired to do the 'bullet points' .. but you get the concept!!

Why wouldn't you go THIS ^^^ route ?!?

And.......to double check yourself, and see if you really CAN do this, our starter pack, like so:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Best wishes, either way~

~ Anne ~

If you're driving you don't have to buy any mirrors, modern semis have 3 mirrors on each side. In combination they all but eliminate any blind spots. Basically the only place I cannot see is behind my trailer.

Most modern trucks will have on each aide your standard large flat mirror with a convex wide angle mirror below it, plus a convex wide angle mirror set out on the corners of your hood. Set those mirrors up appropriately and you can see anything along side your truck easily.

I have three thoughts for you, Harry:

There's an old saying, "Git back on the horse ya fell off of." The point is, manage your fear by facing it. Also, accidents can be a great teacher of you get back on your horse.

True, there are the mirrors on each side of your truck, but there are a couple of places it's hard to see. If you don't pay attention to your driving the only blind spots will be in your head. You can watch the cars as they drive near you and remember the ones that slide into your blind areas. Then watch for them as they reappear.

Great move to watch the other car's wheels! Those wheels are the best indicator of movement.

Harry, I second what Errol says. Also, I was taught, then trained, to check my mirrors every so many seconds. I do it so often I wonder what the time ratio is to my looking out the windshield.

Take all the advice. But don’t give up out of fear. Fear WANTS to keep you down.

Your awareness can be used to push you forward to success.

👍