Don't Forget Those Brakes

I was at a truck stop on i79 exit 1 in pa last night just talking to ace when a truck came rolling out of a spot slowly,no big deal ya say I thought the same along with hey I can park there and not be in anyone's way when all of a sudden here comes a driver running beside the truck,I then realized the drivers door was open,yep he got out and forgot to set his brakes it could have been disastrous for it was headed for an access rd.he caught it before it exited the truck stop and got it back under control.

I post this not for some or all to say what an idiot,but instead to learn from another's rookie mistake for ya got to take ur time out here and start important habits like this one I will not let off the brake pedal nor touch my logs till those brakes are set.think before saying well I'm hungry and load needs checked,if ya have to write a checklist for urself.

Like I said this could have been worse it could have been a steeper downgrade or both with someone walking though at the wrong time,there's a lot of what ifs but only one responsible person in control.

Yeah, I had a wonderful awakening about 3 a.m. one time when a guy's truck rolled down the slight incline of the parking lot and slammed into me. Smashed the holy baloney out of the front end. Worst wreck I was ever in and I was asleep in a parking lot in my bed.

That's the thing with trucking - it only takes one moment of inattention. You really have to stay focused and be aware of everything that's going on. It's easy to get caught up in arguments with dispatch or trouble back home or a million other things that will distract you out there. But you have to keep your wits about you and remain aware at all times.

Yes, this happened to me. I remember that day like yesterday. The year was 1995 and I was with my trainer Steve (Great Guy). Well we just happened to deliver a load in So. Cal were my wife and i were living at the time. So I was excited and all and we were parking near my apt, and Steve was outside guiding and i jumped out to check without setting the brake. Man Steve jumped in, set the brake and began to chew my butt something fierce. The truck rolled a few feet, "Always Set The Brake" he yelled. I let him down and that always stayed with me. I learned from it and we finished and had a great time. Every few days he would Bark "Dinners on me tonight", great guy.