Truck Hate

Well, there are a lot of drivers driving dangerously on the roads, 4 and 18 wheels alike. The thing about being a truck driver, as I'm sure everyone already knows, is the risks and dangers are amplified. What bothers me more than truckers speeding in construction zones is truckers tailgating 4-wheelers or anything else. There simply isn't enough room to stop or navigate if something goes sideways. I have some long-held beliefs about fines and penalties for people who tailgate and speed. The current system doesn't go far enough. It needs to be more punitive. When a driver's behavior is that aggressive (trucker or otherwise, they're a menace to the road, a danger to the safety of the general public.

When I think about it, it's 2022; we have the technology to monitor and crack down on this type of aggressive driving without needing a patrol car to pull someone over. Why isn't the technology being used in every vehicle on the road? Don't get me wrong, I like my autonomy, but there needs to be a line drawn in the sand when a person's actions endanger the lives of innocent people. OK, I've probably said too much. Carry on...lol

Well, there are a lot of drivers driving dangerously on the roads, 4 and 18 wheels alike. The thing about being a truck driver, as I'm sure everyone already knows, is the risks and dangers are amplified. What bothers me more than truckers speeding in construction zones is truckers tailgating 4-wheelers or anything else. There simply isn't enough room to stop or navigate if something goes sideways. I have some long-held beliefs about fines and penalties for people who tailgate and speed. The current system doesn't go far enough. It needs to be more punitive. When a driver's behavior is that aggressive (trucker or otherwise, they're a menace to the road, a danger to the safety of the general public.

When I think about it, it's 2022; we have the technology to monitor and crack down on this type of aggressive driving without needing a patrol car to pull someone over. Why isn't the technology being used in every vehicle on the road? Don't get me wrong, I like my autonomy, but there needs to be a line drawn in the sand when a person's actions endanger the lives of innocent people. OK, I've probably said too much. Carry on...lol

I think the opposing argument can be made. Take all the tech out of vehicles, take its functionality away from drivers and stop giving away drivers licenses like the lick n stick tattoos from the Cracker Jack box. One thing I remember vividly about Germany was the training that went into achieving the privilege of driving. It was costly and extensive but they legitimately teach people how to drive, unlike here in the US where if you have a pulse, you can get a license. The distractions into todays automobiles and even in the trucks causes more people to be complacent when they should be paying attention.

I'll agree with you, Robert. I've said for years it's too easy to get a license AND a car to drive. Too many are out here doing most everything EXCEPT paying attention to what should be the highest priority: the safe operation of their own vehicle.

It used to cost thousands of dollars (German marks or Euros) in order to have a permit just to be on the Autobahn. Imagine if our Interstate systems were operated this way? How much less traffic? That was one great thing I saw from when the Covid stuff first began--very little traffic.

I totally 100% agree with Robert and PackRat!!!

It is no wonder 4 wheelers hate trucks, I'm in my personal car headed out of town on a trip today. Some Schinder truck is tailgating doing like 20 mph over the speedlight then switching lanes back and forth in a tight construction zone on 294. While he gets within a few feet of the car in front of him then quickly with not signal changes lanes next to us to pass a few cars only to cut back cutting off one of the cars he passed.

This really isn't anything new, I am afraid. I remember seeing truckers doing dumb things when I was a kid going on long distance trips with family.

I believe the age of instant information allows us to see things in greater saturation than ever. Also, there are more vehicles on the road than ever. There have always been idiots on the road, both in 4-wheels and in trucks. It's worth predicting that this will never change.

There are two sides to this coin. The majority of drivers, truck, car, pickups I encounter are smart, courteous drivers. Yes, there are always those who drive like brain dead zombies. I think it would be an interesting experiment for a driver to keep a count of how many different vehicles they encounter on an average day. Of those vehicles, how many would be considered operated by “bad” drivers? I don’t know the answer to this, but I intend to conduct a scientific study. I’m sure the FMSCA will give me a substantial grant for this study. Tomorrow will not be an average day for me, but maybe the next day I will conduct the initial study. I will report the results

Lol, like my best bud for last 55 years, he and his wife don't like my driving, and he especially, tries to back seat drive up front.... He makes me nervous when he just does that crap. THEN I ask them BOTH, "And how many accidents have you 2 had in your life, to my NONE?? lol I been driving since 16, and even then, my head was on swivel, watching everything, and everyone around me, or coming my direction. Almost to pshyic ability, guessing what they might do, before they actually DID just that move I anticipated. Or I've just been lucky in that aspect. Yesterday, I went to buy a 4x4 suzuki suv. Man oh man were my nerves on edge driving thru these little villages with narrow roads. Dogs everywhere, people and scooters too. taking it slow passing thru so not to hit anyone or thing lol....The dogs are smart though, they lay on the side of the road, or if in the middle they will get up and move as you approach them.

Luckily I made it home safely to this mountain compound lol There is really NO traffic control here, everyone just goes where they want, cross right in front of you or U-turn on scooters in front of you lol crazy stuff. I wont be doing too much driving here just for needed errands in the bigger towns/cities. Next week it's off to immigration for next extension, that 22 km drive each way is gunna be fun (NOT)

With all of the distractions and the gradual change in our culture?

This situation has gotten worse. I see no end in sight; the symptoms are constantly addressed, but never the cause.

Too easy to get a license. Too easy to get a CDL. Too easy to blame the trucks. Too many drivers who should not be holding the wheel.

With all of the distractions and the gradual change in our culture?

This situation has gotten worse. I see no end in sight; the symptoms are constantly addressed, but never the cause.

Too easy to get a license. Too easy to get a CDL. Too easy to blame the trucks. Too many drivers who should not be holding the wheel.

How is it easier to get a license now than in the past? I ask in seriousness because you mention things getting worse and then mention that it's too easy to get a license. Perhaps you were not trying to draw any sort of connection. I would rather ask and be informed than assume and be ignorant.

The biggest change in the last 10 years is training on automatic transmissions. Failing shifting was a big washout. So they eliminated that.

The third party testers has been a point of contention in some states. Schools should not be in the business of doing state exams. It can and has allowed some to pass folks that otherwise would not have passed.

I for one was glad to see the new requirements that came into effect 2-7-22. It helps standardize several things, that were not before.