The American Driver

[HeadRush]

I've only been behind the wheel of a semi for a very short time, but it doesn't take that long to see that the skills of the Americans behind the wheel have seriously diminished. It will continue to decline for years to come until some politician wants to radically change things. I don't know why most people in cars would risk their lives just to save a few seconds. I really don't know why a driver would pass another driver and move into the right hand lane just mere feet in front of the truck he just passed. I keep telling myself that bad car drivers make even worse truck drivers, and it rings true everytime that I'm on the road.

I was wondering to myself if it would do any good to write a letter to my Secretary of State about starting up an aggressive ad campaign educating drivers about the dangers of cutting off trucks, tailgaiting, and leaving very little cushion space. The more I think about it, the more it seems like a useless idea, but I've got to try.

[ranger309]

Originally Posted by HeadRush

I've only been behind the wheel of a semi for a very short time, but it doesn't take that long to see that the skills of the Americans behind the wheel have seriously diminished. It will continue to decline for years to come until some politician wants to radically change things. I don't know why most people in cars would risk their lives just to save a few seconds. I really don't know why a driver would pass another driver and move into the right hand lane just mere feet in front of the truck he just passed. I keep telling myself that bad car drivers make even worse truck drivers, and it rings true everytime that I'm on the road.

I was wondering to myself if it would do any good to write a letter to my Secretary of State about starting up an aggressive ad campaign educating drivers about the dangers of cutting off trucks, tailgaiting, and leaving very little cushion space. The more I think about it, the more it seems like a useless idea, but I've got to try.

I've been diving these damn things we call trucks (not pickup-trucks, people!!!) since
78' and its only gotten worse, particularly after the 55MPH limit was lifted and the Gen X'ers hit the roads, never knowing how slow we older folk had to drive for 18 years.

American drivers are way too confident in thier driving skills and they take solace in the fact that air-bags, seat-belts and other safety devices will save them in a crash.

Fact is that the State DMV's in this country need the cash so we have people driving 4000 pounds of metal at 80 MPH and they are every bit a menace to society as that shooter at VT was, in fact, even worse, IMO.

No, I wouldnt count on any sweeping changes to occur anytime soon.

That would put officer joe and the states out of billions of dollars of cash and they wont allow it, same as they still allow tobacco to be sold even though its deadly as all hell.

Just wait till the Mexican steering wheel holders hit the roads in the thousands.

Oy vey, what a mess thats going to be on the roads.

"Follow the money" and you will never go wrong in this world, is my motto

[prezars]

I just got back from a 3 week vacation in south america and let me tell you driving here in the states is a walk in the park compared to what they do in other countries. But with that said I've been driving truck for 16yrs and I have noticed that people are getting more agressive and wreckless.There seldom is any kind of courtesy or kindness on the road anymore, but I think that this is a reflection on the changes thaking place in our society in general. I dont know the solution just the problem.

[ranger309]

Originally Posted by prezars

I just got back from a 3 week vacation in south america and let me tell you driving here in the states is a walk in the park compared to what they do in other countries. But with that said I've been driving truck for 16yrs and I have noticed that people are getting more agressive and wreckless.There seldom is any kind of courtesy or kindness on the road anymore, but I think that this is a reflection on the changes thaking place in our society in general. I dont know the solution just the problem.

I do.

Higher standards in driver testing. Medical screenings just like we go through to try weed out obvious drug users, drunks (liver tests can show who has been drinking alot) and people with medical conditions like Diabetes, same as we have.

All drivers over 65 annual eye/hand cordination examinations and DMV driving and written retest every two years, not five.

Using road tests like the CHP uses, not a simple walk in the park drive around town that most people can do easily.

Teaching drivers the Smith system and a little about the fact that they have to share the road with us too. Too many 4-wheelers think that we are a big threat when its really they who are the danger to themselves.

Cracking down on T/G'ing: One major thing I see daily is tailgating, and the cops doing nothing whatsoever about it at all, and that includes plenty of fellow truck drivers too, BTW.

Tailgating is as deadly or more as speeding and right up there with driving while impared.

None of this is going to happen soon ,or ever, but there you have it.

[str8 trucker]

hey prezars.is that full trucker effect from btls?if it is,ive been listening to him since 96.i was so glad when he came to serius

[HeadRush]

Originally Posted by ranger309

I do.

Higher standards in driver testing. Medical screenings just like we go through to try weed out obvious drug users, drunks (liver tests can show who has been drinking alot) and people with medical conditions like Diabetes, same as we have.

All drivers over 65 annual eye/hand cordination examinations and DMV driving and written retest every two years, not five.

Using road tests like the CHP uses, not a simple walk in the park drive around town that most people can do easily.

Teaching drivers the Smith system and a little about the fact that they have to share the road with us too. Too many 4-wheelers think that we are a big threat when its really they who are the danger to themselves.

Cracking down on T/G'ing: One major thing I see daily is tailgating, and the cops doing nothing whatsoever about it at all, and that includes plenty of fellow truck drivers too, BTW.

Tailgating is as deadly or more as speeding and right up there with driving while impared.

None of this is going to happen soon ,or ever, but there you have it.

Right with you on everything. I got a ticket for speeding away from a tailgater. I admit that it was a bit excessive, but after being rear-ended by a drunk driver at a toll booth and almost being ran into a ditch by someone with roadrage, I'd do it again. I tried the whole fear or flight theory, but it didn't work.