I am a woman , I've been driving Big Rigs solo for 14 years Coast to Coast . My truck and Trailer at a empty weight is 33,500 lbs . When I have a load on I average 63,000 to a gross weight of 80,000 lbs . Yes when I pull hills I slow down its like when you eat alot do you run up the stairs with a full belly ? I admire the state of Michigan they advertise on their bill boards the safety around 18 wheelers and our blind spots . Michigan also holds seminars where people can sit in the Big Rigs and see how many cars that are lined up next to them through the mirrors. Please everyone give us Big Rigs room out there , we have families too .
2007-01-10 15:42:54 · 17 answers · asked by Third Gear 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
I believe that most are simply oblivious to just how different a big rig is to even the largest SUV or pick up. When one has no frame of reference to draw from they often fail to consider the forces in play, because; they are unaware of those forces. Educating the general public with programs like the ones you mentioned is certainly a step in the right direction.
2007-01-10 15:56:21 · answer #1 · answered by Den_Rode_Bjornen_Losener 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, a lot of people fail to learn about the physics that act on their vehicle. Too many hours sitting on the couch with the video game, I suppose. They fail to take into account that lateral g-forces will pull the car off the road in a turn. That water is a good lubricant for rubber, brakes don't work well on ice and that 80,000 lbs wins against 2500 lbs. Let's play paper-scissors-truck. Truck wins.
People under-estimate the passing ability of their vehicles up steep grades, and over-estimate their own abilities. They over-estimate the braking abilities of their vehicles or that there may be some substance on the road that could affect that braking ability. They also figure that you have a big truck with big brakes and can stop as quickly as their Geo Metro.
I rode a motorcycle for a long time and realized that most car drivers didn't realize that I could stop about ten times faster than they could. However, I did not forget it and tried to give tailgaters lots of room to pass.
And there are some people that just don't want to share the road at all, much less with a big rig. They are willing to put their life on the line (and yours) for their opinion. Too bad, as removing themselves from the gene pool requires the assistance of a truck driver.
2007-01-11 01:14:01 · answer #2 · answered by Bruce H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think there is no logical answer for that behavior, but I see it a lot. I saw someone cut a truck driver off once and a while down the road, that truck and two others boxed that car in and taught him a little lesson.... big rig style. I admire you for what you do. I could never drive all those miles. It takes a tough breed of human being to do it. And I, for one, salute any woman who can handle the road. Here's to you! Sa-Lute!
2007-01-10 23:58:26 · answer #3 · answered by sweet_wretch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because of road dominance. The truck usually is intended to be on the right of way and should have about a clearance of 50 feet or so. Since teens, being who they are and not knowing, take the chance to piss off truckers. THEY EVEN DO THE SAME THING WITH TRAINS....... FREAKING TRAIN MAN!!!!
2007-01-13 22:13:08 · answer #4 · answered by Drift King 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people just don't realize the time it takes for a big truck to stop. this goes for all you jersey drivers. just drive don't read a book, play on your laptop, or what ever you do when you are suppose to be drivivng. give the trucks some room.
2007-01-10 23:51:34 · answer #5 · answered by Jason W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just got my Class B to drive dumps,oil trucks,etc and my instructor told me that "nobody likes being behind the fat guy" I thought that was a good analogy.
2007-01-10 23:48:45 · answer #6 · answered by Mr Bellows 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
we play chicken with you guys in the big rigs so we can fight back for a small pice of the road. you truckers drive like the road belongs to you.
2007-01-10 23:55:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
IT'S NOT JUST YOU AND YOUR TRUCK. I THINK MOST PEOPLE USE THEIR SIDE MIRROR AND IT SAYS RIGHT ON IT THAT THINGS ARE CLOSER THAN THEY LOOK. I'VE TRAVELED A LOT OF THE STATES AND IT'S THE SAME EVERYWHERE. GUESS PEOPLE THINK THINGS ONLY HAPPEN TO OTHERS. I TRY TO TELL PEOPLE TO JUST USE THEIR MIRROR ON THE WINDOW AND FORGET ABOUT THE SIDE MIRROR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR.
2007-01-10 23:49:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you figure this one out, Please let me know!!! do they really think bigger tires =stop quicker?
let me add my favorite== talking on the phone going 25 mph in the middle lane of a 65 mph highway.
2007-01-10 23:51:51 · answer #9 · answered by dzwomper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't know they did, and would assume if they do they have an immediate death wish of some kind. Must be just plain nuts.
2007-01-10 23:47:42 · answer #10 · answered by mld m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋