Saturday started out as a good day. Rosie was purring & shining beautifully as we rolled up i15 in Utah and Eastbound into Wyoming. Unfortunately by the time I got to Wamsutter WY the roads went to hell and my worst fears were realized: Rosie was about to get dirty once again. She’s actually black right now as I write this.
Anyway I came upon this accident that day, and after passing numerous trucks that were bunched up in groups, truck after truck after truck, I thought this would be a good time to broach the subject of safety on the road.
I was not around when the accident in the above photo happened, but I did hear when I stopped at the truck stop that the driver was tangled up with another truck. Whether that’s what happened or not, who knows. What I do know is that I had a couple of drivers yell at me for passing them more than once on Saturday in the sloppy, slushy, icy roads of Wyoming. What I told them and what I will tell you is if the lead truck messes up, that whole bunch of trucks behind the first truck are going to have their hands full and possibly be involved in whatever happens next, and I want no part in the mess.
One thing I find humorous whenever I hit bad roads is that, in this day and age when most people do not trust anyone, a good share of drivers will, when they come upon a slow vehicle that is going actually too slow for the road conditions, all of a sudden trust this drivers judgement with their life and bunch up behind them refusing to get into the second lane and pass.
It seems that this lead driver all of a sudden makes all decisions and no one in the following vehicles has a brain.
I always wonder, do they think that all of a sudden the second lane is going to swallow them up? That the second lane has really disappeared on them or that the roadway has all of a sudden gotten smaller? Then I go on to wonder if any of the other vehicle drivers have considered that the driver may be inexperienced, may be empty or light, or maybe has never driven in such conditions and should not be out on the road no way, no how. And yet, here they are trusting this drivers judgement.
I don’t care if you are driving a car, pick up or semi truck the best advice I can give to you is stay by yourself and give yourself plenty of room around you.
One thing I have learned over the years that I feel has kept me safe and kept my truck out of the ditch is that I stay far, far away from others (and usually far ahead of others) on the highways when the roads go to hell. I have had many, many times over the years where I was driving on pure ice or pushing snow with my bumper and I can say that any time I lost traction I stayed on the roadway because of how I reacted or the fact that I did not OVERREACT. Here are a few more suggestions:
- Know your vehicle
- Know the road conditions before you leave
- Do not over use your brakes!
- Keep plenty of room around you
- Turn your radio off so you can hear what your motor is doing
- Hang onto the steering wheel with one hand loosely so that you’re not overcorrecting
- Drive GENTLY. Everything you do on icy or snowy roads will affect how your vehicle handles. Move slowly. Turn slowly. Brake slowly. Doing any of the above suddenly can cause your vehicle to spin out of control whether it be a loaded semi or a pick up.
- Most importantly: Get off the road if you are that uncomfortable because YOU become the hazard!
About Bethany
one of the reasons I used to like running during the night when I was driving and running westcoast, the drawback to that at times had something happened it could have been hours before help arrived some of the roads I ran. too often drivers are bunched up so close that if something happens they are screwed, makes person wonder what happened to safe following distances and driving in inclement weather.
you stay safe out there girl, take care,E-huggss
WildKrazyTeddybear
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ME THIS IS WHAT WORKS FOR ME… in all my years of Driving there is only bout 4 people I will travel with for more than half hour or so in any conditions……….. If ya travelling with someone for any length of time one of you is holding the other up………..Only times you should be travelling with someone is 1 you both have similar spec trucks similar driving styles n similar weights 2 one of you is talking one out of a daze to snap them outta midway boredom/fatigue as a road safety thing get them to rest stop/coffee 3 if one has been broken down and you tagging along a little way to make sure they ok…………The End
Amen, especially the reminder to turn off the noise (radio, music, whatever) and really listen to your vehicle and the road. That is only way the driver can really know what her/his vehicle is doing. The only caveat to that is that sometimes I play quiet music to break up the monotony if it’s snowing and I am getting mesmerized by the snowflakes.
I have seen plenty of pile ups in the ditch because cars/trucks were all travelling ‘together’ and now are in mess ‘together’. Like Ross, I only trust a few people to drive or ride with in difficult driving situations, and then would only travel in a group if it necessary.
That is why I like driving a parking lot. They are low to the ground and heavy even empty. I drove a lot in Northern Michigan & Wisconson. Never was in the ditch.
oh my gosh……..amen on everything you just wrote especially the bit about bunching up. The way you drive is exactly the way my ex taught me and yes, I’ve been yelled at quite often for passing too. Can’t tell you the number of times that he was told the same thing only to find out on at least 2 occasions bad accidents had later occurred with the guys who were driving all packed up.
I’m glad I’m not alone Gabby! You would think they would figure it out but it never seems to happen!
Good blog Bethany !
You made many great suggestions! Please let me add……travel at a pace in which YOU feel comfortable with your capabilities and concentrate on the screw ups that are going to happen up ahead of you.Be super leery of big name rookie outfits because chances are there is a set of white knuckles and a whole bunch of inexperience setting behind the wheel.Like it or not, if you have little experience, stay in the truck stop. Learn how to brake and jake without losing traction and if your trailer goes to doing the watusi, know how to correct the situation without over reacting. There is never time to think about what should I do…… Reactions should be instant and without hesitation. That’s the difference between staying on the road or hitting the bar ditch! DO NOT putt-putt in the hammer lane….get er done and get over !!!! Keep on trucking…..hell yes!!!!
You couldn’t have said it any better Doug!
Dont forget, your truck will tell ya when you are driving to fast!
Very True Joe and I agree totally!
These are great tips, Bethany. Having good judgement and listening to your instincts are what keeps drivers safe. Safe travels!
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Even if I am reading this during summer, these are still great and practical tips! Driving for long hours during winter can be dangerous. You’ll never know what dangers that lie ahead of you. Do take care and stay focus while on the road. For a comfortable ride, please feel free to check my site as we sell grammer seats and other high quality truck seats in the market.