Holiday Travel.

[Tim Powell]

Hey Crew.
I've noticed an ugly pattern the last few weeks on the road. The drivers seem to be getting more aggressive and they are taking their frustrations out on the road.

Some of you know I have been quite vocal about our resent election and there are some things going on in our Great Nation I do not agree with, but that said the road is no place to take out your anger.

I've been an over the road truckdriver for 35 years and safely made it home every trip so far. Last week I had several close calls due to folks texting and what I believe was road-rage.

Even an old hot-head like me knows sometimes you simply take the next exit ramp and get out of the "pack". Go off the ramp, over the top and right back on and your all alone. Take a rest stop break and kick the tires but do not get in a "pissing-match" behind the wheel.

I'd much rather arrive a bit late than a lot dead! Think safe thoughts, somebody needs you alive! (maybe even me)

Trucker-Tim

[HingsingM37]

Amen Tim. On my commute not a week goes by where I do not have to swerve to avoid somebody drifting into my lane because they are texting. The other thing I can't stand is when the high speed lane is moving at 75, and that is still not fast enough for some. They ride the car in front of them two feet off the bumper when the cars ahead have no where to go.
It is getting like the road warrior out there..

[WarrenD]

Have noticed the same and we're still a week away from full moon; can't wait!!!
Lack of enforcement is one of the bigger reasons for this, in CT we have laws against texting and hand held cell phone use while driving. An enforcement campaign early this year really helped reduce the number of idiots but it was relaxed and I again see about 33% of the passing drivers using a phone in one way or another. Keeping this discussion relating to M-37s, it really scares me when I'm out in my M as I have enough to worry about keeping the truck under control, anticipating the need for stops, etc. I don't need to add the extra pucker factor brought on by morons not paying attention to their driving. We all know our trucks don't stop on a dime like modern vehicles.
As much as I'd like to hit the road this weekend, I'll likely stay home or very close to home. My wallet will appreciate it and my stress levels will likely be lower too.

[T. Highway]

Hi Tim,

On the same note our local PD demands we stay off the phone and keep your eyes on the road............but I can't even begin to tell you how many officers I see on a daily basis with a phone to their ear and drifting between lanes while doing it.

Bert

[Tim Powell]

You are correct Bert, the rules don't seem to apply to law-enforcement?

[w30bob]

Not to be a smart-ass.....but when have the rules EVER applied to law enforcement ??

regards,
bob

[Tim Powell]

Agreed!!

[T. Highway]

I also forgot to mention the coach bus drivers, they are always speeding and I've never seen one pulled over.

Bert

[Tim Powell]

I've been an over the road truckdriver for 35 years and never seen a bus pulled over?? I'm driving the wrong vehicles!! I used to pull tankers hauling haz-mat materials. Got stopped almost every day! Don't miss that much. (just the pay)

[Carter]

I also forgot to mention the coach bus drivers, they are always speeding and I've never seen one pulled over.

Bert

They don't get pulled over, they just turn over... or hit a bridge column and kill a bunch of people.