How fast have you driven in your Ranger?

[D Fresh]

what makes you so special?
most states, your included, have laws about left and right lane use.
you are required by law, "suggestions" from other drivers are a moot point.
What gives you the right to care about someone else wanting past you? they have just as much a right to operate their vehicle at their chosen speed and placement as you think you do.

when others believe they own the road, with some special self appointed rights, road rage escalates.


https://blog.firsttimedriver.com/blog/slow-left-lane-driving-laws-and-dangers/

https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00721.htm

Dude!

He's an ex truck driver. I've talked to enough of them to know that they are always the MOST safe drivers.

I've also seen enough of them to know that's bullshit. Including the one who turned right out of the left lane, totalling my Escape, only to ask "didn't you see my blinker?"

Taking road safety advice from a truck driver is like taking gun safety advice from a police officer.

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[Chris M]

Dude!

He's an ex truck driver. I've talked to enough of them to know that they are always the MOST safe drivers.

I've also seen enough of them to know that's bullshit. Including the one who turned right out of the left lane, totalling my Escape, only to ask "didn't you see my blinker?"

Taking road safety advice from a truck driver is like taking gun safety advice from a police officer.

You're quite right. Taking road safety advice from ANYONE is a bad idea in general, because as legally licensed drivers we are already supposed to KNOW the "rules of the road"...which is why we have to pass tests to get our licenses.

I'm not dispensing any road safety advice other than to know the rules of the road in your particular state or country, and to obey them, and not to let others dictate what you do or do not do (unless you find yourself in some kind of emergency situation) with your vehicle. If it's not safe, don't do it and don't let anyone else intimidate you into doing something you know is not safe. All I can tell you is that's how I was able to go so long without a chargeable accident or tickets.

 

[D Fresh]

You're quite right. Taking road safety advice from ANYONE is a bad idea in general, because as legally licensed drivers we are already supposed to KNOW the "rules of the road"...which is why we have to pass tests to get our licenses.

I'm not dispensing any road safety advice other than to know the rules of the road in your particular state or country, and to obey them, and not to let others dictate what you do or do not do (unless you find yourself in some kind of emergency situation) with your vehicle. If it's not safe, don't do it and don't let anyone else intimidate you into doing something you know is not safe. All I can tell you is that's how I was able to go so long without a chargeable accident or tickets.

I'm not gonna argue most of your points as they are good ones.

However, others should ALWAYS dictate what you do on the road. The whole point of having rules of the road is in order to get along with others. If it weren't for "others" there would be no need for rules at all.

Your statement is common for truck drivers though. It is likely this "I'm the only one on the road that matters" attitude that leads to poor driving.

A perfect example of truck drivers not caring about others that I see all the time here.

Traveling a multilane highway approaching two semis nut to butt in the right lane. Signal and move left to pass safely. Usually the rear driver waits until you're about 5 ft behind him to decide he wants to drive .32 mph faster than the lead truck and jumps into your lane. Unsafe, illegal, and uncourteous. All because you're the most important person on the road and "no one dictates what I do."

How did I know that "I'm the safest driver alive, how else would I have driven xx years without an accident," was coming next?

I can assure you that it had nothing to with the fact you were driving a 75,000 pound machine that peoe look out for and avoid.

Truck drivers do an important, hard, job. I just don't get the arrogance. In general I find the most arrogant people to have the least to offer.

 

[Chris M]

I'm not gonna argue most of your points as they are good ones.

However, others should ALWAYS dictate what you do on the road. The whole point of having rules of the road is in order to get along with others. If it weren't for "others" there would be no need for rules at all.

Your statement is common for truck drivers though. It is likely this "I'm the only one on the road that matters" attitude that leads to poor driving.

A perfect example of truck drivers not caring about others that I see all the time here.

Traveling a multilane highway approaching two semis nut to butt in the right lane. Signal and move left to pass safely. Usually the rear driver waits until you're about 5 ft behind him to decide he wants to drive .32 mph faster than the lead truck and jumps into your lane. Unsafe, illegal, and uncourteous. All because you're the most important person on the road and "no one dictates what I do."

How did I know that "I'm the safest driver alive, how else would I have driven xx years without an accident," was coming next?

I can assure you that it had nothing to with the fact you were driving a 75,000 pound machine that peoe look out for and avoid.

Truck drivers do an important, hard, job. I just don't get the arrogance. In general I find the most arrogant people to have the least to offer.

I am sorry you seem to find me arrogant. Many people find me that way simply because I'm not afraid to often state my case in absolutes as they pertain to me.

I would urge you not to paint all truckers current and former with that arrogance brush. Not all of us ARE safe driveres (we have all seen those drivers of which you spoke--passing at inopportune times with inconvenient speeds as well as tailgating and trying to intimidate people into "getting out of the way"), and that is unfortunate for the motoring public--but most truckers are very safe drivers indeed. I would venture to guess that statistically truckers are safer than automobile operators when measured per capita in an apples-to-apples comparison of drivers/miles driven. If I'm wrong, so be it, as I can only speak for my personal driving habits and those of the drivers I've associated with over the years.

A good driver, trucker or otherwise, is always to be aware of his/her surroundings. To an extent you are right in that in our awareness of others we make adjustments to what we are doing in order to remain relatively safe (slowing down for accidents, poor road/driving conditions...moving away from unsafe driver activity--things like that). I'm not sure how this part of good driving (which will be covered in any student driver's handbook) will have any bearing upon the original assumption which sent this thread so far sideways that people will get "run over" by not increasing their speed past legal limits. Good/safe drivers just don't do that, and they certainly don't do that when operating a vehicle at +/- 80,000 lbs (or even at 4,000 lbs in a persona vehicle).

I will happily stand on my original assertion that I do not succumb to any pressures on the roadway to "get out of the way" just because someone behind me is wanting to move faster than I am willing to go. If I'm already living in the right lane, there's just no reason for me to change what I'm doing. The only exception to that is obviously to get out of the way of first responders. I'm quite happy to hit the shoulder for them. You make of that attitude what you will.

 

[D Fresh]

I am sorry you seem to find me arrogant. Many people find me that way simply because I'm not afraid to often state my case in absolutes as they pertain to me.

I would urge you not to paint all truckers current and former with that arrogance brush. Not all of us ARE safe driveres (we have all seen those drivers of which you spoke--passing at inopportune times with inconvenient speeds as well as tailgating and trying to intimidate people into "getting out of the way"), and that is unfortunate for the motoring public--but most truckers are very safe drivers indeed. I would venture to guess that statistically truckers are safer than automobile operators when measured per capita in an apples-to-apples comparison of drivers/miles driven. If I'm wrong, so be it, as I can only speak for my personal driving habits and those of the drivers I've associated with over the years.

A good driver, trucker or otherwise, is always to be aware of his/her surroundings. To an extent you are right in that in our awareness of others we make adjustments to what we are doing in order to remain relatively safe (slowing down for accidents, poor road/driving conditions...moving away from unsafe driver activity--things like that). I'm not sure how this part of good driving (which will be covered in any student driver's handbook) will have any bearing upon the original assumption which sent this thread so far sideways that people will get "run over" by not increasing their speed past legal limits. Good/safe drivers just don't do that, and they certainly don't do that when operating a vehicle at +/- 80,000 lbs (or even at 4,000 lbs in a persona vehicle).

I will happily stand on my original assertion that I do not succumb to any pressures on the roadway to "get out of the way" just because someone behind me is wanting to move faster than I am willing to go. If I'm already living in the right lane, there's just no reason for me to change what I'm doing. The only exception to that is obviously to get out of the way of first responders. I'm quite happy to hit the shoulder for them. You make of that attitude what you will.

Just to be be clear that last paragraph wasn't pointed at you specifically. It was certainly a generalization, which I agree isn't always the best thing to do. But I'm human, and as I said I haven't had any good experiences with truckers.

I'd bet your statistical assertion is true. Surely by miles driven truckers, and other professional drivers must come out to be the safest. How much the drivers themselves play into that could possibly be debated though.

Regardless, most of us, professional or not, are nowhere near as safe as we think we are. Constant vigilance is necessary to avoid becoming complacent. I have a tendency to tailgate slower drivers, I'm good about watching it now but some people don't figure it out without a hint.

That being said, your original point holds water. Although I will add that many roads have speed minimums, and at the the least impeding traffic is unsafe and illegal. Not saying you, but some people, 45mph even in the right lane of an interstate, flat landers with a mile long string of cars backed up in the mountains on a two lane, etc., need to get off the road.

I'm just as guilty of bringing attitude to the conversation, we're good. As a "professional" driver myself I just feel like every driver on the road could stand to be brought down a peg or two regarding our attitudes about our own level of safety. Obviously including myself here.

 

[D Fresh]

i'll give you that, i did make that assumption
the reason being is that's generally the only lane where that behaviours happens where i drive.

yes, ass-hats are everywhere, and I am one of them sometimes.

the point being, when i did my drivers training way back in the dark ages when there were no airbags, i was taught the left lane is for passing (conveniently I am always passing) but I was also taught to take the lane of least resistance.
what that means is pick a lane that is safest for you.
examples, not following a vehicle you cant see past.
not following a car that might be losing parts or cargo.
dont follow someone close if you can be in another lane with no obstacles in front of you etc etc.

interestingly, its not just whats in front of you.
I'll change lanes if theres a dump truck behind me.
I'll go over a lane to let a faster vehicle past
i'll take the lane with less pot holes.

if my speed is too slow, i recognise this because others are passing on the right, so i get into the lane thats more suitable for my speed and that speed is variable every single day. I've been 140kmh in the left lane and moved over because the rest are going 150. Other times 120 feels like I am blowing the others into the ditch. welcome to the 400 series highways in ontario and Hwy1 in BC. they are a blast.

basically I stay aware of the whole 360 scenario around me. i dont like being impeded by others, therefore i try to never impede anyone else. I dont know their circumstances.

What I wont do is give an ass-hat driver a free pass. If i see you coming up, weaving through traffic like a dick, i will close that door on you. the traffic is flowing at a safe speed, no one needs you cutting in and out of lanes.
I also wont move out of the way if the lane i am in is jammed anyways. whats the point? again the flow of traffic is only going so fast.

its a dicey place to navigate these days.
covid has everyone on edge and ready to murder someone cuz they put a mask on and asked for 6 ft of space in the mall.

With you 100% on this.

Especially the 360° scan. It's possible to drive both safe and courteous, and the more courteous we are we actually become more safe.

We're all just trying to get somewhere if we can stay out of each others' way, and follow the rules (mostly) we'll all get there safe, sound, and at the speed in which we want to.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

George Carlin:

You ever notice how everyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and everyone driving faster than you is a maniac?

 

[XLT and me]

D fresh, you are so wrong. I can already tell by your posts that you are likely a horrible operator of vehicles(note i didn't say driver) as are just about 90% of the public, including those posting in this thread. Are there lousy truck drivers? Sure, but they get weeded out pretty quick, while people who rode around the bock with a retired gym coach for a couple weeks to get there license are woefully lacking in any real skills. Most truck/car accidents are caused by the car operator, not the big truck. That is why most truck drivers and companies are running dash cams. You don't know what you don't know. I think we should totally revamp our driver education system, with real extensive training and real consequences for jackasses.I have been a trainer and driving instructor, and have attended several accredited courses and training to further teach and learn. I have over 1.5 million safe driving miles and taught many others to drive, who went on to have great safety records, how about you? To me, most people have the skill of a 5 year old girl in her barbie car, and i have to deal with this nonsense on a daily basis. Mods feel free to delete my account, i have no use to be here anymore.

 

[D Fresh]

D fresh, you are so wrong. I can already tell by your posts that you are likely a horrible operator of vehicles(note i didn't say driver) as are just about 90% of the public, including those posting in this thread. Are there lousy truck drivers? Sure, but they get weeded out pretty quick, while people who rode around the bock with a retired gym coach for a couple weeks to get there license are woefully lacking in any real skills. Most truck/car accidents are caused by the car operator, not the big truck. That is why most truck drivers and companies are running dash cams. You don't know what you don't know. I think we should totally revamp our driver education system, with real extensive training and real consequences for jackasses.I have been a trainer and driving instructor, and have attended several accredited courses and training to further teach and learn. I have over 1.5 million safe driving miles and taught many others to drive, who went on to have great safety records, how about you? To me, most people have the skill of a 5 year old girl in her barbie car, and i have to deal with this nonsense on a daily basis. Mods feel free to delete my account, i have no use to be here anymore.

If you'd like a person to see your response and have a chance to respond you can do so by using the @ function. Like so...

@XLT and me

Or use the quote button

See? Now you have two alerts. One for the quote, one for the mention. Unless you were trying to just whisper out your last word in the hopes it went unnoticed?

As far as your safety comments. Let's give it a whirl.

The uploaded file is a study by the Federation of American Scientists. They cite info from 2015, giving 400,000 US Large trucks involved in accidents, 25% resulting in injuries, 1% involving a death.

In 2015 there were roughly 4 million CDL holders. While 107,649,686 "civilians" in the U S had drivers licenses.

In 2015 there were 6,296,000 auto accidents, roughly 40% of those resulted in injury, and 1/2% resulted in death.

In 2015 CDL drivers represented 3.7% of the driving public and were involved in 6.3% of the total accidents. Resulting in 4% of total injuries and over 10% of the total deaths. The numbers say truckers are doing more than their fair share of mucking it up out there.

Here's some more light reading for you.

https://ifreightx.com/trucking-blog/truck-drivers-have-a-bad-reputation-heres-how-to-fix-it/

That's an industry publication.

From it.

Reuters reported on a study completed in October 2013 where about 3% of drivers admitted to using cocaine while driving.

Whether it’s cutting off a car to switch lanes, speeding up and slowing down, or swerving in and out of your lane, driving without being mindful of the cars around you gives all truckers a negative reputation.

Beyond disrespectful driving habits, accidents also play a huge part in the public perception.

Every 15 minutes, a person is seriously injured or even killed by an accident caused by tractor-trailers.

Whether it’s cutting off a car to switch lanes, speeding up and slowing down, or swerving in and out of your lane, driving without being mindful of the cars around you gives all truckers a negative reputation.
Many large trucking companies have truck driving training program, and after truckers finish, they are generally employed immediately. This is a large percentage of truck drivers with little to no professional driving experience, and this accounts for many of the accidents.

Again, from an INDUSTRY publication.

What can you do?

Those who can do, while those who can't teach.

 

[landiscarrier]

Love me a good and ridiculous internet forum fight!

 

[FoD]

No he wouldn't.
I drive that slow and have no problem holding my place.
Then again, I'm not intimidated by traffic

you haven't had the right asshole behind you yet.....

Makes me wonder why a tire would go slow flat from a pellet through the sidewall...?

Later Edit: (instead of upping my post count **ahem** ) suprised this thread hasn't gone vaccine and been locked, burnt and lifted...just say'n

 

[Chris M]

hahaha buhbye? i guess?

that's probably the most knee jerk reaction to someone I have ever seen.
if that's your pulling the pin post, please feel free to go. no one needs to delete your account for you.
your arrogance clearly cant accept a simple discussion. To say how in control you are for 1.5 million miles, you crashed and burnt over DFresh's opinion. wow.
tells me a lot about you. I wouldn't be surprised if your attitude is transferred to the hundreds of drivers you have trained, perpetuating the division between car drivers and professional truck drivers.

I'll put this statement out there...I don't care what profession you are in, a good portion of the people who share that job, suck at it. Doctors, Lawyers, Firemen, truck drivers.... it doesn't matter. Throw all the training you want at them, the vast majority just meet the minimum requirement.

"Sure, but they get weeded out pretty quick" is a statement that you know doesn't hold water.
just google SWIFT and you'll know exactly what I mean.
is Swift the drainage ditch where all these weeded out drivers end up going? or are they the ones hiring all the ones right out of driver training to simply fill a seat and hopefully get the cargo to point B? learn as they go?
Literally any trucking company in Canada with Quebec plates is on par with Swift. Drive any of Ontario's major highways and you're going to have a near miss with one of them very soon. Come to BC and get caught in a construction zone with all the tandem dump trucks. You're life is in peril constantly.
there is no way that simply holding a drivers licence on anything qualifies anyone to be better. It just doesn't happen. if 90% of the public cant drive, guess who fills the spots for commercial drivers? yup, people from that 90% of the public. Many don't improve even with that fancy certificate on the wall.

Oh, my...SWIFT...Slow Wagon In Fast Traffic.
I once drove for them regionally hauling beer. Trucks were governed at 56 mph at the time (mid 80's), so you can imagine our frustration and the motoring public's frustrations with us.
And you're right about their hiring habits as I remember them. Same goes for JB Hunt and a score of other companies that haul nationwide. Trucking really NEEDS drivers as an industry--theres a huge shortage of drivers--and in the grand scheme of things would like nothing better than to have nothing but seasoned, mature, safe drivers behind the wheel. To that end, I think we ALL would like to have safer and more knowledgeable people behind any steering wheel.

You're right about any industry having bad employees regardless of how much training they get. I can't keep good security guards here at my community because no matter how hard I work at getting them the right training for the job, THEY are going to decide whether to execute their duties properly or if they will just try and slick by at a minimum amount of effort (those that do are always caught out eventually and I "weed them out" asap). It's unfortunate, but the trucking industry sometimes takes longer to catch the bad drivers than the rest of us would like.

 

[Tfcurranjr]

Since this thread has morphed into another LinkedIn-style debate; I’m switching gears (pun intended) back over to the “What Tires To Buy?” discussion. But before I go, did I mention I also hit 1.2 Mach in a B-1B over Afghanistan? Awesome “exhaust note”; horrible MPG.

 

[Chris M]

Since this thread has morphed into another LinkedIn-style debate; I’m switching gears (pun intended) back over to the “What Tires To Buy?” discussion. But before I go, did I mention I also hit 1.2 Mach in a B-1B over Afghanistan? Awesome “exhaust note”; horrible MPG.

Thank you for your service.

 

[briwill70]

Wow. This discussion went sideways

Thanks for all the input! Plan on testing the limiter on my next road trip through the desert.

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