Pick Up Truck "Attitude"

mharde2

I would like to them put brake lights on the front of cars and trucks, so you could tell if they intend to stop at the red light before you go on green and get creamed...

ruz

I always thought that would be a good idea, too.

TexasAggie

I would definitely agree with Akmarkus about Houston. I grew up just out of Houston and moved back after college. My feeling is the majoriity of drivers are worried they're going to burn their turning bulbs out. Personally I try to use mine although I feel like I'm giving the jerk next to me too much warning of my intentions, which usually burns me. Southern hospitaility end down here when we crank up the ignition.

hawkpilot

I saw one post that mentioned motorcycling as a way to learn defensive driving. I'd like to add a couple comments.

I agree with the person who said a stint in the ER would be good for everyone, but I think that in addition, everyone should take a beginning rider course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. After taking this course (and the advanced one) I have found myself driving my truck the same way.

When I drive, I assume I am invisible. Therefore, I do not hang out in blind spots of any size vehicle. I also speed or slow to keep others from doing it to me. I don't jump green lights without a quick check to the left and right. I keep an eye on my rearview while braking, and at stop lights while keeping enough distance ahead of me to allow bailing to the side if someone is not stopping. (also good for letting ambulance/police/fire get by).

Going down the road, focus attention on what is going on 1/4 mile ahead, while using peripheral vision to see the taillights in front of you. This gives you far more reaction time to account for stopped traffic, logs/rocks in the road, etc.

Leave at least 2 seconds in front of you. Watch for a sign or other landmark, then count seconds after the car in front passes it.

Don't drive right beside any vehicle, let alone rigs. adjust speed to put you ahead or behind if possible.

Make eye contact at intersections, and watch for wheel movement rather than vehicle movement (the top of the tire moves twice as fast as the vehicle, so you will know earlier if someone is going to pull out in front of you.)

I know many of you realize this is all common sense, but when you are used to being a tiny speck you really appreciate these techniques. The real beauty of it is that they work just as well when you are in your shiny big 4x4 as they do on a bike.

HP

f150man

I have to agree that BMW drivers are the most agressive on the road (I am in New England). I guess if you spend all that money you have to make use of the speed and handling capabilities. Sitting up high in a big rig it is easy to keep track of the little weaving sports car. It is interesting to note that after 10 minutes of gyrations you can still see the car maybe only 1/4 mile ahead of where it started. They really are not gaining any time... so it is obviously done for the challenge and the thrill of it all. You have to remember that truckers are at work when on the road. Most of the 4 wheelers just want to get safely from here to there. But there is another group who go on the highway for thrills and you are sharing the road with them. Reminds me of the joke "What's the difference between a cactus and a BMW?"
The cactus has the prick on the outside!
Keep the highways safe... no matter who we share the road with....SAFETY IS OUR JOB.

Rich

Why did the BMW have it's turn signal on?

Dun-no, the driver bought it that way.

stevek

I have my theory on BMW owners (especially the 3 series). They are all pissed off because they paid twice as much for their car than it worth. A car half the price can outrun and handle it with ease. By the time they figured this out already did 6 payments and it is to late to back out of the sale.

polsen

My wife notes that when she's driving our BMW 3 series convertible that the other drivers cut her off and harass her. She doesn't get that feeling when she drive the Jeep Cherokee. I don't get any reaction when I'm driving my 8 year old nissan Sentra. I wonder why!

Rich

I know! It's the season! Stay away from the mall! It's not their fault. They're not driving, just hopefully not aiming their vehicle in your direction. Stay home, it'll all be over in a few weeks. Be nice, be calm, just smile and sigh. It's not their fault. The concept of motorized vehicles just eludes them.

tmd01

I live on the west side of Houston. Houston has been long known for cutting off signalers. Leaving anykind of space between you and the car in front of you is an invitation for someone else to use it. Afterall, you're not using it!

Did you know that if a truck driver is in an accident they are automatically held responsible because they are a professional driver? They are supposed to read a potential dangerous situation and respond to it. But, you can't really expect them to respond to outright carelessness and stupid road greed.

I am a motorcyclist also. I believe we should ALL be subjected to a full drivers education class every 5 years. This class needs to cover all new laws and common sense rules such as mentioned above about trucks (kcram#42) and how we should be around them as well as motorcycles.

ladyblue

Here in New Jersey we have all kinds of bad drivers. Try the turnpike or I78 and you find out there are no rules!!!

The worst is when I'm driving my truck on a rainy day and the jerk behind me in the little car is right on my tail and not using his lights. (the excuse is "I can see without my lights - it's daytime") The closer these little cars get the harder it is for me to see them. My truck is so high and wide that it totally obliterates the little car behind me.

My father drove a mail truck for a living and taught me to be a defensive driver. He also taught me how to communicate with the professional truckers on the road and to allow them to do their job safely by not getting in their way.

I love my full size 4x4 and I drive it as if it were an extension of myself. I'm fully aware of my size and dimensions while driving and can manuever with ease. I just wish other drivers were also aware of my size and dimensions and obey the rule: IF YOU CAN'T SEE MY MIRRORS, I CAN'T SEE YOU!!!

lwf

Your complaint seems valid to me, ladyblue. I'm pretty sure it's an MV law in NJ that if your windshield wipers are on, your lights should be also. And as you implied, the reason has to be so that one will be seen rather than so one can see better.

KCRam

lwf,

Yes, it is a law in NJ - has been on the books for three years now. And guess what - I still see COPS in the rain without their lights on...

dave40

Did you call the COPS ?

ladyblue

You're so right...I see cops without their lights on in the rain. I also love it when they turn without signaling or don't come to a complete stop at a stop sign. I got snagged for that once and it burns me up that the rules only apply to civilians, not cops. Maybe next time I should whip out my cell phone and report these violations to.....who? the cops?