I once had a trainer try to get me to tailgate a car then tell me to speed up to try and force the car to speed up and move out of the way of the truck. That was one of the main reasons I left that company quick.
Company I drive for has adapted "speed limit only" policy. It brought CSA scores way down and as you mentioned, keeps me out of jams at entrance ramps. Also, when I see a 4 wheeler coming down the entrance ramps they always seem to increase or decrease their speed until they are matching mine. Then they run out of real estate and are pissed at me. The stupidity of that never ceases to amaze me.
Amazes me too, I usually laugh at em, people get so dumb, wimpy, and hesitant when they're merging onto the interstate like a dog that thinks/knows it did something wrong, it's so annoying it's almost funny. They just can't wait to play the victim "he won't let me merge!"
I can't tell you how many times I've had other truckers tailgating me or other cars. All you younger generation drivers out there, watch your following distance. Your getting a false sense of security because your getting away with it but one day, it's going to backfire on you.
I've tried to teach my novice drivers to "run in the bubble", that is, either ahead of or behind the "clusters" you talk about. You can't always get ahead of every cluster, the idea is to find that "bubble" in between the clusters and try and synchronize your speed so that you stay ahead of the slow cluster, and behind the fast cluster. "In the bubble" has given me 30 years and 3 million safe driving miles. I'm retired now, but I feel the pain of new drivers out there fighting every day to keep it safe. Thanks again Dave, for all your interesting videos.
4-wheel Uber driver (driver for 3 years and 16,169 miles driven on Uber's app last year). I set cruise control to the speed limit and leave it there. Because of that I'm constantly in the slow lane on the interstate because everyone else (it seems) speeds. The benefit is that I almost ALWAYS have plenty of clear space in front of me in case of an emergency. The drawback is the truckers who, like you described, run up their speed on the downhill to reduce the fuel consumption on the uphill. They invariably will climb right up my bumper, expecting me to speed up because "they're bigger" before realizing they will need to either back it down or change lanes (or both). It seems to me they should have made that decision well before they were close enough to see what trash the last rider left on my back seat.
Cary, appreciate the service OPP does for us in Ontario. I used to drive up and down 401 on a daily basis and like you, I've seen the results of wolfpacks in bad weather. My personal policy is stay back, or uf can't, go grab a coffee or something.
Agree with everything you said, and tell other drivers the same. That being said, where i drive, Chicago and Milwaukee, its basically impossible to keep a safety zone in front of me. When someone cuts in front of me, i back off. That space is of course immediately filled with another four wheeler. I do what i can, but very frustrating. Another good video, thank you.
Mid 90s, I use to run through Chicagoland almost weekly and 85% of the time, I’d see the aftermath of trucks tailgating each other. It taught me real quick to maintain a safe space in front of me. Good to see the good advice you share in your videos Dave. Keep up the good work.
In the 45+ years of commercial driving I was never involved in an accident or received a moving violation. My driving rules were to keep 4 to 6 seconds between myself and the car or truck ahead, drive for road and traffic conditions, do not speed, and most of all, THINK and anticipate the clown that will pass you to take an exit. After a while we all develop a sense of what the other driver is going to do and we are ready. I know these are simple and I can hear the "duhs" now but it worked for me with heavy haul and its associated added pressure!
I have been driving for years, and I still love to watch these videos, sometimes we all need a reminder to still be professional on the road. ... were not perfect, and were all human.
I wish more truckers thought like you. I have had loaded semis following my passenger car with less than 1 second of following distance on the interstate
As a 4 wheeler, I always keep my distance, leave at least 3 car lengths behind me when passing, never pull out in front of a truck and NEVER cruise alongside a truck. I don't want my obituary to be on the nightly news in a fatal car crash. I treat trucks as mobile freight trains, and respect them as such.
Great advice. Unfortunately most truck drivers today don't follow this advice. They tailgate and ride right with the clusters. Speed constantly. There are good drivers out there but not many.
I drive around seattle and Portland alot and have found that leaving way more space than youd think you need helps traffic move. Everyone thinks that following on the bumper of the vehicle in front makes them get there faster??? I seem to get there faster by just backing off and let anyone move around if they want. Traffic would be alot better if people leave more room to move around.
Speeding cost fuel & tires.....I hauled gravel with a truck and quad wagon, 140 km round trip on the 1 TC, my speed was always 104 kph...why because that put me right in my power band, the speed limit is 110kpm....the guys that did speed didn't get any more loads than I did... did that 24 days a month for 2 1/2 months....made nothing but $$.....not all gravel haulers are like you say! Thanks for the vid.
Am amazed at the number of times a chain of truckers will pass me and all are following too close. LA, Chicago, etc., you can't keep a decent stopping distance all too often, so, I just drive slower, maybe less than the speed limit - depends - and I rely on that Smith system so distance in front is always increasing. Like you advice, too. You have to drive and be flexible how you drive safe - you have to drive according to conditions dictated by traffic, weather, time of day, construction zones, road conditions, fatigue, attitude management, - constant mirror checks are my rule as well as looking ahead, side, and behind as far away and as close as possible, and stay away from the 'packs'. thanks for the great tips; appreciate your experience.
I practice what you preach and it’s been working well for me over 2 million miles I like to keep as much space around me as I can and always have an out after driving a full day I’m relaxed not all stressed out I’m very fortunate to have the kinda loads that I can decide when they are going to be delivered my dispatcher asks me when I’ll be empty not telling me to get there at any specific time thanks for all your great advice
This conversation is just another reason why i love my job driving bush truck. So lucky to only have to run from massey to nairncentre on the highway. Rest of my day is on bush rd with very very little to no traffic. And im home in my own bed and my own bathroom in the morning.
100% agree. Space. Lots of room !!!!!!!!! No we don’t Dump trucks mostly get paid by the hour. At least out west Great video. Best one in my book This is what I was told when I first started driving. Back off. Back off and keep a lane. 👍🏼
Very good video, as true for 4-wheelers as for trucks. I was taught in a telephone company "on the road" defensive driving course for cars and two-axle trucks (one day in the classroom, one day on the roads and streets) to check all three mirrors once every three seconds to keep track of all other vehicles' position and rate of approach, (partially) in conjunction with planning all possible escape routes in case of something developing out in front. Plus many, many other things. It has helped me a lot and I wish I practiced all of that stuff now as faithfully as I should. The extra effort doesn't lead to driver fatigue, but most drivers (including me) are too greedy for "relaxation."
I completely agree with the speed limit thing and have been advocating it for years. If I set my cruise for the speed limit the drive is very relaxing because everyone is passing me and I never have to touch the brakes
What you say Dave is how my Regional buddy does and he's been driving for only 2 years and he's a good example of a safe driver. Thank you for your video, very educational and I can observe it well while on the express highway. Take care!
I always get a good laugh at all the cars that will line up behind you on a hill and start weaving back and forth, flashing there lights or honking the horn trying to get you to go faster up hill, haha just gives me a chuckle, common sense has completely been lost to most motorists on the road.
Excellent advice, Dave. Drivers who tailgate will find that sooner, if not later, they'll be explaining their behaviors either to the carrier or the DOT. Most newer trucks have cruise control. If conditions allow it, just set it, and forget it.
Traveling in any lane other than the right lane is actuality illegal unless a sign says to travel in a specific lane or lanes. When the sign says trucks use right lane, 2 lanes, 3 lanes, etc... those left lanes of the truck lanes are all plassing lanes. None of them are travel lanes except for the far right lane. If I was DOT, I would pull every single truck I could that uses the lanes improperly. Following the law increases the safety in the roadway and traveling in a middle lane and going slower than everyone else, is dangerous. I travel in the right lane except to pass or if there are signs saying trucks use middle lane(s) or left lane(s), then I travel in the furthest right lane of the lanes allowed to keep with following the law. Every state has a law that mandates you use the right lane except for passing, exiting/turning left, moving over for vehicles on the shoulder or designated lane usage by black and white or black and orange signage.
Yeah, seen a lot of trucks burn to the ground over the years from rear ending another truck and rupturing their fuel tanks. hard to get out when the fires at your door.
Excellent tips.. have seen it all and I'm a new Class 1 driver.. I drove Class 2 vehicles (buses) for 15 years and there were a lot of nuts on the roads trying not to get stuck behind me only to cut me off slowing me down.
94 going through Gary IN has been a mess! The added construction and guys treating it like a raceway. I appreciate the videos!!! Much thanks, Ken from Chicago!!
I never even follow closely in my car. It's asking for an accident. And if I'm somehow in a situation where I have to drive closely I'm all eyes. You never know what will cause a jam on brakes.
When it comes to running in convoy formation, driver's can learn a lot from watching military personnel operating in convoy formation, they always have good following distance and all of them get there at the same time
I’m one of the slowest guys at my company... but the other guys are going pedal to the metal all day and if the speed limits 40 they are doing almost 60... they are right on the tail of the guy in front and they are passing everybody they can... I roll in a half hour late every day but I’m not stressed out and I feel a lot better that I’m not running the risk of getting into an accident or getting a ticket 🙄
I'm glad this video popped up for me with a positive driver speaking on the reality of following distance. I've been driving since 2011, and now I drive with Ceva from AZ to Cali, so I use I 10W and E and the amount of tailgating that goes on behind me, especially with O/O is bizarre and many times even when it's clear to go around they still sit behind my liftgate, so I start to see they are trying to be a bully or intimidating in which I think they just young and feel the need of trying to proof something IKD but it is ridiculous! So I'm glad this video popped up so I can leave a comment. FYI, to those tailgators, my truck is governed at 70, so I think they do what they do because they probably know my truck is governed and want to take advantage of their speed feel the need to be a tailgator because knowing I can't do much! Either way, I don't consider them professionals or have a right state of mind or positive thinking like you, driver!!
I hear you on the E Log problem just tonight I wanted yo stop on Terre haute but needed my drive time tomorrow so on I rolled tired and hungry to Effingham 🙄
You r so right ,,back in the eightys I use to haul heavy equipment ,,one hundered and twenty thousand plus. You learn quick to establish a lot of distance between yourself and what is in front of you
I like challenge to use my gears to slow down in traffic, and not touch my breaks unless a four wheeler go in my safety space. That way it's a steady flow of traffic and not to much stop and go!!!
It's all about trip planning... Just got on a new dedicated fleet and I'm trying to get my planning sorted so I don't put myself in those tight situations. Sucks to feel that pressure, and it serves to remind me, late I bettter than dead. Backing off is the only way. Let it all pass you by, and you'll get farther in the long run, for sure. Doesn't take a brainiac to know that.
Good rap on an important topic. I've been trucking for 30 years now and the man who taught me how drilled the safe following distance in to me like no other. As I myself am becoming a veteran to the trucking industry it amazes me how many trucker's follow way way way to close. Especially with the amount of tailgating impatient as well as distracted 4 wheelers we deal with on a daily basis. Thanks again.😎👍👍👍😎
Javan Russell ... watched a driver follow a 4 wheeler around a ramp following too close.. turned her over and died! Tailgaten the previous 5 miles. Bad driver , dead driver . .
Javan Russell - I hear you. Many times a distracted driver could be a momo on their cell phone, or a woman in a SUV looking into a mirror putting on makeup. In fact, the woman and her makeup is actually the worst of all.
What drives me crazy is when someone is right on my ass in a snow storm. I adjust for the road conditions but there's always a few that drive like it's dry road. It's annoying and it is very distracting too.
I drive a bus for First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. I also drive a school bus for School City of East Chicago, Indiana. Even as a bus driver, I agree with everything you're saying. I drive weekly from the South Side of Chicago (31st St & Dan Ryan Expressway) to Hammond, Indiana. I take the Dan Ryan down to Bishop Ford, and exit at W. Dolton Ave. I've found that if I take one lane from the left where the local meets the express lanes, I don't need to worry about switching lanes. And if I set my cruise control at the speed limit of 55mph, most of the time I don't need to switch it off until I get close to my exit. I was trained to keep 6 seconds of following distance. Personally, I believe that's okay for a bus in good weather, but I've found that usually, setting the cruise at 55mph sets up that much, or more, for me. So I agree with you about the speed limit statement. I also try to avoid the far-right and far-left lanes. They have exits and merging traffic. A school bus is a dream to drive, what with the air seats and all the mirrors. Seriously, all the mirrors. By making use of all mirrors, there isn't a spot in 360° that I can't see. I might have to roll, tilt, or slide my head to see around the pillars, but even that doesn't take much, especially in Blue Bird models. If you're looking for a side job, see if you can get the Passenger and School Bus endorsements on your CDL. I work 25 hours per week and I earn almost $17/hr. There are better paying and worse paying bus driver jobs, but if you are willing, being a school bus driver can be very rewarding. You're home every night, you're paid hourly, no unpaid time, and you can get free access to any sports games you drive to. Speaking of sports games, that's extra hours you can earn if you want them. You can also go on field trips to museums, science expos, and even the occasional long-distance trip, taking the band to Disneyworld or Washington DC, with the hotel room and park access included. Being a school bus driver one of the best jobs I've ever had, and that's not even mentioning the fact that you have months off during the summer, and other vacations during the school year.
Glad you enjoy it Nate. I've got to ask though, doesn't being responsible for all those kids scare you sometimes? It's one thing to flop a load of freight, but quite another to flop over a school bus. That's one load I was always too afraid to haul. Dave
Smart-Trucking.com I'm always respectful of corners. If a turn has a yellow speed limit sign, I either follow that speed or go slower. Also, school buses are built to protect their occupants in a crash. A school bus is actually the safest vehicle for passengers, due to the containment design of the seats. Every seat back has steel plate in the frame, so in either a front end or rear end collision, the passengers stay in the seats. For a side collision, the height of the bus puts the passengers' feet at the windshield of most cars and pickup trucks. Anyone who hits a bus has less chance of survival than the passengers inside the bus. The main exception is trains. If a train hits a bus, the train always wins. That's why buses always have to stop at railroad crossings. Also, bus drivers receive much training on an annual basis. Every school district is responsible for providing training and retraining for their drivers. In Indiana, all school bus drivers have to maintain a "Yellow Card" certification. That means they not only know how to drive the school bus, but can also be proactive in emergency situations. For example, if a bus catches fire, the *time* from first visible flame to the bus being completely engulfed in flames is only two minutes. A bus driver needs to know how to evacuate the bus completely in that short amount of time. Driving a bus is also different than driving an 18 wheeler because passengers can be unpredictable. Many things can distract a driver from the road, and a school bus driver needs to be prepared to meet these challenges. Sometimes children fight. Sometimes they stand. Most of the time, though, a bus ride is uneventful. And a bus driver can sometimes be a great mentor, so the job can be very rewarding. Most school buses today have automatic transmissions, and many have hydraulic brakes, so they're almost as easy to drive as a regular car. Just as there are cabover trucks and long nose trucks, there are flat nose buses and conventional buses. Most people say conventional buses are easier to drive because they only have about 3' of tail swing, whereas flat nose buses have about 6' of tail swing. (For those who don't know, tail swing is how far the rear of the bus moves in the opposite direction when making a corner. So if you're driving a flat nose bus, and you make a right turn, the rear of the bus will go about 6' into the left lane.) However, flat nose buses are usually more maneuverable than conventional buses. Flat nose buses can make tighter turns. I haven't driven a flat nose bus on the road, but if I did, I'd probably prefer it over a conventional bus.
25 some odd years as a trucker, for the first half I was a gung ho trucker, always trying to impress the dispatcher, I wanted to be his/her “go to” guy, oh sure I got some shitty loads no one else wanted, but I also got many rewards with long miles racked up fast. Than I started to slow down, I started leaving space, you know what I found? Stress and road rage disappeared. Even in traffic jams, I picked a low gear and never touched the fuel. I’d crank the tunes, or listen to a good AM talk show and I stayed calm, used way less fuel and wear and tear on the truck was minimized. Now don’t get me wrong, most of my career was spent in passed down trucks, so I always was gentle on them, my father taught me that it was ok to cruise at top speed, but take your time running through those gears, be gentle on the drive terrain and it’ll be good to you.
I'm all ears. Better to keep my distance as best as possible. Worst place I can think of it is Atlanta, Georgia, where the interstates are bumper to bumper. I personally just try to keep my distance. Heck, I go a little below the speed limit and always watch my rear. let me know what you think.
I've noticed people damn near ALWAYS speed up when I come up behind. there will be a car in this lane, one in that lane and one SPEEDS up to match or faster than I'm goin then the other usually follows suit. unless you're trying to pass, then a lot of times they slow down. It just blows my mind how people are always in such a hurry, to get in front and then slow way down. or get into those packs and will just stay there speeding up slowing down with whoever is in front. even spread out across 4 lanes going the same speed so nobody has anywhere to go. people have just lost all their sense, common and otherwise, thanks to smart phones and technology doing e everything for them I guess. nobody has to think anymore so they don't. and everybody is on edge, you even start to just pass em goin the speed limit or somethin and they go all nuts and floor it til they can get to another car and then hit the brakes and block you. it's just absolutely ridiculous. beyond insanity. I just don't get people AT ALL anymore, not that I ever really did to start.
My God you should see some of the drivers here in Ontario. Numerous times iv seen trucks sandwich cars and trucks literally with only a couple feet in between. And I dont want to specify where these drivers come from..We need more drivers like you. Hopefully going for my AZ here soon
I was just shaking my head last week when I witnessed a LOVE'S GASOLINE tanker truck riding a four wheelers ass in town, and I mean riding.He was doing at least 70-75 in a 60 zone. Couldn't believe it.
Those guys on I-94 in Michigan that plowed into an existing pile up are likely rookie and possibly foreign drivers that have no experience and more than likely have no CB turned on at all. They run the same regardless of conditions and have blown my doors off during blizzards. When bad weather happens, EVERYONE should have their radio on at least a little bit to hear of emergency situations.
Haha..like me on 90 yesterday after they opened up lookout, etc after the avalanche. I’m following a safe distance behind 2 snow plows, and hers come all the jockeys blowing by me on the left just to find out there’s snow plows directly in front of me that I’m following , then jump in front of me pushing me back. One does this and the rest of the fools follow. seasoned truck drivers always do this.
I of course agree with do the speed limit and adjusting speed downward for weather conditions but would go on to suggest the truck should be able to do the speed limit.
It truly amazes me when I see other truckers on peoples bumper or even 10 feet from them.....it's absolutely ridiculous really.....literally makes no sense.
Bobtail requires even more distance, as you will slide more than stop. Last time I drove was about six years ago using paper logs. Can anyone explain why the E-logs forces you from a needed break? I still hold my class A, but have no desire to drive anymore, but may be forced to soon if I don't find a mechanical job close to my house.
I always question the logic of tailgating. Heading up the Coke from Kamloops, in the far right lane, some fool will be right up my tailgate. There is three lanes, pass me instead of tailgating. Running into me ruins my day and yours as well.
In city traffic I travel just a touch slower then the rest then I just move around in my Lane this keeps the ones behind me on edge then they don't lay in my blind spots they hurry up and get the hell away from me
excellent advice really good video the only problem is the damn fools won't take your advice they drive 40 feet apart nothing's going to go wrong don't you know
When I'm on the road in my van traveling across country I generally drive 65. To me better gas mileage is more important than time. Seems most of the truck drivers go 65 also, but every once in a while I'll get a truck come up behind me fast but instead of passing they drive right up to my bumper. My mirror is full of truck, I could see him getting made if I was in the left lane 5mph under the speed limit but I'm in the right what we used to call the slow lane. I assume he is trying to intimidate me which never works, I'm not speeding up to make him happy. If he doesn't get off my tail I'll slowly back off the gas till he gets the message and passes me, this is on flat land not a hill. The speeding up down hill thing drives me nuts because I end up playing truck tag. I set my cruise at 65 and a truck going down hill passes me. At the bottom of the hill is another hill and he has to slow down to 55 so I pass him. This game of tag can go on a lone time. Normally I'll adjust my cruise a couple mile per hour up or down and we will get out of sink and no more tag. It seems most truckers do the speed up slow down on the hills seems dangerous, it's always harder to stop going down hill if something happens bad time to speed up.
Robert you might have that sneaky cop at the bottom just waiting for trick ! My advice is to set the cruise and enjoy the ride . I figured that out years ago and you will be much less tired from all that plotting and planning . Bottom line , let the truck do the work .
Why speed if your a company guy. Even an owner operator wont make up the time. Not worth the repairs, tickets ect. I find it relaxing going slow and steady
As I am not a trucker I would be interested in knowing truck braking distances. How long on average does it take for a fully loaded tanker truck to stop from 60 miles per hour.
Tough question, especially if it was a straight bore tanker with room at the top. But to give you a rough idea, I'd guesstimate somewhere around 600 feet. We used to figure you'd need one truck length for every ten mph and if the truck is 60 feet long, tanker trucks are shorter than most trucks, you would be in the 600 foot range on dry paved road. There are a lot of variables however.
I once had a trainer try to get me to tailgate a car then tell me to speed up to try and force the car to speed up and move out of the way of the truck. That was one of the main reasons I left that company quick.
Company I drive for has adapted "speed limit only" policy. It brought CSA scores way down and as you mentioned, keeps me out of jams at entrance ramps. Also, when I see a 4 wheeler coming down the entrance ramps they always seem to increase or decrease their speed until they are matching mine. Then they run out of real estate and are pissed at me. The stupidity of that never ceases to amaze me.
Me either. Drive safe Frank. Dave
Amazes me too, I usually laugh at em, people get so dumb, wimpy, and hesitant when they're merging onto the interstate like a dog that thinks/knows it did something wrong, it's so annoying it's almost funny. They just can't wait to play the victim "he won't let me merge!"
If you drive the speed limit the clots will always be moving away from you.
I can't tell you how many times I've had other truckers tailgating me or other cars. All you younger generation drivers out there, watch your following distance. Your getting a false sense of security because your getting away with it but one day, it's going to backfire on you.
I've tried to teach my novice drivers to "run in the bubble", that is, either ahead of or behind the "clusters" you talk about. You can't always get ahead of every cluster, the idea is to find that "bubble" in between the clusters and try and synchronize your speed so that you stay ahead of the slow cluster, and behind the fast cluster. "In the bubble" has given me 30 years and 3 million safe driving miles. I'm retired now, but I feel the pain of new drivers out there fighting every day to keep it safe. Thanks again Dave, for all your interesting videos.
4-wheel Uber driver (driver for 3 years and 16,169 miles driven on Uber's app last year). I set cruise control to the speed limit and leave it there. Because of that I'm constantly in the slow lane on the interstate because everyone else (it seems) speeds. The benefit is that I almost ALWAYS have plenty of clear space in front of me in case of an emergency. The drawback is the truckers who, like you described, run up their speed on the downhill to reduce the fuel consumption on the uphill. They invariably will climb right up my bumper, expecting me to speed up because "they're bigger" before realizing they will need to either back it down or change lanes (or both). It seems to me they should have made that decision well before they were close enough to see what trash the last rider left on my back seat.
Your advice works for ALL vehicles
Dave, great video. as a retired OPP officer, I couldn't agree more. You never want to be part of a "cluster" especially in bad weather. stay far away.
Thanks for writing in Cary! Dave
Cary, appreciate the service OPP does for us in Ontario. I used to drive up and down 401 on a daily basis and like you, I've seen the results of wolfpacks in bad weather. My personal policy is stay back, or uf can't, go grab a coffee or something.
Agree with everything you said, and tell other drivers the same. That being said, where i drive, Chicago and Milwaukee, its basically impossible to keep a safety zone in front of me. When someone cuts in front of me, i back off. That space is of course immediately filled with another four wheeler. I do what i can, but very frustrating. Another good video, thank you.
Mid 90s, I use to run through Chicagoland almost weekly and 85% of the time, I’d see the aftermath of trucks tailgating each other. It taught me real quick to maintain a safe space in front of me. Good to see the good advice you share in your videos Dave. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Don. Drive safe! Dave
Me too Don thanks
In the 45+ years of commercial driving I was never involved in an accident or received a moving violation. My driving rules were to keep 4 to 6 seconds between myself and the car or truck ahead, drive for road and traffic conditions, do not speed, and most of all, THINK and anticipate the clown that will pass you to take an exit. After a while we all develop a sense of what the other driver is going to do and we are ready. I know these are simple and I can hear the "duhs" now but it worked for me with heavy haul and its associated added pressure!
80/94 through Gary is where I live, lol. You are absolutely right about being in the second lane doing speed limit, safest place for a truck to be
I quickly learned to drive slower than the flow of traffic. The stream always flows around the stones.
I have been driving for years, and I still love to watch these videos, sometimes we all need a reminder to still be professional on the road. ... were not perfect, and were all human.
Remember the days when a entry ramp was a yield situation and we all helped one another out on the citizens band
Yes I do, but lately that's been feeling like it was a long time ago, doesn't it? Dave
I wish more truckers thought like you. I have had loaded semis following my passenger car with less than 1 second of following distance on the interstate
As a 4 wheeler, I always keep my distance, leave at least 3 car lengths behind me when passing, never pull out in front of a truck and NEVER cruise alongside a truck. I don't want my obituary to be on the nightly news in a fatal car crash. I treat trucks as mobile freight trains, and respect them as such.
Good idea!
Great advice. Unfortunately most truck drivers today don't follow this advice. They tailgate and ride right with the clusters. Speed constantly. There are good drivers out there but not many.
Good advice, a real professional.
Well said as usual . Got to keep your mind at very least 2 to 3 vehicles ahead of you ,do NOT stare at the bumper in front of you !
I drive around seattle and Portland alot and have found that leaving way more space than youd think you need helps traffic move. Everyone thinks that following on the bumper of the vehicle in front makes them get there faster??? I seem to get there faster by just backing off and let anyone move around if they want. Traffic would be alot better if people leave more room to move around.
Completely agree!
Speeding cost fuel & tires.....I hauled gravel with a truck and quad wagon, 140 km round trip on the 1 TC, my speed was always 104 kph...why because that put me right in my power band, the speed limit is 110kpm....the guys that did speed didn't get any more loads than I did... did that 24 days a month for 2 1/2 months....made nothing but $$.....not all gravel haulers are like you say! Thanks for the vid.
Good advice for all drivers - and traffic "clusters" often happen on UK motorways
Am amazed at the number of times a chain of truckers will pass me and all are following too close. LA, Chicago, etc., you can't keep a decent stopping distance all too often, so, I just drive slower, maybe less than the speed limit - depends - and I rely on that Smith system so distance in front is always increasing. Like you advice, too. You have to drive and be flexible how you drive safe - you have to drive according to conditions dictated by traffic, weather, time of day, construction zones, road conditions, fatigue, attitude management, -
constant mirror checks are my rule as well as looking ahead, side, and behind as far away and as close as possible, and stay away from the 'packs'. thanks for the great tips; appreciate your experience.
I practice what you preach and it’s been working well for me over 2 million miles I like to keep as much space around me as I can and always have an out after driving a full day I’m relaxed not all stressed out I’m very fortunate to have the kinda loads that I can decide when they are going to be delivered my dispatcher asks me when I’ll be empty not telling me to get there at any specific time thanks for all your great advice
Thank you James! Stay safe! Dave
I'm a new subscriber I've been binge watching all of your videos. All of them are awesome..great advice..
Thank you sir! Dave
This conversation is just another reason why i love my job driving bush truck. So lucky to only have to run from massey to nairncentre on the highway. Rest of my day is on bush rd with very very little to no traffic. And im home in my own bed and my own bathroom in the morning.
Ernie, you've got it made! Dave
100% agree. Space. Lots of room !!!!!!!!!
No we don’t
Dump trucks mostly get paid by the hour. At least out west
Great video. Best one in my book This is what I was told when I first started driving. Back off. Back off and keep a lane. 👍🏼
Rush hour is crazy. I close my eyes.
Very good video, as true for 4-wheelers as for trucks.
I was taught in a telephone company "on the road" defensive driving course for cars and two-axle trucks (one day in the classroom, one day on the roads and streets) to check all three mirrors once every three seconds to keep track of all other vehicles' position and rate of approach, (partially) in conjunction with planning all possible escape routes in case of something developing out in front.
Plus many, many other things.
It has helped me a lot and I wish I practiced all of that stuff now as faithfully as I should. The extra effort doesn't lead to driver fatigue, but most drivers (including me) are too greedy for "relaxation."
I wish every driver in the country would watch this video.
I completely agree with the speed limit thing and have been advocating it for years. If I set my cruise for the speed limit the drive is very relaxing because everyone is passing me and I never have to touch the brakes
What you say Dave is how my Regional buddy does and he's been driving for only 2 years and he's a good example of a safe driver. Thank you for your video, very educational and I can observe it well while on the express highway. Take care!
I always get a good laugh at all the cars that will line up behind you on a hill and start weaving back and forth, flashing there lights or honking the horn trying to get you to go faster up hill, haha just gives me a chuckle, common sense has completely been lost to most motorists on the road.
Excellent advice, Dave.
Drivers who tailgate will find that sooner, if not later, they'll be explaining their behaviors either to the carrier or the DOT.
Most newer trucks have cruise control. If conditions allow it, just set it, and forget it.
Traveling in any lane other than the right lane is actuality illegal unless a sign says to travel in a specific lane or lanes.
When the sign says trucks use right lane, 2 lanes, 3 lanes, etc... those left lanes of the truck lanes are all plassing lanes.
None of them are travel lanes except for the far right lane.
If I was DOT, I would pull every single truck I could that uses the lanes improperly.
Following the law increases the safety in the roadway and traveling in a middle lane and going slower than everyone else, is dangerous.
I travel in the right lane except to pass or if there are signs saying trucks use middle lane(s) or left lane(s), then I travel in the furthest right lane of the lanes allowed to keep with following the law.
Every state has a law that mandates you use the right lane except for passing, exiting/turning left, moving over for vehicles on the shoulder or designated lane usage by black and white or black and orange signage.
Yeah, seen a lot of trucks burn to the ground over the years from rear ending another truck and rupturing their fuel tanks. hard to get out when the fires at your door.
Excellent tips.. have seen it all and I'm a new Class 1 driver.. I drove Class 2 vehicles (buses) for 15 years and there were a lot of nuts on the roads trying not to get stuck behind me only to cut me off slowing me down.
Thanks smart trucking that was very important reminder to me as a truck driver keep up the good job God bless you smart trucking
94 going through Gary IN has been a mess! The added construction and guys treating it like a raceway. I appreciate the videos!!!
Much thanks,
Ken from Chicago!!
Kenspiricy .. when did I80 in Gary NOT have construction ?
Thank you Ken! Dave
I never even follow closely in my car. It's asking for an accident. And if I'm somehow in a situation where I have to drive closely I'm all eyes. You never know what will cause a jam on brakes.
When it comes to running in convoy formation, driver's can learn a lot from watching military personnel operating in convoy formation, they always have good following distance and all of them get there at the same time
It's not the ELDs that keep you from driving at night when there is less traffic. It is the stupid hours of service; particularly the 14 hour window.
the best view from the office. a man cant complain
Just so Drivers Know. In Nevada you can use any lane. Left lane one end of Vegas to the other. If you can do the speed limit. 👍🏼
I’m one of the slowest guys at my company... but the other guys are going pedal to the metal all day and if the speed limits 40 they are doing almost 60... they are right on the tail of the guy in front and they are passing everybody they can... I roll in a half hour late every day but I’m not stressed out and I feel a lot better that I’m not running the risk of getting into an accident or getting a ticket 🙄
You are doing it the right way!!
Love your safety advise. I know this but need to hear it.
Thanks for following! Dave
I'm glad this video popped up for me with a positive driver speaking on the reality of following distance. I've been driving since 2011, and now I drive with Ceva from AZ to Cali, so I use I 10W and E and the amount of tailgating that goes on behind me, especially with O/O is bizarre and many times even when it's clear to go around they still sit behind my liftgate, so I start to see they are trying to be a bully or intimidating in which I think they just young and feel the need of trying to proof something IKD but it is ridiculous! So I'm glad this video popped up so I can leave a comment. FYI, to those tailgators, my truck is governed at 70, so I think they do what they do because they probably know my truck is governed and want to take advantage of their speed feel the need to be a tailgator because knowing I can't do much! Either way, I don't consider them professionals or have a right state of mind or positive thinking like you, driver!!
Great Advice young Man! My mindset is like hauling a bunch of senior citizens on the step deck as they watch the scenery go bye. Haste means waste.
I never drive among a bunch of cars a Rush Hour Time! It gets very crazy!
As someone who drives on I94 almost every day living right near Gary. Couldn't of said it better myself.
All he said is true. Keep up the good work
Yes, avoid clusters: my favorite cdl instructor taught us 10 yrs ago, 👍 .
Good advice Dave. It's better to back out of it then their windup wrapped up around a telephone pole
I hear you on the E Log problem just tonight I wanted yo stop on Terre haute but needed my drive time tomorrow so on I rolled tired and hungry to Effingham 🙄
You r so right ,,back in the eightys I use to haul heavy equipment ,,one hundered and twenty thousand plus. You learn quick to establish a lot of distance between yourself and what is in front of you
I like challenge to use my gears to slow down in traffic, and not touch my breaks unless a four wheeler go in my safety space. That way it's a steady flow of traffic and not to much stop and go!!!
Good sound advice. Thank you. Keep it up and maybe some of these drivers will make it to retirement with out too much trouble. Two thumbs up.
I found the more space the less work you have to do. Chech out the pitted windshields , thats the driver who tailgates AND gets worse fuel milage .
It's all about trip planning... Just got on a new dedicated fleet and I'm trying to get my planning sorted so I don't put myself in those tight situations. Sucks to feel that pressure, and it serves to remind me, late I bettter than dead.
Backing off is the only way. Let it all pass you by, and you'll get farther in the long run, for sure. Doesn't take a brainiac to know that.
Good rap on an important topic. I've been trucking for 30 years now and the man who taught me how drilled the safe following distance in to me like no other. As I myself am becoming a veteran to the trucking industry it amazes me how many trucker's follow way way way to close. Especially with the amount of tailgating impatient as well as distracted 4 wheelers we deal with on a daily basis. Thanks again.😎👍👍👍😎
Javan Russell ... watched a driver follow a 4 wheeler around a ramp following too close.. turned her over and died! Tailgaten the previous 5 miles. Bad driver , dead driver . .
Hey, thank you! Dave
Javan Russell - I hear you. Many times a distracted driver could be a momo on their cell phone, or a woman in a SUV looking into a mirror putting on makeup. In fact, the woman and her makeup is actually the worst of all.
Wise words Dave. Thank you for the insights.
He's right about dump trucks guys.
Becuz I was a dump truck guy at one point..they really do force you to keep going.
Dave, thanks for the ride-along and the (should be) common sense tips. Be safe out there and I look forward to ride along again.
What drives me crazy is when someone is right on my ass in a snow storm. I adjust for the road conditions but there's always a few that drive like it's dry road. It's annoying and it is very distracting too.
Yes it is! Dave
I drive a bus for First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. I also drive a school bus for School City of East Chicago, Indiana. Even as a bus driver, I agree with everything you're saying. I drive weekly from the South Side of Chicago (31st St & Dan Ryan Expressway) to Hammond, Indiana. I take the Dan Ryan down to Bishop Ford, and exit at W. Dolton Ave. I've found that if I take one lane from the left where the local meets the express lanes, I don't need to worry about switching lanes. And if I set my cruise control at the speed limit of 55mph, most of the time I don't need to switch it off until I get close to my exit.
I was trained to keep 6 seconds of following distance. Personally, I believe that's okay for a bus in good weather, but I've found that usually, setting the cruise at 55mph sets up that much, or more, for me. So I agree with you about the speed limit statement. I also try to avoid the far-right and far-left lanes. They have exits and merging traffic. A school bus is a dream to drive, what with the air seats and all the mirrors. Seriously, all the mirrors. By making use of all mirrors, there isn't a spot in 360° that I can't see. I might have to roll, tilt, or slide my head to see around the pillars, but even that doesn't take much, especially in Blue Bird models. If you're looking for a side job, see if you can get the Passenger and School Bus endorsements on your CDL. I work 25 hours per week and I earn almost $17/hr. There are better paying and worse paying bus driver jobs, but if you are willing, being a school bus driver can be very rewarding. You're home every night, you're paid hourly, no unpaid time, and you can get free access to any sports games you drive to. Speaking of sports games, that's extra hours you can earn if you want them. You can also go on field trips to museums, science expos, and even the occasional long-distance trip, taking the band to Disneyworld or Washington DC, with the hotel room and park access included. Being a school bus driver one of the best jobs I've ever had, and that's not even mentioning the fact that you have months off during the summer, and other vacations during the school year.
Glad you enjoy it Nate. I've got to ask though, doesn't being responsible for all those kids scare you sometimes? It's one thing to flop a load of freight, but quite another to flop over a school bus. That's one load I was always too afraid to haul. Dave
Smart-Trucking.com I'm always respectful of corners. If a turn has a yellow speed limit sign, I either follow that speed or go slower. Also, school buses are built to protect their occupants in a crash. A school bus is actually the safest vehicle for passengers, due to the containment design of the seats. Every seat back has steel plate in the frame, so in either a front end or rear end collision, the passengers stay in the seats. For a side collision, the height of the bus puts the passengers' feet at the windshield of most cars and pickup trucks. Anyone who hits a bus has less chance of survival than the passengers inside the bus. The main exception is trains. If a train hits a bus, the train always wins. That's why buses always have to stop at railroad crossings. Also, bus drivers receive much training on an annual basis. Every school district is responsible for providing training and retraining for their drivers. In Indiana, all school bus drivers have to maintain a "Yellow Card" certification. That means they not only know how to drive the school bus, but can also be proactive in emergency situations. For example, if a bus catches fire, the *time* from first visible flame to the bus being completely engulfed in flames is only two minutes. A bus driver needs to know how to evacuate the bus completely in that short amount of time.
Driving a bus is also different than driving an 18 wheeler because passengers can be unpredictable. Many things can distract a driver from the road, and a school bus driver needs to be prepared to meet these challenges. Sometimes children fight. Sometimes they stand. Most of the time, though, a bus ride is uneventful. And a bus driver can sometimes be a great mentor, so the job can be very rewarding.
Most school buses today have automatic transmissions, and many have hydraulic brakes, so they're almost as easy to drive as a regular car. Just as there are cabover trucks and long nose trucks, there are flat nose buses and conventional buses. Most people say conventional buses are easier to drive because they only have about 3' of tail swing, whereas flat nose buses have about 6' of tail swing. (For those who don't know, tail swing is how far the rear of the bus moves in the opposite direction when making a corner. So if you're driving a flat nose bus, and you make a right turn, the rear of the bus will go about 6' into the left lane.) However, flat nose buses are usually more maneuverable than conventional buses. Flat nose buses can make tighter turns. I haven't driven a flat nose bus on the road, but if I did, I'd probably prefer it over a conventional bus.
25 some odd years as a trucker, for the first half I was a gung ho trucker, always trying to impress the dispatcher, I wanted to be his/her “go to” guy, oh sure I got some shitty loads no one else wanted, but I also got many rewards with long miles racked up fast. Than I started to slow down, I started leaving space, you know what I found? Stress and road rage disappeared. Even in traffic jams, I picked a low gear and never touched the fuel. I’d crank the tunes, or listen to a good AM talk show and I stayed calm, used way less fuel and wear and tear on the truck was minimized. Now don’t get me wrong, most of my career was spent in passed down trucks, so I always was gentle on them, my father taught me that it was ok to cruise at top speed, but take your time running through those gears, be gentle on the drive terrain and it’ll be good to you.
Gotta agree with your Dad! Stay safe! Dave
It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one that likes to stay out in the middle lanes through cities.
Safest place, in my opinion. Dave
Empty in the first rain is the worst above 32f
I agree, but I don't like having to sit still because passenger vehicles will not let me have a safety zone of space.
I'm all ears. Better to keep my distance as best as possible. Worst place I can think of it is Atlanta, Georgia, where the interstates are bumper to bumper. I personally just try to keep my distance. Heck, I go a little below the speed limit and always watch my rear. let me know what you think.
I think that's just what I do! Dave
I've noticed people damn near ALWAYS speed up when I come up behind. there will be a car in this lane, one in that lane and one SPEEDS up to match or faster than I'm goin then the other usually follows suit. unless you're trying to pass, then a lot of times they slow down. It just blows my mind how people are always in such a hurry, to get in front and then slow way down. or get into those packs and will just stay there speeding up slowing down with whoever is in front. even spread out across 4 lanes going the same speed so nobody has anywhere to go. people have just lost all their sense, common and otherwise, thanks to smart phones and technology doing e everything for them I guess. nobody has to think anymore so they don't. and everybody is on edge, you even start to just pass em goin the speed limit or somethin and they go all nuts and floor it til they can get to another car and then hit the brakes and block you. it's just absolutely ridiculous. beyond insanity. I just don't get people AT ALL anymore, not that I ever really did to start.
My God you should see some of the drivers here in Ontario. Numerous times iv seen trucks sandwich cars and trucks literally with only a couple feet in between. And I dont want to specify where these drivers come from..We need more drivers like you. Hopefully going for my AZ here soon
Your advice is much appreciated.
I was just shaking my head last week when I witnessed a LOVE'S GASOLINE tanker truck riding a four wheelers ass in town, and I mean riding.He was doing at least 70-75 in a 60 zone. Couldn't believe it.
Wow! Did you call Loves? Dave
Truly well said and advised.
It's all the Truth and more.
You should see what these drivers in Alberta do. They’re 15-20 FEET behind small cars. Sometimes on icy roads. Horrendous....so dangerous.
engine sounds good! nothin like a cat turbo spooling up, sounds like a jet engine!!
Those guys on I-94 in Michigan that plowed into an existing pile up are likely rookie and possibly foreign drivers that have no experience and more than likely have no CB turned on at all. They run the same regardless of conditions and have blown my doors off during blizzards.
When bad weather happens, EVERYONE should have their radio on at least a little bit to hear of emergency situations.
Agreed! I couldn't believe, when I watched that video, the speed at which some of those guys were travelling! Dave
I go in the middle lane at the speed limit in a regular car. They can suck it up and pass me if they don't like it. I never use the left lane.
Haha..like me on 90 yesterday after they opened up lookout, etc after the avalanche.
I’m following a safe distance behind 2 snow plows, and hers come all the jockeys blowing by me on the left just to find out there’s snow plows directly in front of me that I’m following , then jump in front of me pushing me back. One does this and the rest of the fools follow.
seasoned truck drivers always do this.
I of course agree with do the speed limit and adjusting speed downward for weather conditions but would go on to suggest the truck should be able to do the speed limit.
I agree!
It truly amazes me when I see other truckers on peoples bumper or even 10 feet from them.....it's absolutely ridiculous really.....literally makes no sense.
Bobtail requires even more distance, as you will slide more than stop. Last time I drove was about six years ago using paper logs. Can anyone explain why the E-logs forces you from a needed break? I still hold my class A, but have no desire to drive anymore, but may be forced to soon if I don't find a mechanical job close to my house.
You talk the Walk. It's been my Bible of the road. Keep up the lost Art.
I always question the logic of tailgating. Heading up the Coke from Kamloops, in the far right lane, some fool will be right up my tailgate. There is three lanes, pass me instead of tailgating. Running into me ruins my day and yours as well.
I'm a rookie and couldn't figure out why dump truck drivers drive like that, thanks
Lots of great advice. 100% 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Great content
In city traffic I travel just a touch slower then the rest then I just move around in my Lane this keeps the ones behind me on edge then they don't lay in my blind spots they hurry up and get the hell away from me
excellent advice really good video the only problem is the damn fools won't take your advice they drive 40 feet apart nothing's going to go wrong don't you know
When I'm on the road in my van traveling across country I generally drive 65. To me better gas mileage is more important than time. Seems most of the truck drivers go 65 also, but every once in a while I'll get a truck come up behind me fast but instead of passing they drive right up to my bumper. My mirror is full of truck, I could see him getting made if I was in the left lane 5mph under the speed limit but I'm in the right what we used to call the slow lane. I assume he is trying to intimidate me which never works, I'm not speeding up to make him happy. If he doesn't get off my tail I'll slowly back off the gas till he gets the message and passes me, this is on flat land not a hill. The speeding up down hill thing drives me nuts because I end up playing truck tag. I set my cruise at 65 and a truck going down hill passes me. At the bottom of the hill is another hill and he has to slow down to 55 so I pass him. This game of tag can go on a lone time. Normally I'll adjust my cruise a couple mile per hour up or down and we will get out of sink and no more tag. It seems most truckers do the speed up slow down on the hills seems dangerous, it's always harder to stop going down hill if something happens bad time to speed up.
Yep, I just let all those others in a big hurry go right on by, I'll stay back all by myself.
Good idea! Dave
Thumbs up. On the speedy hill climbs, if it's good conditions on the interstate and I have good following distance, what's wrong with it?
Robert you might have that sneaky cop at the bottom just waiting for trick ! My advice is to set the cruise and enjoy the ride . I figured that out years ago and you will be much less tired from all that plotting and planning . Bottom line , let the truck do the work .
Thumbs up.
Why speed if your a company guy. Even an owner operator wont make up the time. Not worth the repairs, tickets ect. I find it relaxing going slow and steady
Well said
As I am not a trucker I would be interested in knowing truck braking distances. How long on average does it take for a fully loaded tanker truck to stop from 60 miles per hour.
Tough question, especially if it was a straight bore tanker with room at the top. But to give you a rough idea, I'd guesstimate somewhere around 600 feet. We used to figure you'd need one truck length for every ten mph and if the truck is 60 feet long, tanker trucks are shorter than most trucks, you would be in the 600 foot range on dry paved road. There are a lot of variables however.
That is about what I expected. I bet few people realize just how long it takes to stop on a good dry road never mind a poor condition road.
Great video, but my truck is too slow to lead the pack :-)
I’m going to rent your truck and trailer for my road test lol 😂
Slow and steady goes the turtle in traffic