Knowing where the next turn will occur is just one benefit of the GPS units, or directions from the computer: you know which lane you will need to be in, and when. Don't leave home (or anywhere else) without it!
Not so Swift
- Thread starter CharlesD
- Start date
Knowing where the next turn will occur is just one benefit of the GPS units, or directions from the computer: you know which lane you will need to be in, and when. Don't leave home (or anywhere else) without it!
OVM, yeah, most GPS units will tell you to exit right or left. They'll also tell you to "Keep Right" or "Keep Left", when all that really means is "stay on the road you are on and don't take the next exit". Usually does that when major roads or Interstates split off of the road you're on.
The middle lane is particularly problematic, especially where the far left lane is truck-restricted. Many 4 wheelers (and big trucks who should know better) park their butt in that middle lane because they don't want to be bothered with the merging traffic from the right, nor the traffic that is slowing down to make an exit. They sit there in the middle lane, 4-wheelers, especially, and think, "I'll go just as fast or slow as I want. There are two lanes to go around me." Not realizing that, no, there aren't two lanes for people to go around you, because (a) it's illegal to pass on the right and (b) trucks can't run in the left lane in the first place. The result is a clumping up of the middle lane that affects the right lane, too. Then you have people passing on the right, anyway, just to get around, and now there's all kinds of opportunities for a "preventable".
Then there are the Bozo's who will come up behind you when you're in the middle lane, going 15 or 20 MPH faster than you, and even if the left lane is wide open and clear, they will not pass you on the left, because, in their minds, they can speed as fast as they like without getting a ticket, so long as they stay out of that left lane. These are also the people who rarely use a turn signal when changing lanes.
Did you know that passing on the right, as well as changing lanes without signaling, both fall under the category of reckless driving?
Another one is, mostly women who do it, they will use their turn signal when changing lanes, or exiting or entering the Interstate, but, but, but, if they are on a hand-held cell phone, turn signals instantly become optional.
The middle lane is particularly problematic, especially where the far left lane is truck-restricted. Many 4 wheelers (and big trucks who should know better) park their butt in that middle lane because they don't want to be bothered with the merging traffic from the right, nor the traffic that is slowing down to make an exit. They sit there in the middle lane, 4-wheelers, especially, and think, "I'll go just as fast or slow as I want. There are two lanes to go around me." Not realizing that, no, there aren't two lanes for people to go around you, because (a) it's illegal to pass on the right and (b) trucks can't run in the left lane in the first place. The result is a clumping up of the middle lane that affects the right lane, too. Then you have people passing on the right, anyway, just to get around, and now there's all kinds of opportunities for a "preventable".
Then there are the Bozo's who will come up behind you when you're in the middle lane, going 15 or 20 MPH faster than you, and even if the left lane is wide open and clear, they will not pass you on the left, because, in their minds, they can speed as fast as they like without getting a ticket, so long as they stay out of that left lane. These are also the people who rarely use a turn signal when changing lanes.
Did you know that passing on the right, as well as changing lanes without signaling, both fall under the category of reckless driving?
Another one is, mostly women who do it, they will use their turn signal when changing lanes, or exiting or entering the Interstate, but, but, but, if they are on a hand-held cell phone, turn signals instantly become optional.
CharlesD
Expert Expediter
I wish those two things would be enforced more often.
Regarding the hand held phone thing, here is a post from another board I'm on. This other board is a sports related board, but has a section for off topic discussions and we had a lengthy thread about driving. This post wasn't mine, but someone else, and he says it about as well as it can be said.
On urban freeways where there are more than two lanes running in the same direction, technically the right lane is for local traffic and other lanes are for through traffic.
I would believe careless driving but not reckless. Reckless driving is a more severe charge and is usually the result of an accident or a situation involving "grave danger."
I prefer wreckless driving.
I would believe careless driving but not reckless. Reckless driving is a more severe charge and is usually the result of an accident or a situation involving "grave danger."
I prefer wreckless driving.
The definition of reckless driving is pretty much uniform across all states:
"Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving."
And in most states is a Class-1 Misdemeanor, same as a DUI.
Some states use "Careless Driving" or "Dangerous Driving" to describe the same violations, and they all come with pretty much the same penalties regardless of what they are called.
The broad definition of the term leaves a lot of driving actions left suspect to being labeled as reckless driving (as aggressive driving is also often incorporated into the reckless driving scheme of things), but as far as I know all states do list some specifics (more for points off your license purposes than anything else).
Examples include the common sense ones like driving 25 MPH over the posted speed limit. In VA it's 20 MPH over, plus, in VA, driving 80 MPH at any time under any conditions is considered reckless driving, even if it's a perfect day, dry pavement, flat road and you're the only vehicle out there (other than the cop, that is). Also things like racing, passing or overtaking an emergency vehicle, passing a school bus, passing on the crest of a hill or passing across a solid yellow line, passing at a railroad crossing, driving two vehicles abreast (in the same lane), driving too fast for conditions, faulty brakes or otherwise having improper control, failure to yield right-of-way, and for things like failing to give a proper signal, and passing on the right. Driving with an obstructed view is also reckless driving, so scrape all the piled up crap off yer dash.
I do find it interesting that a police officer will change lanes without signaling, as well as pass on the right, and will usually look the other way when a 4-wheeler does the same, but let a truck do it, and suddenly they've got their gun and their badge and they're on the job. "Pull over, Buddy, you're in a whole heap o' trouble."
"Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving."
And in most states is a Class-1 Misdemeanor, same as a DUI.
Some states use "Careless Driving" or "Dangerous Driving" to describe the same violations, and they all come with pretty much the same penalties regardless of what they are called.
The broad definition of the term leaves a lot of driving actions left suspect to being labeled as reckless driving (as aggressive driving is also often incorporated into the reckless driving scheme of things), but as far as I know all states do list some specifics (more for points off your license purposes than anything else).
Examples include the common sense ones like driving 25 MPH over the posted speed limit. In VA it's 20 MPH over, plus, in VA, driving 80 MPH at any time under any conditions is considered reckless driving, even if it's a perfect day, dry pavement, flat road and you're the only vehicle out there (other than the cop, that is). Also things like racing, passing or overtaking an emergency vehicle, passing a school bus, passing on the crest of a hill or passing across a solid yellow line, passing at a railroad crossing, driving two vehicles abreast (in the same lane), driving too fast for conditions, faulty brakes or otherwise having improper control, failure to yield right-of-way, and for things like failing to give a proper signal, and passing on the right. Driving with an obstructed view is also reckless driving, so scrape all the piled up crap off yer dash.
I do find it interesting that a police officer will change lanes without signaling, as well as pass on the right, and will usually look the other way when a 4-wheeler does the same, but let a truck do it, and suddenly they've got their gun and their badge and they're on the job. "Pull over, Buddy, you're in a whole heap o' trouble."
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
I, for one, do drive in the middle lane. But I also watch behind me, and move over if another truck is wanting to pass. Reason is simple: ppl don't know how to merge! I've had more close calls in the granny lane, than the center, due to some idiot who expects me to move over, then stays right along side of me when the center is blocked.
Thanks Turtle! I was wrong. I was relying on my memory and my days as a young driver in Minnesota. At one time in Minnesota there was a distinction between careless and reckless. I looked up the current Minnesota law and it mentions both reckless and careless but I found the difference to be rather vague.
Broompilot
Veteran Expediter
Cruise Control:
Just wonder how many DEATHS have been caused by this DEVICE:
Years ago it sounded like the greatest thing: Today I think it is the most DANGERIOUS tool put on vehicles;
Example: I have seen this over and over again. Now YOU begin to notice I believe you will see the same thing:
When a car is Entering the Freeway and is not gaining much speed, you are comming up on it and it is running out of lane: Watch the persons hand they are to LAZY to take the cruise off and accelerate with the pedal, they are using the cruise to accelerate and EXPECT you to lay off and let them in or MERGE for THEM, even while you have traffic in the next lane.
Second point; Just as the original posters driving habits and Thawks suggestion: We are professionals, driving thru any city with traffic is just not a wise professional habit to get into using cruise. We all make mistakes, by the time one would let off the gas to brake vs cruise control and braking could be 50 feet or more (maybee less) but that 50 feet could be the difference of STOPPING prior to an accident or slowing, or there being THE ACCIDENT and rear ending a vehicle in front of you.
Third Point, when passing another truck in Traffic: ONE SHOULD ALWAYS have an ESCAPE plan. I never PIN myself into a situation should something dumb like a SWIFT driver make my ESCAPE impossible. I plan for these idiots, now its when another vehicle takes my plan away I cannot help those situations.
I drive like an old person these days with the Fuel being where it is. EVERYONE PASSES me and I can keep passing the fuel pump. 55mph saves me everyday over $86.00 in fuel vs 63 or higher mph. My trucks fuel useage increases from the 6s to Mid 7s or higher.
Just wonder how many DEATHS have been caused by this DEVICE:
Years ago it sounded like the greatest thing: Today I think it is the most DANGERIOUS tool put on vehicles;
Example: I have seen this over and over again. Now YOU begin to notice I believe you will see the same thing:
When a car is Entering the Freeway and is not gaining much speed, you are comming up on it and it is running out of lane: Watch the persons hand they are to LAZY to take the cruise off and accelerate with the pedal, they are using the cruise to accelerate and EXPECT you to lay off and let them in or MERGE for THEM, even while you have traffic in the next lane.
Second point; Just as the original posters driving habits and Thawks suggestion: We are professionals, driving thru any city with traffic is just not a wise professional habit to get into using cruise. We all make mistakes, by the time one would let off the gas to brake vs cruise control and braking could be 50 feet or more (maybee less) but that 50 feet could be the difference of STOPPING prior to an accident or slowing, or there being THE ACCIDENT and rear ending a vehicle in front of you.
Third Point, when passing another truck in Traffic: ONE SHOULD ALWAYS have an ESCAPE plan. I never PIN myself into a situation should something dumb like a SWIFT driver make my ESCAPE impossible. I plan for these idiots, now its when another vehicle takes my plan away I cannot help those situations.
I drive like an old person these days with the Fuel being where it is. EVERYONE PASSES me and I can keep passing the fuel pump. 55mph saves me everyday over $86.00 in fuel vs 63 or higher mph. My trucks fuel useage increases from the 6s to Mid 7s or higher.
mypie
Seasoned Expediter
CharlesD, I had a bad experience with a Swift driver just this past week just west of Tucson on I-10.
I was in a construction zone (which I hate anyway) and doing the speed limit for the construction zone (55) and hanging in the right lane with a concrete barrier wall 5 or 6" off of the right lane. Two big trucks came barreling around me on the left (must have been 10-15 over the limit, and slid in the right lane in front of me - that was OK. But, then a Swift truck (apparently travelling with the other 2 trucks) came around me and went to slide into the right lane before apparently checking his/her mirrors to see that he/she had cleared me before moving right! Nearly pushed me into the concrete wall! I braked/backed off to avoid an accident. I was pist! I got on the CB and chewed him out, but I don't know that he heard me. Once I got out of the construction zone, I kept my eye on his/her trailer and slowly but steadily caught up. I had my husband write down the trailer number and when we stopped at our delivery I called Swift's Safety Department and reported the incident while my husband unloaded. The Safety Director assured me that the driver's manager would be notified of the incident.
Which brings to mind, "Since when did speed limits become 'only a suggestion?'"
I was in a construction zone (which I hate anyway) and doing the speed limit for the construction zone (55) and hanging in the right lane with a concrete barrier wall 5 or 6" off of the right lane. Two big trucks came barreling around me on the left (must have been 10-15 over the limit, and slid in the right lane in front of me - that was OK. But, then a Swift truck (apparently travelling with the other 2 trucks) came around me and went to slide into the right lane before apparently checking his/her mirrors to see that he/she had cleared me before moving right! Nearly pushed me into the concrete wall! I braked/backed off to avoid an accident. I was pist! I got on the CB and chewed him out, but I don't know that he heard me. Once I got out of the construction zone, I kept my eye on his/her trailer and slowly but steadily caught up. I had my husband write down the trailer number and when we stopped at our delivery I called Swift's Safety Department and reported the incident while my husband unloaded. The Safety Director assured me that the driver's manager would be notified of the incident.
Which brings to mind, "Since when did speed limits become 'only a suggestion?'"
At least you can drive out of a Construction Zone. I've been stuck in the Twilight Zone for years.
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
I'm gonna make some people mad, but I'm not trying to. I'm just playing devil's advocate. It's part of what Moot would call my "Law School Graduation Reaction Drill".
Has anyone thought about the fact that CharlesD might have been in Swift's blind spot. He did say he was running along side his trailer. I mean the trailer is basicly one big blind spot. Plus he said he was passing at 67 miles per hour and Swift runs 65 so that's gonna be a long process. Why not kick it up to 70 and pass him? Alot of these fuel saving ideas are not safe. Like people talking about we run 55 even when the speed limit is 70 and everyone around us is doing 70-75. Running 15 miles below the speed limit is just as dangerous as going 15 over it. You know you can get a ticket for impedeing the flow of traffic?
This is the end of my "Law School Graduation Reaction Drill".
Has anyone seen the video of the Swift trucks where they have caught their trailers under bridges or drug them in ditches and they are playing a song called "Behind Blue Eyes". It says "no one knows what it's like to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blue eyes. No one knows what it's like to be hated". When it says the part about being hated you see a Swift truck flipped over holding up traffic.
Has anyone thought about the fact that CharlesD might have been in Swift's blind spot. He did say he was running along side his trailer. I mean the trailer is basicly one big blind spot. Plus he said he was passing at 67 miles per hour and Swift runs 65 so that's gonna be a long process. Why not kick it up to 70 and pass him? Alot of these fuel saving ideas are not safe. Like people talking about we run 55 even when the speed limit is 70 and everyone around us is doing 70-75. Running 15 miles below the speed limit is just as dangerous as going 15 over it. You know you can get a ticket for impedeing the flow of traffic?
This is the end of my "Law School Graduation Reaction Drill".
Has anyone seen the video of the Swift trucks where they have caught their trailers under bridges or drug them in ditches and they are playing a song called "Behind Blue Eyes". It says "no one knows what it's like to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blue eyes. No one knows what it's like to be hated". When it says the part about being hated you see a Swift truck flipped over holding up traffic.
CharlesD
Expert Expediter
He was going quite a bit slower than me. There were about four or five trucks in the right lane and I was overtaking them pretty fast, then the Swift guy just decided to come over to pass the other trucks. They were going probably between 55 and 60. This was Ohio after all.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
I don't buy the blind spot debate, unless Charles was right behind his door. Otherwise, he could see all the way along his trailer, on the driver's side.
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
My favorite is that SWIFT backwards is
Twos In a White Semi
BUgger, I was gonna say that
Ever heard of PRTI? Pacific Rim Transport Inc which went: "Please Return To India" LOL. It changed to BTT, Bridge Terminal Transport (both were/are can haulers) which isn't so fun.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
I love calling CRST by CRuSTy.
You know why the underside of JB trailers are orange? So when they flip, they look like Schneider trucks.
You know why the underside of JB trailers are orange? So when they flip, they look like Schneider trucks.
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
So What I'm F***ing Trying
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
Well this one is headed downhill. No funny names but funny stories. A couple years ago down at the bow hill scale they busted this TT, total fines ran about $3500 as I recall. Some of the violations were: 5 people in the cab, (East Indian descent) all of them having the same (name) on their drivers license, a hole cut in the bunk for you know what and there were some others but I can't remember them right now.
Another one goes where the RCMP pulled over a TT (can driver I think) with a female driver (also EI) and the truck had the brake pedal painted red and the accelerator painted green. LOL
Lastly a fairly new Volvo was brought to the dealer for a drive line vibration and when the service manager found the drive shaft wrapped with toilet paper he told basically told them where to go.
No funny names but funny stories. A couple years ago down at the bow hill scale they busted this TT, total fines ran about $3500 as I recall. Some of the violations were: 5 people in the cab, (East Indian descent) all of them having the same (name) on their drivers license, a hole cut in the bunk for you know what and there were some others but I can't remember them right now. Another one goes where the RCMP pulled over a TT (can driver I think) with a female driver (also EI) and the truck had the brake pedal painted red and the accelerator painted green. LOL
Lastly a fairly new Volvo was brought to the dealer for a drive line vibration and when the service manager found the drive shaft wrapped with toilet paper he told basically told them where to go.