Has anyone noticed, or is it just me

[bigbadbrucie]

Has anyone noticed that there seems to be an influx of NOT PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS. It used to be that the semi truckers were “professionals” but now it seems that their only concern is to get from point A to point B in the shortest possible time, and to heck with the other highway users. I was out for a short ride today, my headlights on highbeam, headlights LED’s, driving lights on, clear sunny day. Came up to a side road entrance, truck pulled up to it stopped and then swung out onto the roadway. He was a tandem trailer semi with a lumber load. I had nobody behind me, nor did he. By the time he was on the roadway and totally in his lane, I had to brake. Had he waited 30 seconds, I would have been by him and he would have been clear to go, and had he been a PROFESSIONAL DRIVER, that’s exactly how it would have been!

There....RANT over, and I feel better.

 

[Steve W.]

Just remember ... "Professional" only means they get paid for it, not that they're good at it.

I used to drive truck 40-45 years ago. We used to say "there are a lot more people driving trucks than there are truck drivers."

.

 

[Bfromla]

:sour:Crap people can still breed:barf:unfortunately almost exponentially :banghead:

 

[Saluda]

You are not alone in this thought !

 

[Snoking1127]

"Knights of the Road" have been gone for many decades. Replaced by Cannon Ball Express Delivery. And trucks have gotten so powerful that they no long lumber along the routes. Top that off with rail availability being taken up by oil trains, more and more freight is moved by truck.

 

[ARtraveler]

You are all right on target. Be prepared for stupid...it happens more than you want it to.

Still reminded of the weekly quote from "Hill Street Blues," "Be careful out there." :bowdown:

 

[MONK]

I drove a truck years ago. Back then, we really were the Knights of the Road. Most drivers (not all) were courteous, helpful, etc and were professional in every sense of the word. I think the biggest issue with "drivers" today is the industry itself. Less pay, unable to work as many hours so you have to really rush to make any money, etc. I thought about going back on the road a few years ago but decided it wasn't worth it.

 

[2dogs]

:sour:Crap people can still breed:barf:unfortunately almost exponentially :banghead:

And not surprisingly a considerable number of those individuals can't, don't, or won't speak English.

 

[AlanSmith7]

Most of the drivers are professional, A few unprofessional people start driving trucks to earn some money and companies hire these non-experienced drivers for a low rate.
Due to them, many road accidents occur.

 

[bigbadbrucie]

Most of the drivers are professional, A few unprofessional people start driving trucks to earn some money and companies hire these non-experienced drivers for a low rate.
Due to them, many road accidents occur.

Not quite sure if I agree wth you. Yes, most probably received professional training, however that does not make them professional in how they do their job. I do appreciate the “Professional Drivers” that are out there doing a difficult job.

 

[2dogs]

Long story short, try to keep one of your two eyes occasionally on your rearview mirrors. A few years back a semi passed me over a double line on a blind curve going downhill and ran me off the pavement. Didn't see him coming, dam! After panic turned to anger I followed the speeding truck (approx 15 miles) to the crash site. A number of vehicles were involved when that truck rear-ended a pesticide truck. I was on Harley at the time and saw the truck driver fleeing the crash site. I was able to pick my through the debris on the pavement and drove up to the driver. I told him if he didn't stop running and return to the scene he'd just created, I would dismantle one of his kneecaps. He complied and was later arrested. A multi-lane freeway was closed for over 6 hours for the cleanup, and likely, of all the cars and people involved no one was injured.

 

[Gwolf]

Years ago the schools taught people how to drive trucks. Now the truck driving schools teach people how to pass the CDL test.

 

[Bfromla]

And not surprisingly a considerable number of those individuals can't, don't, or won't speak English.

Possibly(Not trying side track debate)however believe English or any language has nothing to with it. Stupids comes all kinds& forms even temporary (lapse of judgement) much less distractions

 

[RayBJ]

I think you are confusing POLITE with PROFESSIONAL :dontknow:. The guy may be an excellent driver but is simply an A-hole. Similar to SteveW's observation, "There are more horses' a$$e$ than there are horses". :gaah:

 

[bigbadbrucie]

I think you are confusing POLITE with PROFESSIONAL :dontknow:. The guy may be an excellent driver but is simply an A-hole. Similar to SteveW's observation, "There are more horses' a$$e$ than there are horses". :gaah:

I equate a Professional driver to BEING polite. Thats the way it used to be!

 

[remus]

Years ago the schools taught people how to drive trucks. Now the truck driving schools teach people how to pass the CDL test.

Not only that but there are a couple schools in tucson and they get new classes going about every 6 weeks. The Student does what he is taught. I would not bo to either one of those schools. The staff acts like they are in it for the money

 

[happyspyder2039]

Not sure what this has to do with spyders but here’s my 2 cents. More like a trash the trucker post and should be deleted.

There are blind spots that that make it hard to see everything around the truck. Also Just because you are smaller with a crap load of lights doesn’t mean you have the right of away either. Most 4 wheelers assume they have the right of way be it merging on the freeway or on side streets.cutting trucks off.by Running stop signs/ lights and on freeway exits all the time. All not thinking Expecting trucks to move or stop on a dime. Not knowing we can’t because of other traffic. I have been driving trucks for quite a few years and drive as safe and courteous as can be. But most people don’t get the action they just did almost killed them.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

If you can get it, take a 'No Zone' training class. You'll get a real good idea of how and where you should ride in the vicinity of a semi. One cardinal rule: Three places you NEVER want to linger while on the road - behind a semi, alongside a semi, in front of a semi. If you need to pass a semi wait until the way is clear ahead of you to get well ahead of the semi, then kick it in the ass and GO!

 

[2dogs]

I have heard some good things about the Walmart drivers.

 

[bikerbillone]

So many semi's on the interstate these days, most difficult not to be in the vicinity of one, that's why I love the back roads if possible. I understand not always possible. Defensive driving to the max on the scoot always with your head on a swivel.