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Mike Leary · 05-13-2012, 10:46 AM

Coming across the Tacoma Narrows bridge in WA, the three lanes merge to two for westbound traffic. A 18-wheeler with Georgia plates apparently did not notice the "exit only" signs and put her foot in it to get into my lane. She almost made it, as I hit the brakes, but the rear of her trailer clipped the mirror. Geez, it could have been MUCH WORSE!

She booked, by the way, but Judy had the camera.

xo1rider · 05-13-2012, 10:57 AM

I really hope you nail the driver - congratulations on having the camera handy and shooting the plate!

10Smiles · 05-13-2012, 11:01 AM

Wow, that is about as close to disaster as you can have. Congratulations on your quick reactions and narrowly averting an accident. I know the area you mention. I hope the repairs do not cost too much time/$$.

By the way, hello from a fairly close neighbor (Eglon area).

David

Gene · 05-13-2012, 11:03 AM

That must have been shocking. I hope you didn't have to change your pants after that. Glad it turned out so well and the camera was ready.

Are you contacting the trucking company to get money for the mirror?

Gene

Lumatic · 05-13-2012, 11:12 AM

Do you think the trucker even knew he/she hit you? Even if they did I am sure they would say they didn't to avoid leaving the scene charges. I would be curious to find out what happens.

Mike Leary · 05-13-2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

That must have been shocking. I hope you didn't have to change your pants after that. Glad it turned out so well and the camera was ready.

Are you contacting the trucking company to get money for the mirror?

Gene

It happened so fast, it was just instinct that made me hit the binders, I just had the feeling she was going to try to clear us. I wonder if she even knew she clipped us, but I sure leaned on my horns and motioned her to pull over, since I had no clue what damage was done. She held up her arms, as to say, "whoops", but drove on, with me fuming. I'll let my insurance co. handle it, actually, it's not a expensive deal, as the arm is fine, but in a plastic coach, it prolly would have pulled the whole thing off! The point is, she left the scene, and for long haul truckers, that's not a good move.

Gene · 05-13-2012, 11:36 AM

Well, since the driver did know something happened, and you've got the license plate, that driver is going to be in trouble once the trucking co. hears about it.

I had something fly off a flatbed truck and smash a mirror years ago. It was unsecured and fortunately only hit the mirror. That was a lot less scary than what you faced. I managed to get the company name off the side door before he pulled off the highway at an exit. They send me a check. It was easier than dealing with the insurance company.

Gene

danlehosky · 05-13-2012, 12:27 PM

Mike, I cross that bridge every day and towed the AS across it on Friday. I hope you nail him. There is a State Patrol office right at the first exit on the Gig Harbor side. I live about 4 miles from there. What I don't like about the westbound bridge is with the trailer you have to ride on the metal grating. Take care.
Dan

vswingfield · 05-13-2012, 12:40 PM

Wow!

I'm glad that the damage was so minimal. Kudos to Judy for having the camera and getting the good photos.

goransons · 05-13-2012, 01:22 PM

The Tacoma area is horrible with truckers that run from accidents. a few years ago, less than 3 months after getting her a brand new car a semi-truck drove over (yes over) the front corner of her car (notice the tire marks on it) and tossed her car into the barrier at 70 mph. Stater saw it but couldn't catch up with the truck in rush hour traffic and it got away with a partial description.

Glad you had a camera handy and can nail em!! Let us know how it goes!

Mike Leary · 05-13-2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

I managed to get the company name off the side door before he pulled off the highway at an exit. They send me a check. It was easier than dealing with the insurance company.

There is a Navy sub base in Georgia and one out here in Bangor, I assume she was hauling transfer goods, as I could see (and noted) where she turned off. Good suggestion, counselor Gene, I will attempt that angle first. Will let you know. Thanks for the kind thoughts, you guys, keep an eye on your mirrors and have the wife with the camera at the ready.

Skatiero · 05-13-2012, 03:33 PM

Scary!!!!!! So glad you aRe okaY!!!

Landshark · 05-13-2012, 04:06 PM

That is really scary behavior, especially from a supposed professional. Truly, it could have been so much worse, congrats for your driving skills and Judy's photography skills!

I hate for anyone to lose a job in this economy, but that driver should be a candidate for the can!

Glad you're OK!

Vivian

Mike Leary · 05-13-2012, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landshark

I hate for anyone to lose a job in this economy, but that driver should be a candidate for the can!

Yup, and other than the middle finger, horn honking and pointing towards pulling over to the side should have got her attention.

Mike Leary · 05-13-2012, 05:57 PM

Just did a Google search and sent the trucking company an e-mail, they do a lot of work for the Navy, as I figured. It'll be interesting to hear their reply.

slowmover · 05-13-2012, 08:34 PM

There are times I wish I had a 60k TARE-weight oilfield winch truck. 3406 CAT turned up by Mr Haney to over 2,000 LBS/FT, RTO 18-speed Eaton and 3.7 gears . . . I'm just gonna drive right down the middle of that guys 53' van till I reach him in the tractor.

Sure glad to hear the old man reactions are well-oiled!!

.

Mike Leary · 05-13-2012, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDNAX

Sure glad to hear the old man reactions are well-oiled!!

We were talking about that a few minutes ago, if the 18-wheeler had tried to take the 25 mph turn-off at 60, rather than punching it to get around me, she'd be dead. Judy saw her up close and personal when she was about to cream-into us on the passenger side. According to Judy, the driver was looking at some sort of hand-held device. My mirror is minor. So goes the road.

Keyair · 05-14-2012, 10:09 AM

Good driving Mike, and glad you are both ok.
A less "Experienced" driver would have probably come off a lot worse.
My father(a Traffic Cop) always preached defensive driving, and even as a young man I managed to stay alive!

Mike Leary · 05-14-2012, 10:27 AM

They say that most accidents happen 20 miles from home-base, that's where we were!
1600 miles without a tickle, and then, wham. I got a e-mail from the trucking company, Gene was right, they'll prolly cut me a check, as I don't think they want the State Patrol and the Navy involved.