The psychology of a trucker and driving techniques

[switz]

The Europeans did not put coffee cup holders in for years. The job was to drive, not eat and drink.

We learned that here in the UK, one is not supposed to drink coffee (or soda or water) or eat while driving. In fact, neither was the passenger crowd either.

The placement of the GPS is important as well for keeping your attention on the road. It is smart that most companies require a stopped vehicle to make changes.

My preferred speed is between 62 and 65 when that speed is allowed as that is the engine's peak torque spot in 6th gear. However, some secondary highways are rough or undulate enough that the posted 55 may be too fast for the rig.

My greatest concern where we live in the Phoenix area are the youth that think they are invincible and weave in out out of traffic barely missing folks to gain 5 seconds or the motorcyclists doing similar activity. (I have ridden my Gold Wing in all but the Northeast of the US (yes Mexico as well) and found that 65 to 70 was more appropriate than the legal 80 in Texas as one could not see the scenery at the higher speed!

[m.hony]

55-65 is fast enough for me in Texas even without the trailer. Forget the 70 mph speed limit on 2 lane roads. 75 and 80 speed limit on the highway is useless to me. I'll never go that fast.

[mayco]

Not too long ago i was driving with my wife down a two lane road with no one visible in the rear view mirror. A woman in a mini van with passengers came pulling up to a side road ahead on our right, made direct eye contact with me and pulled right out in front of us turning to her right. As she smugly stared me down during her entire right hand turn, and i hit the brakes hard, she failed to notice a brand new cadillac had come to almost a complete stop just ahead in our lane. So as she flipped me the bird with her eyes she promptly rear ended the new caddy....(no one was hurt)... But as we slowly pulled around the mishap i made sure to roll down the passenger window so my wife and I could smile politely as we passed...wife and I said to each other at the exact same time...." There IS a GOD"

[SteveH]

Most people in Texas exceed the speed limit by about 5MPH, no matter the posted speed limit. I only do that without the trailer.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by m.hony

55-65 is fast enough for me in Texas even without the trailer. Forget the 70 mph speed limit on 2 lane roads. 75 and 80 speed limit on the highway is useless to me. I'll never go that fast.

A man has got to know his limitations.

[rmkrum]

And the limitations of what you are driving...


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[m.hony]

Those speed limits are too fast to adequately intake and process information. If a deer runs out or a car pulls out from a side road it's "game over".

[Msmoto]

If we talk about speed, I have no problem in the western US in a car, traveling for hours in the 90 plus mph range. At these speeds and especially above this, one must understand the issues of closing speed, long stopping distances, extreme sensitivity to driver input, and the need to be looking a long ways down the highway. This requires a lot of driver energy input and full concentration.

The big problem for me at age 72 is driver fatigue. Pure and simple, driving at speeds less than 65 or better yet at 60, especially if in a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds, is conducive to much better safety. And the slower speeds allow me at least, to pull for 10-14 hours, taking multiple rest stops, exercise, and naps several times during the day. My overall average speed for a day is about 50-53 mph, with two to four hours of stopped time each day. This seems to work best for my driving/life style.

Be well,


Ms Tommie Lauer
Greensboro, NC
2015 Serenity 30 RB / 2008 Dodge Cummins 4 X 4
WBCCI #4165 AIR #31871