Driving Tips and Etiquette. (C&P)

[theveed]

Save on Wear and Tear

It amazes me how so many people like to step on their brakes. They floor it to a red light, and then they have to step on their brakes. And on the expressways during rush hour, they'll floor it only to have to stop.

The way I drive (and the way this book teaches), I use my brakes about five times while some people around me use their brakes fifty times. That means that my brakes will last me ten times longer.

And I never floor the accelerator. Even on a slow truck. Why push a machine to its limit? Any engine can be pushed to extremes only so many times. Save it for when you really need it.

Clutches too can only be engaged and disengaged so many times. If you don't stop very often, you can make your clutch last ten times longer too. And learn to shift without the clutch if you don't already know how. That will make it last fifty times longer because you will only need it when you stop.

Plus, you will save fuel by not stopping and going so much.


Do The Math

Many people drive as though seconds count. Sometimes seconds do count, like when you're bleeding to death. But, what if you are only going two miles away? Which most people are. How much time will you really save by passing someone who is only doing the speed limit?

Do the math. Figure out how long it will take you if you drive your desired speed, vs. the actual speed limit. More than likely, if you are only going a few miles away, slowing down by five miles per hour or so, will only cost you a few seconds. Most people don't realize this until they do the math.

So, the next time you get behind someone going a few miles per hour slower than you; don't freak out, tailgate and think you have to pass. Do the math first. And keep a safe following distance. And relax. And take notice of traffic signals ahead. You probably have a red light waiting for you anyway, so what's the point?

Let's say you are behind a slow poke going 10 m.p.h. slower than you wish. And you stayed behind him for a whole mile before he finally turned. He was going 50 m.p.h. and you wanted to go 60 m.p.h.

It takes one minute to drive one mile at 60 m.p.h. and it takes one minute and twelve seconds to drive one mile at 50 m.p.h. That's a whopping twelve seconds. Now, can you get anything important done in twelve seconds? Is twelve seconds worth the trouble or the risk? No.

What if you where behind him for only two blocks? What would that cost you?

Three seconds out of your life.

Now, don't the people who pass and then turn look stupid? They couldn't have made it one more block? One and a half seconds out of their life?

There is a certain amount of risk in any move you make. The more moves you make, the more risks you take. And the more likely you will be the one to have an accident. But, if you want to be the guy who says "I haven't had an accident in twenty years", then take it easy out there, because seconds really don't count.

The Thirty Second Rule


Nine out of ten traffic lights are red for thirty seconds, and green (along with yellow) for thirty seconds.

Nine out of ten traffic lights in big cities are two blocks apart.

If you drive thirty miles per hour for two blocks, it will take you exactly thirty seconds.

Therefore, when you approach an intersection, take notice of the next traffic light two blocks away. If it just turned red, which most of them are timed to do, you will want to drive just under thirty miles per hour. That way, it will turn green just before you would have had to stop.

Likewise, when you approach an intersection, and you notice the next traffic light two blocks ahead just turned green this time, you will want to go just over thirty miles per hour and you should make that light. Thirty-five miles per hour is more than enough to make a light that just turned green two blocks away.

Of course there are exceptions, but not that many.

Even in the suburbs, it doesn't matter where you are, anytime you are two blocks away from a traffic light, and it just turned red, go under thirty miles per hour and you wont have to stop because it will turn green just before you get there.

Safety First

Always take your time when driving. When someone tells you to hurry, say "no". You must remember, it's your ticket. Not the persons' who told you to hurry.

Hurry when you are on foot. Driving time can only be altered by a few seconds per mile. You must make up lost time in other ways.

And for all of the supervisors; never tell a driver to hurry. Never. This may upset your driver because most of them know that driving time can only be altered by a few seconds per mile. Teach your drivers to save time in ways other than on the road.

When backing up and someone is guiding you, don't trust them completely. You are the only one responsible if you hit something. Get-out-and-look (goal).

If I told you I would give you one million dollars, if you could drive all over Chicago on a Friday without having an accident, how would you drive?

That's how I want you to drive.



Backing Up

When backing a truck into a dock, always open your windows. This will help you see and hear. Turn off your radio and listen very carefully as you back up. If someone screams for you to stop, you must be able to hear them.
And back up slowly. Never hurry in reverse. Do the math and you will see that hurrying for sixty or a hundred feet only saves you less than one second. And therefore it is a waste of energy to even consider hurrying in reverse.

Drivers who think they're good because they can back up quickly, are out of their mind. A good driver always backs up slowly, listening and checking all mirrors often.

So many drivers back up looking at one mirror all the way. This is a terrible habit that even many experienced drivers have. They feel as though they don't have time to turn their head. Please check all of your mirrors often.

When pulling away from a dock, open your windows and listen very carefully as you pull up six inches and stop. Then, keep listening as you pull out, ready to stop on a dime at any moment.

Gravel Pit Etiquette

If you ever get to see gravel trucks going in and out of a gravel pit, you will see poetry in motion.The same is usually true at truck stops.

Even when there is not enough room, trucks know how to deal with it.
These drivers understand each other. They know just how to give each other enough room and there is never any road rage or traffic jams.

That's because they always let each other go first. Courtesy is cool. They blink their lights at each other to signal "go ahead". And the other one will blink back "thank you". It's sweet.

That's because these are professional drivers and these are the unwritten rules of

Gravel Pit Etiquette;

1) Never stir up dust. Go slow on gravel and dirt. Especially when there are people around. Breathing dust sucks. And nobody knows that better than construction workers.

2) Go slow through construction zones, to encourage others to be careful too.

3) No passing. Pick a lane and stay in it. Take the good with the bad.

4) Keep a safe following distance. Enough room so that a truck could cut in front of you without slowing you down.

5) Nobody ever gets in the way of someone trying to park or exit a dificult spot or blind intersection. If you see someones hood coming out from behind a van, or a truck backing up,and you know that the driver cannot see you, because you can't see him, then you should stop and let him go.

6) When turning onto a side road, and someone is waiting to exit that side road, you should let them go first. You don't have to stop, to let them go. All you have to do is put your signal on early, and slow down enough to make it obvious to the other driver that he has time.

7) Never stay next to another vehicle when there are multiple lanes. This way, anyone can switch lanes at any time. And two lanes can merge into one lane without slowing anyone down.

8) Don't make any sudden moves. Be predictable.

9) Always use you turn signals when changing lanes. Make a habit of it. (Whenever I see someone not use their turn signal, it makes me wonder if they are too lazy to lift a finger, literally).

10) When you switch lanes, do it slow enough to allow the car or truck in front of you a chance to switch lanes too.

The above items are a sign of class. Proper etiquette for todays professional driver. Be one of the true good guys in the world. And my hero.
Performing the opposite of the above is a sign of no class.

[theveed]

Hiring and Keeping Good People

Most companies struggle witha high turnover rate. So they develop company policies to deal with it (which usually means abandoning flexibility). Maybe some incentives or some company benefits.

Although these things are very important to a lot of people, one of the biggest problems i've seen many drivers quit over is; not being treated like a human being.

Many drivers hold their feelings inside. They seem to be enjoying their work on the outside, but on the inside, they're thinking about quitting.

Talk to your drivers individually. Tell them what they're doing right. Tell them how much you appreciate their work. And how important it is to you that they are happy with their job. Ask if there is anything you can do to make it better. Then do it.
Little things mean a lot to some drivers. A ham on Thanksgiving or Christmas, a little cash bonus after a profitable week or just give him a break once in a while.
And never rush your drivers. Always tell them to take their time and be careful. Especially in the rain or snow.
Respect your drivers opinions. Many of them can give you some excellent advice if you just ask.
Explain things to drivers. Drivers are thinkers. They need details on everything. Even things that may not be their responsibility. The more they understand everybody's job, the better they are with their job.
Never yell. Yelling is for Mommies and babies. If your driver did something wrong then just teach him how to do it right. And if that doesn't work then fire him. But bosses who yell at their employees are what I call verbally abusive people. And they don't deserve a good worker. I would rather make half the money working for a nice guy, than to work for someone like that. If you are the type of boss who likes to yell at people, then you need help. You need to learn self control. And I feel sorry for your wife.
Believe the FACT that a driver is your equal. You are not better than him just because you own the company.

Climbing the Trucking Ladder

If you don't have any experience and you're interested in becoming a truck driver, here are a few ways to get started.
One way is to start by driving over-the-road. Many of these companies have their own truck driving school and will hire inexperienced drivers.
Another way is to get a job driving a small truck. You may not need a C.D.L. for some of these; route sales positions (bread, cakes, chips, soda, etc. they deliver to grocery stores). These companies like to hire sales people and teach them how to drive a truck. And freight haulers (find them delivering to warehouses and factories) have small trucks too.
Nine out of ten companies that have drivers, are always hiring. If you seem to have good common sense and a decent work history (and of course a good driving record) almost anyone will hire you. Believe it.
Just go anywhere you see a few trucks making deliveries, and ask the drivers if they are hiring.
If you'd rather move up into a management position in the company you already work for, then talk to your boss about it. Express concern that moving up or moving on is in your future. They might consider it, if you seem to have a good attitude and common sense.
You might want to consider buying your own truck and being an owner operator, once you learn the business. Many huge companies started out with a guy buying a truck.
When you meet someone who is doing the job that you want, ask them how they did it. If it worked for them, it can work for you.
And never stop learning. Ask everybody everything. If they are nice enough to tell you, then soak it up.
Many successful people became successful by copying someone else. And many drivers have gotten better jobs by talking to other drivers.
You're already off to a good start by reading this book.

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Mirrors Block Your View

Many trucks have huge mirrors that block enough area to hide a motorcycle, bicycle or small car.
When you take off or turn, you must lean forward or backward, and check behind your mirrors.
Mirrors are also the first thing you are most likely to break when you pull next to another truck, or into a small dock.
Mirrors are like big ears sticking out. Please be careful with them.

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The Worst Drivers

There really are a lot of stupid drivers out there. Those of us that are trying to be safe, are constantly challenged by these idiots.
When you see these idiots, give them room because they are coming anyway. If you try to compete with them, then you become just as stupid. And it will just make you and everyone else stop unnecessarily.
Passing on the right at entrance ramps. These people actually believe they will get there sooner if they pass another car. They don't realize that, that car was about to exit anyway. They think that they are in line, like at the supermarket, not even considering the fact that everybody is going to a different destination. ( Not to mention that they are causing a bottle neck).
Blowing stop signs. Some people never stop at stop signs. And when they get a ticket, they think it's the cops' fault.
People who tailgate a slow driver in the left lane. Don't they realize that they are about to kill somebody?
Anybody who cuts in front of a truck and the stops. Even at a slow speed, all that weight will smash a car like stepping on a bug.

Other Noteworthy Ideas

Tailgaters can't see. Especially behind a truck.
When turning left from a left turn only lane, aim for the opposite left turning lane. And don't turn your wheels until you're ready to go.
If you have to step on your brakes while you are turning, you are going too fast for conditions. You should slow down enough before the turn, so that you can accelerate (very slightly of course) and pull yourself through the turn, don't brake through the turn.
Most drivers don't know that if they get a speeding ticket for going sixteen miles over the speed limit, that it is an automatic license suspension (if you are driving a truck). And so is reckless driving (which includes tailgating within twenty feet).

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Getting Your C.D.L.

A commercial drivers license (CDL) is not that hard to get.
Just go to your local Secretary of State or Department of Motor Vehicles office and ask for the C.D.L. rule book. It's free.
Take it home and study it. Read it over and over, until it becomes familiar.
Then, go take the written test. There are four separate tests. If you fail one or more, don't worry, you can try again, two more times. And you'll only have to retake the ones that you failed.
After you pass all four tests, you will be issued a C.D.L. Permit. This permit will allow you to legally drive a truck, when there is a licensed C.D.L. driver with you.
With this permit, many companies will hire you (if you have a good driving record). Even if you have no experience. They will teach you how to drive a truck. Some over the road companies will even pay for your truck driving school.
The final step is taking your road test. For this you will need a truck. If you can't seem to get a job with only a permit, you will have to complete your road test to get your CDL.
Maybe you can find an owner operator and pay him for his time. He might even teach you a thing or two. Can't find an owner operator? Try going to the nearest truck stop. Or maybe get on a C.B. and ask if any owner operator wants to make some money. One hundred dollars should buy his time for a couple of hours (they are used to making about fifty dollars per hour).

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[theveed]

No Brainer Quiz

1) If you are going two miles away and the speed limit is 60 m.p.h., how long will it take you to get there?
2) If you are going two miles away and you have no patience for speed limits, so you drive 100 m.p.h., how long will it take you?
3) Bumper to bumper, or stop and go traffic on Chicago highways is caused by slow drivers ahead...... ......... true or false.
4) People who slow down when passing an entrance ramp are stupid..........true or false.
5) There's nothing worse than a slow car in the left lane.........true or false.
6) Driving slower reduces stress.........true or false.
7) Encouraging others to merge in front of you, by leaving plenty of stopping distance reduces stress....... true or false.
8) Keeping a safe following distance will prevent traffic jams........true or false.
9) Every time someone cuts in front of me, it puts me farther behind..........true or false.

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Answers to No Brainer Quiz

1) Two minutes.
2) One minute and twenty seconds, if you don't get caught at any red lights, or get a ticket, or have an accident (which really takes a long time).
3) False. Traffic jams are almost always caused by people who merge at the last second. And tailgaters who don't let anyone get in front of them. If everyone would just leave a safe following distance, enough room to allow each other to merge, traffic would never stop.
4) False. People who don't slow down are.
5) False. The pissed off tailgater behind him is much more dangerous.
6) True. When you do the math, the few seconds you would have saved aren't worth the aggravation.
7) True. Relax. Enjoy the ride.
8) True. The most important thing to do during times of heavy traffic, is to leave enough room for others to merge. And when you merge, don't wait until the last second.
9) False. People are cutting in and out of your lane for miles ahead of you, that's just the flow of traffic, when you look at the big picture.

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Trucking Industry Overview

$50,000 + Top of career;

race car hauler, household movers, union LTL's, owner operators, some over the road companies, some local freight haulers.

$30-45,000 Near top;

local and over the road freight haulers, asphalt and gravel haulers, intermodal, food service companies, route sales (soda,bread, chips, etc).

$25,000 and under Stepping stones;

taxi, pizza delivery, messenger services, towing, etc.

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Definitions

Bear bait - A speeding or reckless driver who may attract a police car (instead of you).
Bottleneck- a traffic jam cased by people who merge at the last second. Usually where two lanes
merge into one.&nbsp
Button hole - A right turn that swings left before the turn.( Not recomended).
Common courtesy - Always allowing others to merge in front of you.
Forehead - The part of your truck that hits a viaduct.
Gravel pit etiquette - Going slow through construction zones. Never blocking any driveway or intersection. And always letting someone go who is trying to exit a difficult place.And just being courteous to others.
Lane dodger - Someone who is constantly changing lanes.
The No Zone - The blind area around a truck. If you can't see the driver in his mirror, then he can't see you.
Progressive shifting - Each gear you shift up to, is held a little longer than the last gear. This really helps fuel mileage and wear and tear.
Self appointed speed regulator - A slow car in the hammer lane.
Truck drivers ticket - Spit on a car.


c2000 Ken Skaggs

[RafRaf]

Ayos to sir theveed!

[mazdamazda]

And learn to shift without the clutch if you don't already know how

Mukhang mahirap ito sa modern cars...

[hotwheels]

dear theveed,
apppreciated the write-up, I do hope who have read should learned and practice in everydays driving.

More power to you.

[theveed]

C&P po yan.. Copy and Paste hehe

Di ako truck driver... malalaki kita mga yan heheh

[NazQ]

newbie question lang po..

pano ginagawa ung "shift without the clutch"?

[hagiber]

I like the part na may 1 million dollar reward for good and safe driving :-)

[pparado]

yes, sir theveed! paki-explain po yung shift w/o clutch....

sa VW ko noon pa....naita-timing ko na mag-shift w/o depressing the clutch...

pero sa sasakyan ko ngayon, parang di ko yata magawa, o di ko pa lamang nahuhuli?

baka may trick po kayo? or tips...guidelines maybe?

maraming salamat po!