So I haven't updated here for a while. I have been waiting for something to hit me(not literally of course) that some people may not know about trucks.
Well, this week it hit me. Driving around Atlanta (by the way, did you know that trucks are not allowed to drive through Atlanta, causing us to drive 30 miles or so out of route. Hmmmm, great thought. For all of my global warming friends, that should make you mad. That's a lot of trucks burning extra fuel) I realized that most people don't have a clue about how much it actually takes to stop a truck. I know this because if they did they wouldn't keep cutting trucks off in heavy traffic, or ever for that matter.
Let me start out by explaining a couple things first.
1.) Trucks are heavy. They do not stop on a dime. Duh, right? Then how come so many people cut us off. I know that space in between the truck and that car in front of him looks very inviting, but there is probably a reason that space is there. I will get to the reason in just a bit.
2.) Trucks brakes operate differently than cars brakes. This is where I think I can give some insight. Without getting all technically on you let me explain it this way. Most cars, vans, and SUV's have hydraulic brakes. You step on the brake and fluid is forced to the brakes, making them work. Big Rigs, some school buses and motor homes have Air Brake systems. They work basically the same except with air instead of hydraulic fluid. HOWEVER, when a truck driver steps on this brakes, they do not engage right away. It can take up to a full second for them to begin engaging. Not a long time, but at 60 MPH, this comes out to 88 feet, or almost a 3rd of a foot ball field.
3.) Most truck drivers try to manage their space. This means we are constantly checking our mirrors so we can keep up with the ever changing conditions around us.
So when you see a big ole space that your vehicle will fit perfectly into just remember that truck you are pulling in front of will take a little extra time to slow down.
Also, when you cause a truck to slow down, it takes longer to get going again. Then all the cars behind him have to slow down and so on, and so on. Wanna know why traffic always backs up at merge points? It is because everyone thinks if they can get "just one car further ahead" they will get home quicker. Guess what, if everyone merged when they saw the merge signs , including the people already in line, traffic could keep moving and everyone would get home just a little bit earlier. But because of a few selfish people, everyone suffers.
So when you see a tempting space, think twice before you just jump in there. Remember the truck may not be able to slow down in time and you are just taking your life in your hands.
Please be safe out there.
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