Tips on changing lanes
I have a F350 long bed and just got a 34ft FW. This is longer than what I have towed before. Any tips/tricks on judging when you're sufficiently clear of traffic so you can change lanes safely? I d...
Forum Discussion
Jerrybo66 wrote:
I know this is gonna get flamed but here goes. I owned and operated an eighteen wheeler for over ten years. Not long for most drivers. Most posts here put the responsibility for lane change on the lane changer but nothing about the spaced out driver cruising in the blind spot oblivious to the danger he is causing.. My right turn signal was my "merging light". I would turn it on in plenty of time for following drivers to know my intentions. Lights were displayed the full length of the rig. Sometimes I would see brake nose dives and sometimes horn blasts but I would merge and hopefully wake up zombie drivers that they need to pay attention.. What the truck drivers of today have to put up with is unbelievable. I couldn't do it. They are Saints...As you may imagine, I cut the road warriors every break I can... :). Yes, I still have the same attitude..
You're absolutely correct.....you'll get flamed. As you should. It is not the responsibility of everyone else on the road to make sure they're not in YOUR blind spot before YOU pull into another lane.
I drove truck myself, only for a couple of years, but I was taught that one uses blind spot mirrors, that one speeds up or slows down so that the view of the blind spot changes and you can see who/what is in the blind spot. The idea that a trucker can just pull into a lane and, by virtue of lights and a turn signal, not have to take responsibility to ensure the lane is clear is irresponsible.
