The RV does'nt own the road, But truckers DO!
As she knows that we drive a RV, My daughter, driving a BIG truck, privately posted this to my facebook. So for all others, be warned, do NOT EVER mess with a tired, sleepy female truck driver!!! H...
Forum Discussion
Hi Rvers, I'm the daughter in question. I kinda like to clear some things up because some of you are making presumptions about me, my career, and my driving skills.
First, the incident described happened at 4 am. Anyone knocking on my door or looking my trailer is suspicious, especially since I am a solo female driver. I am not a driver school wannabe. I have over 10 years experience with over 1.5 million safe miles driving long haul. I had parked at the end of the truck parking area in the service plaza so I had a grassy area to walk my toy poodle. The RV driver parked a few hours after that, so he was aware he parked beside a functioning refer unit as it is on continuous with this load.
The original post, that my Dad, the OP, shared here, was posted on a private list on Facebook for drivers and family members in our company. It is not an open list.
The driver in the mid 70s Toyota camper conversion was in his late thirties, had not had a hair cut in the previous 15 years, and smelled like he had just put the joint out. Now, I don't have problems with those life choices, but, hey, what ever floats your boat. When I saw him looking at the control panel, instead of endangering myself by confronting him, I called 911. Fortunately, the trooper was in the service plaza and responded very quickly. Officer Friendly just warned the man of the foolishness of his actions, the possible consequences of his actions, and requested that he move to the area where the other RVs were parked.
I have a lot of respect for RVs. And as long as you treat me with respect, I will return the courtesy. I have stopped to attempt to help or check on disabled RVers because my parents are out in one. I have taught newbies how to use the truck pumps that didn't know how the satellite system worked.
A few things you need to understand. With the ELD mandate, once we shut these things down and start that break we have to take, we can't move. At all. If we do, we have to start that break all over again. Now that all trucks are on ELDs, the parking shortage problem has become even worse. And since many off the large distribution centers will not allow us to do our breaks on their property, truck parking is at a premium. We understand that occasionally you're going to need to park in a truck stop. If you do, please, only use one spot. Don't put your slides out into the next space and set up your camp site in another. How would you feel if a tired driver had to leave that lot because you took up three spaces, then wrecked, killing himself and/or somebody else trying to find another legal parking spot. Not trying to be rude or obnoxious, but just something to think about.
And as for the comment Dad made about shooting the guy. I do carry and I do have the permit to carry. And before you start yelling it's not legal, yes it is, as long as my permit is valid for that state and I follow the laws for the state that I am in at the time. I would never pull my gun over something that stupid. The only reason I can do that for is if I feel that I am in mortal danger. I can not use it to defend the truck, trailer, or cargo. My dog is my primary defense and he is pretty **** good.
Didn't mean to interrupt your conversation, but I just wanted to clarify a few points. You all stay safe, enjoy your travels, and if you see a little short fat girl driving the Great Plains truck, wave at me. I'll wave back, especially if you use more than one finger.
First, the incident described happened at 4 am. Anyone knocking on my door or looking my trailer is suspicious, especially since I am a solo female driver. I am not a driver school wannabe. I have over 10 years experience with over 1.5 million safe miles driving long haul. I had parked at the end of the truck parking area in the service plaza so I had a grassy area to walk my toy poodle. The RV driver parked a few hours after that, so he was aware he parked beside a functioning refer unit as it is on continuous with this load.
The original post, that my Dad, the OP, shared here, was posted on a private list on Facebook for drivers and family members in our company. It is not an open list.
The driver in the mid 70s Toyota camper conversion was in his late thirties, had not had a hair cut in the previous 15 years, and smelled like he had just put the joint out. Now, I don't have problems with those life choices, but, hey, what ever floats your boat. When I saw him looking at the control panel, instead of endangering myself by confronting him, I called 911. Fortunately, the trooper was in the service plaza and responded very quickly. Officer Friendly just warned the man of the foolishness of his actions, the possible consequences of his actions, and requested that he move to the area where the other RVs were parked.
I have a lot of respect for RVs. And as long as you treat me with respect, I will return the courtesy. I have stopped to attempt to help or check on disabled RVers because my parents are out in one. I have taught newbies how to use the truck pumps that didn't know how the satellite system worked.
A few things you need to understand. With the ELD mandate, once we shut these things down and start that break we have to take, we can't move. At all. If we do, we have to start that break all over again. Now that all trucks are on ELDs, the parking shortage problem has become even worse. And since many off the large distribution centers will not allow us to do our breaks on their property, truck parking is at a premium. We understand that occasionally you're going to need to park in a truck stop. If you do, please, only use one spot. Don't put your slides out into the next space and set up your camp site in another. How would you feel if a tired driver had to leave that lot because you took up three spaces, then wrecked, killing himself and/or somebody else trying to find another legal parking spot. Not trying to be rude or obnoxious, but just something to think about.
And as for the comment Dad made about shooting the guy. I do carry and I do have the permit to carry. And before you start yelling it's not legal, yes it is, as long as my permit is valid for that state and I follow the laws for the state that I am in at the time. I would never pull my gun over something that stupid. The only reason I can do that for is if I feel that I am in mortal danger. I can not use it to defend the truck, trailer, or cargo. My dog is my primary defense and he is pretty **** good.
Didn't mean to interrupt your conversation, but I just wanted to clarify a few points. You all stay safe, enjoy your travels, and if you see a little short fat girl driving the Great Plains truck, wave at me. I'll wave back, especially if you use more than one finger.
