Almost run over by an 18-wheeler on Monday

[wvjules]

I was in Reno last week and the beginning of this week for work. On the way home we were almost ran off the road by a Werner Technologies 18-wheeler. For no apparent reason the truck changed lanes barely missing us. Thank goodness the road wasn't snow covered or else we never would have been able to break in time. I almost had to change my pants after that. lol

 

[Pam]

Wow - that would be scary!

Not to defend the truck driver or anything - but it's possible that maybe a piece of debris was in his path and he swerved to miss it. If, by chance, you were in his blind spot, he wouldn't have seen you.

Did you get a truck or trailer number? If so, you can call Werner's Safety hotline and report the driver.

Glad you're okay! Sounds like you have been traveling nonstop!

 

[Mi3stooges]

Also NOT to defend the truck driver, but you know IF he did hit you , there would have been "something" in the road.
There was an accident near me that started out like yours. The truck crossed several lanes and squashed a car (I think a Mercedes) between a coach bus and the tractor trailer. Belive it or not, the guy in the Mercedes walked away!!
My dad used to drive "double" trailers for UPS to Albany for many years and I'm sure he has many stories. All in all, I'm not fond of them, they always think they own the road!! Thanks for letting me vent!!
Glad your OK.

 

[skooniebird]

I know there are some bad truck drivers out there. But my dad drove for Frito- Lay for 30 years and it really is the cars that are the biggest problem out there. Zipping around and just not realizing how many blind spots a semi has and how difficult it can be to drive coming back with an empty trailer when there is even a little wind,etc. I always stay at least 15 feet behind or in front of a semi on a highway or interstate if I am in the adjacent lane. I never drive alongside them. As many of the bigger companies have computers on board and aren't allowed to drive over 58 mph or so, you do have to pass them on the interstate occassionally. I wait for a clear expanse of road on the right and I step on it to get off their side ASAP! I also keep an eye ahead watching to see if one might need in my lane for some reason and I always back off and (this is their signal) flash my headlights to let him know he can go in front of me. They will usually flash you a thanks back. I always give them the biggest break I can. Many of them drive a 16 hour day in all kinds of traffic and weather conditions. And they are the one's responsible for getting the majority of the goods we buy and use where they need to go. Also, sadly, we used to pull our arms up and down at them on long car trips to get them to blow their big horns. Anyone remember that? Unfortunately, it is know illegal for them to honk them except for emergency situations. A few will still on occassion if they have CB's and know there are no police in the vacinity. But they can get a ticket if caught. And tickets can mean loss of jobs and driving priveleges,therefore livelihoods. So you might want to discourage your children from trying to get the trucker to honk. Whether it's a wonderful, experienced driver-or one that never should have been allowed his CDR, they are still human and can make mistakes. Just try to give them as much room and courtesy as possible and remember- the biggest SUV out there is no match for an 18 wheeler. The 4 wheeler is always going to come out the big loser in any altercation with a semi.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

Also NOT to defend the truck driver, but you know IF he did hit you , there would have been "something" in the road.
There was an accident near me that started out like yours. The truck crossed several lanes and squashed a car (I think a Mercedes) between a coach bus and the tractor trailer. Belive it or not, the guy in the Mercedes walked away!!
My dad used to drive "double" trailers for UPS to Albany for many years and I'm sure he has many stories. All in all, I'm not fond of them, they always think they own the road!! Thanks for letting me vent!!
Glad your OK.

It happened in NY right? If we are thinking of the same accident it happened on the LIE. It was a truck, a coach bus, and an Audi. The truck crossed several lanes of traffic and squished the Audi between him, the coach bus, and the divider. The man walked away with some minor injuries. He blacked out during the accident so he didn't know what happened. The coach bus happened to have a video camera on board and taped the whole thing. When he saw what happened he was in shock. I saw the video (on the news) and it is pretty scary. Very, very lucky man.

 

[alabamaalan]

Unfortunately in practical driving motorcycles are always invisible and 18 wheelers always have the right of way! (Not meaning that as a slam against OTR drivers of course)

I'm glad you weren't hurt.

 

[hydster]

skooniebird I couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks for getting that out there! My brother is a truck driver and they have really long days. He used to truck from SLC to California every week. He has just switched now and is driving a gas tanker between Utah and Las Vegas. They are human and can and do make mistakes. They don't have it easy even though it seems all they do is drive all day long.

I am glad you are ok wvjules!

 

[wvjules]

I don't think there was anything in the road since the cars that remained in that lane continued on without swerving out of it. I'm thankful the guy driving our rental had quick reflexes. lol

 

[Mi3stooges]

It happened in NY right? If we are thinking of the same accident it happened on the LIE. It was a truck, a coach bus, and an Audi. The truck crossed several lanes of traffic and squished the Audi between him, the coach bus, and the divider. The man walked away with some minor injuries. He blacked out during the accident so he didn't know what happened. The coach bus happened to have a video camera on board and taped the whole thing. When he saw what happened he was in shock. I saw the video (on the news) and it is pretty scary. Very, very lucky man.

YES!! That was the one....you know where I'm coming from!!