freewayrandy
'Old Hangtown', Ca
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Joined: 04/24/2004
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A long time ago, my Dad was a long haul trucker. I rode with him on many trips. Normal then was, when you are passing another truck, they would flash their headlights when it was clear to pull back in. Then you would flash your lights to thank them. Most of the time they would even do it for fivers. These days you rarely ever see them doing it anymore. I still do it and once in a while I'll get a flash back. What's up with them anymore?
2015 Chevy 2500HD Duramax/Allison, 2018 Grand Design Momentum 328, 2005 Polaris Sportsman 500, 2018 Polaris RZR 900
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JRscooby
Indepmo
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Joined: 06/10/2019
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Back in the day drivers where taught by drivers. Now they are "trained" by instructors.
Instructors, and the companies they work for think the light flash will cause accidents. And on a rough road, it is hard to know for sure the high beam came on/off, not just a bounce.
(I was taught headlight off/on at night/ on/off days. And when I see the invite, I check for myself to be sure I have room)
For some years drivers used CB. Then that changed to a children's band so that no longer works
I don't think I ever skipped the "thank you". In my cage, the only time I will use my flash is 2-lane or if I see another truck moving fast enough to overtake both of us. Signal to get left lane open ASAP, even if I need to drop speed.
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wa8yxm
Davison Michigan (East of Flint)
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Another thing..... I was taught (By a driver) to flash... But I have some folks I chat with regular like who are (or were) Drivers... TOM (VE9DS-VE9TJR) spent many years hauling from South east Canada to South East USA and back... Think of him next time you have a chocolate bar.. Fair chance he hauled the chocolate.
He advises to NOT Flash the high beams. Instead use low beams on/off in day or off/on at night
Many cars now put on quite the light show when you do that.
But the HIGH beams can temp blind the driver of the truck...
(Can't recall that ever happening to me on the rare occasions where I got flashed back to the right lane and I'm glare senistive. but I'm also trained to deal with it).
The "Thank you"..... Well those are rare any more.. I mean what WTF is that ICC button for anyway?) (Well as I said. "Trained by a driver") .
Speaking of trained by instructors..... One of the many 9-1-1 calls I got was a new student trying to find the truck driver's training school...... (Somehow I don't think he lasted long).
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times
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jetboater454
Camping or home
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Joined: 07/21/2009
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Too many drivers now with the automatic trucks have the video on,feet on the dash,sipping a red bull. Look at the trucks when you pass them.
2011 Toyota Tundra DC Long Bed
2001 Harley Dyna Lowrider
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bucky
Raleigh metro
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Joined: 05/07/2003
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Go on YouTube and watch Bonehead Truckers videos. It's scary out there now, no wonder they passed more stringent DOT training laws.
2005 Cummins 3500 2WD LB quad cab dually pulling a 2014 Blue Ridge 3025RL
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JRscooby
Indepmo
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bucky wrote:Go on YouTube and watch Bonehead Truckers videos. It's scary out there now, no wonder they passed more stringent DOT training laws.
I have been retired for a decade, so maybe things have changed. But when I was working I could almost always guess which driver had learned by working with older drivers, and which had passed a government approved, company paid for training class. (When hiring driver, the school was disqualification)
Think about it. There is a pretty large cost to sending somebody to school. Do you think company wants to spend that money, then not get a driver out of it?
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ken56
Tennessee
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Joined: 01/12/2013
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I always offer the courtesy and flash my lights to let them know it's safe to pull back into the lane...especially when the traffic is fairly heavy. I get the flash back maybe 75% of the time too. I tow at 65 +/- and I know it may be slower than the limit so I try my darndest to not be an obstacle and be as courteous as possible. I have never ever had an issue with anyone taking exception to my driving, in fact, I find many drivers to be more than willing to let me change lanes and go where I need to go.
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Cloud Dancer
San Antonio and Livingston TX USA
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Joined: 06/08/2001
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The heck with them. ALL OF THEM turn too soon anyway,....and I get to enjoy lots of wake turbulence. NOW, what I do is immediately change lanes. Please don't tell me I'm dangerous.
Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat
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