Following

[jarawhead]

johnunit,

If they are "pissed off" that is their problem. There is no law against following a truck at a safe distance. I'm just saying that they need to drive looking out the front windshield...what is behind them cannot hurt them. You cannot run into a vehicle that is behind you. Leave that driver to control his own vehicle and follow at a safe distance. If the vehicle behind you strikes you from the rear we all know who is at fault.

[Ladogaboy]

Originally Posted by jarawhead

johnunit,

If they are "pissed off" that is their problem. There is no law against following a truck at a safe distance. I'm just saying that they need to drive looking out the front windshield...what is behind them cannot hurt them. You cannot run into a vehicle that is behind you. Leave that driver to control his own vehicle and follow at a safe distance. If the vehicle behind you strikes you from the rear we all know who is at fault.

Actually, that is false. I was just speaking with the wife of a highway patrolman, and she said that he was very clear about one point: If you as a driver are doing something that pisses other people on the road off, he will pull you over and ticket you for reckless driving.

[johnunit]

Originally Posted by jarawhead

johnunit,

If they are "pissed off" that is their problem. There is no law against following a truck at a safe distance. I'm just saying that they need to drive looking out the front windshield...what is behind them cannot hurt them. You cannot run into a vehicle that is behind you. Leave that driver to control his own vehicle and follow at a safe distance. If the vehicle behind you strikes you from the rear we all know who is at fault.

Ever gone through a yellow because you were being tailgated?

Same exact principle. Who is at fault isn't really relevant unless you've got a lot of money to burn and don't give a crap about your cargo or your vehicle. If you care about insurance, your ride, your times, or your cargo (and truckers care about all 4) then being in an accident is extremely bad no matter who is at fault.

If a trucker gets rear-ended, it ruins his day (at a minimum) regardless of fault. Paperwork, lost wages, explaining it to the employer/customer, likely being inspected as part of the investigation, etc. It's a huge inconvenience you're causing a trucker you hit, to say the least. A trucker (or anyone else) who drove with no consideration to what is behind them would have a very short driving career.

[skyking]

Exactly what John said. If I have traffic too close behind me, I make some extra room in front of me as a cushion. No way do I want to be a part of a multi car pileup.

[sendler]

It is possible to do things that help the trucker from behind such as the functions of what a wide load chase vehicle does. Ie help them get back into the lane at the top of a hill when the right lane ends. Many of these guys are from out of town and may not know the road as well as the commuter who knows the lane they are in is about to run out. Put your signal on early to wake up the other speeding zombies and take the correct opportunity to go out and hold the lane open for the truck. Signal with a flash to let them know you are one of the good guys. Forge the pact with trust and mutual benefit. Choose your blocker from someone that has just passed you as you are pulling up the on ramp. Rather than someone you chased down if you can so they know who and what you are and had a good look at you before going by. Dip out, well into their mirrors on every curve so they can see that your are at a safe distance. Ect.

[skyking]

been on both sides of that. I watch out and help anybody who is making a lane change, especially a total retard with too wide a trailer and insufficient mirrors. I'll move halfway and flash lights to let them know it is good to go. They could and should get a ticket, but watching a wreck is not my idea of a good time.