Too Dumb to Retire

I think the biggest problems we have with 4 wheelers is they just don’t understand how to interact with an 18 wheeler.

Let me draw an analogy. I am a licensed pilot. I just fly the little ones, but my point is I can safely fly in the same air space with Capt. Big Iron. Why? I’ve been trained to understand what my capabilities are and what theirs are too. I’ve been in the same landing pattern as a big jet at a major airport and we both knew what each was doing.

So here’s my point. How many driver ed students are ever given instructions on how to share the highways with 80,000 pounds of moving mass? Wouldn’t it be great if new drivers, and a lot of older ones too, knew how to tell if a truck is loaded or empty and how to adjust your passing accordingly? How many realize how dangerous it is to pass on the right side? I’ll bet very few people know that the “on ramp” to an interstate is really an acceleration ramp. This is where you get up to speed and blend in with the traffic. I don’t know how many times I’ve been frustrated when I’m doing my best to get on the road when I see some 4 wheeler almost come to a stop, look around, and if the driving lane is free for a mile down the road, timidly enter the freeway. This is especially terrifying when you’re doing a 270 degree turn to get on the interstate.

Probably the most dangerous of all is, when in heavy traffic, you try to leave a space between you and the vehicle in front in order to stop safely, then a 4 wheeler will dive into that space and slam on the brakes. I wonder if they would do the same in front of a freight train at a crossing? I’m sure the train would win and possibly there would be one less idiot in the gene pool. The problem with jumping in front of an 18 wheeler and a collision results because the truck can’t stop in time, is that the trucker is going to be charged for following too close. It’s a lose lose situation.

If I’m on a trip in my car I look for an empty 18 wheeler that is staying near the speed limit and pace the trucker at a reasonable distance. He has better eyes on the road ahead than I do and if he slows down I know there is a reason for it and adjust accordingly and frankly I feel much safer than I do around impatient drivers, the $50,000 pick up trucks and SUV’s who think they own the passing lane and those on their cel phones.

Enjoy the day

Geezer

Category: General

I’ve often wondered why drivers choose certain truck stops? See if any of these apply.
1. I’ve always stopped there.
2. It has the cheapest price for fuel
3. The waitress(s) are better looking
4. The company says I must stop there
5. I like the food

And I’m sure there are other reasons too.

I have a favorite, Flying J as I find them more consistent than others, but lately I find some of their stores are in need of repair and attention needs to be given to numerous parking lots. Another reason is I like their menu selections and usually their buffets are fresh and varied. And as a bonus at the end of the year I usually have about $400 in coupons that are used for Christmas presents.

I don’t usually go to TA as I believe they are foreign owned by a socialist country that’s not on friendly terms with us. The same goes for Citgo Gas Stations. Petro’s are aging and I don’t think the menu has been changed for several years.

If I must I will stop in at a Pilot, but many are run down, and the showers not well cared for, the parking is limited plus most only offer fast food. Some years ago Pilot took over some Williams that were very clean and well run, but many have been starting to show signs of neglect. The Bozleman family truck stops to me were the class of the field, but I hope their tie with Pilot doesn’t lower their standards. One of the most unique truck stops was the Giant on I-40 just east of Gallup NM. That is now a Pilot and I was sadly disappointed on a recent visit to see the parking area deteriorating and the condition inside a far cry from what it used to be.

To me, the up and comer is Love’s. Many are new and more are on the way. I like the way they are laid out on the inside and the merchandise isn’t the same as ever other truck stop. They are on the Pilot mold of smaller parking lots and fast food and time will tell if they will show wear and tear with little attention given to upkeep. If their appearance remains as it is today, then I think they will be the winner.

I’d love to hear what you think.

Enjoy the day

Geezer

Category: General