Truckers Ask Drivers To Stay Back

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Allowing space and distance lowers risk of accident
Posted: 1:20 PM Jan 10, 2009
Last Updated: 7:00 PM Jan 10, 2009
Reporter: Bryan Latham
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

38 comments

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Though no one was seriously hurt in Friday’s Council Bluffs accident in which a car was crushed underneath the trailer of a semi, it's a reminder to drivers to stay out of the blind spot of 18-wheelers.

A mangled Chevrolet Cavalier was squashed under the semi trailer at Interstate 80 and the South Expressway, a scenario truck driver Nathan Bennet from Pennsylvania knows all too well. He was involved in a similar accident years ago.

"He was coming down off a blind hill and I was turning out and 60 mph he drove underneath my trailer. It took 'em four-and-a-half hours to cut him out."

Both he and the driver were lucky. "I was driving a log trailer and luckily that was what happened because if I had just a regular flatbed it would have cut him in half."

In his 10 years as a trucker, Bennet has seen his share of poor decisions by drivers. "I've seen little old ladies squeal the tires to get out in front of you and then do 30 mph."

The biggest mistake drivers can make is not being visible. “If you're within five foot of the end of the trailer, you can't see anybody there, especially if you're loaded," explained Bennet, pointing to the middle section of his cab a few feet behind the driver's door.

"Another thing, they get right behind on your bumper. They think they save fuel mileage that way, that's not the safest thing in the world."

Nicholas Ryan of Henderson, Nebraska is on his way to college and is very aware of the dangers of driving too close. "Know that it's quite a ways behind and off to the side." No driver wants to end up in a bad accident.

Another good reminder is to give a truck driver plenty of space to break. Follow semis at an even further distance than you would a normal vehicle.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Bill on Jan 13, 2009 at 01:43 AM
I guarantee every single profession has its share of badness. Bad teachers, bad doctors, bad lawyers, bad McDonalds workers that don't get your order right and yes bad truckdrivers. That is not to say that the advice given in the article isn't correct. Stay off there tail and pass quickly...don't daudle. The rules of the road are no different that with cars except the the rig will kill you if you crash into them.

Posted by: to BAD TRUCKER on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:04 PM
Wow, sounds like you have a lot of pent up anger BAD TRUCKER. Do you have any statistics to back up your claims? Do you realize that truckers must under go random drug testing? Did you know that they have zero alcohol tolerance when they are driving a car, just because they hold a Commercial Driver's License? If they are such bad drivers, maybe you should learn to drive a truck to show them how it should be done.

Posted by: to ed on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Did you read the story carefully?? It said the trucker was turning and the idiot was coming over a hill and drove under him. How was the trucker at fault?? Oh just because he is a trucker--now I see your logic. Don't think that with a full plate of food in front of you.

Posted by: to Hate Truckers on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:22 PM
And how do you suppose the goods get from trains to businesses? Should we take a few thousand loads in your pick up?

Posted by: BAD TRUCKER on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:56 AM
TRUCK DRIVERS ARE THE BAD DRIVERS, PERIOD THEY ARE ABUSIVE WITH THIER SIZE AND MASS. THEY GET ANGRY IF THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SPEED AND BREAK THE LAWS THAT THE REST OF US MUST OBSERVE. THEY ARE ALWAYS SPPEDING. THEY NEVER YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. THEY ARE CRAZY SOCIAL MISFITS THAT ARE DANGERS TO LAW ABIDING MOTORIST. WATCH OUT WHEN YOU ARE BY ONE THEY MIGHT TRY TO RUN YOU OVER. THEY ONLY CARE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THIER NEXT FIX OF CRANK.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:51 AM
If I ever have to pass a semi, I do it quickly and never run alongside them for more time that necessary.

Posted by: jj on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:33 AM
i agree with the truckers,as far as "i hate truckers" just think. truckers transport food,trains transport coal,the next time you have food a trucker transported it.unless you eat coal?

Posted by: Happiness on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:20 AM
My dad has driven semi truck for decades now and I love him for it. Sometimes he says it sucks when he can't be home with the family and other times he loves it. He has said things about watching out for those idiot drivers. I am considering a serious job change too trucking myself. No matter what type of vehicle you drive; you must drive defensively just to protect yourself.There are some very offensive drivers out there that need pulled over and have their driving privileges re-evaluated for the safety of everyone; haha. Just be safe and stop putting our country's truck drivers at fault. Their jobs are serious and without trucking; some places would receive what they need. Trucking is a trillion dollar industry and is one of several jobs that keeps America going and surviving. You should ask to take a ride in a semi truck sometime; it is really fun and exciting.

Posted by: Susan on Jan 11, 2009 at 05:50 PM
My husband drives a truck, as have I as a student driver. I think we can all agree that many drivers on the road are not safe or courteous in their driving habits. Did you know, however, that 90% of truck-car accidents are found to the fault of the car driver? Did you also know that after a fatality accident, many drivers of big trucks leave trucking, even when they HAVE NOT BEEN AT FAULT? I'm thankful for the men and women who drive. I'm glad I don't have to drive for a living. There are sure a lot of jobs for drivers listed in the want ads if some of the complainers think it's so easy.

Posted by: Drivers on Jan 11, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Drivers ask truckers not to drive like maniacs.

Posted by: Ed on Jan 11, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Bad truck driver . The second time this has happened to him . Whats that tell you.Also how look at the times truckers are right on truckers bumbers whats that tell you.

Posted by: Bob on Jan 11, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Too many Idiots driving period. Most are doing everything but driving, cellphones, newspapers, make-up, laptops, drinking. I also am a truckdriver, after driving in Chicago traffic, death to most motorists would be a bonus. 2 words, Defensive Driving!!!

Posted by: To Gen on Jan 11, 2009 at 09:15 AM
You can pay for the separate roads for the cars if you want. Separate roads don't make sense. What makes sense is EVERYONE respecting each other. Just because you're in a little car doesn't mean you can out run, out pass and follow close to a semi. And just because you're in a big rig doesn't mean you can drive where ever you want. Big rig drivers have a hard job and people don't usually appreciate them and their hard work. Many miss holidays to get you your turkey.

Posted by: Hate truckers on Jan 11, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Most are tailgating idiots. Better off without them. I support trains, not trucks.

Posted by: Sam on Jan 11, 2009 at 08:04 AM
There is a lot of frustration here on both sides of the issue. As others have said, some drivers are good, some bad, whether in a truck or a car. Bottom line, whether you drive a truck, a car, or a tricycle is that the safety of your vehicle and the vechicles around rests in one set of hands - YOURS. Don't blame others, yes they make mistakes, we all do. Instead, drive defensively all the time. Allow for the unexpected. Expect that other vehicle to change lanes into you, or stop, or pull out, or whatever, and you will find driving to be less frustrating and much safer.

Posted by: pete on Jan 11, 2009 at 07:35 AM
I'd say about 99 % of the PROFESSIONAL truck drivers are aware and are excellent drivers. It is the renegade SCAB cowboy drivers that scare me. The all belong in the ditch..

Posted by: bob on Jan 11, 2009 at 05:47 AM
to "D" if your driving speed limit its good, just stay out of the fast lane and i'll stay off your rear end, and yes there are good and bad truckers too, just like 4 wheelers, as for trucks turning on 72nd, we have to block traffic because no one will give us a break to get across..deal with it

Posted by: Thomas on Jan 11, 2009 at 03:34 AM
Purpose for the Interstate system 1. Transportation of military vehicles during times of national emergency. 2. Transportation of goods for commerce. 3. Transportation of citizens. I hate to break it to you but if you look at how much a truck pays per mile in taxes for highway use in each state they DO own the road. Trucks live on the highway. You are just visiting. Stop whining.

Posted by: Anon on Jan 10, 2009 at 10:54 PM
You people complain about truck drivers take a look at yourselves and think about what you are saying before you comment. I bet that half of you who talk about the reckless driving that truckers do don't drive like perfect angels either you are in just as big a hurry as truckers. They also teach you saftey for driver in driver's training, I just wonder how some of you passed your test. You need to think about how you would get the items you use without truck drivers. I feel for the truckers especially with the economy the way it is and they are just trying to make a lively hood too. I do give trucks plenty of room especially when turning or backing up. You know some truckers are really appreciative if you give them a chance.

Posted by: MM on Jan 10, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Big difference between train's and trucks...It's called a steering wheel...fyi..

Posted by: yano on Jan 10, 2009 at 10:30 PM
I DRIVE BETWEEN OMAHA AND LINCOLN 5-7 TIMES A WEEK. YOUR STORY WITH THE TRUCK DRIVERS AKSING FOLKS TO BE CAREFUL IS A JOKE!!! TRUCK DRIVERS BETWEEN LINCOLN AND OMAHA ARE THE WORST DRIVERS IVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. JUST TODAY AS YOU AIRED A STORY WITH A TRUCKER BEGGING PEOPLE TO BE CAREFUL, I WAS NEARLY KILLED NEAR THE WEIGH STATION JUST PAST EXIT 420 BY A TRUCKER. THIS HAPPENS 1 TO 2 TIMEWS A WEEK MINIMUM. HOW ABOUT TRUCKERS BE CAREFUL, SHOULDNT COURTOSY FROM THE BIGGER VEHICLE BE THE RULE . MY EXPERIENCE WHICH IS NOW GOING ON 9 YEARS BETWEEN OMAHA AND LINCOLN EVERY DAY IS THAT TRUCKERS CARE NOT FOR ANYONE BUT THEMSELVES. TRUCKERS NEED TO BE THE ONES PRUDENT, FOR THEIR LOADS, CLIENTS AND FELLOW DRIVERS IN PASSENGER VEHICLES.

Posted by: msh on Jan 10, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Truck drivers should drive defensivly and safely also. Just because they weigh 80000 lbs. does not give them the right of way.

Posted by: J from Bennington on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:49 PM
Wasn't this particular accident a 96 year old man that drove his car under the semi? Maybe he mistook his gas pedal for the brake. As re the truck vs. car drivers, I think there are good and bad of both kinds. As I learned many years ago in Driver's Ed: Drive Defensively!

Posted by: Whatever on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:15 PM
I don't mean to stereotype all truck drivers, but has anyone witnessed when they come out of the parking lot around 72nd & L St? They just pull out and block traffic until they can go. RUUUDDE!!

Posted by: TJ on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:14 PM
The "knowitalls" should get their class A and go drive a truck, maybe you would get a better appreciation for the truck. Yip, there are bad truck drivers and there is good ones. The same as drivers of cars.

Posted by: CJ on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:06 PM
I'm not a truck driver, but I drove a semi cross county many times while in the military. If cars would just pass the truck instead of riding beside them there would be few incidents. But car drivers seem to think it's safe to ride along side semis. Next time you're passing a semi, take a look at the size of their tires, imagine what would happen if one exploded with you next to it. Maybe you might just go ahead a pass the truck. Trucking is a vital part of our economy and interstates were designed for large trucks. That's not to say that there aren't poor truck drivers out there or that truck drivers never make mistakes, are you always a perfect driver? The majority of truck drivers out there are just trying to do their job, give them a break!!!!!

Posted by: Mike on Jan 10, 2009 at 08:27 PM
They are just like trains - they are big, they are heavy and they cannot stop quickly. Many people are too busy talking on their cell phones to pay attention.

Posted by: Steve on Jan 10, 2009 at 07:10 PM
My company teaches us to use a 3 second count between you and the vehicle in front. It gives you plenty on reaction time and Yes you can be seen.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 10, 2009 at 06:29 PM
And . . . truckers need to abide by the speed limit.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 10, 2009 at 05:42 PM
While it is nice to receive tips from the drivers, too often, I feel that the truck drivers seem to think they own the road. I am sure there are responsible truck drivers out there, but there are also the ones that think since they are bigger that they, again, own the road. Not only should regular drivers take, but the truckers also.

Posted by: D on Jan 10, 2009 at 05:33 PM
Good advice, but lets also send a message to truckers-If I am going the speed limit, stay off my rear end!!!! Just because you have a load to get some place, and you are running late, don't try and run me off the road!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Dodge on Jan 10, 2009 at 04:58 PM
I drive that route daily and often observe that the truckers are driving as wrecklessly as the car drivers. I was a professional driver and am very aware of the blind areas.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 10, 2009 at 04:53 PM
My husband is a truck driver and he has the same complaints. I have ridden in his semi and I know what this story is trying to say-it is hard to see cars behind you if they are following too closely. The general rule is that if you can't see their rearview mirrors, they can't see you. When passing, get around them quickly. But on the flip side, I've seen some pretty insensitive truck drivers that cut you off on the interstate or pull out right in front of you. And it's not like they can get up to full speed right away so us cars have to slam on our brakes! So please truckers, do us the same favors too!!

Posted by: B on Jan 10, 2009 at 03:39 PM
My husband is a truck driver has worked for 11 years in the industry. Most people do not understand how powerful a semi can be, how long it takes them to stop and how to be safe around them. Most accidents are not the semi's fault....but it never gets reported that way. Truck drivers get a bad wrap. Anyhow, take time around a truck. Thank them for all the food, clothing, fuel, etc. that they haul for you.

Posted by: Gen on Jan 10, 2009 at 03:38 PM
There should be seperate roads for these semi trucks to drive on. We the public, are not safe with these huge trucks on the same road with us, epsecially if everyone is driving at 75 miles per hour. Can you imagine the outcome of an accident between a Smart car and a semi? Not a pretty picture, yet both are allowed on the same road.

Posted by: Terry on Jan 10, 2009 at 03:15 PM
He's the one with the blind spot, that makes it his responsibily to make sure that nobody is there. When this generation of truck driver quits tailgating and bullying cars on the interstate, there will be less of these 'accidents'.

Posted by: Bernard on Jan 10, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Truckers asking cars to stay back. Now there is a joke of a statement. On one of my numerous trips across country we recently drove through some of Illinois' and Indiana's worst weather. Most cars were driving well under the speed limit to adjust for the icy driving conditions. We passed many cars and trucks crashed in the ditches. These truckers who think the road is only for them are the main problem. If you leave a safe following distance they will cut you off just to pass another truck on an incline. Of course it takes them 5 miles or more to pass them and then the cut right back over. They pass you at 60mph while driving conditions are making everyone in a smaller vehicle slow down to be safe. All while talking on their radios and cell phones. For them to ask everyone else to stay back is a joke. They don't own the road and it wasn't built just for them. I've ssee ntoo many of them driving more dangerous then most the cars on the road.

Posted by: J on Jan 10, 2009 at 02:37 PM
"Truckers Ask Drivers To Stay Back" I wish that some of his fellow drivers would practice this. Watch how many big rigs tailgate cars next time you are on the interstate because they seem to be in a big hurry.Do they think they can save fuel mileage this way also. Way to often I see trucks tailgating cars. Do they really think they can stop that truck in that short of distance? If you see this happening get their company name and tractor number and call it in before they kill someone.