What makes a good driver...specifically....I want to be one.

[Zen Road Warrior]

Seriously, I was wondering what specifically makes a driver a good driver. I really enjoy driving and want to be a good and safe driver. What are some things that can be done/ should be done.

The obvious ones are stay in lane even during turns, good downshifts, backing in 1 or 2 shots, hugging the right line when driving, being quick at fuel stops and holding anyone up, are there other things?

thanks

[greg3564]

Don't speed! It seems simple enough, but it's amazing how many drivers have serious issues with tickets. And usually those same drivers with multiple tickets have accidents too.

Just slow down, don't get rushed by your dispatcher and you'll do fine.

[ActionEarthMover26]

pay attention, dont hurry and dont worry about the traffic behind you, find a safe cruise speed which for me is about 60 and i keep it there a good employer will never push yah and when one does find another damn job cuz it isnt worth killin someone or yourself for that matter over an assanine employer, good luck and be safe driver.

[Uturn2001]

The obvious ones are stay in lane even during turns, good downshifts, backing in 1 or 2 shots, hugging the right line when driving, being quick at fuel stops and holding anyone up, are there other things?

thanks

Other than your first two, the rest are not really marks of a good driver. It is more showmanship than professionalism, and the hugging the right side WILL get you in trouble, as in you are asking for an accident.

As far as vehicle control goes:

Stay centered in your lane on straight aways.
Stay in your lane during curves and learning how to take a curve.
Speed control.
Maintain proper following distance.
Drive as if you have an unsecured load in/on your trailer.

And for the rest of it:

Respect your limitations. Do not allow yourself to be "bullied" by dispatcher or other drivers into doing things you can not do or are not comfortable doing.

Learn to listen to your truck. It will tell you many things if you really listen to it.

Be courteous to other drivers, regardless if they are in a 4wheeler or big truck. This means: Moving over for vehicles on the side of the road if possible and slowing down if not, not using your brights to single it is Ok for a truck to come back over. Flip your lights off and on instead. Move over to allow a vehicle to enter the roadway if possible and legal to do so. Also when you park be centered in your space and remember to turn off your headlights.

Do not park on the fuel island. It is fine to use the restroom and grab a drink when you are done fueling, but if you need to do more then find a parking space. If that is all you need to do and do not need to fuel, it is OK to park on the fuel island, but pull through and stop in front of the pumps. Also be sure to pull up when you are done fueling, if possible.

Treat everyone like you want to be treated no matter how aggravated you may get. Talk through a problem, don't yell through it.

Do not be afraid to ask for help.

Learn and use good communication skills.

Keep your dispatcher updated and how things are going. Alert him/her if a problem arises or looks likely to arise as soon as possible.

When moving through a truck stop or rest area parking lot at night turn on all your lights and do so before you start moving. If you only have your parking lights on you may not see someone walking and those walking may not realize you are about to start moving.

When backing use GOAL (Get Out And Look). A true proffesional does not care if he can put the trailer in the hole with 1 attempt or 10 attempts. He cares only that he puts the trailer in the hole properly and without damage to anything.

Never discuss what you have in your trailer or where you are specifically going. It is usually fine to say you have a load going to Chicago or something like that, don't say you have a load of Apple Computers going to Circuit City or anything of that nature.

Keep the inside of your truck clean, neat, organized at all times. Wash the outside of your truck as often as your company will allow you to. Never allow clutter to accumulate on your dash. Clean your windows (outside) and mirrors at least twice a day, more if needed. Inside windows should be cleaned at least twice per week. Clean glass reduces eye strain and fatigue. Also do not forget to keep the lights on your truck and trailer clean.

Keep all your paperwork neat and legible. This includes your logs and trip sheets.

DO your vehicle inspections and get problems fixed. Do not leave them for some one else.

Plan your trips. Trip planning includes, routes, fuel stops, locations for breaks. While you generally want to keep the left door shut and keep moving you also should stop every 2-4 hours and take at least a 15 minute break where you get out of the truck and walk around.

Take the time to properly secure your load. Some loads may not need extra securement, but others will.

Finally a good driver has only one real priority, and that is to do everything the safest way possible each and every time. Everything else is secondary. If something is not safe to do then do not do it.

[Miloh]

Tow the company line!!! follow your training and run legal. If you have any talent for driving the "good driver" thing will come in time just like it did with your 4 wheeler. And learn to read the mind of people driving 4 wheelers, most are not to smart and you will find it much easier in time.

Miloh.

[inmate1577]

I think the underlying theme is ........patience

[Colts Fan]

I'm training right now and one of my instructors who is really good emphasizes scanning left to right. Start looking ahead, left mirror, check gages, scan to right mirrors, back to straight ahead. He said make this a habit and you will be doing it 3 to 4 times per minute.

A constant awareness of what is going on around you is key to preventing accidents, even if it is not your fault. Have a gameplan. Look for outs that you have available to you for certain scenarios.

[Miloh]

I'm training right now and one of my instructors who is really good emphasizes scanning left to right. Start looking ahead, left mirror, check gages, scan to right mirrors, back to straight ahead. He said make this a habit and you will be doing it 3 to 4 times per minute.

A constant awareness of what is going on around you is key to preventing accidents, even if it is not your fault. Have a gameplan. Look for outs that you have available to you for certain scenarios.

It's been several years since I drove and I still do the scan thing. Drivers side mirror, gages center mirror passenger mirror and all the gages as I go across, then back around and back around constantly while driving. I Do the same on my bikes and the tractor when I brush hog the fields. Good Habit you'll never get over as will be the constant use of your blinker. You will also learn how to see things you don't look at. I know it sounds weard but you will find people riding with you that point out danger, And you will have seen it before they do. Most of the time if you see to other person you will know what their going to do. Takes "time, BUT NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED YOU ARE WRIGHT" even tho you know you are. cause when you least expect it.

Also beware Motorcycles on two line roads when approaching from the other direction. They are taught to hold their line close to the yellow as the oncoming truck will fade to the shoilder out of caution. It's a natural thing to do but don't run off the road, They practice this a lot and will most likely not run under your truck.

All I can think right now but I'm sure there are a lot of things I have forgotten.

Miloh

[GMAN]

Being respectful of others. You will get further if you are polite and respectful of shippers, receivers, your dispatcher and other drivers. Try to keep yourself neat. Shippers always appreciate someone who looks neat and doesn't smell as though they haven't had a bath in 6 weeks. Take your time. As winter nears, weather conditions can make travel difficult, at times. No load is worth risking your life or that of others. Snow and icy conditions can create dangerous road conditions. Never risk your life to deliver a load. It is better to deliver late than not get there at all.

[Miloh]

Anybodyever have to shovle snow and ice off their trailor to keep from breaking out on the freight sales?

Miloh.

[Drew10]

Everybodies posts are excellent, all I can do is add a couple items.

How bout appearance and hygiene. Wear appropriate clothing, especially when at customers, and in public. Shower once a day if at all possible. Keep "baby" wipes handy for the days when you may need an in cab bath. Keep yourself well groomed. Need examples, just walk around a truckstop and you will find all kinds of examples good and bad on what your appearance/hygiene should be. (or not)
Dispose of your trash in the appropriate places.

Too many drivers are 100% slobs, keep yourself need, tidy and organized. Show respect for yourself at all times, especially in the public eye

[golfhobo]

I was gonna say ALL those things, but I got here too late! Glad y'all could read my mind!

Seriously, not much left to add but....

Stay off the dang cellphone when driving!!! Not only does it make you weave all over the road, but it also makes you slow down, usually boxing in the driver behind you. Not to mention that cars will be flying all around you and you won't even have a CLUE what is or might be happening!

For some reason, most trucks do not have 'self-cancelling' blinkers. Pay attention to what SIGNAL you are sending to others! They MAY just take you at your "word" and pull right into your path.

When opening doors or sliding tandems or other little tasks we do, do it with some sense of 'urgency.' I don't mean to say RUSH and be unsafe.... but just don't DAWDLE like everyone there has ALL day to wait on YOU! Just get out and get 'er done! People will have patience IF you don't abuse it!

And by ALL means.... if you can only do ONE mph faster than the truck you've been following for the past 15 miles, do NOT pull out to pass him just because you see a faster truck overtaking you! He'll be gone in a flash, and it won't HURT you to back off a bit if necessary!

But, of ALL that was said here, IMHO, the most important one is to check your mirrors regularly and make it your JOB to know or predict what EVERY vehicle on the road around you is about to do... or MIGHT do.

Safety begins with AWARENESS!

[wsyrob]

I'm training right now and one of my instructors who is really good emphasizes scanning left to right. Start looking ahead, left mirror, check gages, scan to right mirrors, back to straight ahead. He said make this a habit and you will be doing it 3 to 4 times per minute.

A constant awareness of what is going on around you is key to preventing accidents, even if it is not your fault. Have a gameplan. Look for outs that you have available to you for certain scenarios.

I have been in the aquatic profession for 30 years. That scanning sounds a lot like what we teach lifeguards. Every 10 seconds scan left to right out and back and top to bottom. I didn't think there would be many similarities between these two fields. Great thread and thanks for the responses. I start school in one week.

[golfhobo]

I'm training right now and one of my instructors who is really good emphasizes scanning left to right. Start looking ahead, left mirror, check gages, scan to right mirrors, back to straight ahead. He said make this a habit and you will be doing it 3 to 4 times per minute.

A constant awareness of what is going on around you is key to preventing accidents, even if it is not your fault. Have a gameplan. Look for outs that you have available to you for certain scenarios.

I have been in the aquatic profession for 30 years. That scanning sounds a lot like what we teach lifeguards. Every 10 seconds scan left to right out and back and top to bottom. I didn't think there would be many similarities between these two fields. Great thread and thanks for the responses. I start school in one week.

Ah.... but there IS!! As a "PROFESSIONAL" driver, you are responsible for the safety of everyone around you! These 4wheelers are like little kids! They need CONSTANT watching.... most of them are poorly trained....prone to take risks..... and one momentary distraction on YOUR part, can get someone KILLED! Getting a LOAD somewhere on time is the easy part IF you are not caught up in an accident!

Also.... you will be the best at what YOU do, if you remain in good physical condition, KNOW your rules and procedures, and take PRIDE in what you are doing. Being a "Professional" swimmer vs a casual one, is absolutely the same thing!

And..... every ONCE in awhile a Pamela Anderson type will swim by and drop her top!

Best of luck to you! Someone with YOUR dedication and concern for others can ONLY be an asset to our industry! Keep us posted!

Hobo

[Uturn2001]

The scanning is more than left and right. It is also front and back. In addition you need to be aware of your clearances on all 6 sides of your vehicle.

YES>>>>>YOU DO HAVE 6 SIDES TO WORRY ABOUT.

Front, Back, Left, Right, Top, Bottom.

[Colts Fan]

For some reason, most trucks do not have 'self-cancelling' blinkers. Pay attention to what SIGNAL you are sending to others! They MAY just take you at your "word" and pull right into your path.

I am still trying to get used to that. When I first started getting out there I would leave that damn thing on for 2 blocks and I still have to constantly remind myself to turn the damn thing off! You're right about paying attention to the signals we send others. It is important that we communicate our intentions and presence to those on the road.

[Drew10]

golfhobo wrote:

For some reason, most trucks do not have 'self-cancelling' blinkers. Pay attention to what SIGNAL you are sending to others! They MAY just take you at your "word" and pull right into your path.

Colts Fan wrote:

I am still trying to get used to that. When I first started getting out there I would leave that damn thing on for 2 blocks and I still have to constantly remind myself to turn the damn thing off!

Sorry guys, this one is to obvious: The reason you do not want self canceling turn signals is because our turns require to much back and forth steering wheel action as you adjust for the width of your turns, especially in city driving. If they self cancelled they would be canceling before you finished the turn.
I have hard time letting my 4wheelers signal stalk alone, after a turn in the 4wheeler Im wanting to cancel my self.

[nrvsreck]

Being a good driver is pretty simple: be aware of everything and everyone around you, be aware of your rig and what you're carrying, expect the unexpected, and drive defensively. On the other hand, if you're talking about trying to become a Billy Big-Rigger... well, maybe check out the bullracks and rock buckets and try to emulate them. I wouldn't recommend it though.

[geeshock]

take what was said here and remember there is always room for improvement. Always try and improve on that back, always try and improve on lane control, etc.

[Skywalker]

Here's one thing for sure....if you drive for "Swift" or any other carrier that puts "fog lights" on the tractors....DO NOT TURN THEM ON AND LEAVE THEM ON....."UNLESS YOU ARE DRIVING IN FOG". So many flaming :dung: headed ya-hoos are running around all the damn time with them on....when they are not needed, and whats worse, is the blasted things are aimed higher than they are supposed to.

I had some jackass pass me last night with them on....aimed too high, screwed up my "night vision"....the sucker was lucky I don't have a "spotlight" on my tractor :evil: :evil: :evil: Yeah, I got passed by a Swift truck....he was speeding in a 55 zone. I wasn't. Construction zone to boot.

Thats another thing...."speeding in a construction zone". Folks you may get lucky and not get nailed.....but when they get you... :P :P Its double the $$ and double the points!! If you want to be a "professional"...read and pay attention to the signs. If the sign says "ALL TRUCKS USE LEFT LANE" or "ALL TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE"....DO IT!!

Not that long ago, on I-75 down near Sarasota, FL they were doing some overpass reconstruction on a bridge section....the sign in black and white said "ALL TRUCKS USE LEFT LANE".....it was literally amazing how many "idiots" stayed in the right lane....so they put some FHP Troopers out there. Nailed a bunch of them....at $350.00 a pop..for "Failure to obey a traffic device". Don't know how many points....but it was all the talk on the CB....took a couple of days but the idiots caught on.

Read the signs, obey them....and leave the blasted fog lights off!!