Night driving

[mtdewr]

What is the best thing to do when you see a driver in front of you getting sleepy? ( Besides staying away from them )

I have tried to call them on the cb but usually no response. The other night, a flat bed went across 3 lanes in front of me kinda weaving, no signal and once they "touched" the median, signaled and came back over. Thank goodness they got off at the rest area about 2 miles later.

I was just wondering what and if anything could be done?

[TruckerChris]

Call them on the radio and like you said, they usually don't answer. Then you call the highway patrol so they don't kill anyone out there on the road.

[Uturn2001]

Pretty much what has been said already.

Keep your distance, try to raise them on the radio and if you feel the situation is bad enough call 911.

[mtdewr]

Thanks! I just wanted to make sure that driver was safe but was happy they got off at the rest area!! I drive nights and have seen this a few times but most have their cbs on. Hope everyone is having a safe trip....Mtdewr

[headborg]

1st off It's another professional driver- trying to make a living for their family up ahead... so cut him a little slack-- don't call the law on him until after he passes up that rest area-or obvious safe place to get off the road.


2nd: yeah, call him on the CB and ask if he's o k...


3rd: no, don't ride BEHIND him if you can avoid it... pull into the passing lane( which will keep other 4 wheelers from running up beside him.... flash you HIGH BEAMS at him( in his mirror) call him again on the radio ....ask again if he's ok... tell him to try to keep er steady...

and pass him when it's safe to do so....

you don't want to be BEHIND HIM when he has a accident...because then

YOU will a) be involved yourself b) have to do some quick evasive manover yourself to avoid being involved c) be a witness and end up spend days in court with no pay/income because you saw everything.

[Jimbpard]

Well said headborg....Damn people and wanting to call the law.... :evil:

[bigtimba]

. . the guy falling asleep at the wheel was a professional? Earning a living for his family?

Earning a death benefit, perhaps.

[headborg]

. . the guy falling asleep at the wheel was a professional? Earning a living for his family?

Earning a death benefit, perhaps.

Yeap, check the Webster's Dictionary for professional-

participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs

a amateur is defined as someone with little or no experience- such as a newbie truck driver.

also Truck driving is not recognized as a Professional endeavor- it is classified as a TRADE at best, general labor at worst.

So, don't allow the corporate world- to throw around words like that --at you -- to get THEIR desired results/ performance out of you.

Language is funny like that-- depending on you POV-

Also there's a thing called "the golden rule", someday, if you stay in this occupation- it might be YOU that might be on a HOT run- and slightly overextend yourself-- do you want some newbie behind you to grab the cell phone and call in on YOU?

In the old days; a little professional courteousy would be for two drivers to "Shepard" him into the next truckstop...
by one getting in front one behind and talk to him or 'suggest' they all stop for a break-- "I'm sure getting tired"... how about YOU?... yeah, you almost wiped out back there... just follow me into the next stop..."

but times have changed....there is little professionalism or compassion out here anymore...just people who always think they're better than the other guy.. and that "it won't ever be me"

[mtdewr]

Thank you for all your input! I dont want to get a driver in trouble but dont want to see them or an innocent person(s) hurt either. Just checking to see if there were other options other than what I did. Thanks again!! Have a safe one

[Snowman7]

1st off It's another professional driver- trying to make a living for their family up ahead... so cut him a little slack-- don't call the law on him until after he passes up that rest area-or obvious safe place to get off the road.

Did you catch the part about going across three lanes of traffic? :?

you don't want to be BEHIND HIM when he has a accident...because then YOU will a) be involved yourself b) have to do some quick evasive manover yourself to avoid being involved c) be a witness and end up spend days in court with no pay/income because you saw everything.

So you're saying its OK to let him have an accident, just dont wanna be behind him right?

I'll try but if I cant get his attention I'll call the law. He can't provide for his family if he's dead can he? Let alone any innocent victims. What if he went left of center and hit YOU head on? And I think it's safer to follow at a safe distance than try to get around a guy who cant stay in his own lane. I guess a few days in court as a witness is slightly better than having him run me into a bridge abutment, but hey that's just me.

You really showed your true colors on this one.

[Malaki86]

I agree. I'll try to get the drivers attention any way I can, plus let other drivers on the road know what's going on in front of me. But, I also won't let it go on and on and on until it ends badly.

[headborg]

1st off It's another professional driver- trying to make a living for their family up ahead... so cut him a little slack-- don't call the law on him until after he passes up that rest area-or obvious safe place to get off the road.

Did you catch the part about going across three lanes of traffic? :?

you don't want to be BEHIND HIM when he has a accident...because then YOU will a) be involved yourself b) have to do some quick evasive manover yourself to avoid being involved c) be a witness and end up spend days in court with no pay/income because you saw everything.

So you're saying its OK to let him have an accident, just dont wanna be behind him right?

I'll try but if I cant get his attention I'll call the law. He can't provide for his family if he's dead can he? Let alone any innocent victims. What if he went left of center and hit YOU head on? And I think it's safer to follow at a safe distance than try to get around a guy who cant stay in his own lane. I guess a few days in court as a witness is slightly better than having him run me into a bridge abutment, but hey that's just me.

You really showed your true colors on this one.

I did catch the part about the three lanes( of traffic?)-- I'm sure if there had been TRAFFIC in those lanes- there would have been an accident right there! Did You catch the part about not calling the law UNTIL HE HAS SHOWN LACK OF CONCERN-LACK OF DOING THE RIGHT THING AND GETTING OFF THE ROAD WHEN POSSIBLE? Yes- sometimes you have to call the law-- but usually-- when a person falls asleep- drifts like that- they
have good sense to shut it down as soon as they can.

yeah, I am saying :dung: happens- and You or I are not in a position to really Control that-- no you don't want to be behind him and try to avoid the accident. And it's not gonna be " a few days in court"-- at least 2 weeks.

You must have missed the part about Flashing your highbeams at him and getting HIS attention- before trying to get around him.

hey yeah it's just you-- you're driving a rig too right?-- so unless he forces you off the road-- by intentionally running you off the road-- if he "drifts" into you while you're passing him--- just push back-- it's that simple-

also- after a few years on the road you will learn how to tell the difference between a Tired driver who "drifts" then suddenly wakes up- and corrects.

and a Drunk driver who is simply -- all over the road-

in this case I'm only saying-- if he's simply tired- cut him a little slack until pops off on the cb something like---"you drive your truck, I'll drive mine"
or "mind your damn business" etc.

[Snowman7]

OK three lanes whatever.

I have no problem with trying to get his attention and getting him off the road.

If that fails then I have no problem calling him in. If he doesnt give a ***** about the lives of other people why should I give a ***** about his job? Besides what are they going to do, fire him for a lane violation?

[hitman]

1st off It's another professional driver

After all your attempts to get his attention has failed, what's wrong with calling the law? Sure the first thing they will probably check is his log book, but if he is a professional driver, he will be compliant and sober, with nothing to worry about, and they will probably just escort him to the nearest rest area, of safest place to park it. Calling the law is better then killing himself or others.

[headborg]

1st off It's another professional driver

After all your attempts to get his attention has failed, what's wrong with calling the law? Sure the first thing they will probably check is his log book, but if he is a professional driver, he will be compliant and sober, with nothing to worry about, and they will probably just escort him to the nearest rest area, of safest place to park it. Calling the law is better then killing himself or others.

because, we're all human and not perfect.

after only one swerve did he continue to display lack of control of the vehicle? then yes do what you Must- call the law

how do you know he wasn't just(stupidly) digging in the bottom of his cooler for another can of soda- or dropped his cigs?
how do you know if his CB isn't broke? or maybe he doesn't have one?

I've been there-- you can get tired anytime of day...maybe it will happen to you someday--- you'll eat that big buffet lunch then hit the road...

In the original post-- She said-- he hit next rest area---

All I'm saying is -- give the guy a chance to do the right thing.

I can tell you this-- when you call 911 on him and describe his vehicle & location-- I bet it will be a tleast 25 minutes/25 miles before there's a patrol car behind him..... the patrol car will follow him a few miles to video tape any "failure to maintain lane control" before they pull him over and DOT level 3 him-- log book- etc, Sobority test- maybe even that new draw for Blood test...
all the while ....telling him one of his trucking professionals called in on him as a "concerned" citizen.

there you go with that --if he's a professional driver-- all his ducks will be in a row- You're a complete lier if you expect me to believe YOU always have everything completely perfect yourself 24-7, 365 days a year. Perfect vehicle inspection everyday.

Because when they get called out--- they will FIND something to write a ticket for...
These same law enforcement officers-- are the ones who --WAKE UP tired drivers-- and tell them to HIT THE ROAD you can't park here! and put them on the road-- to be ahead of you--so you can call in on them or possibily kill someone.

No they won't escort him anywhere---unless his log book is behind or he's over HOS-- they will just ticket him for something and let him go.

In the old days(before cell phones)--- calling the law was much harder. You had to get to a pay phone.
It was easier to use the "carrot" than the 'stick". You'd get up there beside the guy and blow your air horn-- pull in front --and get his attention-- then you'd be "civil" and ask-- hey! where's the next truckstop? or anyone seen a truckstop around here--- I'll buy you cup of hot Joe , If you'll park that rig..... you almost bought the farm back there...

But those were the old days when Drivers knew they were all in the same boat out here...and gave a damn about each other.... today, it's just easier to dial 911 from you cell phone... and then...feel like you did something big..and hurry along your way...got to go...go..go.

[Snowman7]

I think we all agree on trying to get his attention first. Using the CB, lights and air horn are all good ideas, if safe to do so.

I hope we all agree that if unsuccessful in getting his attention then we should report him if he is still an unsafe driver. And that doesn't mean after one incidental swerve.

As for this comment:

But those were the old days when Drivers knew they were all in the same boat out here...and gave a damn about each other.... today, it's just easier to dial 911 from you cell phone... and then...feel like you did something big..and hurry along your way...got to go...go..go.

Before you stereotype us, remember you were the one who said to pass him so if something does happen you won't be inconvienienced by a court appearance. That doesn't sound like you give a damn about me or anyone else this professional driver might hit later on down the road. It takes a man to make a tough decision and do the right thing. I hope you'll give this some thought if you're ever in the same situation as the original poster. Three lanes is not a minor swerve. Instead of being tired the driver could also be sick, faint, confused or about to pass out, we just don't know.

[headborg]

I think we all agree on trying to get his attention first. Using the CB, lights and air horn are all good ideas, if safe to do so.

I hope we all agree that if unsuccessful in getting his attention then we should report him if he is still an unsafe driver. And that doesn't mean after one incidental swerve.

As for this comment:

But those were the old days when Drivers knew they were all in the same boat out here...and gave a damn about each other.... today, it's just easier to dial 911 from you cell phone... and then...feel like you did something big..and hurry along your way...got to go...go..go.

Before you stereotype us, remember you were the one who said to pass him so if something does happen you won't be inconvienienced by a court appearance. That doesn't sound like you give a damn about me or anyone else this professional driver might hit later on down the road. It takes a man to make a tough decision and do the right thing. I hope you'll give this some thought if you're ever in the same situation as the original poster. Three lanes is not a minor swerve. Instead of being tired the driver could also be sick, faint, confused or about to pass out, we just don't know.

The #1 reason for passing the Impaired driver is to avoid being involved Yourself in a accident- it is per Smith Defensive Driving rules and will prevent YOU from being guilty of Negligent Homicide in a civil court.

Take the following Scenario:

You're following this tired driver-- you back off and dial 911-- stistics show that the average driver only backs off 50 yards(150 feet)-
What's the stopping distance for a 40 ton rig running 55mph?

now while on the phone with 911- the tired driver drifts off the road and suddenly wakes up-- auto-reflex is to try and recover back onto the roadway-- most all fatigue related semi crashes result in a ROLL-OVER--
usually because the driver over reacts swerving back onto the roadway-- and lays it over on it's side across the lanes of traffic-- once on the side- contrary to the movies -- it doesn't slide more than 3-5 feet before coming to a complete stop.

You now have 155 feet to stop your HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE-

now, the car behind you-- couldn't see the impaired driver ahead of you-- and now you suddenly locked up your brakes!
As you yell Oh **** in the phone to 911 and manage to get your rig shut down just before hitting the overturned semi ahead-- you feel this unusual
surge pushing you Forward and hear the crunching of metal--- you look in your mirror and see other vehicles coming to a stop- getting out and running to the rear OF YOUR RIG- not the overturned semi.

You exit the cab and walk to the rear of your rig in horror to find a car full of teenagers-- have run up under your DOT Bumper and are dead!

When the police arrive-- you're not at fault .. but since your rig didn't hit or mix with the overturned semi-- in some states-- it will be written up as 2
seperate accidents.

When the families of the dead teens have their lawyers review the facts and evidence-- it shows you had 15- 20 minutes while you were riding behind the fatigued driver-- that you could have gotten around him- and thus not have been involved in the death of their children.

Remember what YOU'RE DRIVING!

Scenario 2:

Instead of passing the fatigued driver-- you elect to back off and ride behind him- so you can call 911( Forgeting that you can do the same from in front of him just as easy)--or you are afraid he'll run you into the bridge abutment, etc. You now come to a down grade-- and you watch in horror as the fatigue driver steadily gains on a group of unsuspecting 4 wheelers ahead of him--- you watch in horror as he RUNS OVER a slower moving car ahead of him....
you could have passed him... you could have put YOUR RIG between Him and a small 1 ton car-- you could have flashed your lights-- blown your airhorn and cleared the road ahead--- but you can't do any of that from BEHIND HIM.


YES, LAST BUT NOT LEAST--- since you were helplessly behind the fatigued driver-- you will now have to go to court and be a witness--- because you had a front row seat at very least... Or perhaps-- you had to take the ditch yourself when he finally screwed up.....might as well go to court-- your rig is wrecked and you're still recovering from your injuries.

[Snowman7]

Thats quite a story, you do have imagination. You didnt want to be involved in the first place and now your going to risk your own life to stop a downhill big truck with yours! Wow!

Now thats an inconvienience cmon! Imagine that court time! I take it all back!

[hitman]

after only one swerve did he continue to display lack of control of the vehicle? then yes do what you Must- call the law

how do you know he wasn't just(stupidly) digging in the bottom of his cooler for another can of soda- or dropped his cigs?
how do you know if his CB isn't broke? or maybe he doesn't have one?


Because when they get called out--- they will FIND something to write a ticket for...

Ofcourse i'm not going to call the law if he or she only swerves once. You can pretty much tell after awhile if it is fatigue or alcohol related. But you do make some valid points for not following. If I was to follow that particular driver, I would definately do so from a safe distance, and I would have no problem calling the law if need be. You can believe me or not, but I would want someone to do the same thing to me if I didn't respond to the other methods described. I would thank them instead of accusing them of "ratting me out". My life and the life of others are worth more than a ticket.

[Random_Facts]

Saw this video on youtube..and said Perfect it fits this topic all so well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1avYdlFGYI

Call it in? most likely..better than killing someone out there. =O drive safe!