What in The World?!

I’m still trying to figure out how he did not lay that truck over on its side.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have the utmost respect and yes, admiration for all those who drive a truck, especially long haul. What is that? That is when the driver(s) get inside a truck, crank it up and drive away, usually for no less than three weeks. They cross the country and back many times before they are able to even think about going home. But there are those….who really test that respect. 

I know, that it takes a special kind of individual to drive one of those big trucks in a responsible, professional and courteous manner. The fact that they are out there in all types of weather, dealing with all types of individuals and situations means they have to be a breed all their own. As are the families they leave behind. But anyway.

 I also know that those big trucks have limitations. There are more blind spots-areas where the driver CAN NOT SEE YOU. There is the fact that it takes a truck doing fifty-five mph the length of three football fields to stop. You have a tractor dragging a fifty-three foot long box that has to have extra room to make turns. Note: If they have a turn signal flashing at you, but they seem to have pulled over into the wrong lane, its because of that needed space to turn and not drag that trailer against anything on the curb, and that includes you if you pull up there beside it-because remember- they can’t see you. So wait for them to turn, then move up.

 I know all that, and more, having been married to a long haul driver and still being friends with those who drive. I am still learning.

But.

Today.

I needed to go to the bank so I called mom and asked if she needed or wanted to go along. She needed to go so I drove down and picked her up and off we headed. Going to the bank there were no issues. The bank is in a smallish size town with lots of intersections. Not a problem really. We go inside the bank, we take care of business and head out. 

I pull up to an intersection to wait on the light. I never pull all the way up to that big white stripe across the road. That dummy line that say’s ‘Y’all need to stop here now, okay?” I’m a few feet back when I see a big truck barreling out of the side road and swinging wide. I know, he has to but at that rate of speed I was in trouble. He still didn’t have room to make that turn into his lane. I glanced quickly and there was no one behind me. I slam my jeep into reverse and hit the gas. Managing to move in time that the driver of that truck didn’t take the entire front end of my Jeep off. (I was also very glad no one was behind me at that moment)

 The truck never slowed, and I really don’t recall seeing the driver look in my direction. That, is what gives drivers a bad name. It is those who pull bone headed moves, that put other people at risk, those are the ones who have others cursing truck drivers and demanding laws and regulations against them.

 I realize that it is people, humans who are maneuvering those big trucks along the roadways, whether city, town or interstate. It is humans, with human failings. The thing is, it is the people like that driver, who was bound and determined to make that turn come hell or high water, that frightens people. Those trucks are so big, that a four wheeled vehicle doesn’t stand a chance.

I’ve listened to truck drivers rant about ‘super truckers’ ‘steering wheel holders’ those who don’t care. The ones who are out there not following laws and regulations. The ones who are pulling the dangerous stunts that cause accidents. There is a difference. There are the professional drivers, those who are one with the machine who can handle any situation that comes up with a professionalism unmatched. Then there are those like the guy today.

My mother was in my car, his bone headed move, scared me for her.  There were a lot of words that slammed through my head as the incident was happening and afterward. I’m glad that the only exclamation that escaped for mom to hear was, “WHAT IN THE WORLD?????” oh and a few stupid morons tossed in.

My late husband, babying his ride.