Truck driver almost lost his life

[Tumwatertaz]

As a guy that has driven a semi truck in the past and as someone that has been riding for over 50 years...I can tell you the smartest thing you can do is either stay way back from all trucks, or stay way in front of them. Never ride beside them on either side for any reason. Just stay away from them period.

With rising fuel and taxes costs effecting their income, maintenance is not being kept up sufficiently on a lot of those trucks, drivers are working way too many hours without proper rest, and tires are being run that should not even be on the road. I myself have been struck and nearly killed from small chunks of recapped tires that have come apart, nearly hit by large rocks that were stuck between tires coming loose and flying out, and nearly wrecked by trucks that have had to react suddenly to some car/small truck driver that did something stupid like cut them off, change lanes without looking first, or stopping suddenly.

Add all drivers being distracted by passengers, loud stereos, and cell phones to that mix and it gets even more dangerous. As stated before, if you can't see the driver's face in his mirrors - then he can't see you, and you are risking your life. And no offense meant to any of our distinguished canadian riders on here ...but up here in the pacific northwest, I have learned the hard way that if a semi truck has canadian plates...it's best to stay the hell away from it. It has been my experience that they seem to be very fond of doing some fairly wild and creative driving..lol

There's an old saying I repeat often to the younger or more inexperienced riders: "There are old bikers, there are bold bikers, but there are no old bold bikers." Ride safe and smart everyone.

 

[LAS VEGAS DAVE]

I been riding bikes for about 60 years and driving semi trucks for over 50 years. You should know that today many truck drivers are right out of truck driving schools. Companies can and do hire them cheap, the turnover is quick, they just get another guy out of the schools rather than pay more. Just do not assume that because a guy is driving a big rig he is probably a good driver. Many are good but many are new. Its always best on a bike or a car to never linger near trucks any longer than necessary.

 

[1olbull]

Check it out.
I'm about 30 miles from finishing a 450ish mile trip. Riding through a sleepy Texas panhandle town. Truck driver decides to change lanes and basically pushes me over with his trailer. I had the presence of mind to brake quickly before he hit me but I had what I would call a parking lot drop on the highway. I came unglued. Old lady at the quickee mart nearby asked me if I was ok. I just started yelling. I did apologize and tell her I wasn't mad at her and I was sorry. Trucker had pulled into quickee mart I guess for a delivery. I walked up to cab and said since you fng knocked me over you wanna help me pick this sob up. He was all apologies as we got it picked up and I assessed no real damage. I told him to pull his head out of his ass he was gonna get someone hurt. Then rode off I don't think I have ever been that verbally aggressive with anyone before and I'm in the Army. I also had two pistols in my luggage. Be careful folks if I had been going highway speed it would not have been pretty. Bike wrecked me hurt and a truck drivers job and possibly his life changed forever. I wasn't in his blind spot more than 30 seconds but a good lesson learned for both of us I hope

First off I am GLAD you be OK!
NEVER ride in any blind spot, truck or cage - EVER - not even for 5 seconds!!!
Accelerate through and make your pass quickly or else stay back far enough you can be seen in mirrors.
I offer this only with respect and as NO comment on your riding.