Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

I'll preface this by saying I'm not a perfect driver, nor do I pretend to be. I'll also say this isn't meant as a lecture, but maybe just some helpful information people might not remember or know or maybe just don't think about often...

I've been pulling horse trailers for years, but haven't had a trailer of my own for a while. My recent truck and trailer purchase has reminded me of some things I (and others) sometimes forget when we're driving -- like it takes trucks (especially trucks pulling trailers) a LOT longer to stop than cars. My pick up truck alone weighs more than 7,000 lbs. It does not stop as quickly as your Prius! I keep a safe distance when driving it (can't speak for other truck drivers, I know!!), but I can't magically stop on a dime (or even as fast as a small car) if you cut me off or turn right in front of me as I'm driving down the road. If you see a bigger truck coming, give yourself more distance and time to pass in front or turn left.

It takes a LOT longer to stop when pulling a trailer. We bought our horse trailer in PA and pulled it all the way home. I cannot tell you how many people with death wishes cut us off pulled out in front of us when we were too close, ot tried to turn left in front of us without giving themselves enough time. I sometimes wonder if people really don't know how much longer it takes to stop when you're pulling a big trailer - let alone a tractor trailer! My horse trailer weighs more than 4,000 lbs empty and it's one of the lighter 3 horse trailers out there. My lightest horse weighs 900 pounds and my biggest 1,300. That's a LOT of weight to pull and stop (which is why we don't speed with the trailer and keep a big distance betwen the rig and the cars in front of us). Also, FTR, we have such a big truck because it is safer to pull and to stop. There are a lot of people with smaller trucks and bigger trailers who have an even harder time stopping in an emergency...

Also, please DO NOT tailgate a trailer or a truck. I can't emphasize this enough -- more for your safety than anyone else's. If you can't see the truck's side mirrors, the truck driver can't see you. Despite "do not tailgate" and "caution horses" signs on horse trailers, people constantly ride the trailer bumper like they have a death wish. We can't see you. Pulling a trailer or driving a truck is like driving without your rearview mirror! Don't tailgate - please! To be honest, on the expressway, we are intentionally in the right lane doing about the speed limit, no more than 60 on LI... If you don't like that, please safely pass us, don't tailgate.

I had honestly forgotten how many people tend to not give enough time when turning in front of trucks, etc. I'm sure I haven't been either, but pulling a trailer again has made me remember some of this basic stuff.

Again, I'm not posting this to preach - just as a reminder. Some of this stuff I had gotten lax about with my own driving.

Also, I'm not making excuses for bad truck drivers either. One passed us going at least 95mph on interstate last week. (Shudder)

Just please be safe, everyone!!

Feel free to post more safe driving tips if you have them. (Like don't use cruise control in the rain and snow!)

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

I never really paid a lot of attention to how long it would take to stop a trailer.

Thanks for the reminder!

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

As someone who got their class b permit today, I shudder to think what I am going to see in the next few days taking the class.

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

I don't think people do realize until they are behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle and that's something that not everyone will do in their lives. So it's a good point to mention.

Everything you said holds true for ambulances and firetrucks too. I was shocked, when I was learning to drive the ambulance, at the stopping distance.

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

thank you

this was helpful to read, I never really stopped to think about it to be honest and I'm sure I've unknowingly done some of the dumb things that you listed

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

Another thought... I knw you don't see horse trailers on the road every day, but be extra cautious around them. Due to the fact that horses are inherently top heavy and a live (not totally stationary) load, horse trailers have a higher chance of swaying and flipping, especially if we have to slam on the breaks. Having to break and accelerate quickly is very stressful (and can be dangerous) for the horses, who have to balance standing up in the trailer. This is why, unless it's an emergency, I accelerate and deccelerate VERY slowly when hauling horses. Again, if that annoys you - PASS SAFELY, don't tailgate and get annoyed. I'm not risking my safety or my horses' (or yours) because you're leaning on the horn or giving me the finger. ;)

Just be a little extra aware of these things if you see people pulling horses or livestock.

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

Be aware of Motorcycles on the road...

Hang up your cellphone or use hands free...

Use your turn signal...

Yield for pedestrians in a cross walk...it's NYS law, not just a courtesy.

Traffic Circles...the cars already IN them have the right of way, you must wait...if you are IN the traffic circle do NOT stop to allow someone to enter it, you will cause an accident.

Yield for emergency vehicles...if you see an Ambulance or Police car...pull over to the right if able...or at least slow down or stop as far out of the way as possible.

Slow the hell down..i see more people driving like maniacs because they are in a rush and don't care about anyone around them.

And if you happen to not follow any of these while out East we may just meet...I'll be in the car with the lights on top

Message edited 5/20/2010 10:05:32 AM.

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

Posted by KittyKatCopper

Be aware of Motorcycles on the road...

Hang up your cellphone or use hands free...

Use your turn signal...

Yield for pedestrians in a cross walk...it's NYS law, not just a courtesy.

Traffic Circles...the cars already IN them have the right of way, you must wait...if you are IN the traffic circle do NOT stop to allow someone to enter it, you will cause an accident.

Yield for emergency vehicles...if you see an Ambulance or Police car...pull over to the right if able...or at least slow down or stop as far out of the way as possible.

Slow the hell down..i see more people driving like maniacs because they are in a rush and don't care about anyone around them.

And if you happen to not follow any of these while out East we may just meet...I'll be in the car with the lights on top

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

I can't tell you how many times I see a car cut in front of a huge truck or 18-wheeler, especially as we approach traffic lights.

Yes, we all get they you don't want to get stuck behind the truck at the light. It takes them forever to accelerate and get up to speed.

However, you, the driver of the small sports car who just cut off the truck as it approached the red light....you wont get very far if that big truck slams into the back of you because YOU cut short it's stopping distance at the light.

I see this all the time on 110 and Pinelawn.

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

OMG - I cringe when people cut off a truck!!!! I don't know what they're thinking!!!! I can't tell you how many people I see cutting off a truck to be the first in line at a red light... the truck is gradually slowing down to sit at the red light and all of a sudden some assshole cuts him off to be first. The truck driver then has to slam on their brakes!!! It makes me nuts!!

Thanks for the reminder!

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

my major one

if you are in a seden on small car- don't hang out around the back passenger door of a SUV (on the highway)

I can't see you there- not even in mirror- I always look before I change lanes and I can't tell you how many times there has been a tiny car there

Re: Just some safe driving thoughts / tips

Posted by Pray4Baby2010
more good stuff- but on motorcycles- have to add that as a frequent city driver, I am sick to death of seeing some of them weaving through traffic- often times I dont see them until they are passing me in the same lane and what if I had decided to change lanes right at that time