Driving home from Virginia in a horrific rain storm, my husband noticed that all the truckers had moved to the left lane of the highway. He asked, “Okay travel blogger, why do 18-wheelers move to the left lane every time it rains?”
- If they drive on the left side, they can see the yellow line right outside their window and stay on the road…. but really, if visibility were that bad, don’t you think they’d pull over instead?
- Water drains to the right, which means there’s a greater chance of hydroplaning when driving in the right lane…. again, if driving conditions were that bad, wouldn’t they pull over?
- Why do truckers do that? Does wacky truck driver behavior make you crazy when you travel? Find out why they do what they do. You might be surprised! I sure was.
- Things that irritate truck drivers. Believe it or not, we “four-wheelers” don’t own the road. We share it. TruckerMike shares his frustrations, most of which fall into the safe driving category. Truckers don’t want to crash into your car — so help them out!
Rosann says
I love this, Karen. Those big trucks have always frightened me. Every time I'm in a lane next to one, I'm reminded of the near miss that happened when I was a child. On a road trip with my dad somewhere in Texas, a big rig went to change lanes and actually ran us off the road. At the time I had no idea what “blind spot” meant, but I'm sure my dad must have been in the guys blind spot. Because of that, I'm always more aware when I drive near them now. I guess you could say I have a healthy fear/respect for their size. 🙂
mail4rosey says
My uncle and grandfather were both truckers. Some of the conversations I have heard about cars are very interesting. 🙂
There's no other person in the world I would trust as much to drive me anywhere though… all of the 18-wheeler experience makes them super drivers in the regular cars/trucks. 🙂
Shannon Milholland says
I have driven in numerous torrential rain storms this summer and wondered the very same thing. Now I just want to hug every one of those truckers for driving in the left and splashing me with water on the right!
Family Travels on a Budget says
Carla, read the articles in the post. He explains why truckers do what they do. It might help you have more patience on the drive home. I know his articles helped me on yesterday's trip to Lake Gaston.
Carla Karam says
Karen… what a great point. Makes sense that they don't want to slow down … however where I live all that they (big rig drivers) do is block me from getting home! Oh I get it, it takes a lot for them to get up to speed and yes cars do tend to slow down… but.. I just want to get home 😉 Blessings to you and yours.