Drive in spite of your emotions, not because of your emotions
It happens all the time. Some 4-wheeler decides at the last minute to get over to the right lane to get off at their exit. You have a nice following distance, and some tailgater gets in front of you, taking away your following distance, only for them to go the exact same speed they were going before. They must just not want to be behind a big truck. Instead of merging properly, somebody decides to get in front of you when they are only going 35mph, and they still had 1/2 mile of merging lane left. Then they take their sweet time getting up to speed, so you go to pass and then they take off like a bat out of hell.
It seems like we are in a constant battle with other vehicles on the road to do our job safely, effectively, and to enjoy what we are doing. Sometimes we get angry and drive in a manner we shouldn’t. It happens to the best of us. For example, someone may cut you off and so you decide to stay right on their tail. Or someone towing a boat runs you off into the shoulder and goes on their merry way, completely unaware of what happened. So you stay in a bitter mood for a while and let those emotions drive you.
You are the captain of the ship. You and you alone drive that 40-ton beast. When your driving habits change because of your emotions, how you feel about the way others are driving around you, you need to take a break and cool down. Part of being a professional driver is driving in a manner to keep everyone on the road safe no matter what the situation may be. It can be extremely difficult at times, but you need to keep in mind and remember how powerful that machine you are so comfortable with really is, and the massive amount of damage you would do if you came into contact with a vehicle that weighs 1/25 that yours does.
Most drivers don’t drive like idiots on purpose. They are just ignorant about how trucks work. Think of yourself as a hero.. protecting the ignorant from themselves. How would you drive if the people in the vehicles around you were your mother or father, sister or brother, aunt, or someone else you are close to? So next time some 4-wheeler cuts you off, or they get in front of you going 40mph less than you, keep that in mind. Drive in spite of your emotions, not because of them. By keeping your cool and maintaining your professionalism on the road, you are truly in a sense saving the ignorant from themselves.
This article is original material by Antoni Pestka and was published on this 21st day of April, 2008. This article may be reproduced or printed, if and only if it remains in its original state, completely unedited, and no profit is made. This message must remain at the bottom of this article, including this link to the author’s website. http://peachfuzzandreno.wordpress.com
Tags: truck driver, driving, safety, safe driving, self control
