Community Forums

gemert · 03-26-2014, 03:36 PM

I think that this accident just goes to show us that we need to ban assault rifles! Not a political statement just an illustration of how we sometimes tend to have a knee jerk reaction. I hope CW isn't pushing this kind of thing. Driver should have stopped at walmart to take a nap!!

Fred and Bonnie · 03-26-2014, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemert

Driver should have stopped at walmart to take a nap!!

Exactly Jerry, there was statement on another thread concerning this accident, it was stayed there was rest area back a few miles from this accident.

In the words of Dirty Harry, "A mans' gotta know his limitations"

Fred

Daveinet · 03-26-2014, 06:21 PM

Knee jerk reaction both about license and speed. It is very rare for speed to be the primary cause of any accident. Usually the real cause is someone not paying attention. Speed differential can be an issue, which is why they raised the speed limits - they set the speed limits to the speed everyone was traveling anyway, so there would be less number of hazards caused by slower moving traffic. In reality, if I could be sure that no one would ever cut me off, I could safely drive my RV at 100 mph all day. Its never the speed its self that is a problem.

fishdoc · 03-26-2014, 07:57 PM

Thank you all for these salient comments.
I am new to the motorcoach experience and
appreciate you guys giving your experience and
teaching.
From getting proper rest, the 4 to 5 second rule, and
planning ahead hopefully will lead to overcome the
bad driving of others.... and making the right decisions.

JFXG · 03-26-2014, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daveinet

.... Speed differential can be an issue, which is why they raised the speed limits - they set the speed limits to the speed everyone was traveling anyway, so there would be less number of hazards caused by slower moving traffic.....

Correct. Its the differential that becomes dangerous. The ASHE (American Society of Highway Engineers) and its international counterparts recommend that highway speed limits be set within 5 mph of the 85th percentile speed of a particular highway segment. Studies have found that people will drive at whatever maximum speed they're comfortable at, regardless of posted limits. The result is a reality that will almost never be acknowledged by authorities. If you travel at 60 where the posted limit is 65, but the ambient flow is running around you at near 80, then you are the dangerous factor.

gemert · 03-27-2014, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFXG

Correct. Its the differential that becomes dangerous. The ASHE (American Society of Highway Engineers) and its international counterparts recommend that highway speed limits be set within 5 mph of the 85th percentile speed of a particular highway segment. Studies have found that people will drive at whatever maximum speed they're comfortable at, regardless of posted limits. The result is a reality that will almost never be acknowledged by authorities. If you travel at 60 where the posted limit is 65, but the ambient flow is running around you at near 80, then you are the dangerous factor.

Geez, I thought I was the only one who thought that way, I can't wait to tell the DW!!!

koda59 · 03-27-2014, 11:19 PM

Some states like California has a speed limit of 70 for cars. For tractor trailers and anyone towing the speed limit is 55. I don't know how many times I almost got rear ended as an otr driver.
As for someone falling asleep while driving it will sneak up on you and you will not realize it. Had friend that was also an otr driver who had a trainee fall asleep while driving and ran off the road and down an embankment. He said they were both well rested the night before. After driving 6 hours he let the trainee drive while he took a nap. Falling asleep also has happened to those driving a car. Just because you might be yawning does not mean you are tired. I read that in a study that was done but cannot remember where I read it.

Bad Bolt · 03-27-2014, 11:38 PM

I take no chances when I'm feeling tired. When I start getting those strings of heavy yawns, that's it, I pull to the next rest stop or truck stop, park, cut the engine/radio, recline back, flip my hat over my eyes and in 15 to 25 minutes, I'm good to go for another few hundred.

The thought of falling asleep in a 25k lb rig just plain horrifies me.