I met a guy today who tried to commit suicide

[B Calm]

I was traveling north on I-65 today driving my 18 wheeler with a light load of 16 tons. I came up to three 18 wheelers going slower than I was driving. I got into the passing lane and was slowly passing them, driving about three miles faster than the posted speed limit for trucks. I was passing the last truck when this four wheeler came up to my rear bumper like I was dragging a piece of Velcro. I drive a governed truck, so I couldn't go any faster than what I was already doing. The guy in the four wheeler lost his patience and must have thought the left lane was for his vehicle only. He braked his car and slid behind the trucks I was passing. I was just about to put my right turn signal on and get back in the right lane when this idiot in the car (that was behind me) was passing the truck that I was passing, but he was in the emergency lane. The other truckers were screaming on the CB to watch out for this idiot. He flew across the interstate right in front of my truck and then slammed his brakes. I blew my air horn and slammed my brakes while steering toward the inside shoulder. The idiot then turned his car towards the inside shoulder. I then turned back to the right and the car sped off. This guy has no idea how hard it is to stop a heavy vehicle. He was damn lucky my brakes were working properly and my load was light.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. That sounds really scary, my dear B Calm...

Good thing you're alert...:scared: And that you have good brakes...

[B Calm]

3. It was scary. The last thing I want to do is kill someone. People need

to learn the rules of the road before getting behind any steering wheel. Control your road rage, Be Calm, and always remember THE ONE WITH THE BIGGER WHEELS WINS!

[huskerlaw]

2. Jeez!

You're right about people not knowing how hard it is to stop a big truck. People in LA cut off big-rigs with amazing frequency. Though not usually quite as dangerously as that guy.

Glad everything's ok!

[skygazer]

4. I respect the hell out of truckers

When I hitched cross-country in the 70's, I caught a lot of rides with truckers and learned a lot. I respect the space and stopping time they need on the road, I always stay in their visible range, I signal to them when its clear to pass or pull in.

Glad that didn't turn bad for you. :hi:

[Wcross]

5. I would not cut it as a commercial truck driver.

I just couldn't do it. Not with having to drive and try to protect idiots like that. I salute you for your patience but I guess having a handle like B Calm is an indication of you. I am glad you are doing the hauling, a true professional.

[Maraya1969]

6. Maybe he was having a baby.

Ya have to give him the benefit of the doubt ya know.

[Shakespeare]

7. I think the cutting back in front of him and slamming on his breaks....

...pretty much precludes the possibility of somebody in the car being in labor.

[Maraya1969]

8. Well he could have been having one wicked contraction.

:P

[B Calm]

9. Lets all hope and pray the Mexican trucks have well adjusted brakes!

[DarkTirade]

10. It really should be a LOT harder for people to get liscenses

There are too many people out there who honestly don't know how to drive properly. And they're not just putting their own lives at risk... they're putting everyone else's at risk too.