Well fellas, it’s been real.

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BrandontheCDLguy@reddit

I get it.

About 4 years ago I had a lady shoot up the shoulder past a merge point to get ahead of me.

I technically could’ve swerved into the next lane to avoid her, but I just stood my ground because I knew I wasn’t wrong. Well, I can opened her brand new Mercedes suv.

Took pictures of her car being half in my lane and half over the solid white, meanwhile my truck and trailer were straight in my lane.

The insurance companies ruled her at fault the same day. I hung up the keys afterwards.

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problem is, even if not at fault, your record still has you in an accident which is not nothing (would love to hear elaboration on this if anyone would. I have always operated that way, where even if holding my lane would clearly not be my liability, I still avoid because I'm under the impression any accident looks bad even if not at fault. I have "let people off" in similar merge scenarios where i really wanted them to meet that jersey barrier they so eagerly wanted to meet...)

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DrKotasz@reddit

Yes and no. There's a reason, why police asks :"what did you do to try to avoid the accident?" If you did your best, you are all clear.

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ignoreme010101@reddit

Yes and no. There's a reason, why police asks :"what did you do to try to avoid the accident?" If you did your best, you are all clear.

nah that's not what I meant, like for example you get into 5 accidents in a couple years, and in each instance cop asks you and 100% clears you, you are still going to have trouble getting hired with 5 accidents despite full "no fault" from cops and insurance

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DrKotasz@reddit

I don't know about that. Doesn't feel right, if someone not at fault, should not be on his driving history.

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ignoreme010101@reddit

it is right in many instances, just think about it a little i mean if you're otr 24/7 you know what it's like to avoid accidents, i could rig up cameras to prove my innocence and then hold my lane and let people hit me, could find an example at least weekly where I proactively prevent an incident. If I let it occur, even though I wasn't at fault but could have defensively prevented it, that is bad and companies&insurers don't like that, even if im not technically at fault. It's like when someone fights to cut you off on a merge so you back off instead of holding your lane because even though you arent legally culpable you don't want an incident so you actively avoid them.

So yeah if you're in several accidents in a short period you'd better hope it is beyond doubt that it's demonstrably clear they were entirely unavoidable, not merely 'not at fault' because those are not the same thing!

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Wolfire0769@reddit

The roads would be so much better if more people were awarded the stupid tax that they so eagerly want to pay. But instead the professional drivers are expected to pull off miracles instead.

If you think about it, the more dumb fucks that get turned into lessons the safer the roads are for everyone.

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Idajack12@reddit

Twenty odd years ago I was following a Mercedes up the east bound on ramp at exit 35 in Idaho on 84…. Watched it drive directly into the side of a flatbed loaded with steel beams and ping pong off the Jersey barrier. I stopped as a witness for the driver of the truck, called the popo using my brick cell phone and when they showed up and explained that she was supposed to yield she literally said “ but I’m in a Mercedes!” As if that gave her the right of way….. even her poodle was offended

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BrandontheCDLguy@reddit

Not surprised at all.

The lady that hit me got out of her car and said “didn’t you see me?” I looked at her and said didn’t you see the 80’ long truck in front of you?

Entitled people are something else.

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audible_narrator@reddit

Yeah. There is no fixing entitlement+ stupid

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Themastertrucker98@reddit

Every. Single. Day. I have a drive cam and get points for following distance and man, everyone gets directly in front of me for no reason! It is insane! To the point where I can’t see their taillights when they do it. I constantly have to adjust to not get points and people behind me get upset and do it again and again! I’m sick of it.

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tyschooldropout@reddit

If I was a dictator, traffic enforcement would be my quirk.

Perfectly sane legal system except for habitually idiot drivers. They get the disproportionate retribution

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RudeOrSarcasticPt2@reddit

I have had this fantasy about traffic regulation. My wish is that anyone who intentionally does shit like is being spoke of here is banned from driving anything bigger than an ebike.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

I know right! An AI hive mind can’t come soon enough.

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ursisterstoy@reddit

I have been alive for 41 years, almost 42, and I’ve been saying the same. My mom was paranoid so i didn’t get my regular car license until I was 18 and back then people would pretend to care about the signs more but you’d have the occasional person who didn’t. Passing in no passing zones and then slamming on the brakes, blowing red lights and crashing in the intersection. Now everyone drives like that and trying to find someone who doesn’t is like it used to be trying to find someone who does.

Just a few weeks ago when most people were doing 10-20 over speed limit ando was trying to drive at the speed limit I had to pass the same car 5 times because every time I passed them they’d pass me and then drive around at 57 mph in the 70. And they wouldn’t just pass and slow down but they’d repeatedly hit the brakes and we’d slow down to 45. But they didn’t want me in front of them. Sometimes I wish those people would be taken off the road before the motorcycles doing 140 in the 65. At least the motorcycles are gone and you never see them again.

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danl4g@reddit

My favorite is when people expect me to let them merge in as if I don’t already have someone up my ass and hanging out on my left side… and as if that’s my job. No Mr. 4-wheel-driving-prick, safely merging in is YOUR job.

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grumpus_ryche@reddit

Literally crashed out =/

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

That actually made me laugh. Like I said, no one was hurt. I’m thankful for that.

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WIbigdog@reddit

Eh, all that means is you lost your job and the moron you tapped will learn absolutely nothing. Sometimes people need to experience a little pain and suffering to get the message.

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_forgotmyownname@reddit

The moron won't learn. But OP isn't teaching. He's just leaving

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CaseyJones37@reddit

Stupidity is painful, just to all the wrong people.

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GordTransport1958@reddit

Ya can't fix stupid, but you can smack em in the ass..

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_forgotmyownname@reddit

That laugh says everything. You're not angry. Just done. That's peace. Rare after 25 years. Hold onto it.

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_forgotmyownname@reddit

He didn't crash out. He stood his ground. There's a difference. Not smart. But not the same as losing control.

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_forgotmyownname@reddit

25 years. One idiot. That's how it ends. No injuries. No jail. That's a win. Not the ending you wanted. But a clean one. Walk away. Don't look back.

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Charlie_Hustler@reddit

I feel you tbh bro. I be having days when I feel like running some of these assholes off the road too.

Had some asshole in a pickup get infront of me and brake check me from 65mph down to 45mph. I laid on the horn and immediately began to re overtake in the left lane. Dude moved over and again brake checked from 55 down to 45. I'd never seen the guy as he was just some 4 wheeler passing on the left as usual. The most I could come up with was either he hated the company I worked for and thought he should punish me for working for them or he was having a bad day and decided I needed to have one too.

Either way it took alot for me not to ram the dude off the road and into the ditch. I usually have good patience but this was definitely pushing it for me aswell 😮‍💨

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Jondiesel78@reddit

You have more patience than me. I watched a Toyota pickup brake check a plumbing van in the left lane on i64 near Charlottesville VA, and I passed them on the right. Apparently the pickup didn't like that, so he tried it to me. He took a trip into the ditch.

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AtticusDutch@reddit

I wish they'd arrest brakecheckers. Even after the fact or a day later or something. But it needs to stop

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Charlie_Hustler@reddit

Yep. I will never understand why some folks will see a giant 80k lb monster that could easily flatten them and think yeah. I should definitely brake check that 🤦

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Optimal_Law_4254@reddit

Most people just don’t understand physics.

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Wolfire0769@reddit

And yet we hand out drivers licenses like it's free sample day at the grocery store.

If a regular drivers license cost a much as a CDL, people might be motivated to be less fucking stupid.

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jdubya525@reddit

Do you drive in the pass lane? Stay the fuck outta my lane. Or yeah. I'll slow you down and get you back in your shitty truck lanes. It's going both ways. Semi driver's are no longer "professional" drivers. We're all fucked out there. Keep your head on a swivel.

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Virtual-Homework-824@reddit

Do you realize that not all semis are governed at the same speed? Or that some loads are heavier than others making their speeds different? Semis need to be able to pass each other too. This isn’t YOUR lane, what a trash ass entitled mentality. Disgusting. You’re what’s wrong with this world. Can’t be inconvenienced for 6 seconds. You’re that person that passes everybody going 90 just to be caught up at the same lights. Doofus.

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WIbigdog@reddit

🖕🏻

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jdubya525@reddit

Sensitive sissy

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Primordial_RageStone@reddit

The irony of you saying that is palpable

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AtticusDutch@reddit

I usually guess insurance fraud

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Bbqandjams75@reddit

From my understanding if you send a video to the police they will get them for reckless driving ..

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Optimal_Law_4254@reddit

They can’t unless it actually causes a crash. Now they can pull them over and find something else to charge them with.

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AtticusDutch@reddit

At least reckless driving with insurance fraud?n

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Optimal_Law_4254@reddit

Insurance fraud requires more things than a cop can witness driving down the road. But reckless is possible depending on what they see.

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maverick118717@reddit

Like some sort of 3 day blinding soup

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COATHANGER_ABORTIONS@reddit

Had a guy try to thread the needle behind me as I was half way over into the right lane, he swerved left, flew past me to get in front, and then brake checked me down to a complete stop on the 210 in CA.

They're cowards.

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BTeamTN@reddit

This is happening a lot everywhere. To exactly this degree. Like people aggressively attacking us. But NOT just this tactic. ALSO trying to block us into closed lanes and on-ramp weave sections. The attack vector is multi-angled

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post_mah_bone@reddit

Probably family members of the ones who got their licenses revoked.

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Optimal_Law_4254@reddit

Insurance fraud is only a small piece. I think it’s more likely a pissing contest. I could be wrong but that’s the only thing that makes sense.

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BTeamTN@reddit

I agree insurance fraud is only a small piece especially because it doesn't explain their blocking stuff that to me jumps off the page as irrational.

I just don't get it. 😓😢

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Optimal_Law_4254@reddit

Agreed. I just don’t expect rational behavior anymore.

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post_mah_bone@reddit

They do it to trucks cus their jalopies can't do it to other cars.

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brushfireboar@reddit

I don’t know how you guys do it for a living, I would run someone off the road or be vindictive

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bayareaboymonte@reddit

You’d let your emotions get the best of you and ruin someone off the road? Wow

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brushfireboar@reddit

I avoid the triggers

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Gonnahauntcha@reddit

What career will you pursue now

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Every morning I go to a local three hundred acre cemetery to exercise. I love it there, it’s been my Walden Pond for three years now.

I know they currently have two positions open for grounds keepers. I’m 100% debt free atm. House, cars, credit card are all paid off. I’m gonna do that for the summer. Simple hard work in a place I love for a bit.

Then I figure out what’s next.

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Gonnahauntcha@reddit

Love to hear it that's fantastic. Is the pay decent?

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

No. It’s just a summer gig and I’m in a position that I can tolerate crap pay for a bit. It more about being out there and taking a breather.

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RCP7700@reddit

It’s a fender bender. If your company sacked you over that after 25 yrs they suck. I’d love to get a guy with 25 yrs to walk through the door looking for a driving job. The road is full of A holes for sure. Post Covid highways are totally different. No one care’s about any one else anymore. No more educate. Just ride in the left lane texting and screw everyone else.

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xoneboyx@reddit

How is this Career ending?

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RackingUpTheMiles@reddit

I've been driving cars for 11 years since I got my license. I got my CDL 2 years ago and have driven a semi for close to a year. I have watched drivers get worse with my own eyes. Oddly, people don't usually get too stupid around my truck and it's usually pickup trucks that act a fool. Some, but it's never anything memorable. My car on the other hand, that's another story.

I live in NY and I90 runs across the state. I drove 3 hours home and I can count on 2 hands the amount of times my Toyota was almost totaled today. The speed limit is 65. I don't want to do 80. My car is uncomfortable past 75 and gets very inefficient. I had multiple out of state drivers try to run me off the road or road rage because I'd pass a truck that could only do 62 while doing 70. They absolutely hate that I'll wait until I see the whole truck in my rearview before moving back over. They need to get a lot tougher on people who drive this way.

I'm only planning on truck driving for a couple years and I'm done. I'm gonna go into something medical after. It's been fun, but I worry about my safety with the way these people drive.

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Jeep4x420@reddit

I do the same thing when in a personal vehicle, I wait until I can see both of the truck’s headlights in my rear view before signaling and getting in front when passing. People absolutely rage, I usually just merge back over as slow as possible just to get back at them. Sorry you’re going to be 1 second later to your destination, even though all it takes is 1 red light to completely reset all the time you “saved”

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AlarmingRate69@reddit

Honestly dude, I don’t blame you.

People would be a lot more considerate if fist fighting on the shoulder was still a thing.

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sunsetphotographer@reddit

Violence isn't always the answer, but if more of the morons got punched in the face they might behave better.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

I saw a bumper sticker once.

“You can’t fix stupid but you can numb it with a 2x4”

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Jamo3306@reddit

Careful, that'll get you a ban.

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_Aech_@reddit

I'll just quote some helpful song lyrics then:

"You speak like someone who has never been

Smacked in the fucking mouth

That's okay, we have the remedy"

--The Remedy, by Puscifer (2015)

And the entire song's lyrics are gold. Another masterpiece from Maynard James Keenan. I urge you to give it a listen if you haven't. Music video here.

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Jamo3306@reddit

Yeah in pretty sure you can't say "p---hed in the mouth". I've caught a could ban's for "inciting violence". And yes it's always the bots that catch it, but I've never had a ban get reversed no matter how thin the thread to a threat.

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AlarmingRate69@reddit

And this is why people are the way they are lol

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carlos_damgerous@reddit

Sometimes the only answer to a problem is to hit someone else in the face w/ your fist as hard as you possibly can.

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DraftZebra@reddit

Exactly.

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aaronespro@reddit

Why did this end your career?

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

I may be being a little pessimistic at this point.

At the very least, it was a revelation. That I’ve reached the tipping point. I’m thinking taking a summer job at a local garden cemetery as a grounds keeper will do me well.

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BeastlyLuv1@reddit

My husband is an owner operator long haul trucker. People do this to him so much and it makes me sick. Kudos to you for how you handled the situation.

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Logical-Height5479@reddit

I know how you feel. I can't tell you how many times people do that crap to me, including other truck drivers. Matter of fact i just reported a truck driver last week to his safety for slowly passing me, then merging neck on front of me with maybec2 car lengths of room, ymyrr showing down..... not once but 3 times. I was choosing to go 65 to save fuel and apparently he didn't like that and passed me at about 67 but then slowed down to where at 65 I started to creep on his bumper. Finally I would go back around him as my truck can do 80 if i want and would get a couple truck lengths ahead turn go back to 65. After the 3rd time I took his company info and truck/ trailer # and then blew by him, got about half a mile ahead.

Some people out here are idiots.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Absolutely. It’s even more infuriating from fellow truckers because we have a reasonable expectation that they know better. Stay safe out there brother.

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mrockracing@reddit

If this is how you're reacting to things, it may have been time to hang up the keys anyway. Like when teachers start being mean to kids, or when musicians start skipping things, or even when professional athletes start underperforming on purpose. You were probably burnt out and needed to stop. Lucky nobody got hurt.

Still their fault in the end though. But you should always be on the side of saving lives. I hope you're happier in your next career or your retirement.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Indeed. Thank you.

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Longjumping-Run-7027@reddit

I had a dude blow a stop sign yesterday right in front of me. Then he stopped in the middle of an acceleration lane that had a sign that specifically said “keep moving, change lanes later”. He got mad when I laid on the horn and he refused to move. It’s amazing how someone can blow through a sign telling them to stop and then stop at a sign telling them specifically not to.

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PrinceOfZzyzx@reddit

Participation trophy learning at its finest.

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Putsismahcckin@reddit

Its a figure of speech.

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KingNebyula@reddit

He did what to that stop sign?

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ShmardleDoo@reddit

You heard him. Theres some sick fucks out here man.

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Ieatpurplepickles@reddit

Take my poor man award. You almost got me to spew hot coffee out of my nose, you brilliant bastard! 🏆

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Teri_Dee@reddit

😂😂😂😂😂

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machao92@reddit

At this point if it’s not proven malicious or negligence we need full immunity like cops when they have to use a gun. Sad to say it but if a few people die from shit like this here and there across the country maybe people will think. Play stupid games win stupid prizes. OP im local too. People cut me off and play with me so much its stupid. A few months ago my lug nut tore up the side of this ladies car because she tried to use the shoulder in chicago on pulaski right next to the fire department as a lane and hit me. It happened at 1-2 mph the dash cam said lol. They just dont care. Luckily nothing happened to me, but a we have to spend money to defend ourselves lol. Im also a tanker. Nothing dangerous. Just annoying. So when she has to pay a few grand or drive around with a messed up looking car, she will remember to not be so stupid

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jecastro_2000@reddit

I am a local bottom dump driver (doubles) in cali. Wow terrible driver, I practically get close calls daily but I drive between 55 mph and 60 mph. I do my 3 loads of sand a day and GTFO🫩✌️😅 Everyone stay safe we also lost a mixer driver from a head on from another semi truck on the i-10

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Appropriate_Gur_6642@reddit

If you end up switching careers into a whole new industry, I do wish you the best!

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Thank you, I appreciate it. Thankfully I’m better off than most. I may be a dumb trucker but I was really smart with my money. I’ll be ok.

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Good-Fortune8137@reddit

I've got out 4 years or so ago, after only making it in LTL for 4 years. So you have a lot more time than me.

Got a bachelor's in cloud development, but now the tech apocalypse is here, and I can't get a job.

I dunno what I'm going to do, I don't know if I can go back. I think about eating a bullet everyday now.

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Jaycool10@reddit

That's what's up Veteran Driver! Best Wishes for your future!

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Reddit_Is_a_jokee@reddit

The need for automation is dire. It can't be more unsafe than someone watching tik tock while driving. Couple that with everyone's nothing to lose attitude because they have nothing to lose.

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Imaginary-Badger-119@reddit

And this is why i hate government and lawyers.. this was the fault of the four wheeler not our driver.. even with a dash cam proving the four wheeler fcked around the the fcks in government and lawyer have made it a drivers fault.

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mts6175@reddit

It is my life goal to change drivers education across the land to require everyone to spend a week in a truck so they see how stupid assholes are around them before they get a drivers license.

Not really, but one can dream…..

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Wolfire0769@reddit

Make the cost of getting a regular license the same as a CDL. Nobody gives a fuck because way too many belive they have a right do drive.

Self-driving cars are pretty much necessary at this point, but that goal is nearly impossible because developing it is difficult when you're trying to work around the dumb fucks.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Amen! I’ve been saying that for years. They need to have a trucker to come in and give our perspective to drivers Ed classes.

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Ap-Andy95@reddit

I just recently stopped trucking and started driving a tow truck. Someone flew past me the other day and cut me off to get to the exit. It was packed with cars and if I was in a class a vehicle I wouldn’t have been able to stop as he slammed on his breaks less than 5 feet in front of me. He’s lucky I was paying attention and was able to keep control of my vehicle while my breaks screeched. I was inches from hitting him.

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Responsible-Sail-701@reddit

Ppl don't respect truck drivers anymore

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Seriously. I was simply doing my job.

Imagine if I went into someone’s cubicle and just put my nuts on their keyboard. It really is like that.

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Auntie_Aoife@reddit

I left the industry by hopping on a plane to Ireland. To each their own.

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stompah2020@reddit

I've noticed a pattern that drivers have become worse since COVID.

Just yesterday I was exciting the freeway multi lane exit. 75ish yards free in front of me. Plenty of room behind me. And this older Camry merges about a yard in front of me, then slows.

This type of merge is common place now. It's not just happening to me. I see people do it to other people also.

Good luck in your next endeavor.

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cooooolasschris@reddit

Local Driver here in New York City, tell my wife every day I get home “I think everyone’s brain dead now”

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Agent-X@reddit

I know what you mean, but at the same time you aren't a server getting fed up with an asshole table and throwing water in their face. You're behind the wheel of a giant potential death machine.

I think what has changed in the last 10 years is politics and Covid. People just don't want to listen to somebody telling them what to do, and the media has made everybody think whoever else is out there that isn't them is a potential enemy and people seem to act that way on the highway.

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Radiant_Swan187@reddit

I feel like you implying alot of people out on the road DONT deserve to die. Which would be incorrect

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trubbelnarkomanen@reddit

I cannot comprehend believing murder is a just response to someone being an asshole. People like you should have your licence revoked. How it can be acceptable in a sub for professional drivers to believe others on the road are deserving of death is beyond me.

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ThaQuig@reddit

Maybe they don’t deserve death but they deserve something

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SaltAndBitter@reddit

Everyone else is a potential enemy. What's not being taught anymore is that the best course of action for keeping that "potential" from becoming "actual" is to leave well enough alone and not fuck with others. Hence, the increase in not just stupidity but also aggression in stupidity.

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RackingUpTheMiles@reddit

I live in New York and I90 runs across the entire state. I was driving my car 3 hours home from the yard and I got to the point where I don't want my car anymore because people treat it very poorly. I don't see anyone ever getting pulled over for excessive speed or aggressive driving. The drivers doing this are usually out of state drivers. The speed limit is 65. I want to run 70. I can sit in the right lane and people will still try to run me off the road.

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duckduckthis99@reddit

I've noticed people ignore in my Honda Odyssey. They actively avoid me for some reason.

When I drive a Mazda 6 manual everyone was aggressive as hell. You couldn't even FIND my car in a parking lot it was so common, and yet people hated the shit out of it

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EuphoricFeedback5135@reddit

People generally avoid my '08 chevy 1500 as well. Of course it's beatup and obnoxiously loud, and looks like an oilfield work truck.

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RackingUpTheMiles@reddit

I have a Toyota Rav4 and people treat it like absolute garbage. I don't sit in the left lane, do under the speed limit or do really anything stupid and yet, it gets tailgated no matter the speed and it almost gets merged into at every on ramp. None of my previous vehicles were treated this way.

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A_RAND0M_J3W@reddit

It's not even just the Thruway that's garbage these days. I worked out of Syracuse and delivered all over the state, and since COVID, there has been a huge change. Driving on any of the interstates here (and I'm sure in other states too) feels like I'm waiting to be involved in an incident. I work for a town now and don't have to touch anything other than surface streets in the town and I love it.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

I think you’re spot on.

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ThaQuig@reddit

I feel this to my fucking core

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Moose_216@reddit

You should be able to find another job bro.

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Traditional9@reddit

I'm a big supporter of mass public transport for the sole reason of jacking up the difficulty of the driver licensing tests. I'm talking at least on par with getting a CDL in difficulty, the actual standards and not the subpar crap they teach now. Regular re-tests, fines and jail time if you're caught driving without a license too. Increase punishment for traffic violations, and all that. Really cut down on the idiots on the road.

It'll never happen, but a guy can dream.

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RudeOrSarcasticPt2@reddit

I drove back in the 90s, when truckers were smarter, more self sufficient, and didn't have computers, nothing but paper logs.

After 9-11, trucking went to fuck, and I was glad to be out of the biz.

As for stoopid people in cars, there might be more of them, but we had plenty of four wheeled idiots back then, too. I have plenty of stories of the shit I'd seen.

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tasselledwobbegong1@reddit

I’m honestly surprised there aren’t more drivers in their mid to 60’s looking at retirement who aren’t feeling and doing the same thing.

On another note, my next door neighbor was a long time driver. Got let go by DHL a number of years ago when they initially pulled out. He was in his early 60’s at the time. He’d send in his resume for a new job, they’d call and say yeah everything looks great why don’t you come in for an interview. He’d show up and he could see the look in their eyes and faces change when they saw his grey hair and realized he was in his early 60’s. He’d then never hear back from them. He ended up riding unemployment right into early retirement. He now has a reverse mortgage out on his house, which is slowly slipping into disrepair. I currently work with a guy in his early 60’s who tells based on how the in person interview went and how they looked at him he didn’t think he was getting hired.

I guess the point of all that is if your in you 60’s and feeling like OP and just, well, shall we say “get to feeling a little Texas stand your ground” I don’t blame you, I’m on your side and am starting to feel the same, and hope no one is getting hurt or anything. Just make sure you’re ready to retire. Once you’re in your 60’s, especially with an accident, you’re gonna be retiring.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Thankfully I’m 100%debt free atm. House is paid, cars are paid, no CC debt and my youngest is about to graduate high school with her Associates in business. Also debt free.

I’m done driving. I’m gonna live simple from here on out. The less I make, the less a government that doesn’t give a shit about me takes. I’ve come to realize it’s the only control we have. Just don’t feed the machine.

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Dmurphy2016@reddit

And this ended your Career how?

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homucifer666@reddit

Tapped a four-wheeler, sounds like. Companies these days are getting really risk adverse. At 25 years, they probably figure it's cheaper to hire a fresh 21yo than keep an experienced driver.

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Punchee@reddit

Buyers market for the companies. They’re not even 21 year olds. They’re 30 year old programmers.

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sparrow_42@reddit

I think that especially now (fuel costs, tariffs) some significant number of companies are looking to offload a few drivers. Also I'm with you, (if they do actually rehire the position) they want a cheaper younger driver.

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Jaycool10@reddit

Sad but true; Damn Shame!

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

It was completely avoidable. I fucked up, I just had enough. I was done playing these games.

I have my own personal dash cam but they have their dual facing cam. You know corporate America and insurance companies these days.

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jmzstl@reddit

If you still have a CDL, then it didn't end your career. People get into preventable accidents all the time and still get behind the wheel the next day.

Now whether you should try to get another driving job is a whole other question. It definitely sounds like you know you've hit your limit for tolerating 4 wheeler BS, so maybe some time off is needed in your case.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

For sure. I’m actually hoping to do a seasonal gig as a groundskeeper at a local garden cemetery. Pays shit, but the place is like my Walden Pond.

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OnAJourneyMan@reddit

Intentionally driving into another vehicle will do that.

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BlackSC2us@reddit

I quit driving in March 2024 after 15 years on the road. I came back April 2025 and it feels different. I think on the industry side, low rates and the rise of chameleon carriers significantly impacted the quality of truck drivers on the road. Go to any truck stop these days there will be open parking spaces and drivers making spots because there aren't any pull throughs left. As for car drivers, they seem to be somehow more bold and more stupid. I chalk that up to poor quality truck drivers causing high profile accidents, scaring the public, and Tiktok, the Dunning-Kruger Effect, and thr prevalence of AI creating general panic with misinformation.

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New_Situation1764@reddit

I blame the cuban truckers

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zdw0986@reddit

Had a lady blow a yield sign the other day, I continued my trajectory since I had right of way. I hope she pissed herself.

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wikidthumpdaddy@reddit

Sorry a great career has changed so much over the years I personally always give trucker plenty of room when I pass or if they need to pass and I try to flick my headlights when there LEOs ahead so they can get slowed down if need to. I do agree much has changed on the road these days it seems lile everyone is trying to get in a wreck for a payday

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mike-2129@reddit

Wait so were you fired or just decided that this is the time to get the fuck out

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Oversdub@reddit

Looking for payouts

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West_Masterpiece9423@reddit

You dinged a civilian on purpose? Whoa

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anxious_polarbear@reddit

If you read what he wrote, the "civilian" (Wtf, this isn't the military) did it on purpose. He FAFO'd.

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West_Masterpiece9423@reddit

I’m local beer delv and it’s f-ing hard physical work, so we tongue & cheek refer to 4 wheel idiots as civilians.

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anxious_polarbear@reddit

I like "roller skates," and you shove em into the wall like roller derby!

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UhOhAllWillyNilly@reddit

“Civilian” might be too strong a word. Try “chucklefVck” or chowderhead or SFB (sh¡t for brains).

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Yes. But the civilian also purposely got one car length in front of me and let off the gas. Avoidable, yes. But it takes two to tango.

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MarsupialEuphoric35@reddit

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I don't consider myself to be a violent person, but if my truck had been armed with stinger missiles, I would not be able to keep my finger off the fire button.

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freudsdriver@reddit

I drove for a company, that with a couple of good lawyers, made the Hobbs Act stick when a guy brake checked one of our drivers, then sued the company. Lawyers made a compelling argument that suing after causing the accident, constituted extortion. Apparently, the guy did some time for it.

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Big_Street9464@reddit

This needs to happen more. Most insurance companies seem to just settle, unfortunately.

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bingius_@reddit

Idk if it’s the pop boom or my young age. I’m a dispatcher but I notice it on the highway just commuting to work. And I’m also not sure I notice it because I know my drivers deal with it or not. But I swear to god when I was learning to drive in Las Vegas at 16 it was not as bad as it was yesterday in a different city with an 8th the population.

But these people would be willing to shoot themselves just to mildly inconvenience someone who I guess mildly inconvenienced them. My main highway has a fatality like once every couple of weeks sometimes multiple times in a week, and there’s a wreck near daily. Hell my coworkers brother got shot at for just cutting someone off. Like sure he was in the wrong but 3 shots into the passenger seat from a moving vehicle was not the appropriate response. Luckily there was no one in the PS or they would have been dead.

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SnooSprouts6442@reddit

at the end of the day you're the one who suffered, only you know if it was worth it or not.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

To be honest, it was time. Not sure “suffered” fits. Complicated maybe is more fitting.

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SnooSprouts6442@reddit

btw beautiful cover photo on the profile man.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Thank you.

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Big_Street9464@reddit

I went through Ft Worth on North 35E at 0530 yesterday. Amazing how many idiots run up an exit lane then think it's a good idea to dive in front of a semi well past the gore point. I could have hit over a dozen vehicles in the hour that trip took. Maybe when I am ready to retire, someone will get bumped.

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justdan76@reddit

This is the post we all assume we’re going to make someday.

Something “broke” in our society during covid. Not that it was all peachy before that, but a lot of people’s brains broke even worse. Unfortunately one of the main ways most Americans interact with each other is on the roads, and those interactions have become reckless and selfish.

Maybe you should lawyer up, it sounds like the 4 wheeler was at least partly at fault.

At any rate, people were able to get their stuff for the past 25 years because you delivered it.

Good luck

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Thank you.

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AleTheMemeDaddy@reddit

Hey, I wish you the best in your next step in life! Like you said, it wasnt something major, so you can walk away with a smile and many good memories.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Thanks man.

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majinspy@reddit

“no, a little Texas. I was just standing my ground”.

Unless I'm missing something, this translates to: "This guy cut me off in traffic so I risked the life of all the occupants in that car, my own life, and the lives of those near me because I was pissy about it."

You're the pilot of 80,000 lbs of steel, glass, and rubber. Everyone is held to a standard of "you can't purposefully hit others with your vehicle." You're held to a higher standard than that, but here we are.

Also, I'm sure everyone was real nice as they shuffled you out of a position that could allow you to threaten public safety like that again. "Oh yeah, the kids these days and the world... yadda yadda yadda. Anyway, your career is over and the exit is that way..."

What is any company supposed to do the next time you "stand your grown" and bump a guy into oncoming traffic? A lawyer would eat them and you alive and they'd be right to do so.

I lurk here and am not a driver - I VERY rarely talk shit but you're a menace, dude. Maybe that driver was dumb. Maybe they made a mistake. I dunno, you don't either.

This whole thing could have gone VERY wrong and the fact it didn't is no more interesting than "I drive home drunk all the time, haven't had an accident yet."

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Did you miss the part where the other guy CHOSE to cut me off and PURPOSLY let his car decelerate into the front of my truck? I let off the gas and let the Jake do it’s thing.

Could I have avoided, yes. I don’t deny that. Sure. The guy with other lives in his car, which by the way. I couldn’t see because his windows were blacked out. KNOWINGLY and WILLINGLY let his car collide with my truck. AS WELL.

Again, I fucked up. “Menace”. Get stuffed dude.

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bingius_@reddit

These fools are way too quick to pull a gun, these fools are in too much of a hurry, these fools would rather shoot themselves if it meant you were slightly inconvenienced

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FullMentalJackass@reddit

I've wanted to do this so many times. Take care of yourself, brother.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Thanks man, you too.

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doobersthetitan@reddit

My old boss, when I worked at a moving company was trying to turn left from a turning lane, a lady in a car refused to go, she wanted the turning lane i guess, but he was in It. She wouldn't go, move or back up, they kept honking at each other, and even though she had plenty of openings just sat there.

So he turned in, and took off the front of her car during the turn. He got out and said " see why I needed you to move you dumb bitch!?" Luckily he worked for his dad...but he wasnt happy lol

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scubaorbit@reddit

Can we be friends?

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Lol

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Sunflow3rSamurai@reddit

About a year ago I was traveling west on 70 near Grand Junction. Had a guy merge into my lane close enough that for a moment I couldn't see his bumper. I flashed my lights at him while creating space and apparently this pissed him off. He decided to show my how good his brakes are while going downhill. Im talking he's leaving skid marks on the ground. I only just barely managed to keep from hitting him but we both ended up at a full stop on the interstate. Why anyone thinks this shit is a good idea is beyond me. I could understand trying to get some insurance money with a little tap, but I'm doing 65 downhill so chances are you won't be around for that payout.

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Ambery33@reddit

I'm local and drive in Chicago. 4 years now. Imagining you ramming that car will get me through next week. Thank you. Also glad you're doing well.

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the_micromanager@reddit

I just drive straight trucks local around Chicago and my god, people have death wishes around here. Lived in Chicago my whole life and I swear, in the last 5 or so years, the drivers have gotten exponentially worse.

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stankneggs74@reddit

I don't know how you do it. I'm a "local" Wisco driver who is in IL/Chicago every day for the past 6 years. IL has the most random/unpredictable drivers I have ever seen in my life; and it doesn't matter what streets or which freeway, everyone is doing something completely different and random. It's complete insanity.

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wehavetime@reddit

Same. I have a rant post about 294 drafted but I’m getting close to posting it. Everyone across the board has gotten worse and that expressway proves it every time I’m on it.

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Ambery33@reddit

Add 290 and 55 to it too

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wehavetime@reddit

55 isn’t that bad depending on the direction you’re going. I’m usually heading towards St. Louis but 290 and 294 are definitely trying.

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OutcomeSalty337@reddit

Retired 9 years ago. Would not drive a commercial truck today for any amount of money.

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West_Masterpiece9423@reddit

Getting close to retirement (hopefully), and I will miss actually driving a semi:

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Mondschatten78@reddit

My dad had a good friend in his 60s that retired and sold his truck.

A few months later, dude was back out there running a few loads a week for a local. He stuck with that until he had to hang it all up due to health.

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West_Masterpiece9423@reddit

Yah, I get the health part. I’m in excellant shape, but have to go in for my dot once/yr due to a high BP reading 10yrs ago.

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lonelyroad93@reddit

Yep, 4 years off the road now and same.

Just because you’re a great truck driver doesn’t mean you have to do it forever. When it’s time it’s time.

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walkhardd@reddit

What are you doing now? I’m 40, and been driving since 22. I have no idea what I would do instead lol.

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Purposeful_traveler@reddit

Same, driving since I was 22 also and all I have is a hs diploma and a CDLA. After 15 years myself I've thought about getting out, but it's a trap. I don't have any idea what I could do instead that would make even close to the same income without requiring years of education/training.

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lonelyroad93@reddit

I was on the road 12 years, now a trainer for the last company I drove for

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SparkyGettingWetWS17@reddit

Preach. Retired 3 1/2 years ago. Nope I’m done.

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LonelyMachines@reddit

I noticed it when the Covid lockdowns ended. Ever since then, drivers are far more aggressive and entitled. I do local route work and I see it all day long.

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DoublePotential6925@reddit

I was pulling out of a refinery hauling 10k lbs of anhydrous ammonia. At a stop sign, turning right. I was straddling the left turn and right turn lanes so I could clear the pole on the corner when I turned. Some yahoo in a BMW pulled behind me, I saw him in my right mirror. It was evening rush hour in Dallas… I check my mirrors, processed to turn right, checked my mirrors again to make sure I was clearing the pile when I saw I had run over the hood of the BMW.

When the cop showed up, we were standing behind my trailer, and I pointed at the right blinker still activated, the bright yellow decal “Vehicle Makes Wide Right Turns” and the cop said, “you can’t fix stupid”

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Dangerous_Ad1115@reddit

I had an old bastards try to get me in an accident all the way from Irving to Fort Worth on the 183. Couldn't find a safe place to pull over for over 20 miles. I found a place close the 35w. Dude waited me out for an hour. Called the boss and quit. Got truck back home.

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illmurray@reddit

If this guy had said 'im Punjabi' instead of 'im texan' as an explanation for his behaviour everyone in this thread be inventing new kinds of racism

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Nero8762@reddit

fuck it, ill say it.

we need more student visas & H1b’s in this country, about as much as we need to hear you moan about your fucking, everyone is equal in this world view. STFU, cuz we are not. 🤫

the above being said, i do believe everyone should be treated with compassion and a bit of respect once they earn it, its time for the door to our country to close for a bit and get our shit right.

mass international migration isn’t working. too many are coming at once, and bringing their culture and 3rd world problems with them. they are not assimilating to our culture, as immigrants should.

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majinspy@reddit

Your comment has been the anti-immigrant stance for forever. "Too many, too fast, taking my jobs, cultural changes, shut the door "for a bit" (read: forever).

At what point are you going to be open to more people competing for your job? I honestly don't believe the answer is anything other than "never" but you have a need to cloak it in all these other secondary concerns.

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majinspy@reddit

100% true. Mediocre people are full of special reasons why they get passes to do shit that don't apply to anyone else in their chosen group. OP is out of his mind and anyone here glazing him is too. The dude endangered the public over his feelings.

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derpmcturd@reddit

lemme give away some downvotes real quick my boy: you need to get off the road asap my guy.

There is no excuse to allow your truck to even touch, graze, or even scrape the rear bumper of a car driving on a live road, even though the driver of that car should be punished for slowing down on you. You let your super ego (lol) get in your way, and you snapped. No different than any of the sch00l sh00ters we see on the news. I aint mad at ya, im just sayin it was truly only a matter of time before this happened to you specifically. You let anger cloud your judgement, today you got lucky it wasnt an accident. This is actually the best result you could have gotten. Tomorrow it could be a different car that you bump which makes it swerve into the next lane and crash with a child de@d inside. Be thankful.

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Delicious_Peace_2526@reddit

Someone brake checked me because I slowed down pulling a load up a steep hill. I wish I drove into him Every time I think about it. It’s probably much better that I didn’t.

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Chungster03@reddit

We need a general strike to get their attention.

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papisilla@reddit

Look if I won the lottery today I wouldn't tell anyone but there would be signs

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Jess067@reddit

Thank god you’re off the road. Why couldn’t you just quit without doing this? Childish.

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chaos_nexus__@reddit

I had a brake checker a few years ago. She brake checked me for 4 miles in stop and go traffic of the top side of 285 at 7am. I felt my load shift (luckily it wasn't enough to be a problem) but when traffic stopped I was going to get out of my truck and snatch her out of her car and then i realized I had a dash cam. So i counted to 1000 and calmed myself down. When i got to the receiver I popped the sd card out and got her license plate and I also could see what exit she got off on in assuming for work I called her in as a suspected drunk driver from a different number for a month. That license plate that exit as a general location

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MuphDiesel@reddit

It is. This industry sucks and people suck. God speed.

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Thomaseeno@reddit

Long time 4-wheeler lurker, and I'm sorry to hear this. No one should EVER fuck with another person on the road.

Things have changed drastically on both sides. I have been encountering an insane amount of aggro truckers for some time now where I live, especially within city limits.

Dudes going 20 mph over in a 55. Dudes a few feet from my bumper because I'm taking my left lane exit home in less than 1 mile as I'm already going TEN over. A majority of the trucks do not hold a persistent speed at all. I understand going uphill does that, but then proceeding to get back to 15 mph over the limit when they can, causing just mayhem for people effectively going one speed.

Again, I'm sorry man. Had an asshole in a truck call in on me because I flipped him off through my side mirror (windows were up) because he got 5ft from my bumper as I did everything right.

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beavismorpheus@reddit

Damn. I guess everyone has a breaking point. If you start fantasizing about ramming people, could try taking a few months off. I did that and it got to a point where I was watching first person views of drivers on YouTube. I started longing for it and the first day back was so fun and I was refreshed. Working 70 hour weeks for years can get old, especially doing the same route.

I never got to the point where I made hostile maneuvers towards any vehicle, but sometimes the days are so long I get caught up in the morning metro rush hour and I always think to myself, "Damn. That would suck working the day shift.".

Can try running nights or relocating to a rural area. It's trucking so if you want to go all in and layover anyway, might as well go out to booney-ville and do a regional rural route. Especially if you could find something south of I-40 where it never snows. That job would be cake.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Honestly. One of my coworkers in the plant has a roommate that works as a groundskeeper at a local 300 acre garden cemetery. He said they recently fired two of the groundskeepers. I know the superintendent and am actually hoping to work there for the summer.

People a trucker of 25 years, a cemetery feels even less peopleee. I think that’s just why I need lol

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justdan76@reddit

I’ve always thought some kind of groundskeeper job could be nice, walking around outside all day, keeping things neat. After 27 years in the seat, I’ve had about all the sitting I can take, I’m ready to walk everywhere lol. Would just have to get into it before I’m too old to get back in shape.

Good luck

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shhhdidyousmellthat@reddit

Wow! Colleges are now sentient. Run for cover.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Yeah. I noticed that too, after I typed it all out on my phone. I figured people would know I meant colleagues and didn’t bother to go back and edit it, again lol.

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ajd198204@reddit

Dashcam is a must nowadays. Cameras don't lie.

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ajd198204@reddit

This new gen on cellphones, dont know how to pass, dont know what it means to keep so many car lengths from other cars depending on speed and just overall lazy. Pass at the bare minimum and get back in front of people with 0 car lengths, come up on you in the right lane and expect you to get out of the way.

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Riyeko@reddit

I was running local out of Kansas City for 8 months.

Farthest north was Omaha and Des Moines.

Farthest south was Wichita. Never really went east or west.

The amount of people in that tiny of an area that would cut me off, brake check or just do dumb stupid shit in front of a truck that could run 75mph was absolutely astounding.

I hung up my keys after a good 11 years this time last year. I leashed myself to a yard. Too much stupidity out there.

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MustangMark83@reddit

God. I wanted to do that so many times.

I’ve often said if I could just drive all day and be the only person on the road, I’d really enjoy the job.

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Ayasdad@reddit

Just had this same thing happen to me yesterday morning. Except the dude slammed the brakes in front of me to catch up ge literal last 5 feet of the off ramp. I think the trooper behind him had something to do with his erratic behavior and I wish I had the footage of the cop going to get him because it was pretty awesome.

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Unfair_Analysis_3734@reddit

After you hit him did you push him down the road a bit to give him a little extra scare? We would all be thinking it, but you actually did it.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

No. I immediately put on my four ways and pulled over, behind him.

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Timecook@reddit

I got out of the industry last November after 13 years and it’s incredible how my mental health has recovered since then. I hadn’t realized the essentially permanent low level stress I’d lived with for so long and how it had impacted me both physically and mentally.

Just out of curiosity, how did the encounter go when you both pulled over?

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Well. It was contentious. Oddly enough though, it seemed like they were reluctant to call the cops. The driver and passenger both had their phones out. I said multiple times, is anyone gonna call the cops.

The passenger was recording with his phone. I noticed the driver was scrolling through his contacts and that’s when I decided to go back to my truck and call the cops myself.

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Timecook@reddit

Do you think they were insurance scamming or was it an actual mistake?

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

I’m not entirely sure tbh. I strongly suspect he was a non profit or government subsidized ride provider. He had passengers “witnesses” but thankfully I had my cameras.

I suspect. He was just a stubborn old bastard that simply wanted to be in front of the big truck. However, because he had “witnesses” and the way he went about it. I think it’s just as likely to be fraud.

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CosbysLongCon24@reddit

What was the rest of your record like if you got fired for that?

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Clean. It’s a large corporation. Insurance companies. Risk averse.

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Sterling_____Archer@reddit

Living every truckers dream.

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Environmental-Pear40@reddit

Don't forget to set stuff on fire on your way out. It's what all the cool kids are doing now.

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ScaryfatkidGT@reddit

Probably shouldn’t have said that 😅

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Probably not. AI scrapers and such. I’m aware.

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FlamedPrince@reddit

I'm still in the process of building towards ownership. One more year left. I'm not quitting until everything can leave with me. This way, I can come back later and work for myself.

I am always passive even though I am in the right in many situations. I always cut them some slack even while i am annoyed. But the ego is really something. It can make you an absolute demon if you don't control your emotions well. I've seen fatalities out here and had to watch someone draw their last breath. If you cripple or kill someone, even if you are in the right, it will haunt you for life. It's not worth it in the slightest. Just keep yourself focused on your mission to earn and save for your family.

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Defiant-Fuel3898@reddit

I absolutely loved learning to drive a 10 speed manual getting my CDL but doing it with the general public had me in near constant anxiety. Even pulling a 40’ gooseneck with the smaller f550 was stressful. I got my out after about a year. I’m still in a f550 but don’t pull anything bigger than a 12’ dump trailer 5 miles across town lol

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bentstrider83@reddit

Glad you made it out. We all hit the proverbial wall at some point. Money can always be made back. A broken conscience can't be as easily repaired.

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Azzacura@reddit

Something has definitely changed.

This year I've had more people coast in my blind spot to cut me off when merging into my lane more times than during the whole 5 years of my career. I've seen an obscene amount of pitt manouvrers NOT executed by the police but by a roadrager, and it seems like nobody cares about their lives anymore

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CaesarsArmpits@reddit

It's both remarkable and sad at the same time how much animosity you truckers deal with across the Atlantic. I don't think such issues are quite as common here in the EU. Sure people get worked up if trucks are overtaking one another on a two lane road but that pretty much it. Truckers indicate when it's safe to overtake, cars get it done quickly, I let truckers through if traffic is clogged and the situation allows for it safely.

I too drive for a living, albeit a much smaller van. I treat truckers and other commercial drivers with kindness and respect. It's a shit job sometimes, thankless and exhausting. So much depends on it. Stay safe guys.

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thisFishSmellsAboutD@reddit

You truckies should get one of those as a bonus each month. Good on you and fuck that car.

Sincerely, A car driver

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Metaltom1970@reddit

We’re dealing with a whole different driving public from when I earned a license in 1986 to my first CDL in 1999. There’s a lack of respect for the damage that can happen with one minor misjudgment. It’s like everyone watched Demolition Man and trusted their airbags and lawyers. I drive the Smith system and still get oblivious “drivers”, 3 years from hanging up the keys forever.

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BoringJuiceBox@reddit

Hey at least you’ve made some money. I’m a non CDL box truck driver making $19 in a HCOL area., been hoping on getting my class A and starting an actual career. Backed into a Kawasaki last week. Guess I need to pick a different career path now.

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SexMachine666@reddit

I drove my tandems over the hood of a car who thought he could pass me in an intersection while I was turning the first week I was on the road. I've been out here 22 years now. You'll be alright. Just learn from your mistakes.

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BoringJuiceBox@reddit

Definitely learned, I just worry about getting hired with a ticket and at fault accident within 5 years

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DenseCommunication82@reddit

I've been trucking for 10 years and I've been brake checked a couple times. It pisses me off.

What I'm seeing a lot more of though is truckers bullying 4-wheelers. My truck only does 65 so everyone passes me. At least 3-4 times a day I see truckers pass me with a 4-wheeler behind them. 30 seconds and a quarter mile after passing me, the trucker is still in the left lane. The car goes to pass them on the right and sure as shit stinks, the trucker starts moving over after the car is already next to their trailer and the car driver has to slam on their brakes to avoid death. Yes, I signal to the trucker after he passes me that he's clear to get back over.

Good luck to you, brother.

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Microshlongg@reddit

This is why I believe every trucker needs some sort of outlet whether physical activities or mental activities we can buy all these bullshit. We deal with on the road affect us.

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BTeamTN@reddit

When you say "I know you all know" I'm not sure everyone DOES know.

I've been trying to tell people, civilians, former drivers, people here -- I LITERALLY SEE passenger vehicles (4-wheelers) doing stuff that seems to be purposely at worst pester us and in its most severe forms put us in great danger. Everyone I talk to thinks I'm paranoid and crazy.

There is no explanation for the things I'm seeing. Not oblivious stupidity, not often enough for that to be all of it.

It's worrying and sad. I'm not going into their jobs and trying to ruin their lives but it's what they are doing to us.

This is nothing to say about the fellow "professional drivers" out here who are driving like dangerous bullies and absolute assholes. I'm ready for that and expect it. I do really hope karma is real.

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wehavetime@reddit

Blame the influx of billboards that reward them with money if they call for being in an accident with one of us.

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TossmySalad88@reddit

I was thinking this the other day. Many signs on this one stretch wondering how many drivers were thinking they could get a payday.

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Durango1917@reddit

Are you talking about people high beaming us and stuff?

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BTeamTN@reddit

Not really that. I'm personally most concerned with 4-wheelers who are very obviously trying to box us in-- meaning getting into the spot where we can't change lanes when we need to (obvious upcoming lane closure or very congested on-ramp upcoming). They are doing it in the very zone where we are not BLIND but box is by matching our speed and even if we brake (hard even) that they will match it so as we STILL can't get over and either run directly into orange barrels or sitting duck oblivious on-ramping cars.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

It’s not in your head. More and more people are starting to see it. Stay safe and vigilant out there. Best of luck to you.

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DesertPunked@reddit

You have to fight those intrusive thoughts to make it out here. Find a happy medium of enjoying your audiobooks, podcasts - shout-out "conan needs a friend" for the hours of entertainment, and music.

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SparkyGettingWetWS17@reddit

Drove 29 years in Houston and South Texas turned 65 I was done. 1.75M miles safe, goal was 2M but nope I’m good. Prepare Mentally Physically Spiritually Emotionally and Financially for the inevitable moment. When it’s Time it’s Time you will know. Enjoy retirement fellow Old timer Trucker you did good.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Thank you. You as well Sir.

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BellyUpBernie@reddit

Trucker save (idiot) lives every single day.

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Optimal_Law_4254@reddit

I’m glad you’re safe and nobody was injured. In the end that’s the most important thing.

I miss long hours on the road but I don’t miss the insanity. I think it comes from a sense of entitlement and lack of respect for others but I also realize that I can only control myself and not them.

Hopefully you can find work that brings peace and fulfillment.

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MoreInternetsPlease@reddit

I’m not a trucker, but I follow the sub because I drive a lot for work around the country. I have noticed the same and honestly attribute it all to our phones. Either you are force fed road rage and aggressive driving in your algorithm, or you are simply on your phone and not paying attention. It’s rough out there. Hoping you’re just being pessimistic right now and that you land on your feet.

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LilDude001@reddit

Real. Ive had someone say “they’re lucky it was you because if it was another driver they would have put 18 wheels on it.”

People want to get to their destination faster but have no capability of predicting. Most just drive fast and react to whatever happens next.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

I was being towed once. I told the drive that there would be three cars getting on the on ramp up ahead and he should move over. He didn’t. Then said “how’d the help did you know that”.

I told him. I watch the on ramps. From our vantage point we can often see what’s getting on ahead of us. Very few look ahead and just react, like you said.

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duckduckthis99@reddit

Well... That's concerning

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niagaragagarafalls@reddit

I can't fathom driving and not looking around and anticipating what's going to happen. It's just natural. I was doing this as a motorcyclist before getting in a truck. How people don't develop that skill is beyond me.

Or maybe it's just that most people are morons.

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duhrun@reddit

When they barely pass you they will almost certainly jump right in front of you by inches is my experience. I slow down before they get past me expecting it.

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Zopilote_7140@reddit

All these lawyer billboards convince people that if they have an accident with a truck, they’re going to come out a millionaire. I don’t know why they think they can’t die, they all act like they’re immune to injury. Sigh.

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COATHANGER_ABORTIONS@reddit

It just gets worse every year.

People willing to risk it all to save half a second. Phone in hand crawling onto the interstate at 40.

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CheesE4Every1@reddit

A lot of us are no better than them. That phone is starting to become a more serious addiction than the drugs on the streets. They already have dealers for the damn things.

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Kkalemauser@reddit

Good luck to you. I wish you success.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Thank you.

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marcmayhem@reddit

You could have killed someone man. That's not cool no matter how "fed up" you are. No excuse is acceptable. There are folks who have been on the road twice as long as you even. Do you think they aren't tired of the shit from the public?

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Absolutely. Would you say the same thing to the driver that intentionally put himself in that situation?

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marcmayhem@reddit

Yep. Except he's just some random person who isn't driving an 80,000 pound machine capable of destroying almost anything smaller. Stop making excuses. Who cares what he did as long as he didn't hit you. YOU were the professional who should have known better.

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anxious_polarbear@reddit

Found the guy that brake checks semis.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

lol. Making excuses.

This is why I’m actually glad it ended this way. Carry on.

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marcmayhem@reddit

You are making excuses you overgrown child. Enjoy your "retirement". You earned it.

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Defiant-Medicine3014@reddit

There’s definitely ppl out here that mentally Im hoping they crash because it would serve them right. Just not into me or anybody else

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barney2be@reddit

We lost a real one…

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bakyt189@reddit

Honestly I want to hit some idiots too but I understand its dangerous and unpredictable. Thanks for doing it for us!

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2handbus@reddit

My hero 👏👏👏👏👏

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Eastern-Ad855@reddit

27 years behind the wheel. Mostly oversize an specialty loads. Hung up the keys in 2023,haven't looked back.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Well done man!

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TruckinTuba@reddit

Thats what the big bumpers are for, good going driver

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way_2_5pecific@reddit

I feel you bro. I drive in Minnesota quite often and I swear I’m getting to that point.

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Internal_Link5323@reddit

Pass Minnesota driver here, been driving since 05. I'm done!!!

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Safe_Fail_568@reddit

I’m sure a lot of us feel the same

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Hang it in there man. Thankfully it ended “well” for me. But that’s not often the case. Best of luck to you brother, stay safe out there.

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TyrannicalKitty@reddit

I got CNG trained yesterday, it's amazing the amount of people who speed up as soon as they see me turning into the lane with my turn signal flashing.

Also almost merged into a small tour bus too. I remember having my turn signal on the left, and I'm looking at the bus and I don't see a signal so I start going. He did too. Made eye contact with a very surprised tourist at 63mph down the road.

Literally a 4 hour training and I think a 4 wheeler almost hit me like 5 times. I still passed, wonder what all the traffic was and forgot the fuckin president was visiting to give a speech at a hotel.

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GTOdriver04@reddit

Glad you recognize that you hit your limit and no one got hurt.

I work in mental health case management (family was in trucking) and I’ll be honest: far, far too most of my clients broke and kept going.

You realizing you hit broke and walking away is a huge thing and I hope you realize that.

I’m sorry it happened, but I’m very proud of you for realizing you hit your limit and walking away. Thank you, and may your future endeavors be fruitful and successful.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Thank you.

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librae_vongehl@reddit

Don't let an insurance fraudster end your career. End his.

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OrdinaryPitiful@reddit

You got canned after 25 years? That’s ridiculous

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OnAJourneyMan@reddit

He intentionally drove into another vehicle. Guy is a menace awaiting a bigger accident. 25 years won’t up rage is starting to seep pour. Probably has been for awhile.

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OrdinaryPitiful@reddit

Sounds to me like the other guy brake checked him without hitting the brakes. Other guy had a bad day for it.

He just did what we all want to do in that scenario lol but 25 years with a company you would think they’d have retained him .

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

I actually had a sub supervisor say “he just did what we all want to do”.

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UhOhAllWillyNilly@reddit

Truer words were never spoken

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Let’s not ignore that the other driver intentionally was a part of the equation as well.

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OB1Waltinobee@reddit (OP)

Not gonna lie. It had. Although, I think menace is a bit much.

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easymachtdas@reddit

im glad you have alternatives driver. Youre spot on that shits getting more fucky out here every day

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llkey2@reddit

Great way to go out! Not a truck driver. But in a service business. Can’t tell you how many times I could’ve avoided an accident that was t my fault. Insurance would’ve paid oh owe my arm hurts etc.

Small business and my boss would’ve lost income with the van being out of service.

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