Was this trucker being intentionally malicious?
Posted by Chronotoastter@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 31 comments
I drive pediatric ambulances. One night, maybe 3am, I came over a hill on the way to a hospital and noticed two trucks in the right lane going 5-10 under. As I went to pass and was about 10 seconds out, the truck in the back pulled into the left lane as though they were going to pass the one in front. That’s all well and good, but instead of passing the truck stayed PERFECTLY next to the other truck, going 5-10 under, for \~8 miles. They added almost 8 minutes to my ETA. I wasn’t going lights and sirens.
Can I assume this was intentionally malicious? I cannot fathom another reason to ride side by side so slowly for so many miles, but I don’t generally assume people are intentionally being rude. Also, I’m not doing anything with this information, I’ve just been curious since it happened.
Thanks!
Unfair_Analysis_3734@reddit
Were they going up a hill? I have had multiple incidents where I am trying to pass another truck going much slower but as we start on an incline, I realize that I am much heavier than the other truck and I end up looking like an idiot and pissing off everyone behind me.
Several_Spray_6105@reddit
Could be elephant racing situation too - sometimes drivers don't realize how close their speeds actually are until they're already committed to the pass. Being stuck there for 8 miles though, that does seem bit excessive even for speed difference miscalculation
RothonTalvanen@reddit
Yeah, that's definitely happened to me before. In that situation though, unless I have a specific reason not to I'll usually fall back and get back behind the other driver once I realize it'll take me 10 minutes to pass him.
Chronotoastter@reddit (OP)
Yeah yeah that’s fair. It could certainly be. Hanlon’s razor type situation.
Chronotoastter@reddit (OP)
Well, initially it was. And I assumed that was the situation, which I always be gracious towards. But it the hill only lasted a tenth of a mile. The other 7.9 miles were flat or mixed.
Unfair_Analysis_3734@reddit
Hmm don’t know what to say about that. Maybe it was a passive aggressive road rage incident between the two trucks? Idk 🤷♂️
Chronotoastter@reddit (OP)
Cool, that’s mainly what I was wondering. I was curious if there was some reason for it, like communication or safety or something beyond me haha.
Emergency_Ad1152@reddit
Do you remember the names of the trucks? Most of them are governed at 65ish. It's a damn snail race trying to overtake other trucks going the same speed.
If I notice someone overtaking me slowly, I'll just let off the pedal for a bit so he passes me quicker. Some people just have a huge ego and will make them fight for the pass.
If I was you, turn on your emergency lights tbh.
Chronotoastter@reddit (OP)
Just copy and paste from the other reply: the only reason I would’ve flashed them was out of my own frustration. There wasn’t a true emergency in the back, just a sick kid that needed to get somewhere.
I only remember that the one in front of me was XPO? I see other comments about “governing.” I figure that’s a speed limiter? That’s a fair explanation
Unique_Arm435@reddit
Xpo governed at 70.
RipIt1021@reddit
Fucking XPO... Always in the way.
Radiant_Swan187@reddit
Just 2 inconsiderate selfish assholes. Nothing else to it 99% of the time
No_Ocelot4019@reddit
Im going to say more weaponized incompetence as much as I hate that term. Theres a point when youre in the right lane you just give it up and let off so the left lane can clear and I assure you its well before 8 miles. The other consideration is theres many places the speed limit is above governed speed. For financial benefit in both fuel and insurance cost companies tend to limit speeds most being at 65 some being below that and for some unbeknownst reason those companies drivers love to pass each other knowing theyre governed at the exact same speed.
King0Horse@reddit
A brief note:
Being in front of you for 8 minutes didn't add 8 minutes to your trip. It added about 1.3 minutes.
To answer your question though, probably not malicious. Just two people who either didn't notice your or (more likely) just didn't give a shit, because they're assholes.
Chronotoastter@reddit (OP)
Yeah that math works out for those numbers. Tbh I didn’t recall the exact mileage, but i remembered the 8 minute increase of ETA. I’m sure it was a combination of things. Thanks!
National-Answer-9792@reddit
Governed fleet trucks. Most set to run 65-68 mph. Drivers are usually running max speed, all day, every day and frustrated about not being able to pass slower traffic, and getting blamed for holding up traffic. Most of these drivers are new enough that they know no better.
Luckily, however, not all trucks are owned by big fleets, yet!
You might be able to answer a question I've always had...would we get in trouble for escorting the ambulance to the hospital if we weren't slowing them down? Whenever I notice the flashing lights of emergency vehicles in the mirrors behind me, I've always slowed up so they could pass safely. *I've heard of some having difficulties with hi speed driving) I've always known that you could get tickets for blocking their lane, or holding up emergency vehicles, but what if they can't keep up? Why do trucks that can stay in front of an ambulance need to slow our roll???
Chronotoastter@reddit (OP)
3.5 things to answer your question:
I’ve never used an ambulance that couldn’t reach >10mph over the speed limit, but also the speed limits max out at 70 around me. Clearly, it is illegal to speed. So speeding to stay in front of an ambulance is illegal.
It is illegal to not pull over for an ambulance behind you with lights and sirens on. So if you see one behind you, my question is how did it get behind you if you’re going faster than it?
Because ambulance drivers, as far as I’m aware, are legally exempt from speed limits, we must operate under “due regard.” In most, if not all, circumstances, going 80 in a 60 vs 70 in a 60 isn’t going to be the difference between life and death for the patient. However, going 80 in a 60 vs 70 in a 60 COULD be the difference between life and death for everyone in the ambulance and others on the road. Point is, there could be a reason the ambulance appears to be going slower than you. Perhaps it sees something you don’t, or perhaps it thinks it’s smarter than it is. Either way, the safest and most legal thing is to pull over.
Ultimately, pulling over is what you should do. But if it’s slower than you because it’s a bad truck or iffy driver, don’t let it catch up to you and you won’t have to think about it (within legal limits, of course) :) not a bad question!
(3.5: I’m not the police. I won’t get you in trouble unless there’s a reason for me to call something in. And that’s true for every other EMT/Paramedic I’ve met when it comes to cars that don’t pull over and are far enough in front to not cause issues.)
National-Answer-9792@reddit
Lol. At least you took the time to respond. Here we go on the 3.5 points you noted.
I've never owned a truck that wasn't capable of traveling loaded at 100 mph.
I've honestly never exceeded 100 mph in a truck about four times. Anyone that's truthful about it have all described the same experience with it. If you know, you know type thing. I'll just say there's no reason to truck that fast, and even if there was, steer tires (as far as I know, aren't rated over 75 mph) and I've seen the damage of a blown steer tire at 55 mph. South Dakota 80 mph speed limits are perfect I think. I usually run 75 mph every where that it's practical with traffic. Everything just works better for modern trucks at that range. Most troopers in any state won't look at any vehicles within mph of limits, even CA.
The lights in the mirrors can be seen from quite a distance when you're in wide open places without buildings, or nighttime skyline illumination. If they're truly gaining from traveling at a higher rate of speed, then without question, I'd be looking at yielding safely. Jackasses that don't look in their mirrors and yield to either emergency vehicles, or anyother traffic that's able to easily over take them should be ticketed for failure to yied, plus impeding traffic. In some states, even if a vehicle is traveling over the posted limit, it can be ticketed for holding up traffic in the left lane. I've never passed an emergency vehicle before, but I have let off the throttle to keep from it.
That question was just something I've often wondered while traveling hundreds of miles a day/night. It can get boring sometimes and little things that most folks probably never think of goes through the mind. Especially when the days are long and the road and sky is clear.
jmzstl@reddit
Not malicious, just another driver who doesn’t care or think about anyone besides themselves.
They were probably creeping up to that other truck at 0.5 mph faster, and as soon as they got close enough to trigger a following distance alert, they moved into the left lane to start the slow pass. Zero regard or common courtesy towards vehicles coming up at a much faster speed.
Charlie_Hustler@reddit
Truck infront in the right began to slow down and the one behind him looked and saw you were passing but not fast enough so he decided to try and pass hopefully before you caught up. As he was passing. The truck in the right lane didn't like that he was being passed and sped up to stop the other from passing. The truck in the left was already committed to the pass and decided to keep going in hopes of passing the asshole in the right.
Thus the battle of the trucks began and all those who witnessed it behind them shamed both of them for being such PrOfEsSiOnAl Drivers 🤦
This happens all the time. Blame the asshole in the right lane that can't maintain his speed but refuses to have others pass him 😮💨
WMDZipperbag@reddit
I could probably give countless examples. I would figure since you mention side by side for miles…. Chance that one had “auto” selected for the Jake break. Should (in some instances) provide more consistent operation. (Read: Less “Driver input”) Better uphill performance The downside can be that it anticipates downhill. So even before the truck crests any such incline, it will automatically back off anticipating the proceeding rollout. Problem could be simple as the Driver in back was not using “auto”. Meaning he maintained max as best as cruise could offer. (Possibly able to manually downshift for those same inclines). Basically when trucks appear to convoy? Some probably just enjoying the no hassles of extra lane changes / slow downs /extra set of eyes (gator in road ahead). But yeah, the “auto” setting can get frustrating. Similar to playa’s who will choose to run slow(er) until you attempt to pass…. Then they’ll sometimes show at least three to five mph to attempt to make you the bad guy (look dumb whatnot). Not always easy (or smart) to back out of it. The slow fast truck could decide to back out even more after you slow to get back behind them (Being nice to all them folks who just tuned in for his jerk show). I’m sure some drivers who treat strangers as such should fantasize about the numerous ribbed coconut’s that await Obviously been nice if the “lead” truck had backed out for both you & the other Driver. It’s just too complicated Maybe it’s monkey see. Monkey do (Done to them in the past/Jealous of the truck or company). Could just be kinda slow on the uptake. Maybe hourly grind/home daily. Doesn’t care about nothing…. Looking for some FAFOFT (Fun Time)
WMDZipperbag@reddit
FYI. Back in the day. It was quite common to hear Drivers calling out meat wagons over the CB. Believe it was both respect & safety
HowlingWolven@reddit
Possibly. Unlikely. We don’t like hanging out in the left and I detest being left trapped by anyone matching my speed.
found_ur_aeroplane@reddit
Nope you were just an unlucky ducky
ConsistentRegion6184@reddit
I'm guessing two lanes, occational traffic passing... the dude he was trying to pass probably needed to let the other over, or left lanr needed to back off.
If people come up on them every 60 seconds and someone is 10k lbs lighter it gets really awkward. Someone needed to give it up and didn't.
Chronotoastter@reddit (OP)
That’s totally fair, thanks!
anxious_polarbear@reddit
I'm sure you have rules and such, but why not at least flash the bedos to get them to move over?
Chronotoastter@reddit (OP)
Just that: Rules and such. The only reason I would’ve flashed them was out of my own frustration. There wasn’t a true emergency in the back, just a sick kid that needed to get somewhere.
Be-It-coin@reddit
They both probably had governor's and one had 1 mile an hour more then the other. But I can't imagine holding up an ambulance. So who knows
Leaf-Stars@reddit
Not intentionally malicious. Happens all the time. Zombie sees someone coming in his mirror and decides it’s a great time to pass the asshole he’s been following for the last fifty miles. Zombie doesn’t take into consideration he doesn’t have the speed nor the power to complete the pass but refuses to give up because his favorite children’s book was The Little Engine That Could.
Sure_Try6958@reddit
No lights or sirens then it wasn’t an emergency