Why don't you just let them pass?
Posted by KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 287 comments
not being a smartass; I am genuinely asking
All the governed trucks in the right lane, why do you not just lift off the throttle for 5 seconds to let the 0.5mph faster left lane truck complete the pass?
Why do you make traffic bunch up when it seems like it would be no real effort to just own down for 5 seconds.
Azzacura@reddit
If it's just one truck, I usually let off the gas as I'm being paid hourly and don't give a damn about getting to my destination 10 seconds faster.
HOWEVER, if there are more trucks behind me I've learned that letting off the throttle will piss EVERYONE in the line off and now I have 10+ trucks wanting to pass me, and my choices are either to keep going slow and let them all pass, or to speed back up and piss them off even more because now I'm the asshole that sped up while someone was trying to pass.
Justin_92@reddit
I’ve found a work-around for this that works about 85% of the time and the drivers behind you don’t even realize you did it. Instead of tapping your brakes to slow down, just set the cruise to a few miles slower, but not enough for the autopilot to engage engine braking to slow down. Most drivers behind you won’t even notice their truck compensating for your slow down unless they’re just riding your ass. In which case, they are just waiting for an opportunity to pass anyways so it doesn’t really matter if you slow down or not. They’ll pass you regardless. This will allow the left lane driver to pass quicker, and traffic behind you auto slows down without realizing it then speeds back up after the left lane truck gets around. I’ve been doing it for years and I’ve only ever been flipped off 367 times.
NekoboyBanks@reddit
They're going to notice dude. The lidar tells me exactly how fast the truck in front of me is going and I always watch that. Not to mention, the speedometer is probably digital and it's like the main thing drivers spend all day watching. Not really possible not to notice.
Justin_92@reddit
I guess sarcasm is a lost art form among internet connoisseurs these days. Nothing about my initial comment was serious. I was poking fun at all the super truckers out there that get pissed because they have to slow down by 3 mph for 3-5 seconds.
NekoboyBanks@reddit
I read your comment again and nothing about it reads sarcastic. Maybe you're just terrible at conveying sarcasm?
Virtchoo@reddit
It depends on the situation. 90% of the time I will absolutely just slow down and let them pass. The other 10% is a truck that has a super high governor that for some reason stopped going 75 right next to me and matched my 68. Doesn’t matter how slow I go, that idiot is going to match my speed.
skeletons_asshole@reddit
What gets me is the guy trying to pass my 65 governed ass at 65.2mph. I slowed down to let a guy over that way once and ended up showing up to the same shipper at the same time, 3 hours later. One traffic light caught me back up.
3mph makes a difference over time, but 1mph? You gotta be kidding me. I don't like letting those guys over anymore, if I'm trying to run 65.
Sharp-Put1315@reddit
There's a legitimate reason for that. When I get closer than 2.5 seconds away my truck starts beeping at me about my following distance and it drives me nuts. So I have to back off, but eventually I'll catch back up to you and it'll start beeping at me again.
The other solution is using the adaptive cruise control but I don't really like it. Too many times I've tried using it in that situation only to find later the driver ahead slowed down at some point and I've been doing 5 under for the last who knows how many miles. Or someone else will get between us and I'll have to slow down again. I wouldn't care as a local driver but I run 4500 miles a week and those unnecessary slow downs add up.
anxious_polarbear@reddit
Intertrashable?
Sharp-Put1315@reddit
My previous was an Intertrashional, now it's a Freightliner but they both do the same thing due to company settings.
NFLTG_71@reddit
Yeah, I hate that. I get behind a guy and I’m doing 65 and I move over to the left because I can do 68 and all of a sudden once I’m almost getting past him, the asshole puts his foot down and he can go blow by me doing 75. My question is why the fuck were you not going to speed limit before if the speed limit is 72 fucking 70 don’t do 65 and hold up the right lane because you know you’re an asshole and you think it’s funny.
Tart-Resident@reddit
UPS are the worse. My truck is governed at 70 and you run up on one of this shit heads doing 65 and get to pass them they suddenly have to do 71. You slow down and get behind them and they’ll go back to 65.
NFLTG_71@reddit
Infuriating I know
RedlineM5@reddit
If the speed limit is 70 that's the limit not a goal. Just cause I can do 90 doesn't mean I have to. Until someone wants to pay for my fuel I'll keep it at 65 in the right lane. Y'all can pass me all day long...I'll keep the money in my pocket.
NFLTG_71@reddit
It’s not the problem with passing it’s you doing 65 and I try to go around you and then you notice me try to go around you and then you put your foot in it and block me from getting around you that’s what pisses me off
RedlineM5@reddit
I don't stop anyone from passing me. I do have people get mad cause they run out of power trying to pass me on hills.
NFLTG_71@reddit
Well, if you let people pass, this post wasn’t directed at you. It was directed to the assholes who when you try to pass them they do their best to block you.
adore_alphi@reddit
had some guy do that to me the other day hop in front of me doing 60 while i’m going 68, i go pass on the right and after my tractor passes him the mf starts speeding up and passes me at 72 just to go back in front of me and slow to 64… like bro
Acrobatic_Ocelot_461@reddit
A lot of those people aren't using cruise control, and aren't paying attention. You get up next to them and they're texting.
NFLTG_71@reddit
Yeah, I’ve seen that a lot and that just pisses me off
skeletons_asshole@reddit
Found a tik tok from the driver perspective on one of those a few years ago, he was 'trolling governed trucks' - I think some people really do do it just to be assholes
TripleTrucker@reddit
Agree 100%. Too many asshats forget they can go faster and park next to me. I used to back out of it but no more. I know the companies that can go slightly faster and I back off for them every time.
narrdarr@reddit
Yea but don't forget about adaptive cruz control. Any car that hopes in front of them within 3 -5 trailer lengths will automatically cut their speed.
TripleTrucker@reddit
Thats when a driver should take over and drive😀
narrdarr@reddit
Wishful thinking.
CrashingTiger@reddit
that's how our new trucks are too, but you can double tap the throttle down to override it. Some of them will give you an extra 2-3 mph for a short while, too!
DarkExodus449@reddit
My 2025 t680 is set to where I get 10 minutes of override at 68.5 after that, I'm stuck at 65 no matter what if my foot touches that pedal. Its a real big pain. I'd much rather be able to do 68 with pedal and or cruise, and do 70 when I push to pass as my fleet manager describes it.
narrdarr@reddit
True but it's not true for all trucks.
No_Ocelot4019@reddit
Jail is temporary put em in the ditch
LeadGlad4961@reddit
I have a high governor. When I’m behind a 65 guy I wait for a straight clear patch and pass them over 70. takes about 30 seconds.
I’ve driven 65 speed limit trucks and it sucks. I’m always in the right lane try to avoid the middle lane for people who want to pass.
Dane_Jerr@reddit
Every time I see a Walmart truck, they're doing 62 mph
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
As a 4 wheeler, I thank you profoundly for the times you are able and do that.
Slyfer29@reddit
I always let them pass, especially if they let me on to the interstate by moving over. Most of the time if they caught up to me that means they are at least a little bit faster. It barely cost anything to just slow down a little bit to let them through. But if traffic builds up in the left lane because you're racing them, when you have to get over it's going to be difficult. Makes all the sense of the world to just let them over.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
🙏
jinkeeez@reddit
It was a situational basis for me. Sometimes I can tell that they’re only able to pass me right now because we’re on an abnormally long stretch of downhill or uphill but as soon as this condition changes they’re gonna be going to slow in front of me again and I’m gonna be needing to pass them. If I can tell that regardless of uphill or downhill they’re still steadily passing me, even if it’s slow, then I’d hold off and let them go ahead because I know they won’t be a future problem
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
That makes sense. I'm only in this thread learning about what you're talking about, how sometimes their passing is kind of a fluke and they'll be slower than you again soon. That's something I wouldn't have thought of, as I'm already gone by the time that happens.
This is the kind of info I was hoping for when I made the post.
jinkeeez@reddit
I’m glad you’re asking! I feel like when people don’t know why truckers do the things they do, they just think we’re just being assholes, which some definitely are, but a lot of us are just thinking ahead and calculating many different things that you may not see or realize and all of that goes into the decisions we make while on the road
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I want to believe that asshole are the minority. I was hoping that more information might confirm that.
socialrage@reddit
Why don't you let them pass?
It's as common for cars to do the same thing.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Anytime someone wants to be going faster than me, I get out of their way at my earliest convenience.
But you are right about cars doing it too. It's not unusual for me to get in the right lane and ...annoy the car not letting the governed truck pass on the left. Most of the time they do speed up enough for the truck to get back over. One time they did the "I'm gonna slow down because you're annoying me" game, but that also accomplished my goal of getting the governed truck able to get back in the right lane.
I see you guys, I help as much as I can.
socialrage@reddit
I'm not only talking about that.
Two cars next to each other going below the speed limit for miles.
Or a car passing a truck and just sitting next to them like they want a friend.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
If I'm behind the car in either of those situations, they are getting bright lighted until they change speed and I can get around them. It usually works.
freudsdriver@reddit
I'm more annoyed by that driver with the governor set at 65 mph, sitting in the middle lane, making everyone pass on the left or right. I get it when your near large city centers, like 80/90 going around Chicago, but wide open road is no excuse.
WMDZipperbag@reddit
I sorta hear you. Here’s the deal. Do we really want the least to have less? That right lane is going to deal w/ four wheelers slowing down for exit ramps (2-3 miles out). Plus, isn’t it almost normal for most 4-wheelers to come off an on-ramp and wait almost a mile to mash the pedal
Then you could consider some less rather obvious scenarios. 1) Yhe left lane may not be moving much faster. So *some can use the right lane. Folks who may be approaching an exit. Do you really like seeing the kids who will switch two lanes moments before their exit? 2) IF you have that motor. IF you care to opt for the left lane. Wouldn’t you prefer it be brief as possible. Passing a truck doing 65 as opposed to someone not much slower than you? Time is money. Illinois and a few other states. We’re talking the trifecta. Illegal lane usage, speeding, and impeding traffic. He’ll, I’ll sometimes slow in the middle lane just for such a truck
Plus I’m not saying folks should drive like me. I think it would be a mess IF we did. Can you imagine every driver stopping & leaving enough room to maneuver past a just now disabled vehicle at some traffic light. Smith is great IF not everyone uses it
Just my two cents. Mostly Ohio it seems where *some prefer passing on the right. Can’t exactly say for sure why. Sometimes it seems just because they just saw you switch to the granny lane for another truck. Who knows
skeletons_asshole@reddit
My general rule of thumb is to stick to the right lane if I'm out of the city, but going straight through somewhere like Dallas, I'll save a lot of time and fuel, and be a lot less of a hazard, if I'm in one of the middle lanes rather than slowing the entire line down every time 30 morons are merging off an interchange and discovering their gas pedals for the first time.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I had a big argument with a lot of people not long ago, trying to get them to understand that in a big city, the middle lanes are for cruising and the right lane should be only for people entering and exiting the freeway. I will never understand the how people don't understand this.
genosx71@reddit
Then u go to pass on the right an BOOM! Everyones trying to merge right in front of you!
NFLTG_71@reddit
I agree with the OP most of the time the guy could let us foot off the pedal take two seconds to let the guy get there and get over but they don’t because most of them are not paying attention to what the fuck they’re doing
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately, that also applies to 80% of 4 wheeler too
NFLTG_71@reddit
Oh, they’re the fucking worst the ones that like to sit there right around your tandems looking at the wheels thinking ooh it’s so pretty that it’s turning. It’s a fucking wheel stupid get from beside my trailer. It’s a quick way to get killed because if I’ve gotten an emergency lane change, they’re gone it’s me or them and I don’t give a shit about them as much as I care about me.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I think it's a bad idea to hover directly beside any other vehicle if you can possibly help it. But hovering beside a big truck is so stupid. Wait for a gust of wind to push him to the left, or one of his tires blow, and you crash because your stupid ass wouldn't complete the pass.
Electronic-Affect-93@reddit
It's conditional for when I pass another truck. If it's daytime and there's a lot of traffic out, I'll wait until there's nobody in the left lane and they're going <68. If I'm the one being passed during the day, I'll definitely back out of it and let them pass if there is anyone behind the passing truck. Getting a lot of traffic bunched up together is never a good thing. It takes the "out" away.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
🙏
Recentlyforty1@reddit
I always let out. Unless we’re climbing a hill. If you let out on the hill you will lose all your momentum. But if we’re going down hill or on a flat grade. I will let the other truck go especially if there is a few cars behind them.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
🙏
Recentlyforty1@reddit
Also my truck has a pass feature. You pay the peddle 3 times and I can run 72. You get 15 minutes of that that you can use throughout your trip. You can hold it down and blow it in 15 min or use it for 30 seconds and save the rest. It works great when your behind a truck tha is governed at the same speed or slightly slower.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Oh snap. Reminds me of the "power to pass" they have in Indy Car racing. I wish all trucks had that feature. The world would be a better place.
Cool_Thanks_4934@reddit
I do but I’m in the minority. One thing about truck drivers is they spend A lot of solitary time. They aren’t on the same channel as other people. It’s an I’m in A rush too mentality and you are no more important as me. In the other hand passing at 1/2 mile faster is stupid shit. I’m governed at 70 but get stuck behind 67-68 mph trucks so I just stay behind them. It’s not worth the stress.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
🙏
WontSwerve@reddit
I will do this exactly if it looks like it's gonna take them more than 30 seconds.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
🙏
Acrobatic_Ocelot_461@reddit
I always back off it and let them by. I they're passing me, then obviously they're going faster than I can go.
It's common courtesy, something that's seriously lacking in this day and age. (Yup, I'm old).
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I also am old, and remember when people were more courteous on the road. I know all old people say this, but also I think it's legit - people are dumber and more rude today than ever before, most especially when it comes to operating a vehicle.
Dane_Jerr@reddit
I always do. I'll slow down to about 60 to let them pass
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
🙏
DimensionalAxolotl@reddit
I see a few people mentioning trucks governed at 70+ and only doing 65, but none mentioning terrain.
Im governed to 72 at the pedal, and I try to keep it at 70 and still keep to the right lane unless im passing. Unfortunately that 70 can turn into 60 mph on a hill since a good portion of my loads are Sysco transfers or a trailer full of milk for store runs. Most of those Sysco loads are around 47k pounds so I end up sitting just under 80k total, and even the slightest hill can slow the truck a bit.
That said, there are plenty of assholes that cant wait for the ground to level out or slope downwards and end up blocking the person passing them.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Oh, yeah, hills are always the exception. A fun game I play is trying to figure out which of the uphill trucks has the bigger load, and which one will be faster after cresting the hill.
Now that you mention it, I do sometimes see where on the downhill the right lane picks up way more speed and the one attempting to pass uphill get behind them again.
I figure in that situation, the one who picks up more speed going downhill is the one with the heavier load?
Individual-Proof1626@reddit
Some of you truckers suck ass. Years ago, as a four wheeler trying to go up a hill out of Benson, AZ, a trucker tried to pass another trucker. They were both doing @ 40mph. Backed up a lot of traffic. He finally passed the truck, so I decided to be an asshole too and pulled in front of him while slowing down to about 30mph. Once his truck had slowed to thirty he was mad as a wet hen, honking his horn and shaking his fist. I gave him the bird and speeded away. Mother fucker got a taste of his own medicine.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
That's not a very smart game to play. It's just creating a new unsafe situation after the previous one just ended.
Plus if you catch the wrong person on the wrong day... In truck vs car, truck wins every time.
Richard_Tickler69@reddit
If I'm in the right lane doing 65 it is in no way my fault that someone going .5 mph wants to try and pass me. That driver is 100% to blame because of their importance. I will slow down to let them by but not immediately.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
101% not your fault. And you're totally not obligated to help them. I am mostly thinking of those times when there is a whole line of traffic built up in the left lane.
FloridaRon@reddit
The guy in the left lane is stuck there as it was the lead truck creating the draft that gave him the speed to attempt to pass... now the two of them have a larger air mass to break through.
Overall the one trying to pass is the fastest as he caught up with the lead truck.
The lead truck is being a jackass!
If he backs off and lets the passer in he will then be in that trucks draft and have no trouble getting back to speed and maybe a bit faster until the gap widens and the draft fades.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Until this thread, I really never thought about how much the draft affects big trucks. So many things I see make so much more sense now.
TBH, I feel kinda dumb for never having thought about it before. :/
gulfcoastjeep@reddit
This is alexactly what i taught every student i had there no need to turtle races just cancel your cruise for 5 seconds and hit resume the time lost is minuscule.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
🙏
overcrispy@reddit
Also, if I get over to let you merge, don’t speed up and match my speed and not let me back over. Tf is that?
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Grrrrrr. When I am on the ramp behind that asshat, they have a rear view full of bright lights, horn, and a birdie. Stupid asstards.
Alarming_Star_6549@reddit
The cars in the left lane behind the truck trying to pass probably could've gone by earlier, they love to sit back there until we wanna pass.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Idk what is wrong with those people.
I'm in the left lane. I can see that the right lane truck a little ahead of me is gaining on the next right lane truck in front of him. Am I going to pass him before he needs to switch lanes to pass? Almost always, I zoom past so the right lane truck has plenty of room to make his pass.
But every freaking day I see people making the faster right lane truck stuck and have to slow down. I'm like,, wtf. Clear the lane assholes.
brandmonkey@reddit
If someone is passing me but going slow I ALWAYS back off and let them have it. I can't stand people who don't, it when I'm passing decide NOW they want to speed up or keep up. Some of these drivers have no ethics
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
🙏
lazerwolf007@reddit
This is why truck governing pisses me off to no end. They claim it's for "safety", but not only does it create unsafe conditions with others trying to pass and all, but 65mph and 70mph is hardly any difference in braking distance. And speed isn't the problem, following distance is.
If anything, trucks should governed at 70mph MINIMUM, since it's the most common highway speed limit. The only ones fair to not be governed at all obviously are the owner ops.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Agree, 100%.
BedAdministrative619@reddit
It isnt much effort to let the first one go by. After a while, I want to speed back up to my limit too. A better question is why are they attempting the pass when they can't maintain a speed faster than those being passed? I get trucks setting up a pass right at the base of a hill. They should know that they are going to slow down, yet they try anyway. A big tip is to not try the uphill pass with companies like Amazon and FedEx, we are far from max weight and won't have the same struggle maintaining our speed. I personally will not be hitting the brakes when I am pushing my truck to keep a decent speed uphill, but I do slow at the top if needed.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
In my area, FedEx are regularly the fastest trucks around. 72-75mph, consistently. In conditions where I want to stay behind a truck, I'm always on the lookout for a FedEx truck to follow. I also regularly hold the door for them if they're going to need it.
aerorider1970@reddit
My truck is governed, today I passed about 7 trucks all doing 55 mph. I can go 65, but I knew as soon as I passed most of these guys would speed up to pass me back. It's all ego ( not just the ego company). They probably knew i was governed so they can't handle being passed even though they were all happy doing 55. Then for the next 70 miles it's a game pass me then slow down again. I am on a clock just like they are and want to get as many miles as I can. I just want them to go 67 and I would be happy. FYI it's mostly the owner operations that get butt hurt when you pass.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I had no idea the "how dare you pass me" b.s. was prevalent in the trucking world. It's ridiculous in cars, moreso for big trucks.
TheJuggernaut043@reddit
Truck manufacturers have a governed speed override for this scenario, but most fleet owners disable it to save 0.00000001% more money.
DaSaw@reddit
My company had them disabled when I first got there because drivers would just ride on it for the first half hour of the day, never using them for their intended purpose. But within my first year, they'd reenabled it. I wonder how many guys just ride them out. I only use it for passing.
TheJuggernaut043@reddit
One company I worked for had it active for a bit. I got cut off multiple times by co workers who though going 5+ mph faster means you can't cut people off.
Nero-Danteson@reddit
I usually do, but in some spots you slow down a smidge and you have the entire state of Texas passing you at that point and you're trapped at 50 mph in an 80. ^(Apparently the left lane is scary on that one stretch of highway from El Paso to Laredo.)
zbanks20@reddit
Sometimes they cant actually go faster than me and they just had momentum from a hill and we're about to go uphill and basic gravity says hes gonna fall on his ass, it also creates a chain reaction where now that I'm going slower than I normally do to allow him over it leads to us being cut off and having to slow down even more to create following distance for several miles
SeriousDude@reddit
If you start slowing down to everyone who struggles to overtake, you're not gonna get anywhere yourself.
ursisterstoy@reddit
I think a lot of them just don’t want to be at the back of the pack. I’m governed at 75 now and sometimes I need every bit of that to pass someone who just spend 20 miles driving at 57 mph in the 70. They can do 68 or 73 but they’re in no hurry because someone is behind them. I had a couple people governed at 62 or 65 try to shove me off the road because I passed them. But if someone is trying to pass me at 72 mph and I’m doing 70 in the 70 I’ll back off and do 68 or less and go back to 70. When I was governed at 65 prime would always try to pass and every time we hit a hill they’d be doing 64 and then on flat ground they’d be doing 65.5 so it would depend on the situation. I didn’t want to slow down to 60 to just spend the next hour pushing the brakes so I’d use pass smart and do 67. If it was flat for a while I’d let them by and do 60 for about 5 minutes and then speed back up and at 65.5 mph they might be far enough ahead 3 hours later that I don’t care about them slowing down on a hill.
18-Spinning-Wheels@reddit
Only 5 miles? You're pretty lucky IMO.
J0nn_D03@reddit
Depends on the situation, if it's a flat road I'll let off and let them pass me, but if I'm on an uphill incline there's no way in hell I'm slowing down: i fought hard for that momentum, and it'll take forever to get it back.
So it depends on how easy it is to get back up to speed
Requettie@reddit
“so Requettie why are you an overnight driver”
I don’t deal with this crap until it’s mid morning hahaha
DCVR614@reddit
I usually do but there have been times where MFers wanna pass at the most unreasonable times. So, I rather watch you fight for it and the 4 wheelers can be pissed at you!
mike-2129@reddit
I mean let's think about it. It's the truck whose passing responsibility to pass. And theirs alone. If you cant pass then dont pass. Having the slow lane slow down more is bs when hes where he should be driving his drive. That's just my take on it. But then again I'm an asshole with an ungoverned truck. I just hate seeing dudes that cant even do the speed limit jump in the left lane to take hours to pass. When they know they are slow as fuck and should be in the right lane.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
You're not wrong. I do not disagree. I was mainly imagining those times when the right lane truck can see a long line of cars built up in the left side mirror. Doesn't matter who's fault or right/wrong - the right lane driver has the ability to help traffic thin back out and make the situation safer. Like.. Hey, I didn't cause this, that idiot did, but I can fix it and let everyone get on their way - and out of the way of that one inevitable asshole who wants to fast&furious it because he just can't wait the 3 more minutes for traffic to thin out.
mike-2129@reddit
No i totally understand that. The right laner can fix the issue. Totally can. But is it really his responsibility. It's arguable on both sides. Yeah it would be courteous to slow down. But it would also be courteous to not be an asshole and try to pass with a slow truck too. It's just the passer who's being more an ass cuz he knows hes only gonna pass that 1 truck a day so he goes for it.
NekoboyBanks@reddit
This is the only reasonable answer I've seen in this whole thread.
midlifewannabe@reddit
This is right
HatedReaper@reddit
I've run into more 4 wheelers that go 55 in the interstate.
carameldreamcake@reddit
I don't because I think those drivers are dicks. I'm governed to 68. If I come up on someone going 67,I just let the adaptive cruise control keep me a safe distance away & have a nice day. It's 1 MPH FFS! Now, trucks who are obviously going much faster than me, I do slow down to let them over more quickly. Unless there's a line of traffic behind me: then I just hope the faster truck is kind enough to merge back over far enough ahead of me to not set off my nanny cam.
Leading_Strategy_627@reddit
I think he doesn’t realize he’s creating traffic because he’s distracted.
NineFingerJorge@reddit
It’s weird that four wheelers do the same thing to each other and to us. You aren’t governed but you’re gonna go 69 in a 75 passing a truck governed at 68 just to get over and slow down to 65.
heliogoon@reddit
Happens to me every single day and it just boils my blood.
Exact-Leadership-521@reddit
Happens more with cars. I'll spend 2 hours doing a 40 minute drive and it's a grey minivan doing 20 under the limit but they string every truck along at the speed limit. Whole freeway is stop and go for 150+ miles
Acrobatic_Ocelot_461@reddit
I hate the cars right on my bumper in my blind spot that thinks they can get better gas mileage.
disturbedrailroader@reddit
I once slowed all the way down to 45 in a 70 before the guy in a jeep finally went around me. If you want better fuel economy, buy a car that has better aerodynamic properties than a fucking brick.
adore_alphi@reddit
a bulbasaur is more aerodynamic than a jeep wrangler
GenX_Leo@reddit
Or they cut right in front forcing you to break or get a call from safety... trucks do it too... like everyone's personal safety is disregarded just to get in front of a truck.
AceCypherZero@reddit
This is probably more infuriating then 2 65mph trucks slowly passing eachother. Im ungoverned and I hate to sit there with a car matching speed after I saw them doing 15-20 over to catch me.
Leelze@reddit
I don't know if that's worse or passing someone doing way less than me but accelerating to match my speed. Bonus if they speed up to get in front of me and then slow down. Really could use a green shell in those moments.
skeletons_asshole@reddit
I give these ones just enough of a wiggle to freak them out and they usually ditch me after that.
ghostedbydefault@reddit
That and them not knowing where their gas pedal is on the on ramps until you've dropped to 35mph and they are fully on the highway. I've seen 4 wheelers freak out and completely stop at the end of on ramps
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Feel like you’re pointing a finger at me. I’m afraid for me personally. There is downsides to what I think of myself as a “safe driver” Doesn’t happen real often But yeah, I’ve been on the big road. Seen say a camper coming on. So I’ll even so much as turn my flashers on for folks behind me as I slow some. Attempting to judge what I expect from the camper. While it sometimes goes to $hit. They will slow their acceleration. I’m like no bruh. I got you go ahead. Then it becomes like we’re both insisting. Saddest part is I occasionally need to try an get going. Yeah my 0-60 time isn’t quite sports car related. Dam it makes me feel terrible too. I’d swear on occasion it was like exactly what they cared to achieve. Sometimes I’ve even seen them get on behind then just boss right past. Ugh. It’s like a bad joke “Safe Driver”. I’m afraid it’s kinda overrated I mean aggressive is ugly. Don’t get me wrong. Two aggressive drivers meeting? Bad things result. Safe driver tho. Can become a real clown shoe
Acrobatic_Ocelot_461@reddit
Don't do that, speed up and get past us. When a car coming up on me starts flashing its lights, I think something's wrong with my trailer. I've had tire blowouts with cars next to me. Not good. Even in my own car I pass trucks like I'm being chased.
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Some like to just be given right of way (wrongly in most states). They’re supposed to yield. Safest thing is normally back off Some think like you tho no doubt
NineFingerJorge@reddit
I can take an on ramp at 68 mph and merge an 18-wheeler safely but four wheelers want to go 35 like you said.
IAMATruckerAMA@reddit
Why do you think you deserve someone else's place in line?
kndwy@reddit
I’m governed at 65 and I set the cruiser to 62, but I can’t help it if a dickhead coming in at 70+ and suddenly accumulating the urge to slow down to my speed.
I especially hate when a trucker with a speed +0.5 than the one he’s following suddenly jumps in my lane at the last possible second, while I’m doing clearly +15, without even checking the lane in the side mirror.
And the ones own the middle lane, regardless of their speed they sit there for the entirety of the road.
And the ones driving side by side on an uphill, but I give the benefit of doubt that they don’t realize the weight vs truck setup and steepness of the climb.
1337atreyu@reddit
Ill admit when im going through hilly area, im coming up behind a truck at maybe +5 and then when I move over to pass, we begin going uphill and then my truck slows to below the one I was trying to pass. I always get a bit rosy checked when I have to then slow back down to get behind the very truck I was trying to pass because my weight won't allow me to pass.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I 1000% percent agree with your edit. If it helps, they do the same thing to me. I'll have cruise control set, approaching them at a consistent pace, then they want to speed up to match me and I can't get back over to the right. OR, I see them coming from behind and get out of the way, just for them to get to my quarter panel and match speed.
And THEN, I will either 1. slow down more to let them go - which they inexplicably copy. Or I will 2. zoom up ahead and put 5-8 car lengths ahead them and resume my cruise control - to which they just catch right back up and speed match again. w.h.y. .
The other day, I had to do both things and then the second one again with this red Tahoe that just wouldn't take the freaking hint to get off my quarter panel.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Yeah, uphill Definitely is another story
DanimalPlanet42@reddit
Same reason why cars will speed up and not let people pass them. A mix of ego and bitterness
MostOriginalNameEver@reddit
I do this. But still have people that will get in front of me and drop to 63 and shit.
Next-Case-6015@reddit
I’m still in training and after my first day out, I drop a few mph to let left lane guy get around
ButterscotchNo3984@reddit
It also can be aggravating when you're governed and are constantly getting passed all day by a hundred trucks by 1 mph. It becomes your sole job to let off the fuel over and over to let them by. If they can only do 1 mph more than you, couldn't they also set the cruise 1 mph less?
skeletons_asshole@reddit
This is why I set it at 58-62 if I have the time. Get some good mileage, let all the assholes get by, only thing I have to deal with at that point is people doing the Houston "I'm scared so I'm going 50" or the "I merge now, good luck everyone" things.
Slartibartfastthe3rd@reddit
Lurker: Wow, great point. That would bug the crap outta me. Tx
Exact-Leadership-521@reddit
It's not bad on a divided freeway, set the cruise below the limit even and just become your own bottle neck behind the next slower truck and let them get away, now people gotta decide to slow down and merge right or stay left for another mile and pass that guy.
But on a 2lane road, if you drop 1mph below the limit people are passing. After every corner, every little hill. Every oncoming vehicle goes by, someone is gunna try passing you as if you are a farm tractor going 9mph in a 70 zone but really you went from 75 to 68 once to avoid a wreck. Now you'll need to stop to avoid the next ones
RoamingNomadSoul@reddit
Exactly! I’m governed at 62 and I deal with this everyday. Most trucks should be able to pass me
WallaWallaby011@reddit
62 🤯
ComprehensiveDark814@reddit
And then trucks that are actually slower than you attempt to pass because you keep slowing down all the time.
Vast_Obligation8213@reddit
I'm governed at 65. I'm sorry but I'm not gonna let some fully loaded asshole that's barley going 66 and also ended up going 55 up a hill pass me easily.
If they are that committed I'll just slow down to 60 till he's out of my sight
Professional_Trade45@reddit
I've been pulling doubles for a dozen years and they have earned the nickname "wiggle wagons" for a reason. I always back off, especially if it's another set, or that truck I've been watching in mirror for the last few miles that's weaving all over the road.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
That sphincter reaction when you have to get close to the one you've been watching waeve for miles. 😬.
Professional_Trade45@reddit
So true!!
KoiwazuraiAi@reddit
I do. It's annoying as fuck when I'm going 65 and someone tries to pass me going 62, so I have to brake down to 58 to let them over and wait for the traffic they built to clear.
If you know you're fucking heavy and approaching an uphill grade, why the fuck are you trying to pass?
humpthedog@reddit
Cars do this more than trucks
droptozro@reddit
Rather just have major freeways in the US start all being 3 lanes would fix a lot of this. I'm in Ohio, I-70 should be 3 lanes all the way through the state.
Either way. I'm minding my own business in the right lane. I'm not at ultimate obligation to do anything just like it's purely courtesy to let off for someone else who is merging on my right. They're supposed to merge safely.
And sometimes, it depends on who is passing(company) or their guesstimated weight based on my observation driving behind them. If I'm heading back empty and up and down hills... I ain't letting off for anyone usually cause they're going to slow down 15-20 MPH on the uphill when I will generally hold my speed.
MssMoodi@reddit
Because someway and some don't some can go up hills real well some can't you don't want to hit the ass end of a truck
Dane_Jerr@reddit
Biggest pet peeve is when there's someone limited to 64 in front of me (65) and they won't slow down when I try to pass.
Fluffy-Dig-2094@reddit
Well first 5 miles is only 5 mins at 60mph so the question is why didn't you leave sooner if you in a rush. 4 wheelers do this all the time to trucks on purpose and nobody ever comes on here to ask why. Drivers that aren't legally allowed to be here seem to do the speeding up to mess with other drivers. I have so many videos of this. Far as everyone else most truckers a dbags plain and simple and it happens because everyone messes with us.
nanneryeeter@reddit
I'm not certain why they don't. I drive ungoverned and if one of the slow trucks is coming around me I'll let up. It's no big thing. They pass me on occasion because the truck sped here is 60mph but they speed.
WMDZipperbag@reddit
How about them mofos who ignore speed limits (grossly) in construction zones. It’s like GD man. You really have the foggiest how many trucks going to almost roar past. Not to mention the trucks not quite as beefy. Ugh…. Talk about seeing something from a mile away.
nanneryeeter@reddit
Common. I try not to worry too much about them and just drive my own truck.
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Yeah. I know you’re right. Just seems a different perspective. I’ve most recently been one of the trucks who wouldn’t be roaring past. More like stuck waiting for traffic to clear some. Not a great feeling to see what appears some clearing. Get my truck somewhat close. Check mirrors and see some 4-wheeler if not another truck decided to speed up some. So I need to back-off and move back over. (Rinse/Repeat on occasion)
Glad to hear your thoughts tho. I know for some. It can be quite taxing to spend their shift driving with their foot, changing lanes countless times
nanneryeeter@reddit
I'm going to show up to work in a good mood and leave in a good mood. I also get a decent hourly wage and work in a low key job. The environment surrounding everything I do really helps.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I mean, same honestly. Sometimes I set cruise to 78 in peak cop hours. If someone wants to pass doing 80, no problem. Same if I'm doing 90. Go flush 'em out, hoss. 😆
Cool_Thanks_4934@reddit
Some times it’s better to be A Raider Express at 59;-)
COATHANGER_ABORTIONS@reddit
I do about 95 percent of the time. Usually I end up getting cut off after that so I'm about to say fuck it lmao.
RudeOrSarcasticPt2@reddit
On the highway, no good deed goes unpunished.
Shyjuan@reddit
because if i let the truck pass me and get in front of me then my governor is gonna throttle me like 5 miles less than what the truck that was only 1 mph faster doing. These trucks are programmed to be a certain length behind vehicles it's annoying.
Fluffy-Dig-2094@reddit
Well i have 2 answers for this post. The first is my smart a$$ response which is the same reason you 4 wheelers speed up when we try and pass you, not fun being held up but 4 wheelers especially pickup trucks find this fun to do. My common sense response is most drivers are pissed they in a slow truck and aren't getting any so any chance they get to mess with someone they do. Im speaking as a truck driver that went from a 75mpg truck to 69 mph to wide open again. If a driver thinks they can keep you from passing they will but when you confront them about it at a truckstop they don't have time for a altercation but they had time to block traffic. Unfortunately the drivers that speed up the most wear flip-flops dont speak English and probably are here illegally.
LeotheLiberator@reddit
This is a weird logic.
It was your decision to pass me therefore it's your responsibility to gain speed and complete the pass. Why would I slow down when the whole point is for you to drive faster and get in front?
People treat passing like we're switching spots in line. If you can't drive faster than me, you shouldn't be trying to pass me.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I'm not really talking about for me though. I mostly mean in those situations where the right lane truck can see a long line of traffic built up in their left side mirror. Why not help traffic thin back out.
LeotheLiberator@reddit
This is because a trucker got in the left lane when they should have stayed in the right from the beginning.
At this point, they're not passing, they're just making life difficult for everyone including themselves. If I slow down so he can pass, then vehicles (including other trucks) get into the passing lane to go around me because I'm slowing down then this is making no difference.
The person in the passing lane needs to have the ability to pass. I'm not going to speed up to stop you.
GumbysDonkey@reddit
See cars do the same bullshit every day. Act like herd animals.
Charlie_Hustler@reddit
Yesss. It makes no sense why cars seem to have 0 issue when they're the ones holding up the passing lane but when it's a truck doing it all of a sudden it's a problem 🤦
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
You're not wrong. It's not unusual for me to get in the right lane to annoy the car blocking the governed truck in the left lane.
DrillTheThirdHole@reddit
because im ungoverned and probably the one blowing their doors off going 85
Charlie_Hustler@reddit
Lucky mfer. Wish I was ungoverned 😂😂
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I hope I meet you on the road one day. I'll be the Camaro following about 1.5-2 truck lengths behind you keeping the back door open.
darklorddoone@reddit
Because i have my cruise control and im not caring about you being in a rush.
trucksarekewl@reddit
I dont understand this mentality
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
It's a passive aggressive display of selfishness and/or self-righteousness, often paired with deficiencies in either or both empathy and awareness. It's a peak display of selfish aggrandizing with a pseudo-justification - at the potential cost of public welfare, all the while without the awareness of the the transparency of it, which is not often so clearly defined as has been here.
It's inverse of the stereotypical littl pp energy, but still littl pp energy. The quiet prius kind, not the loud, lifted kind. Both are perceived arrogance, but are masks to cover other basic self-perceived deficiencies.
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Inner desire to wind up some kind of statistic
FailingComic@reddit
Not my job to let you pass safely. Its your job to make the pass safely. If your only going .5mph faster than me you can't make the pass safely. On top of that if its truly .5mph, your going to save a total of 5 minutes that day passing me instead of just drafting and both of us getting better fuel mileage.
NakedAggression@reddit
You're apart of the problem. Hopefully youll learn to think of others on the road instead of just yourself. Just let em pass and keep the traffic flowing ffs
keytiri@reddit
lol, now apply that logic to yourself, “think of others,” if you can’t, you’re just as much apart of the problem as they are. Instead of expecting strangers to be nice to you, why not be nice to them first? And don’t engage in dangerous behaviors like hanging out next to someone for 5 minutes? Why do people put themselves into situations without outs?
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Some do spend many a minute thinking of others. lulz. It’s kind of a duty to be safe and progress. Bunching up traffic is not as safe as it appears. Especially big trucks. Who don’t turn on a dime & give change Chance you really shouldn’t think so negatively of strangers
keytiri@reddit
Defensive driving, safer to assume everyone else is an idiot until proven otherwise; I get it, it’s hard to prove “otherwise” in an encounter we’ll probably never have again. The drivers who are willing to slow down and let you over for a shoulder hazard are the true mvps; vast majority would rather continue at their breakneck speed while forcing the other lane to a crawl, and that lane speed difference creates very dangerous conditions.
If you see someone willing to engage in dangerous behaviors, is it better to be behind them or in front of them? Sure, they might pass you, but doesn’t that just encourage them? They pass you, get into a snail race with someone else, fail to maintain lane, and now you’re stuck behind a crash.
FailingComic@reddit
Defensive driving involves being predictable. Suddenly slowing for no reason is not preditable by the driver following you. Your being defensive by holding position and not doing something for seemingly no reason to the people behind you at a random time.
keytiri@reddit
Yup! Speeding up to pass should be the normal, just like how it’s done on 2-lane roads; create some distance, then resume your desired speed. I also like those GA road signs that say to leave space before merge back over (on the interstates).
WMDZipperbag@reddit
I kinda enjoyed seeing signs explaining the paint on the roads. Paint which appears to show a minimum safe following distance. I mean maybe some just really don’t comprehend repercussions or the causes. Here it is spelled out. Not sure if it’s like some yellow speed like a suggestion or not. It sure made me feel good tho. Heart in the right spot
WMDZipperbag@reddit
My bad. Wasn’t GA. Think I’ve seen it Midwest & east coast. I forget tho
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Real clowns will sometimes be in groups. I do my best to run solo. Yeah, *some trucks under the worst of conditions may pace for awhile. But, it’s kinda like you say. Do I really care to waste time reserving safe speed. OR Leave the opportunity to back off
It seems rare that someone will pace. Often if anything it’s an owner/op who probably cares as much of safe travel as I do or possibly more. (Certainly more invested w/ less constraints). But yeah, I’ll sometimes feel okay if not good that they opt to run behind me by some distance. (3 truck lengths). I mean it’s happened before where they’ll pass some fruit loop which allows me to pass. Truth stranger than fiction…
You are right tho. I’m just hoping to show an example of what you could be seeing from time to time on the rare occasion
NakedAggression@reddit
I don't stay at someone's side. Truck was governed at 76mph. If someone is faster than me I'll slow down a bit and let them over. Keep the traffic flowing
Srolo@reddit
Not who you're responding to but I'm governed at 62 and stay in the right lane. If you can't pass me reasonably when im governed 8mph below the speed limit than that's on you. Quite frankly, my days are already long and grueling enough as it is without having to additionally cater to others that feel as though they they have more right away.
n00b420_@reddit
Ditto. If you can't pass at atleast 5 mph min (not .5) there is no reason to pass.
FailingComic@reddit
Exactly. If your making an unsafe pass based on how fast you can go, its not on a different driver to make the pass safe. You just shouldn't pass.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I'm really, really surprised at the amount of truckers that think I'm just talking about me doing that. I don't. If I'm going to pass, I pass. I just get stuck behind the two governed trucks all the time and just wanted to hear what the truckers say about it.
And you are correct - it is not your job to let someone else pass. However, it is your responsibility to try to make the roads as safe as possible. This is the responsibility of every driver of every vehicle on public roadways. If your pride/arrogance ("not my job") is causing a dangerous buildup of traffic, you are contributing to making the roadway less safe. Just because "the law" doesn't mean a thing isn't smart, safe, or courteous. I know you aren't doing anything technically wrong, and it is on the left lane driver to be able to make the maneuver safely. But, why not take a tiny bit of effort in the interest of public safety and general courtesy?
Windows_XP2@reddit
I feel like so many incidents/accidents can be avoided if everyone on the road would just put their ego aside and work together to make the roads safer, even if it meant letting some 4 wheeler pass and do some stupid shit. After all, it helps avoiding more paperwork.
I've seen so many videos of accidents where even though a driver was technically in the right, they also could've easily avoided it. It's beyond me why someone would choose to cause an accident, loose their car and deal with paperwork, just to seemingly prove a point. It's much less hassle to avoid the accident and post a dashcam video on Reddit and say "Look at this fool."
Then-Bet8731@reddit
You are probably the same guy that gets over 200 yards before you need too, cutting everyone off, just so your radar doesn’t slow you down. 🤦🏻♂️
Ok_Bug_6470@reddit
It’s your job to drive safely and not to impede traffic. It’s not your passenger car. Drafting does absolutely nothing in semis except cause accidents. All trucks are setup different and it’s not your business what anyone else does. A cop will pull you over for not letting someone pass. At the end of the day you’re fucking with people’s lives. You adding danger and risk to a situation that doesn’t call for it. I’m sure you can find a lovely gal to accommodate your tiny penis.
Charlie_Hustler@reddit
It's an ego thing. Usually old guys aswell. Something along the lines of.
"YOU HAVE 65 JUST LIKE ME. IDC HOW YOU CAUGHT UP YOU HAVE TO STAY BEHIND ME"
My trainer at NFI was like this. He was an old guy in his late 60s. Dude would be getting passed by other 65mph trucks but would not let off. When I asked him why his response was that if that other truck could catch up he could also figure out how he would pass. He did not gaf that traffic was backing up whatsoever and wouldn't let off. Eventually he'd end up getting cutoff hard once the other truck got even a little space infront of him. Dude would get so pissed and angry when it happened and it happened often. I dunno what the old guy was expecting cuz he obviously wasn't letting the other truck build any space so obviously he was bound to get cutoff eventually 😮💨🤦
Successful-Spinach38@reddit
Why should i let them? I do my governed 65 in right lane, i got my schedule and places to visit for unloading. During my 100 miles (for example) trip i can meet 100 or even more (or less) guys who are passing me. If i slow down for them i'll just come late to the dock and possibly it will be blocked which will make me lose more time. That factors (just a couple) mentioned seems to be small (for others), but big for me. It's all about time of my life. And many times I have to pass 4-wheelers who are doing 60 or even 55 on a highway with 65 posted speed limit, what about that?
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I mean, honestly that's one of my biggest wonders, why I wasn't being a smartass with the question - is the potential time saving really that tangible...
j33pman@reddit
Because it takes forever to get back up to speed and at a certain point you might as well set the cruise at 40 and put on the 4 ways. The company tattletale camera gripes when someone moves in front of me with less than 2 seconds separation so I have to brake and resume 100 times a day-so I’m living this life.
PShubbs91@reddit
Exactly this. For me, on top of the camera talking, If im withing like 1/4 mile of someone I have to deal with incessant beeping and warning messages on my dash.
WMDZipperbag@reddit
I’m not exactly sure it’s really a safe alternative. I mean I totally get the logic (Some steering wheel holders watching movies etc.). But I mean in bad conditions. Most drivers will learn you can’t always turn or brake at the same time. AFAIK The auto braking systems have no bearing on what a Driver could be doing at the time. Chance it picks up on some 4-wheeler slowed for a 25mph exit? Gonna be some rather abrupt braking occurring Could occur the same time you planned to switch lanes Who knows maybe someone tailgating for the same exit or something I dunno
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Be thankful. Not trying to knock MN. Several states have their knacks. Think it’s popo training (tickets). But they’ll barely pass, and switch lanes (left and right). Some appear to even back off to your speed (or worse). Can you imagine some of them folks faces if they watched some clips of cars stopping on a dime compared to say an empty tractor trailer. (Think aluminum van smashing). It’s similar to Indiana, except it’s like in slo-motion. I know it just kills my following distance for the day. Obviously not very comforting. Plus it’s distracting. Taking my time away from being observant of other technicalities by a few seconds. Speaking of seconds. 4-wheelers should have a gimme question on their DL tests which entails sharing every delay. Time for brain to realize it needs to slow or stop. Time for foot to move to hover the brake pedal. Time for air in the valve. (Some clips of accidents seem to appear to happen terribly faster in comparison)
starlux33@reddit
This is total BS. I'm governed at 68, if I see someome that I know can outpace me (like if they are 68 but running lighter load) , all I have to do is drop to 65 on cruise for a few minutes and let them pass. Dropping 3mph over 2 minutes is going to cost you .1 miles, which you can cover at 68mph in 5.29 seconds.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I actually have wondered about the "takes too long to get back up to speed" part. If you are cruise at 67 and then slow to 63 or 65, does it really take a long time to get back up to 67?
califoneChris@reddit
Its exclusively because once they pass me, they start going slower than I was. I use cruise control and it's bad enough being governed so I hate not keeping a constant speed. Especially as a local driver that's trying to get home.
Jamo3306@reddit
I do. And I'm governed high! Also been at it 20 years plus. Accidents happen IN PROXIMITY! The more time you spend in close, the higher your chances are of connecting. Lift off and let them go, or hammer down and get gone!
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
"Accidents happen in proximity!"
This is the saying I've been looking for but never heard.
Jamo3306@reddit
Don't want to be in an accident? Don't hang around. 👍
Naive-Historian-2110@reddit
As a trucker, I think the government should mandate governor speed in increments of 4mph. It shouldn’t be legal to have trucks governed 1mph apart lol.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
That's one of the best takes I've seen on governors. It makes so much sense.
Exact-Leadership-521@reddit
I think 4-wheelers should be limited. I'm already seeing lots of company 1-tons limited to 65 and it's funny. They gotta be right on you to pass uphill or they can't make it in 3miles and then down the next hill my full load can easily speed away while they can't at all
InvstrJester@reddit
I’m trying to figure out why the guy with lil D complex won’t just stay in the back if his truck is only .5 mph faster
pixel_knightt@reddit
I usually get past them, get back over, and then throw my engine brake on so the whole line waiting is free and clear. Don't want to slow down on your own? That's fine, let's do it together.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
You are my hero for today 🤘
yak_danielz@reddit
greatly effective and satisfying
1Stack_Mack@reddit
I'm goverened at 65 and paid by the hour. Right lane all day, and I back out if I need to let a knucklehead going 0.5 MPH faster than me pass. It's almost always some rattletrap POS that has 5 different cab colors trying to do the passing, duct tape flutterring in the wind.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
🙏
Parking_Exit2297@reddit
Cuz I’ve got places to be don’t yell at us yell at insurance companies that demand that shit
shadowmib@reddit
I do. I hate having a truck hanging out next to me.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Me too. Imo, driving side-by-side with a big truck should be avoided if at all possible.
When I am the first 4 wheeler in line in the left lane, behind that 0.5 faster truck, I always hold back enough, matching the right lane speed but a car length back. Then when the left lane truck completes the pass, I zoom on around them both. But I'm not hovering beside a big truck for any longer than I have to.
Exact-Leadership-521@reddit
Just drive! Now the left lane is speeding up and slowing down while the right lane is doing a steady speed. All cause of 1 scared 4-wheeler who can't maintain the lane very well
G0DCyCL0nE@reddit
Funny thing is, I have 4 wheelers do this to me and I'm in an ungoverned truck. Go to pass them, then they match my speed.
Exact-Leadership-521@reddit
I've tricked them into thinking I had a higher and higher limit with each pass. Throwing my hands up at exactly 72 and pulling behind them a few times. Then find a spot alone uphill and come by at 90
WeirdTruckGuy@reddit
I’ve had them do that only for me to just push it harder and pass anyways. Lmfao. The looks I’ve gotten after they pass me out of anger are hilarious
deezkeys098@reddit
We drive 11 hours a day. If we let off the throttle for 1 minutes every time a truck wants to pass and 200 trucks pass us during that 11 hours it all adds up. At the end of the day you could be 40min to an hour behind schedule
RabbitFabs@reddit
This is about the stupidest shit I have heard in a while 😂
possibly_lost45@reddit
Ego. The "how dare you pass me mentality". I hate these guys.
fordry@reddit
Yup, the "I speed up when I get to a passing zone because it feels like a freeway" crowd.
GumbysDonkey@reddit
Get the same treatment from the DOT foods drivers. I know they can do 70/71 but I always run into them cruising at like 63 and shit. Until I get up to their drives then suddenly they go faster.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I will never, ever understand that one. Every fricking day, I see this. Like bruh, you were just fine doing the speed you were doing, what is the problem...
Oob13@reddit
It's a lack of discipline, basically ego. It's normal human nature to not like getting passed, and for the foot to go down on the accelerator. It's a natural reaction, but and undisciplined one.
You see, you have to have discipline to overcome these sort of impulses, and a lot of drivers are just not that mature frankly.
PartySausage69@reddit
As soon as you poke your nose out they magically find the cruise control even though they've been doing 57 for miles
DirkVonDirk@reddit
Personally, if I’m behind someone who’s going basically my speed, I just back off and don’t pass, until I know I’ve got them by a good 3-5 mph. Your problem is with the guy in the left lane, not the right. If you are passing me, you should be able to PASS. Not just match my speed. Some trucks are governed at 65, some at 67. NO trucks are governed at 65.25. Also, is if I back off, the whole line of 65 trucks behind me are going to want to take their turn, and 10 mins later, now I’m the one in the left late snail racing trucks.
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Appreciate the post. Can’t be for sure just how much you helped if any. But it appears sincere & honest to a fault
You and some others might be surprised to know there is some trucks that have special settings applied. ex. 64.5 on pedal. Yet still there’s more. Possibly some type of tune involved. Not really sure tbh. In some trucks a Driver can bump the cruise control for a temporary increase (Might appear to show a road speed of 66mph via Garmin). Basically the truck could appear to be going maybe 65.5
There’s even more variables. Such things as what I call rollout It’s sometimes not found in other trucks OR it is limited. Plus you may see caps. Safety may not enjoy seeing you log over 75mph for example (Max tire rating)
Lastly is weight. I may as well be empty if it’s at least not over 30K in the box (For the most part). Loaded? It’s almost best if I slow intentionally Slow to a gear/speed I know I can maintain and/or accelerate from. Letting each gear wind down? Bad all the way around. Water pumps cool less at low rpm’s You could wind up going thru up to maybe four or five gears. (Flashers on stage)
WMDZipperbag@reddit
It’s probably not quite in my bests interest to share this…. But, knowledge is $hit if not shared. Most recently my Volvo has been bumped up to 68. (I was kinda hoping for 72. But, we did get per-dime added. Can’t have cake and eat it too. Seems a good deal). So anyway. Based on the dynamics of the software. I have three levels of performance to choose from. Levels which also effect my Jake brake (limiting/governing roll-out). Point is IF I’m in economy? My truck will really try its best to run a smooth 68 all by itself However, IF I choose to engage the Jake brake to auto. I can keep the peddle floored w/ cruise and crest 69 for what almost seems milliseconds But it’s noticeable I kinda like it cause it’s like a stamp. Drivers passing should be willing to go up to 20mph over the truck their passing. Only seems right to try an max out (imho)
WMDZipperbag@reddit
But yeah, it’s possible to see some variance in governors. Could even be age of tires
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Bravo on the edit attempt
DirkVonDirk@reddit
Idk if you’re talking to me or yourself lol but I initially edited to add in how meaningless an .25 an hour (actually less in OP’s example) because I KNEW that someone would “well actually” over mph variance in trucks and then I deleted it, bc I figured I’d at least afford someone the opportunity to be pedantic first
DirkVonDirk@reddit
If the other driver has a full half mile an hour on the guy next to him, he’d be able to pass in 90 secs flat (assuming 65) so that wouldn’t even be a conversation. We’re talking about .15 of a mile per hour. Play that out across 11 hours, and tell me how much more you were able to advance your load by putting people through that, just so you could do max speed.
DirkVonDirk@reddit
I get you. Yeah, we all have a laundry list of reasons for why we do what we do. I kind of just whittled mine down to the central perspective of the person who is not backing off in the right lane. The reality is most of the time when you THINK you’re a 1/10 of a mile faster than the guy ahead of you, it’s just their wind steam pulling you forward, and if you were to put a couple truck lengths between the 2 of you, you’d likely not catch up to them again. So you think you’re gonna pass a guy and that’s the end of it but you’re really just creating a loop where if neither of you back off, you’re both just gonna keep passing each other. My company’s policy is 65 but we’re governed at 67. I could pass all 65 trucks but will usually just back off if it’s not syncing up. As long as we’re going between 62-65, that is an acceptable window for me. And I would encourage other drivers to have an acceptable window. It makes traffic smoother and it’s less stressful for everyone including yourself. I actually only use my 67, to keep snail racers off my side.
crudeshag@reddit
Lol why don't you just get behind them if you can't pass them? I'm at 64 if I hit a 62mph dude , oh well way she goes. Not a big deal.
trucksarekewl@reddit
Cause I dont wanna hear that annoying fucking beeping for hours. Also dont want the auto braking to kick in every time they decide to tap the breaks
crudeshag@reddit
lol ok bro
trucksarekewl@reddit
U asked a question, I answered it my guy
crudeshag@reddit
And I lol'd cuz it's a whiny ass answer , pal
trucksarekewl@reddit
U can deal with that shit if ya want, im gonna pass. Sorry buddy
mcmain4@reddit
Most of us on here are courteous drivers. Unfortunately like any major profession there are bad apples. Best thing you can do is give them space and some patience and eventually they will be sorted out.
smiles4Ubitches@reddit
Read a bunch of the comments and didn't see this aspect. Mind you, I usually slow a bit so I'm not drag racing, but, in the instances when we're bucking a head wind I've seen trucks pull out behind me and try to do their limit only to find without me as a wind break they can't pass in a timely way. Usually happens when left lane truck is light. Now add into the mix I'm heavy and the road is hilly. Everything is fine going up, but headed down I'm going to want to go as fast as the posted speed limit which sometimes is 80 mph which I can do downhill even though I'm governed at 71. Now the guy that's light is going to get in my way and I'm going to run him over if I can't get around him. Wind, weight, and hills are some things that some drivers do not factor into before they step out to get around other trucks.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Omg. They think they're a lot faster coming up behind you, but then they lose the draft. How did I never think of that.
CalmAnxitey87@reddit
I do usually but what pisses me off when Im cruzing at my top speed 67 and a truck passes me at 70 then gets in front of me and slows down to 64
WMDZipperbag@reddit
Yeah. I blame the old school Pete’s from years back. They would have the steam. Use it. Pass by your nose. Move over. Keep it moving. Kids seen this. So I think it’s why you see them pass as soon as they pass the nose. Totally wrong. Not safe. IF not really stepping out
Then-Bet8731@reddit
All these comments about taking so long to get back up to speed is BS, and an excuse to be an A-hole. I am governed at 75, but spend most of my day at 65. Truck struggling to pass me, I let off, then back on. Get up to a slow hill and pass him a few times, I’ll kick it up to 70 for 15 minutes, so we aren’t playing leap frog all day. My estimated time of arrival on my gps never changes.
These are the same guys who usually have something blocking the side window, so you don’t see their face committing the shameful act.
And I can almost guess what type of fright they haul. Local/regional LTL, with a set of doubles, or single axle tractors and 53’ trailers.
Someone will blow a steer tire beside them one of these days, and their families will have no idea their death could have been prevented.
WMDZipperbag@reddit
You out here MVP posting brother. Hats off to you. I know you out there processing tons of info for a safe ride for you and others
Oob13@reddit
1) another question to ask is, if they can't make a clean pass, then why are they in that left lane?
If they're going half a mile an hour slower, then even if they followed behind that truck for 10 hours, they would get where they're going 5 minutes later. Again, that's 5 minutes even if they follow that truck all day.
So if they can't cleanly pass, why are they even trying?
2) The reason why some truck drivers make the other work for it, is because it makes your dick bigger
MostlyUseful@reddit
More often than you might realize, the passing truck would have made a clean pass if the truck being passed hadn’t decided to speed up once the pass started. This happens way too often.
StrawberryGash@reddit
Because they just want to hold my hand. I’m not governed at all. I can fly by them. But I tend to hold flow of traffic in the right hand lane with proper spacing. I’m paid hourly so really don’t care about pounding out miles as long as I get my loads done and shut down at the end of the night safely.
That being said I’ve noticed a lot of these megas seem to get a hard on holding hands with local trucks. If I’m flowing with traffic at 62mph and someone comes at 63 and I slow down to whatever, they match my speed. It’s so stupid. It’s why I just worry about myself and not being the nice guy.
Pass and move on, the second that traffic opens up your little mega ass proved nothing and I’m already down the road.
GronGrinder@reddit
Imagine if we just didn't have governing...
East_Indication_7816@reddit
If they pass, that's their problem not mine. I'm already slow enough, I ain't gonna driving slower for anyone faster. This is like giving money to UAE with my taxes.
trickedthePigs@reddit
Because in about 5 min I’m gonna be the one clogging up the left lane when he gets back over and decides to go 62mph
AgreeAndSubmit@reddit
5 miles is about 4 minutes. Is that 5 miles really that important to you, four wheeler? Is the world going to crash and burn for you in that 4 minutes? It can take a governed rig another 7 to 10 minutes, 8 to 12 miles to get back up to speed, load weight depending. When that 4 minutes is really that dire for you, leave 7 minutes sooner. I have another 278 miles to do, please settle down with your 20 min commute. When you're sick of rigs being in the way, stop buying things. Weave your own clothes, cobble your own shoes, shun all items of modern convenience. I'm not watching this fatass in front of me hit their brakes for every slight curve in the road anymore. We're not friends, I don't wanna hang out with them, and it's a public highway.
Leto_ll@reddit
Why don't you not try to pass a truck going .5 mph slower than you?
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Tell that to the governed trucks passing the other governed trucks. That's the issue - 65.5mph trying to pass 65mph.
Impressive-Menu8966@reddit
On my route it's typically 68 vs 70 mph caps.
I'm paid per trip so I try to keep the skinny pedal on the wood as much as possible.
That said, sometimes you just gotta camp behind the 68mph guy because there is too much traffic or hills or stuff going on.
CommonRun7128@reddit
I lift off my foot, turn jakes on, and wait until they are 100 meter front of me. Easy and it makes their day.
MoosiePie22@reddit
As a truck driver I don’t understand why they won’t do this pisses me off so bad I always let off let them go costs nothing for a little courtesy
RoamingNomadSoul@reddit
My company trucks are governed at 62, most other company trucks are governed at 65. I’m not gonna keep on letting off the gas and turning my cruise control off for every single truck that’s trying to pass that’s doing 2-3 miles faster than me. If someone is doing like you said .5 miles faster why even try to pass? You know it will take forever to overtake. There’s a lot of times cars or trucks are doing 60, and I just stay behind them because I know it will take forever to overtake
NarutoUchihaX14@reddit
Because they're jackasses. I dont think this is too common knowledge to 4 wheelers, but most newer trucks(at least 2020), and generally the aero ones, have a radar telling you how fast the person in front of you is going, so usually you aren't guessing you're going faster than someone, you know. Thats why the left truck always seems to get stuck when theyre literally at the other person's door.
Inb4 someone comes in, I know its very situational, but imo, the biggest reason of this is ppl who sandbag and then only speed up when theyre getting passed, just to turn around and slow back down
firemarshalbill316@reddit
Mostly because he has the right of way. If the other driver can't pass that's on him. The other driver can easily reduce his speed and set cruise a safe distance behind the other driver.
Bad driving decisions like yours in assuming the right hand driver has to let the other people pass.
He is. That's why he is in the right lane.
SubzeroWins1-0@reddit
I do especially when I see a line up behind the passing truck. I’ll go 65 to 60 so they quickly clear. I hate having vehicles around me so having everyone pass makes me feel a lot safer
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
As a 4 wheeler, I thank you profusely!
SubzeroWins1-0@reddit
Hey. I drive 4 wheels 2. Ik how frustrating it can be
WallaWallaby011@reddit
When I was governed at 68 and a truck was slowly passing me at 69 I would ease off the throttle, let them pass and blink my lights to let the other driver merge back into the right lane then resume going 68 once I have a safe following distance.
TojoftheJungle@reddit
Or fingered their marker lights
Vaguechicanery@reddit
Basically, because "i shouldn't have to" is the only thing I can come up with. They just don't want to do it. They do the bare minimum in every aspect of the job, and they have absolutely no connection to the job besides the paycheck. Why should I care about anyone else if it's not making me money?
Jak_Nobody@reddit
Odds are I'm gonna pass them again at the next hill because they're heavier than me, and therefore slower up hill. Otherwise, yeah, I generally let them pass once they've gotten close enough alongside me to show that they're going to try and stay consistent with their speed. It's the ass hats that push to pass, and then slow down once they're on front of you that make it worse for everyone, tbh.
Then-Bet8731@reddit
All these comments about taking so long to get back up to speed is BS, and an excuse to be an A-hole. I am governed at 75, but spend most of my day at 65. Truck struggling to pass me, I let off, then back on. Get up to a slow hill and pass him a few times, I’ll kick it up to 70 for 15 minutes, so we aren’t playing leap frog all day. My estimated time of arrival on my gps never changes.
These are the same guys who usually have their curtains drawn 1/2 way across the side window, so you don’t see their face committing the shameful act.
And I can almost guess what type of fright they haul. Local/regional LTL. Day cab with a set of doubles, or single axle tractors and 53’ trailers.
Someone will blow a steer tire beside them one of these days, and their families will have no idea their death could have been prevented.
starlux33@reddit
I'm a driver who does. Though, most of the unconscientious truck drivers who throw their trash and piss bottles out the window, and who use the fuel lane as their parking spots, typically don't care enough to be in these groups.
You'll notice most replies say they do, but in the real world most don't.
bananslickarn@reddit
Cause im doing 83kmh, they are doing 90, they can figure it out themselves if they are in that hurry to gain 5 minutes and for me to repass them in the next traffic jam anyway
ISayBeef@reddit
There’s a 4 lane interstate I drive every day that goes up 5,000ft in elevation over ~30 miles
Every single day I get stuck behind truckers going 15-20mph below the speed limit trying to pass each other who just end up driving directly next to each other for miles
They are often taking up 3 lanes and occasionally all 4 lanes with cars piled up behind them. Most annoying thing ever. Really hard to not hate truckers when they do shit like this
snarksneeze@reddit
Because its going to take a lot longer than 5 seconds, and if they did that every single time they get passed, they'd be doing it 300 times a day. But the real reason is because they don't give a fuck.
bigolchimneypipe@reddit
I've done it a million times that way and a Hogan transport truck. 5 seconds is all it takes. By the time you're back on the throttle there in front of you and your flashing your lights.
snarksneeze@reddit
How dare you be a reasonable, responsible driver and then come here explaining to everyone else how to be a reason, responsible driver?!?
kingsnow18@reddit
I do most of the time
lord_nuker@reddit
I let them pass, i know will pass them again in the next uphill anyway. Those 5 seconds i need to let go of the gas pedal doesn't cost me much
Twisty12223@reddit
Most of the time I do but sometimes someone has gotten on my last nerve so fuck em.
Molly8174@reddit
I do. I can’t stand trucks hanging out next to me. It’s unsafe and they are potentially blocking “my way out” if I need to get over for whatever reason.
Plus, I get paid by the hour so it doesn’t bother me one bit.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
As a 4 wheeler, I thank you profoundly.
Also, shout out to the drivers who hold in the right lane long enough to let me by before going for that slow pass. I always floor it to get out of the way when I see you do that, with gratitude.
Molly8174@reddit
I will say, this is an acquired mindset.
I was once the inexperienced driver trying to pass a “slower” truck in an unfamiliar area with several hills. Took forever, I had a huge line behind me, huge line in the right line and had no choice but to keep at it.
I felt like a jackass and even if I slowed down to try to get back in the right lane no one would have let me over.
Having been “that guy” I can give grace to other drivers more easily.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
Ohhhh man. Those idiots that block up the right lane so you can't get back over are the worst problem! I shut the door on them any time I can, but don't get to often.
Ok_Bug_6470@reddit
Everyone knows who does this.
Wasabi-Kungpow@reddit
Because it would be 1000 times a day. Also because I already cant go fast and now you want me to slow down even more? Also I'm not the one doing anything wrong. If you are going to pass at .5 mph faster than you shouldnt be doing it when traffic is approaching.
KoalaOfTheApocalypse@reddit (OP)
I mean, I also wonder about that too. Every now and then I do see a governed truck choose to not block the left lane, but they are the exception.
hugothebear@reddit
Because the vehicle in front of me is also going 65 mph
Noxious14@reddit
Insecurities about their manhood.