Quite a scare on the interstate

[SRP]

I imagine we've all had our run-ins with crazy drivers on the commute home. Here's mine from yesterday.

I was merging from one freeway onto another. This was early, before rush hour, so traffic wasn't heavy. An 18-wheeler was in the right lane as I was in the merging lane. Even though the left lane was clear, he didn't get over to let me in - no big deal, I saw that coming and was prepared to stop completely if I had to. He did get over right at the last minute, so I merged. Okay.

So, as I got up to speed, the truck continued to pass me on the left. He turned his right blinker on. Now, sometimes I've noticed that trucks turn their blinkers on early when they plan to change lanes, even before they're completely around the auto that they're passing. Well, this guy was serious!

He starts coming over into my lane before his trailer is even half way past me! He literally ran me off the road. I didn't skid, but I did some very heavy breaking, and came close to losing control. I laid on the horn, but it didn't seem to affect him. Thank heavens they person behind me was able to get over in the left lane, and that traffic was light, or there probably would have been a wreck.

I pulled myself together and got back on the road. The darned truck pulled in directly behind another semi and was riding its tail. I passed him, rolled down my window, stuck my arm out and ummm..... made a rather rude gesture. }(

Of course what I should have done was get his license plate and call the cops. But emotions were running a bit high for logic to kick in.

 

[Liann]

Thank goodness you weren't hurt Shannon!!!

 

[eminenz2]

I'm so glad you're safe! How frightening!

My husband and I have experienced similar treatment by truckers here in the DC-MD-VA area.

Once when travelling to WIllimasburg VA, we were nearly run off the road by a truck. I called the phone number on the back of the truck and reported it to the company!

 

[Miss Lee]

{{{{{CUZ}}}}} I'm so glad you weren't hurt! There is so much truck traffic on the interstate now that it's intimidating. I hate it when I'm surrounded by trucks on all sides. And I've noticed that they're driving way to fast. I wish they would devise alternate routes for semi'sx(

 

[buffettgirl]

Whew, Shannon, scary. I'm glad you are OK and hope the %^*$^# truck driver doesn't kill anyone else.

 

[materialsgirl]

OMG thank goodness you're okay, Shannon! How scary!!!!

 

[SRP]

Yeah, it was scary - but fortunately that was the first time anything like that has ever happened in all the years I've been commuting.

 

[allwildgirl]

Shannon, I'm so glad you're okay! How scary!

 

[kathryn]

Shannon,
That sounds frightening. I'm glad you're alright.
Who knows what kind of drugs this guy is taking to stay awake, or what kind of road rage he's subject to?

I think I met this guy's brother: I was walking yesterday, in the street, as there was no sidewalk, but over far enough so oncoming traffic wouldn't have to swerve out much, and a dude in a truck coming towards me suddenly swerved TOWARDS me when he was about 20 feet away (there was NO traffic in the other lane, and in fact no other vehicle in sight). He did get back into the lane before reaching me, but I had the distinct feeling he was TRYING to scare me off the road. I also gave him a 'one-finger salute' as he passed.

 

[Beavs]

Your middle finger would be more effective that calling the police. Past experiences has taught me that in general, police have little interest following up on such complaints, no matter how legitimate.

 

[kathryn]

>Your middle finger would be more effective that calling the
>police. Past experiences has taught me that in general,
>police have little interest following up on such complaints,
>no matter how legitimate.

I think I'd look for the number on the semi, and call the company. I would think most companies would not want dangerous drivers like that working for them.

Though in the case of this guy, maybe the police would do something, since it seems like he continues to drive in an unsafe manner.

 

[Beavs]

I actually followed up with a company and my complaint (I had the truck number, date, time, location, etc) was met with flat out disdain. No worries as I had some connections at the time and managed to find out who was the company's insurer and advised their underwriters of the quality of driving. They were very interested in what I had to say and I suspect there was a follow up call with their irresponsible client.
}( }(

 

[fit_fairy]

Oh, Shannon, what a frightful experience I can only imagine how your heart must've been racing. I am glad you got control of things and were not hurt. Those big trucks think they own the bleeping road x( Be safe on the highway!

[font color= purple size=+3]Catherine[/font]

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[Boybert]

Oh my gosh, Shannon! I am so glad you are okay. ((hugs))


Debbie


Brain cells come & brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.

 

[pwmatt]

Yikes, Shannon! Glad you're OK? Were you alone in the car?


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[Beavs]

Yes, I forgot to say that I am of course glad you're okay!

 

[SRP]

Thanks again, gals. Yes, I was alone in my truck. There was no contact involved, no damage or anything. Everything is okay, though I imagine I'll pay closer attention to truckers from now on!