Never give up
I have found in life that a good answer to a key question is priceless.
Patiently seeking that answer is the key. "I will find the answer to
this question" is the attitude.
I drove semi over the road for 14 years. As in many industries, there
is a lot of dis-information in the trucking industry. Finding the REAL
answer is a lot like looking for a needle in a haystack. I spent 5
years looking for the answer to one question: How do I stop a semi from
skidding on black ice? I heard and read all kinds of answers from 30 year veteran drivers.
Finally, I found the answer in an article in one of the free magazines found in many Truck Stops
in the United States. I would scour these magazines every month looking for my answer.
I have shared this answer with many truckers. Here it is for anyone who
is curious. When you start skidding, it is because your wheels (18)
are not spinning at the same rate of speed. So, you need to get them
rolling at the same speed. To do this:
- either hit the clutch or put the truck in Neutral;
- Take your feet off off all the pedals;
- Steer the truck as you would normally for the lane you wish to follow;
- Don't attempt to correct for the slide.
- Just steer for the lane you want.
This technique has saved my life and my truck on many occasions. Was it
worth 5 years of seeking? Absolutely. Keep looking for answers to
your questions. Never give up. You will find the answers. In any business, it is answers like
this one that distinguish those who truly learn their job or business from those who just get by.
Ask the tough questions. Go find the answers. Doing so makes all the difference in life.
Recent Comments
8
Yea I have read this before, but any time I had a slide the natural reaction is to steer, steer, steer. Being calm and in control is the key.
It also helps to practice. I use to run through scenarios in my mind and how I would handle them. In semis, over steering is the quickest way to get into an accident.
Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
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You're right, Don, Never EVER give up!
Jeff