Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/306069
14 www.studentdriverplacement.com May '14 From a Trainer Thoughts Editor's Note: This is the fi nal install- ment in a three-part series. If you missed the March and/or April issues, you can read them online by clicking the In The Magazine tab at www.studentdriver- placement.com "I can't tell you how many times a new driver's taken off a hood mirror, caught a bumper, or dragged a trash can. That'll set all the other drivers laughing. Prevent some- thing like that by using your eyes like you were an owl – look all around, ev- ery direction. Then ease into your turn or back. And don't go barreling through a truck- stop or delivery dock area like you were still on the interstate. A tired driver walk- ing into the restaurant, or a forklift opera- tor could accidentally veer into your lane, and the aftermath is a tragedy. Believe it or not, I left a new driver at a truckstop once. He wouldn't listen to me; said I was harping on everything he already knew, and cussed me out every chance he got. He was really hot-head- ed – he'd cuss out other drivers, too, fl ip them the bird, always on his horn. Finally I called Safety and said, "Wish him luck getting the truck back without a wreck, because I'm bailing. He's not going to take me down with him." Safety had him wait overnight at the same truckstop and they sent out another trainer. I got my gear and spent the night at a nearby mo- tel. He wasn't out on his own more than three months before he totaled his truck; nearly totaled himself too. Don't be a smart-ass who knows everything. Learn to stay calm and even-tempered when a car driver cuts you off or another truck's going too slow. Avoid heavy traffi c when you can, by waiting for rush hour to be over, or get going to your destination before it's in full swing. Work with your HOS and EOBR – they aren't going away. Don't ever drive and be shooting the bull on your phone, either. Even with hands- free – a voice in your ear or in your cab is still a distraction. Drive so when I meet you again, I'll shake your hand and say, 'Welcome to a very exclusive club – of professional driv- ers.' " ◆ Timothy Brady © 2014 To contact Brady go to www.truckersu.com or call 731.749.8567 Thoughts From a Trainer, Part Three By Tom Kelley A few more points from our veteran trucker who's a trainer for new OTR drivers. Thoughts 0514.indd 1 4/21/14 9:31 AM