Traveling on the Interstates was different, but the practice of using headlights to "let" others over was common. So was the acknowledgement.
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| Always the right thing to do |
I've driven campers and towed different trailers with a pickup or SUV for many years, and continued the mutual language of courtesy lights on the road. I flashed to let the passing truck over, and they did the little "blip" of thank you. 90% of the time.
Until I started driving the motorhome. I still blink to let them over. No acknowledgement. Seriously. Less than 10% of truckers give the return blink of the lights. In four states, same thing. I even checked to be sure my lights work.
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| Aren't we still pals? |
What is up with the lack of trucker love? Do they hate all motorhomes? Is there some treaty that was broken? Is there a new signal and I missed the memo? What????
On Day Four of the photo challenge I invite Lisa of Metamorphosis Road to join the fun :-).
Galeta Meadows outdoor sculptures in Borrego Springs is a favorite place of many fellow travelers. The dinosaurs are some of our favorites, and I love this big claw.
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I think everyone on the road has gotten a little testy. People cut us off all the time especially trucks. They take up both lanes going up hill so there are miles of others behind them. Maybe there is just less civility all the way around. People seem so stressed. It's sad.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad. We're all in this together.
DeleteI know! I've noticed that too. Memo to truckers: Rv drivers need love too!
ReplyDeleteI think we need a bumper sticker!
DeleteJodee, you got the memo.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, most drivers are in a hurry nowadays. These drivers are the same ones who can't leave their phones alone for fear of 'missing out' on something important. These are the drivers who have to have it now.
Keep driving respectfully and giving the truckers their flash for safety. Most may not acknowledge it, but hopefully they appreciate it.
It's funny, but even though they don't acknowledge I still do it. Figure it can't hurt.
DeleteWe've done the same things and most of the time -- nada. However, every once in a while, you'll get those blinks back. Having vehicles cut you of is very common. No one wants to be behind you and they'll do everything they can to get ahead. We've had our share of near misses due to inconsiderate drivers.
ReplyDeleteI've been surprised by the number of people who don't let me on from an on-ramp as well. Guess at least I can't take it personally if it's not only me :-)))
DeleteI'm wondering if it isn't a liability issue in this sue happy country? :c(
ReplyDeleteMaybe.....I know truckers get blamed for a lot of accidents so they may be over sensitized as well.
DeleteWe often keep our CB radio on while driving on interstate highways. The trucker channel..... It's interesting to hear what some guys think of RVs.... Good thing we don't take it personal. On the other hand, we've had some truckers be the most respectful folks on the road. It's the ordinary person who's out there driving with their phone pasted to their ear that we are most concerned with.
ReplyDeleteOuch, I'm probably glad I'm not hearing what they have to say :-) They've always been nice to us at the rest stops and fueling stations as well. Yes, the inattentive driver is definitely the worst!!
DeleteI suspect too much caffeine and intense deadlines for deliveries makes them impatient. I certainly feel more comfortable on the road in our big truck than in a small car!
ReplyDeleteTrue, and there may be some resentment against those they assume are retired and without stress. Other than not being able to get out of the way as quickly, me too!
DeleteI loved reading your story -- and the prom photo of you two is wonderful. You were definitely meant to be together. How exciting to be sharing this grand life adventure with each other! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurel - we were so cute :-) We are very excited!
DeleteI remember reading somewhere recently that the light blinking is no longer done. Hans (our primary driver) says he rarely sees this any more. So...maybe it's a courtesy that's had its day.
ReplyDeleteChallenge accepted, but I won't be posting for a few days! :-)
Not sure if that would make it better or worse :-)
DeleteYay! Look forward to seeing them whenever you can post. So many of your shots have been my desktop over the years :-)))))
I was wondering if you had experience with larger vehicles. You seem very comfortable with driving the MH. John still will flash his lights for trucks but rarely gets a flash back. I don't think we are very popular in the trucking world.
ReplyDeleteYep, I keep doing it. Maybe it will improve our popularity :-)
DeleteLast week a truck crawled past on a steep I40 climb, I blinked and when it pulled back in slowed down by 35 mph with no return blink. Like you, I've been on the road a long time and the courtesy of all drivers seems gone. But I will persist and hope others join along.
ReplyDeleteI've been fortunate that the lack of acknowledgment is the only issue I've had so far. I keep doing it though - I'm big on building up that highway karma :-)))))
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