Managing Frustration on the Highway: A Truck Driver's Perspective

As a truck driver, emotional management is a critical skill that can either enhance or jeopardize your career. Recently, I've encountered several instances where a car in front of me would perform brake checks – an action that can be extremely frustrating and potentially risky for both the trucker and the general public.

Dealing with Aggressive Driving

Multiple times, I've had to take action to remove these dangerous drivers from the road. It's not just about my safety; it's about the safety of everyone else using the highway. These instances are not rare but should be handled with caution and professionalism. Emotional responses, while understandable, can lead to dangerous outcomes. No matter what the situation, it's important to remember that a moment of anger can have lasting and irreversible consequences. In extreme cases, such as when lives are at stake, it is crucial to intervene.

Using Technology to Your Advantage

I have multiple dash cameras installed on my truck, and I've developed a unique solution to manage these situations. On the windshield, I have a sign with mirrored text that says 'Drive Safely.'

By using mirrored text, the sign becomes readable when drivers look in their review mirrors or side mirrors. This simple yet effective solution de-escalates the situation; drivers often change lanes, speed up, take the next exit, or even apologize with a waving hand. In more serious cases, I call and notify the police. Many times, I've seen the police pull these drivers over just a few miles ahead. While I have pulled over myself in a few instances to show the video to the police, I always provide the make, model, color, and plate number along with the location and GPS coordinates.

The Technology Behind Safety

My truck has an impressive array of cameras and safety devices:

3 Cameras on the Front: One in the center of the bumper looking directly forward, capturing license plate numbers, and two on the bottom of the mirrors providing side views. 4 Cameras on the Back of the Cab: Two low down on the base of the sleeper cabin and two at the top corners, monitoring the blind spots behind the trailer. 5 Cameras Inside the Cab: One over each seat back, one on each top corner of the windshield, and one centered on top of the windshield.

These cameras, combined with communication devices like a CB radio, Ham radio, and Satellite phone, ensure every detail is captured and communicated. If a car attempts to provoke me, all incidents are recorded, and I immediately inform the authorities with a detailed account of the situation.

The Consequences of Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving can lead to severe and tragic consequences. In one instance, a driver's reckless behavior led to a near-collision. The video footage clearly showed the driver's erratic behavior, while the driver's own admission was that they were scared due to my truck being too close. However, the evidence in the video demonstrated otherwise.

One of the primary perks of being a professional trucker is managing your emotions. It's essential to let it go and not dwell on these situations. By doing so, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the safety of others on the road.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a truck driver, dealing with aggressive drivers requires a combination of technology, professionalism, and emotional control. By using cameras and communication devices effectively, and by displaying a sign with mirrored text, I have successfully de-escalated numerous situations, leading to safer and more responsible driving behaviors on the highway.

For more tips and advice on how to handle such situations, stay tuned for further updates.