Some of these videos are simply mechanical failure and totally beyond even a good driver's ability (@ 0:51). Some are factors of sudden wind change and speed (@ 2:41). But most are simply stupid people, turning a large hauler in to a weapon of mass destruction.
Intelligence tests should be given to all drivers across the board. As this video and many others prove, just how smart the average yahoo driver is these days. In fact, many states are considering setting a drivers test for those 65+. I would argue that it applies to all ages of drivers.
The FedEx one will always stick in my mind for the "I'm so hosed" time leading up to the crash.
They also missed that awesome one where some fool steals a truck with a lawnmower in the back and ends up being vapourized by a semi when he runs a red light.
>> ^Nithern: Intelligence tests should be given to all drivers across the board. As this video and many others prove, just how smart the average yahoo driver is these days. In fact, many states are considering setting a drivers test for those 65+. I would argue that it applies to all ages of drivers.
Take this idea further. Intelligence and emotional maturity tests in addition to the driving test, every two years, for EVERY driver of EVERY vehicle. Many drivers are just as dangerous as this. Oh, and yes I can see how a compilation of just the worst moments in the lives of some truck drivers should be taken as the baseline average of truck driving. Seriously? Really?
You are probably more dangerous in whatever you drive than the average truck driver. And you get away with having far less responsibility on the road than they have. I think if I decide to just drive my car into a random truck when they can do nothing to avoid it, they will be seen by law as the responsible party.
>> ^alizarin: Can any truck experts tell us why a couple trucks seemed to be just blown over by a wind?
As someone else said, a truck trailer is essentially a giant sail. It's more than that, though. The trucks in this video were almost certainly hauling empty trailers, probably traveling from their last drop to their next pickup. Had they had a load, the load (up to 40 tons or so) would have kept it on the ground. Truckers really grumble when they have to travel empty, especially if windy weather is expected. You can see why.
I agree thumper, that's what every driver should be capable of. Also the guy who saw the truck crossing his lanes and moved to the left to skim past him if necessary.
What i really really don't need to see/hear is some people screaming as they hurtle towards a crashed truck with nowhere to go.
Indeed. I know that the guy in the truck that drove down the hill between the two bridges died... the video here cut out before the huge fireball erupted from the wreckage.
If I remember correctly, he had a seizure or went unconscious because of a diabetic situation.
>> ^PostalBlowfish: Take this idea further. Intelligence and emotional maturity tests in addition to the driving test, every two years, for EVERY driver of EVERY vehicle. Many drivers are just as dangerous as this. Oh, and yes I can see how a compilation of just the worst moments in the lives of some truck drivers should be taken as the baseline average of truck driving. Seriously? Really?
You are probably more dangerous in whatever you drive than the average truck driver. And you get away with having far less responsibility on the road than they have. I think if I decide to just drive my car into a random truck when they can do nothing to avoid it, they will be seen by law as the responsible party.
I'd be in favor of basing drivers licensing on more factors than merely rote memorization of a skinny pamphlet of mostly common sense rules. As well as periodic recertification for all drivers.
I'm sure I'm likely remembering the numbers incorrectly but, something like only 4% of all traffic accidents involve a big rig, and of those only 25% are the fault of the tractor trailer driver. So 1% of all traffic accidents are the fault of a semi-truck driver. Mind you, I admit that my numbers are probably off, but I don't believe that they're that far off.
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Intelligence tests should be given to all drivers across the board. As this video and many others prove, just how smart the average yahoo driver is these days. In fact, many states are considering setting a drivers test for those 65+. I would argue that it applies to all ages of drivers.
The one at 2:08 is pretty cool, though.
They also missed that awesome one where some fool steals a truck with a lawnmower in the back and ends up being vapourized by a semi when he runs a red light.
Oh right... this one : http://www.videosift.com/video/Insane-Car-Crash-Hes-Probably-OK
Wewt for Canadian thumbnail!
Can any truck experts tell us why a couple trucks seemed to be just blown over by a wind?
That'd be because they WERE blown over by a wind.
Trailer acts like a big sail, no keel and a high center of gravity... Plop!
Intelligence tests should be given to all drivers across the board. As this video and many others prove, just how smart the average yahoo driver is these days. In fact, many states are considering setting a drivers test for those 65+. I would argue that it applies to all ages of drivers.
Take this idea further. Intelligence and emotional maturity tests in addition to the driving test, every two years, for EVERY driver of EVERY vehicle. Many drivers are just as dangerous as this. Oh, and yes I can see how a compilation of just the worst moments in the lives of some truck drivers should be taken as the baseline average of truck driving. Seriously? Really?
You are probably more dangerous in whatever you drive than the average truck driver. And you get away with having far less responsibility on the road than they have. I think if I decide to just drive my car into a random truck when they can do nothing to avoid it, they will be seen by law as the responsible party.
Can any truck experts tell us why a couple trucks seemed to be just blown over by a wind?
As someone else said, a truck trailer is essentially a giant sail. It's more than that, though. The trucks in this video were almost certainly hauling empty trailers, probably traveling from their last drop to their next pickup. Had they had a load, the load (up to 40 tons or so) would have kept it on the ground. Truckers really grumble when they have to travel empty, especially if windy weather is expected. You can see why.
What i really really don't need to see/hear is some people screaming as they hurtle towards a crashed truck with nowhere to go.
Several people undoubtedly died.
Indeed. I know that the guy in the truck that drove down the hill between the two bridges died... the video here cut out before the huge fireball erupted from the wreckage.
If I remember correctly, he had a seizure or went unconscious because of a diabetic situation.
Take this idea further. Intelligence and emotional maturity tests in addition to the driving test, every two years, for EVERY driver of EVERY vehicle. Many drivers are just as dangerous as this. Oh, and yes I can see how a compilation of just the worst moments in the lives of some truck drivers should be taken as the baseline average of truck driving. Seriously? Really?
You are probably more dangerous in whatever you drive than the average truck driver. And you get away with having far less responsibility on the road than they have. I think if I decide to just drive my car into a random truck when they can do nothing to avoid it, they will be seen by law as the responsible party.
I'd be in favor of basing drivers licensing on more factors than merely rote memorization of a skinny pamphlet of mostly common sense rules. As well as periodic recertification for all drivers.
I'm sure I'm likely remembering the numbers incorrectly but, something like only 4% of all traffic accidents involve a big rig, and of those only 25% are the fault of the tractor trailer driver. So 1% of all traffic accidents are the fault of a semi-truck driver. Mind you, I admit that my numbers are probably off, but I don't believe that they're that far off.