Bad driving is often the cause of jams on the road network. Has the time come to get rid of car drivers? asks Mick Rennison
When I was a teenager my dad gave me driving lessons in my Anglia 105e. He kept on about defensive driving. “Look ahead,” he’d say. “Read the road.” At first I didn’t have a clue what he was on about, which is probably why I failed my first test. Eventually I got the message and the licence.
Dad was a lorry driver. He never took a driving test; all his knowledge was learnt hands on. His wagons had none of the technology we take for granted now. Stopping distances for a loaded wagon would frighten you and me today. With no exhaust brake to rely on, brake fade was a constant threat for the unwary, especially on unfamiliar roads. You had to look ahead and anticipate the actions of others. Read the road, get the right gear for that hill and the best road position for the next roundabout.
I certainly benefited from his advice, especially when I started driving trucks.
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Denne historien er fra March 2018-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years
