BC Travel for Albertans

[LUCKY 7]

We went to out campsite last night for the Canada day fireworks and our Calgary neighbor was out and we all had a blast. Great to hang out with them and tell some lies and he certainly had his cooler full of cold beer. Lots of the other Alberta people were out. We did laugh about the virus and how it has effected everyone. This little corner of BC from what I see and can tell welcomes them and as when I drove through Fernie the hotels and motels certainly seem alot busier now

 

[pano-dude]

Yep pretty much exactly what happened , im sure he coulda smashed my truck, no doubt, but he was scared already as he left multiple people in the ditch behind him and was technically fleeing an accident scene as well. Adding purposely smashing into someone thats trying to make a citizens arrest would only make it worse, he couldnt get by as the grade was too much to accelerate and got guided into the ditch at a nice safe pace as i ran him outta road. Happened 7 years ago next month. Cops called me 10 days later as well as the other friendly trucker while i was in the states and told me they were charging him and thanked me. Talked to the other witness trucker a few weeks later and he heard through the grapevine that he got canned, just one more paki trucker off the road

You are your worst enemy. Keep posting, every time you do everyone can see the "real" man you are....

 

[Cat401]

I was thought when a truck passed you, flashing your lights meant he was clear of you & and could come back into your lane?
Getting back on topic, I just got back from B.C., Kamloops/ Kelowna area, everyone seemed very happy the see my Alberta Treasury Branch credit card, no stink eyes at all. ( Christ, there's a lot a of water on the North Thompson ! )

you are correct but there are other reasons for using it....Flashing can indicate the intention to overtake or pass another driver, or to signal a driver who has just overtaken that he or she can now return to the original lane. Flashing can request or insist that a leading driver speed up or change lanes to get out of the way of a faster following driver.

I like to use it on highways at night when there is very little traffic....I have had a vehicle or two over the years drift into my lane as they are passing..inattentive drivers don't always realize there is someone coming up and around them....this alerts them that you are coming up beside them...its a safety feature. And yes it is also to help guide truckers with long loads of when they have cleared the vehicle in front of them.

Both are intended as a courtesy gesture.

 

[Cat401]

Totally agree, flashing your lights when behind someone is a good way to piss them off. I know if it happened to me once they passed i'd be flashing them right back. I wouldn't do the other stuff and don't condone it, but he definitely provoked the driver and started it.

says the guy who doesn't hook up his trailer safely ...lol

read up on safe passing boys, its just a courtesy gesture that alerts the driver that someone is coming up beside them. Nothing worse than passing someone and the guy decides to drift into your lane....
You don't hold the brights on....its just a quick flash of the brights to get someones attention.

 

[Cat401]

Not condoning the drivers actions at all. He should be fired, but flashing to let a driver know you're going to pass would drive a guy witty. Driving truck you just assume basically everyone is going to pass you when they have the chance. They should be watching for it

I drive 80-120K per year ....seen lots of innocent, unintentional mistakes made by inattentive drivers. I have had guys move into my lane as I am passing them...it likely 99% unintentional because they didn't check their mirrors or shoulder check or they are half asleep and they will usually swerve back into their lane as soon as they realize the mistake. The flash-to-pass feature prevents this because it alerts the driver.

 

[Stompin Tom]

You are correct, flashing your lights can indicate allot of things, and can be helpful when used properly.

One thing that pisses guys off is many people forget to turn off their retinal burning driving lights and when you pull a bit to the left and flick on your high beam to alert them, the driving light comes on and hits them strait in the mirror and into their eyes like a bolt of lighting.

But having said that there is no excuse for the reaction of the truck driver as you described and like most cases of road rage, the rage is far exceeding what the root cause was. Not acceptable, never hesitate to report such actions. Look at it this way, what if it was your 18 year old daughter driving and the guy reacted that way, it could have been deadly.

When on the highway I always tell my drivers to respect the car in front of them as if their daughter or mother was driving it. The car is usually not used to being on the highway nor at highway speed, they are intimidated by the size of the truck behind them, fear and anxiety can cause them to do some rather silly things. Back off, give them space, go around when a decent passing opportunity comes up, or simply stay behind. One load of logs getting to the mill late is not the end of the world.

 

[Stompin Tom]

 

[Stompin Tom]

If I never come across another one of these I will die a happy man

 

[Cat401]

You are correct, flashing your lights can indicate allot of things, and can be helpful when used properly.

One thing that pisses guys off is many people forget to turn off their retinal burning driving lights and when you pull a bit to the left and flick on your high beam to alert them, the driving light comes on and hits them strait in the mirror and into their eyes like a bolt of lighting.

But having said that there is no excuse for the reaction of the truck driver as you described and like most cases of road rage, the rage is far exceeding what the root cause was. Not acceptable, never hesitate to report such actions. Look at it this way, what if it was your 18 year old daughter driving and the guy reacted that way, it could have been deadly.

When on the highway I always tell my drivers to respect the car in front of them as if their daughter or mother was driving it. The car is usually not used to being on the highway nor at highway speed, they are intimidated by the size of the truck behind them, fear and anxiety can cause them to do some rather silly things. Back off, give them space, go around when a decent passing opportunity comes up, or simply stay behind. One load of logs getting to the mill late is not the end of the world.

I agree...maybe I'm old school...I was taught that way and still look at it as a safety/courtesy...that is all it was intended. And, I realize that I brought this on..I flashed my lights as I pulled out to pass him....but the reaction was unacceptable. I don't know how my daughter or even my wife (when she drove) would have handled the situation.

 

[FernieHawk]

you are correct but there are other reasons for using it....Flashing can indicate the intention to overtake or pass another driver, or to signal a driver who has just overtaken that he or she can now return to the original lane. Flashing can request or insist that a leading driver speed up or change lanes to get out of the way of a faster following driver.

I like to use it on highways at night when there is very little traffic....I have had a vehicle or two over the years drift into my lane as they are passing..inattentive drivers don't always realize there is someone coming up and around them....this alerts them that you are coming up beside them...its a safety feature. And yes it is also to help guide truckers with long loads of when they have cleared the vehicle in front of them.

Both are intended as a courtesy gesture.

100% in agreement. Thought most everyone knew this courtesy.

 

[Pink-Inc]

I drive 80-120K per year ....seen lots of innocent, unintentional mistakes made by inattentive drivers. I have had guys move into my lane as I am passing them...it likely 99% unintentional because they didn't check their mirrors or shoulder check or they are half asleep and they will usually swerve back into their lane as soon as they realize the mistake. The flash-to-pass feature prevents this because it alerts the driver.

I drive those miles as well and used to do a good bit more behind the wheel of a rig. Imo it's more of an annoyance to the driver.

 

[Cyle]

says the guy who doesn't hook up his trailer safely ...lol

read up on safe passing boys, its just a courtesy gesture that alerts the driver that someone is coming up beside them. Nothing worse than passing someone and the guy decides to drift into your lane....
You don't hold the brights on....its just a quick flash of the brights to get someones attention.

Proof please?

Do whatever you please. But don't complain when a driver reacts badly to you doing something stupid. Flash lights at me and you'll get it back much worse. You say "safe passing" please show me in the law where it states blinding someone with lights is a warning to pass. It's something someone who has no idea does. A quick flash? Yes times what 50 a night? Just enough for a driver to snap at one of the idiots doing it.....

 

[doorfx]

you are correct but there are other reasons for using it....Flashing can indicate the intention to overtake or pass another driver, or to signal a driver who has just overtaken that he or she can now return to the original lane. Flashing can request or insist that a leading driver speed up or change lanes to get out of the way of a faster following driver.

I like to use it on highways at night when there is very little traffic....I have had a vehicle or two over the years drift into my lane as they are passing..inattentive drivers don't always realize there is someone coming up and around them....this alerts them that you are coming up beside them...its a safety feature. And yes it is also to help guide truckers with long loads of when they have cleared the vehicle in front of them.

Both are intended as a courtesy gesture.

Drivers from Pakistan have no idea what you are talking about!

 

[doorfx]

Proof please?

Do whatever you please. But don't complain when a driver reacts badly to you doing something stupid. Flash lights at me and you'll get it back much worse. You say "safe passing" please show me in the law where it states blinding someone with lights is a warning to pass. It's something someone who has no idea does. A quick flash? Yes times what 50 a night? Just enough for a driver to snap at one of the idiots doing it.....

“10l/100k with a dodge hemi mixed city and highway”

“No trailer brakes because “I’m lazy”

“ I can stop just as fast without trailer brakes”

 

[Cat401]

Proof please?

Do whatever you please. But don't complain when a driver reacts badly to you doing something stupid. Flash lights at me and you'll get it back much worse. You say "safe passing" please show me in the law where it states blinding someone with lights is a warning to pass. It's something someone who has no idea does. A quick flash? Yes times what 50 a night? Just enough for a driver to snap at one of the idiots doing it.....

much worse?...can't get much worse than tailgating your massive truck 10 feet behind a family in a minivan at 70 miles per hour with all your lights on!! What would you do? run them completely over?? Unbelievable...

...and by the way...no one ever said it was the law...it was considered a safety / courtesy gesture.....something you don't seem to excel on.

I'm not going to spend much time replying to your idiotic statement....but I did a quick google search...this was on the 1st page...chances are even you may have been able to find it....

Now this is from a Cadillac forum from 2008....
In some states if you read the driver's handbook (for state driving test) it usually says something about flashing your lights to pass a car.
It is supposed to get the driver's attention in front of you so they know they are about to be passed and are aware of your presence.
Carmakers started building a "flash to pass" feature into the cars a number of years back. On most newer ones you simply pull back on the turn signal stalk as if to turn the high beams on, this lights up the high beams until you release the lever.

again, I know that I triggered the driver's response...I assure you it was not a case where my brights stayed on...it was a quick flash .....if you can't handle a quick flash from the vehicle behind you, perhaps you need to take a break....

 

[Stompin Tom]

much worse?...can't get much worse than tailgating your massive truck 10 feet behind a family in a minivan at 70 miles per hour with all your lights on!! What would you do? run them completely over?? Unbelievable...

...and by the way...no one ever said it was the law...it was considered a safety / courtesy gesture.....something you don't seem to excel on.

I'm not going to spend much time replying to your idiotic statement....but I did a quick google search...this was on the 1st page...chances are even you may have been able to find it....

Now this is from a Cadillac forum from 2008....
In some states if you read the driver's handbook (for state driving test) it usually says something about flashing your lights to pass a car.
It is supposed to get the driver's attention in front of you so they know they are about to be passed and are aware of your presence.
Carmakers started building a "flash to pass" feature into the cars a number of years back. On most newer ones you simply pull back on the turn signal stalk as if to turn the high beams on, this lights up the high beams until you release the lever.

again, I know that I triggered the driver's response...I assure you it was not a case where my brights stayed on...it was a quick flash .....if you can't handle a quick flash from the vehicle behind you, perhaps you need to take a break....

I am not 100% certain, but I believe it is mandatory on the Autobahn in Germany. Here it is something some people do, but frankly in this area not to many guys flash to pass.

That doesnt matter. As you described your situation the driver reacted horribly. There is no excuse. It is not professional driving in my opinion. As I stated in an earlier post there are allot of dumb people in my industry, logging and trucking in general. It is an epidemic that more needs to be done to correct. It is something that the general public can help with by reporting unsafe incidents. I know CVSE and the RCMP take it very seriously. Frankly if you can report the incident to CVSE, they can make life pure hell for any driver, as well as the company if they dont take action.

Right now its tuff for the highway industry, there is a massive shortage of drivers and an even bigger shortage of good drivers. Everybody wants their goods delivered as cheap as possible, but complain about the quality of drivers. Its a two way street. The problems can be cleaned up, but their is a cost. If drivers are paid more, more quality people get in the industry, we get a safer industry.

As for what Cyle said to you, well I have already stated I dont consider him a professional driver. He drives a dump truck because his personal business needs the use of a dump truck. He does not drive for a living. It is a cost for him, not a revenue stream. I have heard enough of his opinions on driving matters that I stand behind this statement. He makes the industry look bad, part of the problem, not part of the solution.

I apologize to you for your experience on behalf of the industry and I want you to know there are some of us who are trying to make it better for everybody.

 

[tmo1620]

I am not 100% certain, but I believe it is mandatory on the Autobahn in Germany. Here it is something some people do, but frankly in this area not to many guys flash to pass.

That doesnt matter. As you described your situation the driver reacted horribly. There is no excuse. It is not professional driving in my opinion. As I stated in an earlier post there are allot of dumb people in my industry, logging and trucking in general. It is an epidemic that more needs to be done to correct. It is something that the general public can help with by reporting unsafe incidents. I know CVSE and the RCMP take it very seriously. Frankly if you can report the incident to CVSE, they can make life pure hell for any driver, as well as the company if they dont take action.

Right now its tuff for the highway industry, there is a massive shortage of drivers and an even bigger shortage of good drivers. Everybody wants their goods delivered as cheap as possible, but complain about the quality of drivers. Its a two way street. The problems can be cleaned up, but their is a cost. If drivers are paid more, more quality people get in the industry, we get a safer industry.

As for what Cyle said to you, well I have already stated I dont consider him a professional driver. He drives a dump truck because his personal business needs the use of a dump truck. He does not drive for a living. It is a cost for him, not a revenue stream. I have heard enough of his opinions on driving matters that I stand behind this statement. He makes the industry look bad, part of the problem, not part of the solution.

I apologize to you for your experience on behalf of the industry and I want you to know there are some of us who are trying to make it better for everybody.

Yep so true, we have about 25 different trucking companies that haul for us so probably an average of 5-10 different drivers for each company and 80% of them cant even back into the loading doors without being way crooked or it taking 10 minutes, let alone navigate mountain roads in the winter at night. A good portion of them barely understand when we ask if they are a tandem or tri axle.

 

[Cdnfireman]

The high beam flashing thing is a European requirement. Popular with the frustrated BMW and Audi crowd who think they’re cruising the autobahn in their krautmobiles.
I can sympathize with the real truckers that hate this as they probably check their mirrors when they see lights appear from behind just in time to get a blast of high beam. I wouldn’t be too happy either. And let’s face it, the drivers of turban truck lines are lucky to notice if it’s day or night....

 

[Cat401]

I am not 100% certain, but I believe it is mandatory on the Autobahn in Germany. Here it is something some people do, but frankly in this area not to many guys flash to pass.

That doesnt matter. As you described your situation the driver reacted horribly. There is no excuse. It is not professional driving in my opinion. As I stated in an earlier post there are allot of dumb people in my industry, logging and trucking in general. It is an epidemic that more needs to be done to correct. It is something that the general public can help with by reporting unsafe incidents. I know CVSE and the RCMP take it very seriously. Frankly if you can report the incident to CVSE, they can make life pure hell for any driver, as well as the company if they dont take action.

Right now its tuff for the highway industry, there is a massive shortage of drivers and an even bigger shortage of good drivers. Everybody wants their goods delivered as cheap as possible, but complain about the quality of drivers. Its a two way street. The problems can be cleaned up, but their is a cost. If drivers are paid more, more quality people get in the industry, we get a safer industry.

As for what Cyle said to you, well I have already stated I dont consider him a professional driver. He drives a dump truck because his personal business needs the use of a dump truck. He does not drive for a living. It is a cost for him, not a revenue stream. I have heard enough of his opinions on driving matters that I stand behind this statement. He makes the industry look bad, part of the problem, not part of the solution.

I apologize to you for your experience on behalf of the industry and I want you to know there are some of us who are trying to make it better for everybody.

Thank you. I know there are many drivers who take pride in the trucking industry.

 

[LUCKY 7]

Fernie was a nightmare yesterday. Due to bridge repairs it was grid lock for most of the day. Shows how busy this corner of BC really is. Instead of the crappy traffic lights at the bridge the RCMP finally had enough and ordered flag men to help out.