Recently, we decided to tap into the collective wisdom of our Facebook community, composed of experienced truckers and trucking enthusiasts, with a simple yet powerful question: “What’s something you wish the general public understood about trucking?”
We received tons of comments, revealing a wealth of insights and untold stories that shed light on the realities of life behind the wheel.
One repeating theme echoed through the comments, forming the core of this discussion: the urgent need for better understanding and awareness on the road. It became evident that, above all else, truckers really want others to recognize their need for space – a vital factor for ensuring safety on highways. From extended stopping distances and wider turning radii to larger blind spots, truckers are not only vigilant protectors of our roads but also bearers of a crucial message: Give us space, and give us some respect.
Below, we are delighted to share some of the insightful answers and perspectives that emerged from our Facebook poll, serving as a reminder that there’s much more to trucking than meets the eye. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare to embark on a journey that unveils the hidden truths, challenges, and triumphs experienced by those who dedicate their lives to the open road.
“Respect them as hard working people” – Lois M.
“Do not try to pass us when we swing wide for a turn. Let us complete that turn!!” – Allen L.
“Give them room and respect on the road.” – Donna VT
“How long it takes to stop” – Valerie R.
“The road belongs to everyone. Stop thinking you own it. Share with respect and be gracious.” – Marijke B.
“The dedication and sacrifice it requires!!” – Doug M.
“Give us some distance and space please!” David B.
“RESPECT!! GIVE US SOME DISTANCE AND SPACE PLEASE!” – Judith R.
“Stopping distance” – Wayne D.
“How to merge onto the highway” – Clara H.
“How to merge” – Mark P.
“Lane procedure” – Kevin N.
“Accelerate on a acceleration ramp” – Matt G.
“Have patience. We have been patient with you” – Roger C.
“Braking distance. We need room.” – Johnny C.
“They weigh a lot and can’t stop on a dime.” – Dee D.
“They can not stop in an instant!!! Give them room.” – Tamara M.
“An 18 wheeler traveling at highway speed is equivalent to about 12 stampeding elephants.” – Delphine H.
“Keep out of our right side, we make wide turns, don’t try to pass us in the same lane we’re going into, don’t cut us off we can’t stop on a dime.” – Kim W.
“Trucking is more than just a job. To most of us it is a lifestyle, but at the same time, we have a job to do just like everybody else. We have a family that we are providing for, and we just want to be able to make it home to see that family, just like they do.” – Mike P.
“I wish they understood that everything they have is because a Truck Driver picked it up and delivered it to one place or another. We are the lifeblood of America. Most of their lives would end if it wasn’t for the Truck Driver.” – Larry B.
“They can’t stop on a dime and they need extra room when making turns!” – Kathy K.S.
“Everything we do out here is not that easy! Trying to stay on schedule, dealing with shippers, trying to find places to park, the traffic, etc, etc, i wish the general public could spend a week with us, and see what we deal with on a daily basis, hopefully their attitude would change!” – Michael J.
“That we are big and need room to do everything. Please be patient.” – Tom B.
“It’s hard for us to come to a stop. Especially when loaded. I pull smooth bore tankers. If you brake check me, I can hit the brakes all I want. That load is going to surge forward and push me into you.” – Rodger O.
“That they are someone’s husband, wife, mother, father, child… they work their butts off, often living on the road away from their families for weeks, doing a dangerous job, all so we get our toilet paper, hamburger, batteries, lumber, medicine.. you name it. Show some respect and kindness. ❤️” – Gwenevere M.
“All we want is to go home safe to our family.” – James G.
As we wrap this up, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the members of our Facebook community who generously shared their invaluable insights and experiences. We hope your contributions will help to shed light on the often-unseen realities of the trucking industry and help bridge the gap between truckers and the general public.
We hope that by highlighting just a glimpse of the responses received, we have offered a fresh perspective and sparked a sense of understanding among our readers. It is essential to remember that the answers shared here represent only a fraction of the comments we received on our post.
To explore the full spectrum of responses and engage in meaningful discussions, we encourage you to visit the original Facebook post, where the trucking community’s voices continue to resonate. Together, let us strive for a safer, more harmonious relationship between those behind the wheel and those who share the road with them.
