In my experience, it's the car drivers acting inconsiderate and reckless, much more than truck drivers.

My Dad was a truck driver and it goes both ways. There are just as many rude drivers out there cutting off trucks etc. People don't realize that there are many blind spots for truckers. Being a truck driver is hard, long work and those drivers are the ones delivering essential stuff to all of us. Everyone just needs to be more considerate on the roadway system and look out for each other.

maybe time presssure put on them

99% of the truck drivers are doing this, I am terrify to drive from Dandenong to Sydenham, they are using all the freeway's lanes, pushing you from behind, under the excuse that they have a job to do, like everybody else is on the road for fun or going on a holiday. In Europe, they have to drive only on the lane dedicated for them and at the speed specific for them.

Then the time constraints are no excuse to risk accidents occuring. And if these drivers are so safe then explain all the accident's that are happening. Do your research better!

99% of truck drivers don't do this. It's more of car drivers cutting in front of trucks and the trucks needs to jack their brakes on. It's very dangerous and you can not pull a truck up like you can in a car

Not all truck drivers are inconsiderate on the road some a very caring and courteous

Not all truck drivers drive like this. Remember do not wrestle with them. They are heavier than our cars and can do some quite damage.

As my boss used to say always be a car away from the truck. Asthe ad we had Australia. Never go next to them driving or close to them

In the usa thousands of truckies have accidents. Its prob similar to AUSTRALIA. They have a high percentage of crashes in the USA. Looks like Artie was right to be concerned. Best to ignore those who say otherwise.Edited 15-May-22 21:20pm

Disagree with you Artie since I find truck drivers usually are consodered

There are rogue truck drivers and there are some damned stupid drivers. Trucks need more space and time to be able to pull up. Yes there are some truck drivers hwo shouldnt be driving. You can't legislate for stupid!! Unfortunately it is deadly when the two meet.

Artie, you should ask to go for a drive in a semi one day. You would become aware of how dangerous drivers are. They undercut braking distance, race the drivers on merging lanes. It goes both ways. Not all truck drivers are bad, not all car drivers are good and safe.

Why are they speeding tho?

Oh dear, I know this argument well as one of my sons has the top license and has driven the B Doubles and Road Trains should he wish to. I have complained to him about trucks cutting me off, overtaking me when they are speeding and joining the Motorway and trying to push me off, but of course as he is a truck driver he sees other drivers as being irresponsible and poor drivers. He disliked other drivers so much he would only drive at night between Sydney and the border taking an empty semi trailer down and bringing a full one back, and he was very happy as there were only other trucks on the road while the rest of us were tucked up in bed. I guess as usual it depends upon which one you are, the aggrieved car driver or the aggressive truck driver. Somehow a truck bearing down on you is far more scary than a little old man or lady changing lanes without looking or indicating. What I would like for everyone to recognize is that quite often the truck driver can't see you because they are big and high and cars are small, but we all use the roads so perhaps we just all need to be a little more considerate because truckies have families as well who like them to come home after a days or nights work. My son is still driving, but not at night and not on interstate runs, he decided he wanted to see more of his children. I might say by the way that I taught him to drive and he got his license first go.

I live in Sydney and have done my fair share of regional travel as well driving with not just little daily delivery trucks but right up to road trains too. Truckies aren't the ones you usually have to worry about, they are mostly professional and do a great job doing what most of us can't do. If it wasn't for truckies, our shops would be quite empty indeed. When it comes to driving with trucks, common sense goes a long way. Get to know their needs and requirements and give them the space they need. (I like the blinker Thank You too. You can't always see a truck driver, but doing a blinker thanks means the world and is appreciated.)

i dont know why truck drivers are being seen as inconsiderate i haven't come across any that are

I don't find truck drivers inconsiderate .Just the opposite Cars cut in front of trucks & they need space to stop .I think it would be a good idea if truck drivers had their own lane

you tell me . i hate it when im driving and one overtakes me , makes me so nervous

Thanks to all on this page that is supporting us drivers, esp. us owner drivers, Artie if you knew how much it cost us to earn a living you will think twice, anyway if one upset you follow them to their first truck stop and have a chat, just make sure it's not my hubby or one of my kids

Sorry Artie but I don't agree that all truckies are all inconsiderate, that it for me they do a good no great job, lugging thousands of tons of goods, day in and day out with time schedules to keep, for little pay, Car Drivers don't understand what us delivery drivers go through, especially when you have a place that cuts through dirt, flooded roads, and a schedule to keep and something holds you up,and your pay gets docked for getting there late, If they swerve from Lane to Lane its generally because there is something on the road they have to avoid, being either loose gravel, or pothole, they are just looking after their truck, or the driver behind them, Take it from me mate, if you have a chance jump in a truck and go for a drive with them and see if you can do it. I use to go out with my Husband across states, and we would share the drive, me during the day and him the next or till the permit allows, sometimes via forests roads that even a Cammel will look down its nose at, just to deliver something to a far out station, So until you have been in a truckies boots don't critisize

Just remember a lot of truck drivers are working very long hours. Some of them are paying off their rigs and desperately trying to also pay for their homes and families. They probably are not trying to be smart alecks.

Have to agree with Alan - there are some cowboys on the riad. Not all truck drivers are like this and those who are driving in the outback are the most considerate I have ever come across. Maybe those who only drive in cities should be sent outback to learn how to be decent road users

Over the years I noticed there are a few good truck drivers on the road then we have the real pigs that think "I am big and I can get away with anything" as if they own the whole road to themselves. Although realistically it's not always to blame the truck drivers there are car drivers that really look for trouble that's what causes accidents on our roads.

How many truckies kill people and don't say its always the car drivers fault because it isn't. There was a case some months back of a truckie running into a car. We have far too many trucks on our roads these days and I've seen trucks speeding. How the fuk is it the car drivers fault if a truck speeds and can't stop in time? Some on here need to pull there heads in! Should we not blame the efn traffic laws that allow this? Some truckies are also impatient. Why are some truckies on drugs as well? Why are they driving beyond the limits of being able to stay alert or awake? Some have fallen asleep and killed innocent people. Can't say that's the fault of car drivers is it?Edited 15-May-22 17:24pm

Bad drivers are not exclusive they drive anything anywhere. Most truckers brilliant and pull aside when can, but you cannot taint them all with the same brush they see some horrific things on the road.Edited 15-May-22 17:03pm

I think all drivers need to be more considerate of every road user and ensure they are driving to conditions taking care in what they are doing on the roads

because they big ahd think they think they have power over everbody else

I agree with LaVauney H. But in addition, I do think some car drivers have no idea what it's like driving a heavy vehicle. They seem to think they handle like cars and move around them at will causing many truckies to become frustrated. e.g. When they leave a distance at traffic lights so they can break slowly, a lot of drivers think the gap is left for their convenience and pull in in front of the truck.

I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH YOU ON THIS. I am on the roads quite a bit and have NEVER seen one truck driver do what you are saying. I have repeatedly seen drivers pull out in front of them or change lanes right in front of them. I consider MOST truck drivers are FANTASTIC.

in general I find truck drivers to be highly skilled and very considerate drivers but I do hate being 'sandwiched' between 2 trucks on the road....

They are probably on a very tight schedule and can’t afford to mess about as it might jeopardise their jobs. I don’t know but that would be my guess

Agree totally with H LaVauney, I wonder sometimes why cars and bikes take so many risks pulling in front of trucks, but there are also sometime inconsiderate truck drivers,. all three prove to be a menace on the road from time to time,.

Because the roads are so packed with people driving cars and are getting in the way of truck drivers that really need to deliver stuff.Their jobs are important, people. need to respect them and start learning to use the buses and trains that are provided for people.In my opinion only essential. Vehicles should be on the roads only . with

In general most truckies I see are very considerate but having been round few famiky members in the industry I understand they have a big rig too control takes longer to move stop n in general get going our cars sway n move as well just not as obvious as trucks. N I give them.free access where I can as gee they are bigger than me

Artie G I think you are definitely on the wrong track! While there are some irresponsible truck drivers the majority of people are fantastic! Where would you be without them, no food,fuel, or goods for your use! As an owner of trucks and being in the industry for 30 years we are dedicated to our families and are the hardest working people! TRUCKS KEEP AUSTRALIA MOVING

Truckies come in for a lot of unjustified criticism. Yes, it is infuriating when, particularly during times of heavy traffic they are not content to stay in the inside lane, indicate and move out into another one for no real advantage simply to pass another truck which is not driving as fast as the other would like. That I think is Selfish and totally un-necessary for they really gain nothing and cause other drivers to get angry. That being said, some Motorists are every bit and more Selfish and Un-thinking when they dive in and out of lanes particularly cutting of Trucks in the inside lane which they are instructed to, and most do, obey. These thoughtless car drivers don't seem to realise that these heavily laden Trucks have a far more difficult job if they have to brake suddenly because the car driver wants to get just one car ahead of her/him and they do so for no real advantage - they still get caught in slow moving traffic during Peak Hours. I have the greatest respect for our Truckies and precious little for Car drivers who think they own the roads.

I have a healthy respect for truck drivers. No don’t drive one but know how tough a job is for them. In my numerous trips up the New England Highway to Queensland if I thought I was holding back a truck I would pull over( safely) and wave him past. I have travelled on highways by bus in the USA and the truck drivers have respect for others regardless of who they drive for.

I can only pray for the proud drivers to realize how difficult the task of Truck Drivers are. Just keep calm & drive safely. I shall pray for all your safety, guys!

from what I remember back when, 'drivers' of cars had little understanding of just how big, how heavy and how 'maneuverable heavy rigid vehicles actually are, and as those vehicles have increased in size and capacity since I held a license I think that 'car' and 'bike' owners are even more reliant on inbuilt 'safety' than in acquiring awareness and road sense. It also helps if a cardriver understands that a truckie just can not see cars that are up the truck's arse, or have zipped into a blind spot

I think truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to get where they need to go to get peoples deliveries done, they are our life line for lots of things like food and medicines. We have huge grain trucks and other trucks doing their deliveries, my husband sees a truck going either way he stops pulls over and lets them go because yes they are in a hurry and we aren't. Give them space, let them go because time is money for them. I am sure they get upset with bad drivers not letting them pass or taking up space in their gap that they leave in case they need to brake and they need a lot more room. It takes a lot to get a truck to stop. It's quite a dangerous job so keep that in mind next time you see a trucker and give them the space they require and they need to their job.

I don't know any statistics to prove my point, but I have seen many crappy drivers and most of them were not truck drivers. I am sure there are some truck drivers that have no respect, but I think it's just drivers in general. It's why I don't like to drive. The roadway isn't need for speed or Mario kart.

Share the road people. and be nice to each other. I am a truck driver. I used to do it for a living. am still doing it part-time. If you give a truck driver courtesy to go forward first they will repay you that courtesy, and make sure they protect you going forward. If you give them shits, they will give you more shits than you can eat. Remember if your car collides with a truck, a car will always come second or get mangled up

I was in a car with a friend on the freeway and we nearly got wiped off the road because this truck decided they wanted to merge and didn't even look, they just indicated and started going. It was a very long truck and we were stuck with nowhere to go. This friend almost caused an accident by swerving too. Only time that has ever happened though but it was scary.

I see more cars cut off trucks

Always give trucks the way, you won't win

I think if you do your homework it is not the truck drivers who are reckless on the roads but car drivers who think they can zip in and out of lanes and no thought when they cut in front of a truck and give them less space to stop. You should learn to drive a truck and see what really happens on the road.

IT IS YOU CITY DRIVERS THAT THINK YOU OWN THE ROAD IT IS THEIR WORK PLACE AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FILL THE SHELVES WITH FOOD SO PLEASE TAKE CARE AROUND THEM OR YOU WILL STARVE

Try looking at what the drives of cars do to heavy Haulage Vehicles. I've seen susidial car drivers jump in front of trucks and then slam on the brakes thinking because they an stop their 300 KG car in that distance the 45 tone truck 6 inches behind them can stop in a shorter distance. The number of Truck Drivers I've seen rightly Peeved Off with the way car drivers abuse them makes me think just how placid that they actually are if it was me driving those trucks I'd be running straight over the top of the lunatics' and referring the Police to my Dash Cam showing them how they driver of the car killed themselves.

On the Hume hwy you get what you deserve. I don't mess with the trucks and so they don't mess with me but the number of small and gutless cars that pull in front on trucks is galling. I have little complaint about the odd careless trucker as the car drivers are deadshits.

I’m an ex heavy haulage pilot ! I’ve watched so many near accidents caused by people in cars it’s unbelievable! Some people should only be slowed to push a shopping trolley ! Then you get the truck drivers who use speed to stay awake ! They shouldn’t be allowed to push a trolley ! People should give the truck the right away as there to big just to pull up suddenly

Excuse me!? I think you will find most long distance truckies are the most considerate and consistently safest drivers on the road. It is the impatient arrogance and rudeness of other road users that cause the accidents and other issues on the road! These giant machines weigh an awful lot (tons) and they require both room and space to stop their vehicles and/or turn corners, especially suburban intersections. They also have large areas of 'blind spots' where they simply cannot see cars & other vehicles - just like blind spots in a ar, on.y bigger. If you have any concerns re truck drivers and their driving, might I suggest you do a little research and take a bit more caution on the road to ensure your own safety and that of the truck drivers, too ??

Agree with most on here. Think truck drivers for the most part are great drivers. I wouldn't like to find myself in some of the incidents they do.

Probably because we are all so rude anyway.

Must have watched too many diehard movies.

You don’t deserve 1000 for that subject

You must be kidding Artie G. More often than not its the car driver at fault. I ride a motorcycle and find that generally the truckies are more curteous than car drivers

It takes a lot longer for a truck to stop than a car, I have been on long haul rides with my husband and seen the most horrific stunts on the road by car drivers. Granted there are some rogue truck drivers, but we had a few near misses where car drivers pull in front going down a hill on a two lane bridge, our truck was fully loaded !! I think reckless driving is an individual choice one which can cause loss of life, or severe disability. It is not just trucks driver we all need to be vigilant and use our brains.

There are a lot more car drivers that are inconsiderate, cut trucks off etc, sit out in the passing lanes so no one can get past, pull out from stop or give way signs in front of oncoming traffic, don't use indicators the list goes on and on. Our daughter got her truck and bus licenses in her early 20's and the instructor was really good. I think car drivers should have to ride a motorcycle before they get their car license and be restricted to cars with smaller motors for al least 2 years. Their are a few truck drivers that are not good but many more car drivers that should not be on the road. Edited 15-May-22 10:21am

I drove trucks for 4 years after the mill closed and I was laid off. One thing that was evident was that some truckers were conscientious dedicated drivers and some were just hoons , just like car drivers or bike riders. One thing car drivers don’t realise is that a truck leaves a braking distance in front and the smaller vehicles swoop in and use the space particularly on the freeways. Next time you are on the road, count the well behaved trucks, not the ratbags and you might be surprised

The loads carried from city to city should be done by rail and only local deliveries made by road. Mostly done at night when the rail system isn't so busy it would save lives, the toll on road repairs and keep everyone in work - although maybe in a different job. Its done all over the world except here in Australia where we need it most.

Truck drivers need more time to stop and car drivers are quick to jump in front of the truck because no one want’s to be stuck behind a truck.so it’s mainly the car drivers are impatient.

I learned early in my driving experience through a friend who drove a concrete truck and he said other drivers don't realize that when they had to brake suddenly the whole concrete load shifted and that's why they needed extra room to stop. they do a marvelous job bringing things from one city to another. Give them a break.

as with anything there will be both good and bad. Most truckies are good drivers, however those that have never driven or been in a truck don't realise how much space is required for various maneuvers. Personally I would like to see everyone who wants to drive a car must spend at least one full day in a truck

I have seen some 'almost horrific' crashes caused by car drivers. We were behind a car at a t junction give way. The car in front us decided to turn into a 100 km road to get in front of a truck approaching. All you heard was engine brakes and the truck driver's horn. Could have been a tragedy but wasn't thankfully.

The truckies do a wonderful job

They are not, it’s the car driver’s that are the stupid ones.

That is not my experience with trucks. They mostly keep to inner lanes unless they have to move over. Most close calls I have seen are caused by motorists.

They try to eliminate thoughtless idiots who do not understand the problems of driving large trucks.

My late Husband was a truck driver, he was courteous and could never get over the fact that some car drivers thought a truck could stop on a tack. Of course there are some cowboys out there that simply think their truck has the right to own the road, they are the ones that give truck drivers a bad name.

I have never come across a truck driver doing this they have always been courteous and move over I think its the idiots who try to undertake them going around corners.

As the wife of a former trucker, and have many friends in the industry, I highly state that what you are saying is incorrect. The majority of truckers are careful. Think about this for a minute please - These are the people that put food in your mouth and if it wasn't for them, you would have nothing to eat. Also another problem that truckers have is inconsiderate car drivers that do not give them enough time to do what they have to do (i.e.trying to turn a truck or braking of a truck is not the same as driving a car - it takes a lot longer.) When people are learning to drive, they should be made aware of these things, so that there would be less accidents on the road..

Probably the view of the huge trucks makes some car drivers think that negative about car drivers. Like aberrated scary cognition of trucks too big, hogging the road, not safe to drive alongside. My wife hates driving in the next lane alongside a truck and she either changes the lane or tries to pass the truck. Trucks are Scary Monsters to some car drivers, Like "You bloody truck get off the road and let me drive!".

People don't realize how long it takes to stop turn and accelerate 60+ tons of truck.

I think that is a huge unfair generalisation that tars all truck drivers. There is no doubt that there are a few that do the things you detailed. If you are experiencing problems regularly then it is best to take down their registration plates, company brands etc. and make official complaints to the authorities and/or to the companies. Perhaps invest in a camera in your car so that you capture what they are doing to prove your point when you submit your official complaint. I understand the anger that you are expressing in your post, but please don't lump all truck drivers under the same heading

It is really hard to be truck drivers

Lack of sleep and forcing themselves to work longer hours. It's only so much that a human-being can do, to operate a large machinery.

I don't know, but taking a guess, could be the condition of the road, or they're tired/nodding off or the roads are bad or swerving so as not to hit the bush creatures on the road.

Most truckers are considerate but a lot are tailgaters & nobody needs all that load a foot behind them

I think some of them are reckless drivers.

Only once a truck driver made me drive into a service lane. If I had not he would have hit me. Most truck drivers appear to drive alright like any other driver on the road.

The truck drivers I have come across have been very polite and keep their distance from carrs especially learner drivers

Unfortunately there are a few rouge drivers out there. Professional drivers do not do these things

Some truckies are redneck's tho. They drive fast and play hard.

truck drivers are generally very good drivers, but there are a lot of assholes in cars that learned how to drive with a buggy in Walmart,,, ;-))

didn't Spielberg do a movie about a wayward semi and a business man in a small car ?.... Edited 15-May-22 01:11am

Maybe the education needs to be better for other drivers and how to handle being on the road with some of these huge trucks. More space between other vehicles. But some truckies do speed too much. Change the dam road rules.

I know many truckers and they are very careful. The ones you are talking about either lack consideration or are getting tired or distracted. Just give them a wide berth and be as careful as possible when around them.

Artie, are you dreaming or just irritated, I worked with truckies have tuckies in famiy and they would be the best drivers, unless some idiot cuts in etc. Which country?? i am going to guess not Australia, we dont have that many, maybe USA, Europe???

There are some, but most truck drivers drive carefully.

I have driven I-35 and I -20, truckers are always driving to kill as they know that they survive a crash. They act as though the roads are theirs and no one else should be there.

There are some careless truckies out there...if you read the accident reports. The same laws that applies to these drivers should not be the same for other motorists. They can not stop quickly in the advent of an accident. Scary watching them at times.

My sister's husband use to drive one and now is retired. He use to drive daylight hours only. Had to retire due to bone issues.Edited 15-May-22 00:44am

They are allowed to drive too fast. They are big vehicles so the speed limit needs to be reduced in cities and residential area's. When they speed on highways...they go much too...lighting fast. Would not like to be hit by one.Edited 15-May-22 00:31am

Trucks are big and deadly on highways (aka expressways) - you normally do not survive traffic accidents involving trucks!

Picture your car the size of a mouse coming up from behind you - can you see it? - Well obviously the truck driver cannot see you!

I have found most truck drivers to be careful. Of course you get the odd idiot but never had any problems but also I make sure I leave enough room as they cannot see us most of the time.

Woah, talk about tarring them all with the same brush! Think you could say the same about a certain percentage of all other road users.