Doing what you have to....

Today another truck rolled over. With the cab crushed the way it was, I would be surprised if he / she survived.

When I was being trained the first time, it was right before winter. My trainer taught me many things to help survive on the road. This was at a time when the truck and trailer had manual brakes that had to be adjusted manually. (today they adjust automatically and have anti lock brakes) This trick will prevent the trailer from locking up BUT... Over the years I have asked officers about the legality of this. All have been yes BUT.... As long as the tractor and trailer combo gross weight is under 46,000 pounds (what the trucks brakes are rated for) AND that since the trailer brakes are inoperable you can be put out of service / given a citation but that would be at the officers discretion. I have used this rarely over the years for the obvious reasons..

Today the roads were ice and black ice - for miles.. I was just 34,000 pounds - nearly empty. The job got done safely and on time. They say the next two mornings will be icy too. Is it spring yet?