When driving as work truck you must be aware that stopping distances are much greater than when driving an automobile. At the Departments of Vehicles in most States, they recommend the two second rule. Use a two second following distance in good driving conditions. Watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a specific mark: a phone pole, a mile marker, a fence post, any marker that is stationary. When the rear bumper of that vehicle has passed that marker, being counting to yourself: ¡°One thousand and one, one thousand and two.¡± If your front bumper reaches the marker before you finish counting, you are following too closely.

We at veterans of the transportation industry recommend two and one half to three seconds. Four seconds is not recommended in metropolitan areas because someone will squeeze into the spot after one and one half seconds. It is not that we do not trust you the driver, we have just seen too many accidents.

If traffic is heavy or you are in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Don¡¯t complain. Think of it this way. Those are all your customers. We love traffic, don¡¯t you! Think about it, relax, slow down ad enjoy real job security.

There will be occasions in heavy traffic where you will be forced to slam on your brakes. It¡¯s rather serious and eventually you¡¯ll be put in a dangerous situation by another driver. Your adrenaline will increase your heart rate and you might have to clean out your pants. Watch out. Drive totally defensively. Always expect some one to do something out of the ordinary. Something stupid; something worthy of a place in the Darwin Awards Hall of Fame.

When you are going down hills don¡¯t coast unless you are really low on gas. Save your brake pads/shoes. Use gears to keep your speed down. This will help you stop more quickly. Remember if your get into an accident in a work truck you are already considered at fault since you should know better. Stay alert, pay attention and please think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/