I haven't driven long haul in a number of years, though, I have run the upper midwest. Similar experiences, but home more often. I've wondered if I'd ever want to go long haulin' again, as this Nation IS beautiful, and there are many interesting people you meet. Then, I drive to Louisiana in my car to see family while on vacation, and my question is answered. A resounding HELL NO! Just that little 2200 mile jaunt is enough to convince me.
I've been a professional driver since 1989. I've been blessed to be quite good at it. I do the same thing I do at any job I've held. I give my best at all times. I pay attention to detail, and try to be as safe as I can as there is little room for error when driving big truck, and a 'little error' can cost a number of people to lose their lives. When I first got into the industry, many drivers thought that way. We took pride in that we didn't drive like the average 'Four Wheeler'. In other words, like a completely clueless moron, ignorant of anything resembling common sense or courtesy behind the wheel. Well, truckers, in general, can't say that any more. If anything, they are getting as bad. This is not a good thing, as the average four wheeler has gotten worse.
In my 17 hours down, and 17 hours back, I nearly got hit about 4-6 times an hour. Why? Simple. Too many seem to think they're race car drivers. Speed limits matter not. Tailgating matters not. Getting so close to the car ahead of you that you almost scrape the paint off when pulling out to pass matters not.Texting while driving matters not. There are enough dangers on the highways from animals, bad pavement, and weather. Add to that mix a growing population of beyond the pale, entitled dumbasses to the mix, and it can be pretty stressful driving.
Many of the Truck drivers I witnessed were not much better. In Missouri, I had one so close, I could only see the horizontal lines of his grille in my rear view mirror. I've bitched about my fellow drivers before, and rightly so. I've come to hold a large number in contempt. I no longer automatically assume a four wheeler did something dumb in front of the semi to cause the wreck. Now, it's just as likely the trucker was at fault. It's only going to get worse as our society continues it's decline. Yes, they are related. The decline of a society slowly infects every aspect of it, rotting from within. We see this in every area of our lives. From the declining respect for life, to politics, to the declining respect for Law. Until we repent, turn away, it will only get worse.
