18-Wheelers on L.A. Freeways

I'll bet you think this ramble is going to be about how I hate those 18-wheelers driving on L.A. freeways.  WRONG!

In fact, I actually don't mind driving with them, --with the exception of the gravel haulers who tend to crack your windshield with lost bits of their load. For the most part, truckers on L.A. freeways are more polite than those of us zipping around, getting from A to B. 

This ramble is targeted at all of the impolite, inconsiderate dorks out there that need to lose their license for a few weeks to teach them a lesson.

First of all, truckers don't just pull into your lane.  They signal - why? Because their rigs cost as much as your house, they need to get their haul to the final destination to get paid, and in most truck wrecks - people die.  They don't want that.

Next, truckers are stuck in the slow lane, plus one for passing.  California does not allow truckers to drive in the "hammer lane".  That's sucks, huh?  How would you like to be stuck in the slow lane - time is money right?  That's the exact reason you are cutting them off in the - right?  Who has more patience and driving experience?  Truckers do.  Who initiates 71% of big-rig related accidents?  Cars do!

So let's all learn some manners when sharing the road with our big brothers out there:

1. Be cool - be predictable.. don't change lanes or cut them off. Believe it or not, if you signal, they will let you over. 
    
2. Be cool - let them over.  If you see a truck signaling, it's a half hearted appeal to our repressed politeness. Slow down, and blink your headlights (or a couple quick flashes of your high beams) and watch as that truck magically moves over.  In most cases, non-L.A. based truckers will flash their parking lights to say thank you.
    
3. How many times have you heard this one, "if you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you.  Trucks can't look out their rear window, like you do.  They use their mirrors, like YOU are supposed to! If you can't see the driver in the rig's mirror, they can't see you either.  If you are "drafting them" or tailgating and then cut over because they are going too slow - you run the risk of them changing lanes with you...they didn't know you were there.  It's your fault, put the finger away and pay attention to the road.
    
4. Never drive right next to truck when there are multiple open lanes. This way, anyone can switch lanes at any time. Also, you never know when the slow lane will be forced to merge into the next lane.
    
5. On the streets...if a truck is not in a turn lane, but is signaling to turn, chances are he needs a wider turn radius.  Slow down, give him a headlight flash and let him make his turn.  Total time added to your commute: 17 seconds.  You spend that driving around the parking lot looking for the parking space closest to the door.
    
6. Lastly, get on the freeway "at speed".  Stop getting on the freeway at 25mph.  Hello?! You are entering the truck lane where you know everybody is doing at least 55mph.  Why are you crawling along.  Get in there.  They see you coming and have adjusted for you, but not at a snail's pace.