Do you find it annoying when driving behind a tandum dumptruck on a highway ?

Question

In almost 9 out of 10 times when driving up to and passing a tandum dumptruck on the high ways I either get stones comming at me like little asteroids-pinging my vehicle or sand/gravel hissing as the small particles are sand blasting the paint off .

Shouldn't there be a more vigilant response by police to pull these trucks over and give them tickets for creating an otherwise dangerous driving situation!?

Answer 1

Why would you follow them so close as to get little rocks/gravel hitting your car?  There's a sign on the back of these trucks to not follow too closely.  It also states this in the driving handbooks.  Besides, it's too hazardous to do so in the first place as the driver of the truck is unable to see you.

Answer 2

no, there are worse things in this world then your car getting scratched, next time switch lanes...amazing problem solved. 2 points for me :D!

Answer 3

The law says any truck carrying sand, gravel or rock must put a tarp over its load. It must also make sure that its tailgate is secure. If not, truckers can be fined.

If not get the license plate number and call 911.

Answer 4

yeah, but as the other person said, generally they have signs telling you not to follow them-but yes sometimes they will switch lanes and come in front of me-in any case I will try and just either switch lanes or slow down enough so that it gets far enough ahead that I'm not being nailed.

Answer 5

Any time you are getting hit by anything coming from the vehicle in front,  you are following too closely.   Back off.

Most dump trucks should be tarped when on the highway.   However,  this is no guarantee that  particles can't escape or be sitting on the axle housings.   Please stay back.

Answer 6

As a Truck Driver, I have to replace more windshields than I care too count. Either from debris flying up off the road, from other trucks or it simply getting "sand pitted".

I agree with you. Most of the time drivers that are hauling dump trucks DO NOT TARP properly or their tarp is not secured TIGHTLY, thus cause debris to fly out. Even if you are following at a safe distance you are subject to get pelted by the debris.

The other problem is dump trucks that actually have a dump door on the back. The door does not seal all the away leaving room for some debris to fly out the cracks of the door.

Your right they need to make sure their tarps are secure and tight and no debris setting on top of the tarps. As far as the doors they need to make sure that the debris is cleaned away around the door best as possible.

Answer 7

Actually, the vigilant response is the signs on the back of such trucks telling you to not follow too closely. They can put tarps on the back, or seal the back, but ultimately, rocks will get loose one way or another.

I don't drive a dumptruck, but I do drive a truck, and there are plenty of times where drivers follow behind me too closely, to the point that I could hit my brakes, and remove them from the road and life itself.

If it bothers you, slow down and give them more space. Or wait until you can safely pass them. And by saying that, that means going at least 5-10 miles an hour faster, and giving at least 4-5 car lengths, before pulling in front if them.