Bus crash in AZ this AM

[guruatbol]

Wow, a bus crashed in AZ on the I10 this morning at 5:30AM. I guess a big rig clipped the bus and the bus crashed in a ditch along side of the freeway. The angle of the ditch caused the bus to roll. so far six are dead.

I can not count the times big rigs blow by me and nearly clip my bus as they blow by on either side because they are wide like I am and they are actually in my lane with their mirrors. Many drivers not just truckers, but cars and all think it is OK to mess with buses. If I have passengers that behavior is so dangerous. Drivers should be careful around buses! Don't cut them off, don't brake check them, don't weave into their lanes, and most of all don't pass on the right! Buses like many trucks are governed to lower speed limits than you think. Mine is governed at 78 for the cruise control and 72 at the pedal in order to allow us to keep up in Utah where the speed limit is 75-80. Many trucks and buses are governed at 65-70. This being said, if the bus is going the speed limit don't go around it because you don't want to be behind it and then slow down to 69 when you get in front of it. Very frustration when you can not pass someone and they are fast for a minute and then when they get in front of you slow down.

I have no idea who is a fault on this one and we will never know as the crash gets coverage but there is never any follow up.

Mel

 

[KBMWRS]

Stay safe out there Mel.

 

[Laurie S.]

Yes, the freeway is closed this morning and I had an employee heading up to Phoenix. Fortunately, there's a back way for us. It's a terrible accident.

I have a lot of problems with buses when I'm pulling my enclosed trailer. They create more suction than do the big rigs and when they fly by me I have to hold on tight to keep the trailer from pulling over. I roll at about 72 and if a bus passes me at 75, it does that. The big rigs have to be doing 85+ to do that to me.

I went down to Mexico over the weekend to go scuba diving and had a lot of problems with tandems and buses down there, especially on the curves. There are no shoulders on that road, just a dropoff and my F-250 is a tad on the wide side so when the larger vehicles are riding the centerline it makes it very scary. I really hate tandems and couldn't believe the triples in Utah.

I always give big rigs and buses a lot of room when I pass, both sideways and when I pull back in. I just wish the favor were returned a lot more. Don't even get me going on people driving cars.....

 

[guruatbol]

Laurie, I am not sure if you flash to tell them they are clear to move over in front of you, but that helps me. I usually will wait a while until I see if the other vehicle will flash me over.

I think the bottom line is we all need to be courteous on the road.

It is funny, but in Vancouver, Canada it is the law that buses have the right of way. People there will stop traffic to let you in ar a short merge ramp on to the freeway. Here they sped up to prevent you from getting in front of them.

I for one try to let in the big guys, then I can always go around them later. It only costs me a few minutes.

I didn't realize there was more suction from a bus....I never felt it with my trailer, but it is open and not as long as yours. It is good to know, I can pass more carefully when going by an enclosed trailer.

Mel

 

[Laurie S.]

Yep, I'm a flasher.

I always look for flashing lights when pulling back in, but don't always get them. I run a CB, too, so sometimes a driver will use that, or I will.

I always give much more space than what may be needed, but I'd rather be safe. Once I see the front of a vehicle in my passenger side mirror I know I'm clear, but don't pull over until I go a couple more lengths (i.e., "things in your mirror are closer than what they appear"). I really hate the idiot drivers (not big rigs or buses) that cut back in so close it looks like you're going to lose your fender. And, it always happens when there's no one behind them. Go figure.

 

[RapidRabbit]

we had a 38 car pile up this morning on the Highway here. Fog was the cause.

 

[SELLERSRODSHOP]

Yep, I'm a flasher.

watch it, laurie. some of these guys will say "without pics, it didn't happen" :lol :lol

i always look out for the trucks & busses on the road. i'll even let off the gas a little so they can get back over if starting up a hill so they don't get hung out in the fast lane. guess having an uncle who drove for greyhound & friends who drive big trucks for a living has always kept me aware of what they face with cars dashing around.