Hi yesterday my 2 children and I were driving home on the low road, we turn up Curtis rd....anyhow I had given the semi driveer behind me more than enough time to slow down as there was a lot of oncoming traffic from Shilo. He didn't begin braking til the last minute....my daughter and I were watching him get closer in the mirrors, and then the smoke show from his hard braking and swerving. The only thing I could think of at that moment was floor across when there wasn't much distance between me and the oncoming vehicle. I have never thought I was going to die like I felt at that moment. Did anybody witness this driver do it? He left a .1km stretch of skid marks... I don't know if anything can be done, but what the h*** was this guy thinking? I got across the road slammed on my brakes and sat there crying for 5 mins, and slowly drove home down the gravel road.

and figured something happened. It's scary trying to turn there sometimes, always somebody passing on the right or not slowing down behind. cops nabbed someone the other day doing exactly this, my husband was waiting to turn and they passed, cops were in oncoming traffic, saw and turned around and stopped him. Something should be done, if it's not semis, it's some idiot in a hurry.

I agree it gets scary sometimes.  
 
There seem to be a lot of semi trucks using that highway. I just make sure I put my signal lights on sooner than normal cause those big semi trucks can't stop as fast as a car or half-ton.

the low road right now is part of the 110 bypass for a while we can hope they finish the rest asap.  
 
Anyways I am glad you are alright. I probably know that area but I do not see it in my mind. One practice I see rural drivers use all the time when they are turning left when there is no coming traffic is to merge into the opposite lane (On coming) then turn . It seems that the risk from being rear ended is reduced to nil. In your case that was not a option.  
 
When I turn right I never turn right off the highway ( same issue --being rear ended) I treat the shoulder as a turning lane( weather permitting)  
 
I simply do not trust my life to a inattentive driver behind me.  
 
 
what you went through is almost life changing. Scares similar to that is why I no longer commute to small towns to work. Give your kids another hug. Life is just too short!!

TeamCanada said "I agree it gets scary sometimes.     There seem to be a lot of semi trucks using that highway. I just make sure I put my signal lights on sooner than normal cause those big semi trucks can't stop as fast as a car or half-ton. "

I usually turn my signal light on just short of the double line and always gradually brake (so lights are always visible). Typically if there is no oncoming traffic I do tend to go into the other lane close to my turn off just so I don't have to slow anyone down. Yesterday however I turned my signal on sooner to give him more time to slow down, since I knew he was behind from the time he turned off the eastern access road. So its not that I wasn't aware and didn't give him the opportunity.

a totally inattentive driver to me.. brake lights are working, signals on, there was NO reason for him not to slow down!! There are many many times i have seen truckers come far too close for my liking, i chalk it down too they know its not them going to get hurt, and yeah thats rude, but who is going to lose in an argument? the car or the rig??

U didnt happen to notice the name of the company on the truck did u? phone it in.. and notify the owner of the company, maybe they can do something about it.

I was about 6 cars behind you....it looked pretty close! I have the biggest hate on for most semi drivers.....most of 'em are lazy useless idiots that are too stupid, or lazy to get a job that requires real work. Damn semi's. I drive to Brandon for work from Carberry and have had more than one close call with idiot semi drivers. Once my Grandmother and I were on our way home from Brandon and while passing a semi at the curve before Douglas, the idiot managed to flip the semi right beside us....we stopped to see if the jerk was alright...he was, the reason he crashed was that he was smoking, and driving without shoes on with his dog, when his dog bit his foot. He started swerving, hit the gravel shoulder, jack-knived then managed to flip his rig in the right lane, didn't drop his cigarette though, he climed out with it still in his mouth. We were very lucky that day....I've never heard such profanity come outta my granny before, and I'll bet she never heard me curse so much either!

That comment is pretty ingorant! You can't lump all semi drivers into one group just because a few have poor driving skills and might have dug their licence out of the cracker jack box (just like some regualr drivers have as well) I know you said 'most semi drivers' but still...........  
 
As for 'too lazy to get a real job' Are you serious buddy?! I grew up having a father as well as several family members drive truck for a living. My uncle even owned his own trucking company. It is not as easy or simple as you think it is. I currently work for a trucking company as well, and let me tell you, all of the truck drivers I know are professional at what they do and have worked very hard to get where they are today!  
 
But next time I talk to my dad or someone else who makes their living on the road, I will be sure to tell them that Bradley from ebrandon thinks they are lazy useless idiots and that they should get a real job!  
 
Semi drivers are like everybody else..... there are just some people out there who should not have a licence at all.  
 
I am sorry that happened to you Amanda. I cannot imagine. As tammy mentioned.... did you manage to get the name of the company? I am glad you are all ok and that's the most important thing!!!!  
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by *~Liz Lemon~*, 2009-11-18 09:40:33

I used to operate semi's and several larg trucks as a proffession.  
Semi drivers are proffesionals and as such the majority maintaine a very high standard of proffessionalism. I have seen many operators turn in bad drivers so others do not get hurt or killed.  
I recently gave up my class one licence for personal reasons but the main reason was I do not use the class anymore and maintaining my personal standards was not happening therefore I now only have a class 5.  
I can recall many many times where persons operating a small vehicle have caused accidents, turning short, not allowing enough room for a semi to turn, pinching into a turning lane while a truck is turning etc.  
I even recall many proffessional drivers reflecting the sediment, "the only good tourist is a dead one." Which was reflected again to their driving habits while they drove in thier office enviroment.  
 
Like everyone else I am glad you are ok and nothing came from someones lack of attention or misscalculating closer distances.  
I am sure eveyone who has lived in rural areas can attest to this due to coming upon farm impliments being transported as well, and only go very slow.  
Be safe out there.

as much as I would have like to have checked his info, that's the last thing I was concerning myself with. Evveryone's been asking the same question, and I really wish I checked.

is ridiculious. I travel it every day as I live in Chater. There is always someone driving on your rear bumper. To level all the blame against semi's is completely unfair. The RCMP should sit back off the road and simply radio to another officer who to pull over. The problem is they would need half the manitoba detachments on scene to ticket the idiot offenders.

smokin said "is ridiculious. I travel it every day as I live in Chater. There is always someone driving on your rear bumper. To level all the blame against semi's is completely unfair. The RCMP should sit back off the road and simply radio to another officer who to pull over. The problem is they would need half the manitoba detachments on scene to ticket the idiot offenders. "

its not just the semi trucks, its amazing to see how many vehicles will fly past on the shoulder at that turn. Without slowing down! I would love to see the RCMP out there doing an unannounced traffic blitz.

I invite you to spend a day in a semi with my husband and watch what the traffic does to semis drivers day in and day out. It would change your attittude!!!!  
 
 

June Bug said "I invite you to spend a day in a semi with my husband and watch what the traffic does to semis drivers day in and day out. It would change your attittude!!!!       "

He is stating HIS opinion about truck drivers. He could also take a page out of your book and reply back with something like: "I invite your husband to sit on my granny's lap and witness what semis do to traffic - it would change your attitude". That sounds pointless, doesn't it? I have a question for truck drivers: what symbol can we put on a sign to indicate to truck drivers to turn off their engine brake? It must be difficult to read.

I am a truck driver and insist that semi can get to a complete stop within one KM. My guess is that there was a mechanical failure in the brakes of the truck. Sorry that happened to you, however that a major truck route for brandon, perhaps you should take a different route home.  
 
I am on the road all day everyday in brandon and have to agree that passenger vehicle drivers are far worse drivers than any professional driver. that bradly has no clue what he is talking about.

pr007pr said "I am a truck driver and insist that semi can get to a complete stop within one KM. My guess is that there was a mechanical failure in the brakes of the truck. Sorry that happened to you, however that a major truck route for brandon, perhaps you should take a different route home.     I am on the road all day everyday in brandon and have to agree that passenger vehicle drivers are far worse drivers than any professional driver. that bradly has no clue what he is talking about. "

I think in the original post it says .1 km.

pr007pr said "I am a truck driver and insist that semi can get to a complete stop within one KM. My guess is that there was a mechanical failure in the brakes of the truck. Sorry that happened to you, however that a major truck route for brandon, perhaps you should take a different route home.     I am on the road all day everyday in brandon and have to agree that passenger vehicle drivers are far worse drivers than any professional driver. that bradly has no clue what he is talking about. "

She stated that there was a .1 km skid mark, which is a big difference. This means that he didn't decide break till the last minute, and then had to slam them on. Suggesting she take a different route home is ignorant considering she did absolutely nothing wrong.  
 
As for your comment that passenger vehicle drivers are worse....your probably correct. However, that does not mean there are no bad semi drivers, and the difference is that a bad semi driver is WAY more dangerous than a bad passenger vehicle driver. Semi drivers have far too much power in their hands to be irresponsible and not pay attention.  
 
Amanda - I sincerely hope that someone comes forward with either the name of the company this a**hole was driving for, or his license plate number, so that he can be reported. We don't need people with no regard for others driving semis on our roads.

If you've ever bought anything it arrived on a truck.. groceries, electronics ect... if these people had a "real job" (in your mind real job) You would have nothing, think about that next time you go to the store! I believe that truck drivers are the least laziest ppl, they drive for hours on end spend hours tarping, strapping climbing up and down off the trailers, unloading, loading, checking the truck every 3 hours, Log book work that is rediculous! so yes there are some bad semi drivers out there but not all semi drivers are like this!

pr007pr said "I am a truck driver and insist that semi can get to a complete stop within one KM. My guess is that there was a mechanical failure in the brakes of the truck. Sorry that happened to you, however that a major truck route for brandon, perhaps you should take a different route home.     I am on the road all day everyday in brandon and have to agree that passenger vehicle drivers are far worse drivers than any professional driver. that bradly has no clue what he is talking about. "

My other route to take home would be the trans canada and last time I checked there are drivers (not just semi's)who are jerks there too coming right behind us when making a turn off. So why should I have to change my route because some ignorant drivers choose not to watch those who are ahead of them and clearly showing their intentions to make a LEGAL turn. Sorry, now I'm mad. And yes I had said .1 km-one tenth of a kilometer, not one full km. So yes that was a last minute brake job.  
 
Edited by Amanda, 2009-11-18 16:04:23

To everyone who replied negatively to my post...I've driven truck and know a lot of truck drivers. I'm entitled to my opinion, I didn't say all truck drivers are idiots, or lazy, but I know enough of each to say what I said. If you don't like my opinion, you don't have to read it!

But didn't she ask if anyone saw the accident? only one person has stated they were 6 cars behind. Perhaps you should start a new thread discussing driving tactics elsewhere.  
 
By the way Bradley, did you happen to recall the name on the semi?  
 
Plus I highly doubt that a skid mark would last an entire km (unless his breaks were locked)...You would have noticed him skidding a lot sooner than the story states. (1km vs. last second) If a truck was skidding for 1 km, you'd have plenty of time to get out of their way.  
 
I am happy no one was hurt! I have had similar close calls, but thats no reason to start bashing all drivers.  
 
Edited by ScarletAngel, 2009-11-18 16:57:20

ScarletAngel said "But didn't she ask if anyone saw the accident? only one person has stated they were 6 cars behind. Perhaps you should start a new thread discussing driving tactics elsewhere.     By the way Bradley, did you happen to recall the name on the semi?     Plus I highly doubt that a skid mark would last an entire km (unless his breaks were locked)...You would have noticed him skidding a lot sooner than the story states. (1km vs. last second) If a truck was skidding for 1 km, you'd have plenty of time to get out of their way.     I am happy no one was hurt! I have had similar close calls, but thats no reason to start bashing all drivers.     Edited by ScarletAngel, 2009-11-18 16:57:20"

it was .1 (1/10th) of a kilometre.

lol didn't see the decimal on there. my bad.  

I posted a picture of the intersection with a ruler mark showing .1 of a KM.  
 
The semi driver must have been going at a good clip and not paying attention.  
There is no reason why the semi driver couldn't see the car slowing down with brake and signal lights on! That section is a flat section of road, the weather was clear with excellent visiblity, and the road would have been bare pavement.

Bradley said "I was about 6 cars behind you....it looked pretty close! I have the biggest hate on for most semi drivers.....most of 'em are lazy useless idiots that are too stupid, or lazy to get a job that requires real work. Damn semi's. I drive to Brandon for work from Carberry and have had more than one close call with idiot semi drivers. Once my Grandmother and I were on our way home from Brandon and while passing a semi at the curve before Douglas, the idiot managed to flip the semi right beside us....we stopped to see if the jerk was alright...he was, the reason he crashed was that he was smoking, and driving without shoes on with his dog, when his dog bit his foot. He started swerving, hit the gravel shoulder, jack-knived then managed to flip his rig in the right lane, didn't drop his cigarette though, he climed out with it still in his mouth. We were very lucky that day....I've never heard such profanity come outta my granny before, and I'll bet she never heard me curse so much either! "

one of those useless idiots.When you posted this(9AM)I was already returning from Winnipeg,guess I AM an idiot and don't have such a qualified job as you being able to post disrespectful dribble on the Internet.I am hauling Maple Leaf Meat from Brandon to the windy city 12 hours a day sometimes 6 days a week.Over a million Km accident free in 7 years.The next time you munch a pork chop or steak you might want to think about who is making sure you got your food on the table.  
 
As for the original post,it is hard to say what really happened but I feel sorry that one of my fellow Trucker buddy's gave you such a scare but the reality is that we are usually much more alert when it comes to observing traffic - in front,behind and around us.I just wish that would go for the cellphone, fast food,makeup,always in a hurry,etc crowd on 4wheels the same way.  
 
With the current driver shortage in the industry many company's are forced to hire to many unexperienced driver and many times the so called driving schools don't do a good enough job making sure a new (professional driver) is trained sufficient.  
There is soooo much more I could share,but that would be overdoing it.  
 
Just one last thing,as for the low road to shilo.Did anybody ever observe who is speeding,passing twice a day to shilo and back.....hmmmmm,who is working in Shilo???  
When i leaf maple leaf and turn on the low Rd I sometimes get passed as soon I turned,oncoming traffic or not,but yeah it is those evil semi drivers of course because we are in the way and toooo slow and stupid!  
 
Darn got upset at the end after all....well thanks to those defending us!  

Thank goodness you are OK. A few weeks ago the husband of my friend was driving home from work on the low road around 11pm. A semi was coming towards him in his lane. He never moved back to his own lane and her husband had to hit the ditch. There was no way this semi driver didn't see the lights of the van. There is no doubt that he would have been killed. Something needs to be done so that people on that stretch of road are safe. The RCMP office is just down the road and maybe they could patrol more often. But they can't be there all of the time. Maybe the speed limit on that stretch where the semis drive needs to be lowered. Just a thought....somebody is going to be killed sooner or later.

ppl are not perfect and glad everyone is ok but i kinda find it funny your asking if anything can be done just because someone screwed up. How many times do you do something wrong in a year of driving? I betcha more than once...everyone does.. Its just part of life when doing anything.. Flying,driving, walking across the street... things happen and ppl are not always in our control... Ps make sure you check to see if you have any tail lights out :p

OMG, I can't believe you said that. Have you ever been a truck driver ? Of course in this case the truckdriver was in the wrong. But to call all truckdrivers lazy moronic idiots is, well, I can't find the words to tell you. If it was not for truckdrivers the shelves would be empty when you go christmas shopping. I could go on and on but I think you know what I mean. I won't call you an idiotic moron, but that was an idiotic moronic thing to say.

bashing semi-drivers: I almost lost mine and my Mom's life do to one(so I'm sure most have seen the movie "Duel" with Dennis Weaver in it:if not rent it). In my opinion that's what every last one of you represent. This was so close do dying that my opinion and I don't give a rat's 9ss who you are or how long you've been driving: You're a bunch of PowerFreaksIdiots who don't seem to give a shit what you may have caused because of your ignorance. I think every time I'm on the Highway and see a train pulling all those cars with semi-trailers on the flat cars that: That's how many less fools are behind the wheel pulling them. Go ahead think what you want, I say go back to shipping via rail.