Introduction:
In this blog post, we explore the concept of finding power and safety on the road by embracing a slower and more considerate driving style. By sharing personal experiences and insights, we aim to demonstrate how adopting this approach can empower individuals and enhance overall safety on our highways.
From Slow Motion Bureaucracy to Trucking Culture and the Need for Speed
Transitioning from the realm of slow-motion bureaucracy during my time in government work, I found myself immersed in a starkly contrasting trucking culture that emphasized speed and efficiency. Unlike the lengthy approval processes I was accustomed to, where a single report could take a year to complete, the trucking world operated under a strict countdown clock that governed drivers’ working hours. And this clock began ticking the moment they started their day.
Stepping into this new environment, I quickly became aware of the prevailing sense of urgency and impatience among drivers. Whether at bustling truck stops, busy delivery locations, or out on the road, it felt as though a testosterone-fueled race was underway, with drivers eagerly vying for prime positions and coveted parking spots.
Becoming aware and deciding on a different approach:
By observing the trucking culture and its emphasis on speed and competition, I realized that prioritizing safety and avoiding accidents required a different approach. I decided not to participate in these battles and by taking a slower and more patient approach, I found I could avoid many potential conflicts and accidents on the road. I learned to drive slower, much slower as a matter of fact, and now drive 58mph most days. And I infallibly, always yield to other drivers. As a daily reminder of this strategy, I developed a mantra that defied the norm and embodied this attitude: “Go slow, no macho, no uh-oh.”
Go slow: Slowing down and how I arrived at 58 mph
I often receive skepticism when I tell other drivers the benefits of slowing to 58 mph. I understand this because I was once a skeptic too. During my time as a company driver, I had a fellow driver advise me on the benefits of slowing down. Initially, I disregarded his advice since our trucks were already governed at 65 mph. Going any slower seemed unimaginable at that point. However, as they say, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. And so after starting my own company, my teacher came in the form of substantial fuel savings and improved well-being and health from having more energy to enjoy life and exercise after a day’s drive.
Once I made the decision to slow down, I began by researching the “sweet spot” that truckers often discuss regarding engine fuel efficiency. However, I soon realized that this concept applied more to older trucks. For a newer model like mine, a simple calculation proved effective: the lower the RPMs, the lower the fuel consumption.
After experimenting, I discovered that the lowest speed I could maintain in 10th gear, my top gear, was 55 mph. Yet, at this speed, even the slightest incline would cause the truck to downshift to 9th gear, where it would remain because 55 mph wasn’t quite fast enough for it to switch back up to 10th gear. Consequently, I had to constantly monitor the current gear and promptly shift back into 10th gear as soon as I was on flat ground.
Upon further exploration, I determined that 58 mph was the optimal speed. At this velocity, a slight incline wouldn’t consistently trigger the downshift to 9th gear, and the truck would smoothly switch back into 10th gear, or overdrive. Thus, I chose 58 over 55 as my preferred speed.
Here are some benefits I’ve learned since slowing down to 58 mph:
- Reduced fatigue at the end of a journey
- You don’t always have to get over for every emergency vehicle on the side of the road because you’re essentially already slowed down
- Low maintenance driving as you rarely pass anybody
- Savings on fuel and reduced wind noise
- Improved safety due to increased reaction time
- Reduced damage in the event of an accident
- Less engine wear, as it is not the distance traveled but the fuel burned that truly matters
However, I have discovered three exceptions to this rule. First, on large mountain passes, a faster speed allows for increased airflow, aiding engine cooling. This goes against my initial intuition, as I thought lower RPMs would naturally keep the temperature down. Second, there are occasional situations where the load necessitates a faster speed to arrive on time but I have found that with proper planning this is very rare. Third, when there is a very strong wind and my trailer is either empty or my load is light, to avoid being blown over, I will increase my speed in order to draft behind another truck. I have found that the wind generated by the truck in front of me lessens the force of the sidewind as I follow from behind (Not sure about the physics of this but I just imagine what would happen when two columns of people running perpendicular to each other collided and how each columns’ speed must surely slow down as they intersected.)
No Macho: A trash truck and a lesson in yielding to others:
During a drive in North Carolina, I encountered a waste management truck merging onto the highway, followed by a long line of cars. Although I usually yield for every merge, the circumstances were different this time, as the line of cars was tightly packed. I made the decision to accelerate, thinking the easiest and safest thing for all was for me to get out in front of the truck, opening a large space for all to merge behind me. However, as I accelerated to pass the dump truck, the driver abruptly swung out to claim the lane. I had to slam on the brakes to avoid rear-ending the truck. I was positive I was going to hit him. Fortunately, I narrowly avoided the collision but, unfortunately, the load in my trailer shifted and items inside the truck were thrown around.
Retaining power through slowing down:
This incident showed me how crucial it is to live the mantra everyday and every time. The potential consequences of one misjudgment is just too high. In that crucial moment, it became clear that speeding up, even if it seemed appropriate at the time, relinquished my power and control. By accelerating, I handed over the fate of my company and my livelihood to someone else. As I later passed the young, hot-headed dump truck driver, I was so frustrated at myself for having handed over the fate of my hard earned business to him at that moment. From that moment on, I made a vow to never again compromise my company’s future or surrender my power. For me, slowing down is not an act of weakness or submission, it became a position of power—a way to stay in control of my safety and my business.
It is somewhat of a paradox to think that slowing down on the road equates to retaining power. But, when we speed up, we become vulnerable to the unpredictable decisions of others. However, by reducing our speed, we regain much more control of the situation. This works so well for me whenever a situation arose where it was a tie between me and another vehicle I would just allow the other driver to go first. This comes in especially handy at highway on-ramps because there are many times where it’s going to be a tie between you and the vehicle that’s merging. Admittingly, this practice occasionally results in both parties slowing down in tandem, but it is still a better alternative to speeding up and risking a collision.
No Uh-Oh: Accident statistics provide confirmation of mantra
I was happy to later discover that my mantra was well supported as it aligned with two of the top three causes of fatal accidents as reported by the National Safety Council. ‘Speed too fast for conditions’ was number one, resulting in 18.4% of accidents; and, ‘failure to yield’ came in at number three, resulting in 6.8% of accidents.
Conclusion:
In a world where speed and competitiveness often dominate the trucking industry, choosing to slow down and prioritize safety can be a game-changer. By letting go of ego, embracing a patient and considerate mindset, and yielding to others, drivers can reclaim power and control over their own safety and the success of their businesses. The mantra of “go slow, no macho, no uh-oh” serves as a reminder to prioritize safety and contribute to a safer road environment for all. So, let us all embrace the “go slow, no macho, no uh-oh” mantra and create a more empowering and secure driving experience for everyone on the road.