Unloaded Some Baggage

Recently I’ve been transferred to a dedicated account for Walmart via western express.(Raymond nh) for 180 per day six days a week it’s not bad. Anyways this isn’t about that. Actually I’ve been perturbed by people flipping me off out of no where. It’s been kicking my anxiety into low gear. (Meaning I breath heavily heart races and so on) all three times (so far) I’ve done nothing as far as I know wrong except for one time I had my left signal on to long. Guy break character me and flipped me off. I’m trying to fiqure out why this is becoming more frequent. Like once a week some one flips me off for no reason

Its because they feel you're in the way. Unfortunately it's something you need to get used to. People are in such a hurry that anytime you slow them down even a second it's a big deal to them. If you allow those people to get under your skin like that causing you to get nervous and hurry, I can almost guarantee you that you will hit something. I deal with it several times a week when I'm delivering locally downtown and I can assure you that you will get used to it. It isn't fair, or right by any means to be treated that way but that's just how it goes

If this is happening frequently, I'd suggest you take a good hard look at your driving. Otherwise, I'd have no idea but it is extremely rare that I get flipped off.

Someone flipping you off causes your heart to race? Yikes.

So ask your self the following questions:

How many times per day is this actually happening; once or twice? Or much more than that?

Is it happening on the Interstate?

Are you maintaining lane control, especially through turns?

When you move out to pass someone, is it an all day affair, or is it over in a minute or so?

In optimal conditions; clear, calm and light traffic, are you moving at the posted speed limit, or 5-10 miles below?

I get flipped off by cars, not other truckers. It doesn't bother me, and unless you are doing something unsafe or greatly impeding the flow of traffic, relax. Do your job and don't allow this to compromise your focus or distract you.

The fact you admitted it's causing you stress and anxiety is concerning.

Hey brother, these folks all have more experience and more practical advice than in me when it comes to trucking. But from other times (such as the gall I have to drive 65mph insted of 80mph) when people flip me the bird, I tend to blow a kiss at 'em! Someone is probably going to go all road rage and shoot me one day, but for now it certainly helps me not give a flying truck what they think or what part of their precious entitlement attitude was violated.

I wouldn't suggest doing what I do, but maybe just smile at 'em in return. Something I've learned about controlling my attitude (or at least not letting others control it for me) is that it's really hard to get mad or feel stressed when your smiling - even if its a fake smile, it's really hard to feel anything negative in that moment.

Once back when I was Target dedicated I had a guy flip me off near the dock area and when I didn't respond he came back and threw a unopened beer can at me. I just looked at him and thought to myself what a horrible life he must be living. Went on my day it happens.

Someone flipping you off causes your heart to race? Yikes.

So ask your self the following questions:

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How many times per day is this actually happening; once or twice? Or much more than that?

Once a week so far

Is it happening on the Interstate?

*exit/enter ramp, interstate ,back roads with a accident on the way with one side being closed.

Are you maintaining lane control, especially through turns?

Yes I make sure to maintain lane control to the best of my ability.

When you move out to pass someone, is it an all day affair, or is it over in a minute or so?

I only pass of im able to pass as quickly as possible. And some one lets me into the lane to pass. Other than that I stick to the right lane.

In optimal conditions; clear, calm and light traffic, are you moving at the posted speed limit, or 5-10 miles below?

My tuck is stuck at 63 and I have to keep my foot on the gas due to my tuck having two codes and my dms reluctantly not sending me in for pms to get that fixed.

The fact you admitted it's causing you stress and anxiety is concerning.

Rarely do I have a full blown attack being in a truck for almost two years tells me I can do this I’m just a tad perplexed. The only reason my heart races is due to thinking they will break check me and I’ll end up crashing into them.

Okay...this is not about them, it's about you and the incredible amount of power you have given them to wreck your day.

Once a week is nothing... Nothing.

I understand how Walmart runs, you are probably doing about 2000 miles per week. Assuming you average 45 mph (because of the local type of driving required delivering to stores), you spend roughly 44 hours per week in the chair driving. Even a really aggressive bird-flipper is over and done in 5 seconds...get the picture? 5 seconds out of a 44 hour week...? Equates to less than 0.00004% of your work week. Count to five...that's it.

You are a professional driver, allowing unprofessional and childish behavior to give you anxiety. Do you believe you are a professional driver? Giving them way too much power here.

I don't know what to suggest ...except you cannot allow something this insignificant to cause a meltdown.

Ignore it. If you are worried about a break-check, slow down and let them pass quicker.

C'mon Man, ain't worth the energy you are giving it.

Kyle I went through all of your previous posts. Wanted to make sure you were the "Kyle" with the job hopping history before I offered additional observations.

I know you replied to my initial response confirming you are operating your truck in a safe and prudent manner. I want to believe you Kyle. You posted the below video in a series of dash cam videos featuring boneheaded moves by other drivers you encountered while driving your truck. For anyone viewing this, the beginning is on fast-forward, stay with it...

Ep 5: Mistakes were made

Yes in ep five I did something stupid really really stupid

I am glad you posted this Kyle. I actually took the time to study it. I don't think what happened in the video was a stupid mistake per say "Stupid" implies a bad decision or judgement. Not to be harsh but it was a careless mistake. Considering everything you have posted in the past and yesterday, it seems you are easily distracted and/or lose focus. You had plenty of time to safely stop before going through that intersection. No surprises. Was it inattentiveness? Was it indecisiveness? Do you even know? Highly relevant when taking yesterday's "anxiety" post into consideration. If the video is any indication of your driving, I can understand why you are concerned.

I drive roads like that (in your video) constantly, requiring laser focus 100% of the time. No exceptions or excuses. You got very lucky.

This ain't no joke Kyle. At the least, you are on your third company in not much more than a year. It's about time for you to seriously think about what you are doing, apply effort to understand/correct periods of distraction and vigilantly concentrate on driving your truck safely, prudently, professionally. A large part of this is redirecting the primary focus on what "Kyle" is doing, as opposed to worrying about everyone else's mistakes, bad behavior and the fear of being brake-checked once per week.

I know many folks reading this probably think I am a mean pr**k, and that's fine, cause honestly Kyle unless you make some significant adjustments, this sort of thing will continue and likely negatively impact, possibly end your future trucking career.

Get a grip Man before you make the evening news. None of us want to see that...

Be safe!

I know many folks reading this probably think I am a mean pr**k...

Nobody ever won a Superbowl, won a war, or saved a life catering to sensitivity. And these big machines have life or death written all over them.

Besides, it's probably that blunt honesty that drew Kyle and many others here (It's certainly what got me here.)