Reply With QuoteOn the contrary, I am certain they know exactly how much they were appreciated. They have probably been in a simular position and were showing your family their respect.
It happened on the way to the cemetery
There is a tradition that dates back to the horse and buggy days, of pulling to the side of the road to let a funeral procession pass by, out of respect for the deceased and the grieving family members. Sadly, it is fading away these days, rarely observed outside of small town rural America.
And so I found myself at the front of a long line of cars with headlights on and hazard lights flashing, on the way to the final resting place for my wife's father. As we made our way through town, cars and trucks driven by young and old alike pulled off to the side of the road until all had passed.
Part of our journey involved getting onto interstate 20 and this is where things got interesting. Other vehicles were passing and merging into the procession, one clueless slackjaw pulled in front of me and then drove for several miles before finally exiting. This had the effect of breaking up the procession, which was going to be a problem for those from out of town who had no idea where we were going. Someone was bound to get lost and this only worsened what was already a stressful situation.
But then I noticed something unusual, no more cars were passing us and, looking in the rearview mirror, I could see that our long line of headlights had pretty much gotten back together. How had this happened when just before we were being swarmed by so many people in their small self absorbed frenzies?
Once we arrived at the cemetery, those who had been at the end of the line filled us in as to what had happened. Two eighteen wheelers had observed what was happening, and blocked the interstate by driving side by side, until we exited. This small act of compassion on their part made a dramatic impression on everybody there that day. Everyone was talking about it, more than once someone would say, "did you know what those truckers did?" I wished there was a way to thank these two nameless angels.
Somewhere out there are a couple of truckers who don't realize how much they are appreciated.
On the contrary, I am certain they know exactly how much they were appreciated. They have probably been in a simular position and were showing your family their respect.
Darn nice of those guys.
Once again my condolences on your loss, my wife lost her dad a few years back and I know this is tough......
I try to respect truck drivers. Not only for my safety but because I generally respect them.
Most of your long haul truck drivers are excellent drivers. They drive a vehicle that handles more like a freight train than a car and have to deal with time constraints, idiot drivers and huge blind spots.
I respect their blind spots, never merge in front of them until I see their headlights in my rear view and try to give them wide berth.
On top of that, they're just good ole' boys (and girls) and for the most part good citizens. Bravo to them.
Regarding the funeral, at my Dad's funeral which was several years ago and on city streets, We saw a few people not only stop but get out of their cars remove their hat and stand out of respect. That was pretty amazing.
Strange thing is I don't run across funeral processions very often.
The other problem is idiots who don't respect emegency vehicles. More proof that it is way to easy to get a license in the U.S. and our driver education is pathetic.I guess all I can do is teach my children respect on the road.
+1
05 MX-5 Mazdaspeed #1024 Titanium Gray Mica
Originally Posted by black roadster
The other problem is idiots who don't respect emegency vehicles. More proof that it is way to easy to get a license in the U.S. and our driver education is pathetic.
I'm also sorry for your families loss.
Hmm what is decent? Are we talking about your decent or my decent? I'm just curious because I don't want to offend anyone else's decent...
My condolences for your familiy's loss.
There are a couple long haul drivers in my family and I agree with BR.
It also helps to know the light signals they use and having a little seat time in 18 wheeler. I rode in one from NJ to Indiana and back to visit family there during the summer.I try to respect truck drivers. Not only for my safety but because I generally respect them.
Most of your long haul truck drivers are excellent drivers. They drive a vehicle that handles more like a freight train than a car and have to deal with time constraints, idiot drivers and huge blind spots.
I respect their blind spots, never merge in front of them until I see their headlights in my rear view and try to give them wide berth.
On top of that, they're just good ole' boys (and girls) and for the most part good citizens. Bravo to them.
.....
Last edited by Nexus Flux; 02-06-2007 at 10:14 AM.
'06 RSX Type-S NBP
My condolences for your loss. I had a co-worker who was killed (at age twenty eight) in a head-on collision back in August. People were generally quite respectful of her funeral procession, which was much appreciated.
To be fair, I'm not always sure that some of the "rude" drivers actually realize it's a funeral procession that they're weaving in and out of. At least, I would like to hope that they are merely oblivious and not intentionally disrespectful.
Regarding emergency vehicles, I always think: "what if my wife was in that ambulance? How would I want other vehciles to behave?" And I try to behave accordingly. With funerals it is a matter of respect. With emergency vehicles it's a matter of life and death.
S.
Sorry about your loss, my condolences to your family.
I have much respect for both of those truckers, My little brother is a hazmat trucker for an oil well fracturing company. Specifically he hauls an acid loaded high presaure pumping rig. So he is always very carefull. I have heard pleanty of his horrer storys about what ppl have have done in front of his truck. Just based on that alone I always give trucks loaded or unload the right of way. Most of them (at least the few I have meet) are nice guys (and girls). Most are just doing there job, and tring to turn a profit. I am much more inclinded to let a truck merge in front of me then any high end luxuary vechical.
Later,
Matt
Ditto that... that was a very kind gesture those truckers did for you and your family, cam76034. My condolences...
I'm very sorry for your loss. Your story reminds us that chivalry, honor and respect are still around.
Randy (who'd rather be)
- - - - -
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read. -Groucho Marx
2005 Saab 9³ Arc 2.0L Turbo
I try to respect truck drivers. Not only for my safety but because I generally respect them.
Most of your long haul truck drivers are excellent drivers. They drive a vehicle that handles more like a freight train than a car and have to deal with time constraints, idiot drivers and huge blind spots.
I respect their blind spots, never merge in front of them until I see their headlights in my rear view and try to give them wide berth.
On top of that, they're just good ole' boys (and girls) and for the most part good citizens. Bravo to them.
Regarding the funeral, at my Dad's funeral which was several years ago and on city streets, We saw a few people not only stop but get out of their cars remove their hat and stand out of respect. That was pretty amazing.
Strange thing is I don't run across funeral processions very often.
The other problem is idiots who don't respect emegency vehicles. More proof that it is way to easy to get a license in the U.S. and our driver education is pathetic.
My cousin's husband is a truck driver for Pepsi and is probably the best man I know. Anyways, a lot of truckers are great guys and have their own code of the highway.
Hope all is well with you and your family.
Again, I must say there is a serious need for driver's education reform not only in Texas, especially, but nationally.
Yes, it is wonderful to hear something good can still exist in our society these days.
90 MX5 281k miles! - euro spec, Porsche Riviera Blue w/black hardtop, 97 motor swap, vintage Borbet rims, GC, FM shock hats/frame rails/rear sub-brace, AGX, sway bar, stb, Fidanza/ACT combo, EBC Yellows
92 COMMA SM - new paint coming soon...
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