This is post is for all those cars out on the interstates. Stop trying to save on fuel usage by drafting big rig trucks. This isn’t NASCAR and you are not that good of a driver to be drafting a 600 hp 55,000 pound truck traveling at 65 miles per hour. It is truely amazing what some people will do to save a couple pennies on the cost of gasoline.
Keeping your car 10 feet from the back of a big rig truck traveling at 65 mph is just plain dumb. Yes you may pick up a couple of extra miles on your gas usage but look at the obvious dangers. The driver cannot see you when you are that close and a sudden braking action by the truck will most likely cause the car to slam into the rear of the truck among other potential dangers.
There are a lot of dumb things a car driver can do on the road and this is probably at the top of the list. Truck drivers need to stay alert for the four wheeler who thinks he is a race car driver and will pull this kind of trick.
January 10, 2009 at 6:30 am
You have some points. But your 10′ distance at 65 mph is not a requirement. According to Mythbusters one gets 10 % at 100′, 20 % at 50′ with 55 mph. Probably more at higher speeds. I see trucks driving > 75 mph.
And – who breaks faster? A 20 ton truck or a 1 1/2 ton car?
And – who gets damaged more – truck or car?
So, what’s your concern here? If people want to be stupid you sure can’t prevent them.
I suspect that the truck may have some benefit, if a car takes out some of the turbulence behind.
What I find ridiculous – which I have witnessed – truck swerving across lanes and other dangerous manoevers to get rid of suspected “drafters”. If I witness such stuff, I take pictures and videos if possible and report them.
As a contrary opinion to yours – if the overall carbon output can be reduced in some way over a long distance trip – 1000 miles or so – it benefits everyone. I think it’s worth trying.
May 25, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Semi drivers should be concerned with driving their 40 tons and what’s ahead of them, not behind them. I’ve distance drafted trucks keeping a car length per 10mph back only to have them slam on their brakes and/or pull over on the shoulder to “shake” me. I’m always chuckling at how they are willing to sacrifice their fuel by stopping and both times they pulled that stunt 1/8 mile from where I was exiting anyway.