My life as a truck driver.
Posted 06-07-2008 at 06:35 AM by Urban Wheeler
Last weekend I was on my way home from Tennessee when we stopped at a rest area in Kentucky. As I walked around stretching my legs I was reminded of an incident that could have resulted in mayhem, angry truck drivers, and a large towing bill...
I had stopped at a rest area for a mid day nap. It was a nice day so I shut off the truck and opened the vents for the fresh air. I don't know how long I slept, but when I woke I went inside to the restroom and then to the vending machines. I returned to the truck and turned the key. Nothing. In my relief to take a nap I had neglected to unplug my cooler, which drained the batteries. Now here I was, in a truck that wouldn't start, not much money, and a need to get moving. Fortunately two things were in my favor, I had enough air to release the brakes and the parking lot was on a downhill slope. Now, I could call for a service truck to come out and give me a jump start for a couple hundred bucks, or I could try to roll down the hill and pop the clutch. The only thing about option two is if someone pulls out in front of me, or someone walks out in front of me and I have to stop.
I decided to risk it. I turned the key on, put the trans in 3rd and released the brake. Once I go to a good speed I let the clutch out and the motor fired right up. I was relieved. If it hadn't started I didn't know if I'd have enough hill to get rolling again or not, and I didn't want to block the exit.
I had stopped at a rest area for a mid day nap. It was a nice day so I shut off the truck and opened the vents for the fresh air. I don't know how long I slept, but when I woke I went inside to the restroom and then to the vending machines. I returned to the truck and turned the key. Nothing. In my relief to take a nap I had neglected to unplug my cooler, which drained the batteries. Now here I was, in a truck that wouldn't start, not much money, and a need to get moving. Fortunately two things were in my favor, I had enough air to release the brakes and the parking lot was on a downhill slope. Now, I could call for a service truck to come out and give me a jump start for a couple hundred bucks, or I could try to roll down the hill and pop the clutch. The only thing about option two is if someone pulls out in front of me, or someone walks out in front of me and I have to stop.
I decided to risk it. I turned the key on, put the trans in 3rd and released the brake. Once I go to a good speed I let the clutch out and the motor fired right up. I was relieved. If it hadn't started I didn't know if I'd have enough hill to get rolling again or not, and I didn't want to block the exit.
Total Comments 0
