Risky Nights on the Road: My Scariest Truck Driving Experiences

Driving trucks, especially in challenging conditions, can be an intense and sometimes terrifying experience. In this article, I share some of the most frightening nights I've had behind the wheel, including a harrowing experience in a blizzard and a night during a thunderstorm in the middle of oil country.

Blizzard Encounter in Canada

One particularly scary night involved driving through a blizzard in Canada. While traveling on Highway 66 near Verdigris, Oklahoma, my truck experienced a tire going off the road during heavy concrete hauling. In a mixer truck, this could easily lead to a catastrophic flip. Instead of reacting instinctively to steer back onto the road, the correct procedure involves braking cautiously and then gradually getting back on the road, which I followed to avoid disaster.

High-Traffic Hazmat Truck Driving

During my younger days, around the early 1970s, I drove hazardous material (HazMat) trucks, primarily bulk tankers for crude oil and diesel fuel. My employer, a small trucking company in western Kansas, was run by an alcoholic and his underaged son, making for an unconventional start. My primary job was to transport crude oil between various wells and a pipeline head. These jobs required me to drive through challenging conditions and navigate unfamiliar territories on my own.

Stormy Night in Palco, Kansas

A particularly nerve-wracking night unfolded around 3 AM while driving to a wellhead in Palco, Kansas. A storm was brewing on the horizon, and I was faced with a series of challenges. First, I needed to connect the truck to the wellhead, then disconnect it and find the blacktop road. Midway through the process, the storm intensified, and the lightning became so frequent that I couldn't see for more than a few seconds at a time.

I decided to step away from the truck to avoid being hit by lightning. Time was of the essence, as the tires on the truck were worn and needed to be replaced. I hopped back into the truck and drove carefully, using the storm as both motivation and obstacle. The conditions were treacherous, and I had to deal with a sudden stop sign on a slippery, muddy road.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Trucking Safety

These experiences have deeply influenced my approach to driving and handling hazards on the road. The terror and adrenaline rush I felt during those nights are never far from my mind, and I continue to use the lessons learned to stay safe and navigate safely. While these memories are valuable, it’s clear that approaching truck driving with more wisdom would have been beneficial. Nevertheless, every experience is a learning opportunity, contributing to the wisdom and skill that define a trucking professional.

Summary of the Key Points

Tire Blowout on a Mixer Truck: Results in a severe flip if handled incorrectly. Hazmat Trucking: Transporting highly flammable materials requires extreme caution. Thunderstorm in the Oil Fields: Led to an adrenaline-filled journey on slick roads. Lessons Learned: The importance of remaining calm, following safety procedures, and adapting to unpredictable weather conditions.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the risks and consistently practicing safety protocols are crucial for truck drivers. From deftly handling emergencies like tire blowouts to navigating treacherous weather, every journey can be a lesson in preparedness and adaptability. Truck drivers must stay vigilant, learn from each experience, and prioritize safety above all else.