DON'T ASSUME WORST OF TRUCK DRIVERS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 12, 1992                   TAG: 9201130242
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
DON'T ASSUME WORST OF TRUCK DRIVERS
AFTER READING the letter Jan. 7 from Roger Clark, I felt compelled to write in support of truck drivers.
Two of my brothers are truck drivers; one travels across country. Thanks to them, my sister and I know how to drive around trucks. The hints my brothers gave are invaluable. Don't be afraid of them; most of the truck drivers on the road are good drivers. As with cars, there are bad ones.
These are the rules.
1. Don't play games with them by speeding up and slowing down. If they are on a hill going down and are full with a load, stay out of the way if you can; they need room to get up the hill.
2. Don't tailgate; stay at least three to four car lengths behind so the driver can see you in the mirror. When they are passing, give them room and signal with flashing your lights that they have room to get back in the lane. Most of these rules apply on any road, but especially Interstate 81.
Most truckers are safe, careful drivers who have bills and eat like you and I; don't assume the worst of them. We need them and the jobs they do. Give them room on the road, be a careful, courteous driver yourself, and all will be well. I'd trust a truck driver better than someone speeding down the road doing 70 to 75 miles per hour in a car. MRS. MAJKEN MATHIS LEXINGTON

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB