Posted by wmarkp on July 23, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing is mentioned if the truck used his signal to change lanes. Assuming he was a safe driver, then I will assume he did. I have been a Professional Driver for 14 years, had two tickets, and zero, none, accidents. I could have had many, at the expense of my safe driving record, and the carelessness of automobile operators. Everyday I am presented while driving down an interstate, a car in the lane behind, and to the side of me, after seeing my turn signal come on to change lanes, they speed up, in turn 'blocking' me from changing lanes. That action on their part, can turn my day into a nightmare, and take their lives away. Too many adults try to 'block' or cutoff an 18 wheeler changing lanes, either because they dont want to be behind the truck, or they want to show the truck that they; not the truckdriver OWN the road. What most dont realize is that their children watch and learn from the adult driver, and so when they become drivers they have no fear of doing what the folks did all the time. Most drivers( cars) dont realize that truck drivers look in their mirrors constantly while driving, and especially when changing lanes. I look twice before changing lanes, once before signal goes on, and once right after, then again as changing lanes. But, because I am driving defensively and as safe as possible, that doesnt mean the car driver is, nor does it mean they care why I am changing lanes. So, all of you who drive cars,and ignore trucks when they use their signal, by cutting off, or blocking; should realize that your action could result in the same type of mishap happening that occurred above. But it will be YOUR funeral, and any Professional Driver's WORST NIGHTMARE.

Posted by mbs0606 on July 23, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wmarkp, GET OVER YOURSELF! I drive down Interstate 20 everyday to get to work and back home and I have never seen so much carelessness by cars AND truck drivers. When I see a truck turn their signal on I usually slow down to let them get in front of me. But there have been times when I'm trying to pass a truck and while I'm trying to pass them, they want to move into the lane that I am in. Sorry but I think MOST truck drivers think THEY own the road. They are bigger so they think that the road is theirs. I really respect truck drivers because I know that they are just trying to make a living and most are away from their families a lot.

Let's just pray for Miss Pena's family and remember, always wear your seatbelts kids!

Posted by blahblah on July 23, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a schmuck you are wmarkp! and I don't care if ARN deletes this! Is that all you know how to do is turn things around and BLAME OTHERS? You do it in EVERY one of your posts!

First---No Where does it say anything about her not seeing his freaking blinker! HE RAN HER OFF THE STINKING ROAD, PERIOD!

Second---HE caused her to run off the road! It had nothing to do with her.

Also---It is truck drivers that think they own the road. I can't tell you the amount of times when I have had my cruise control on going the same speed for hours and a truck not wanting to wait for me so they change lanes in front of me. Who cares if the truck driver turns his blinker on???

Maybe you need to go back to driving school and learn that if a car is going past you faster than you are, you can not just turn your blinker on and run them off the road just to slow them down!

Give Me A Break!!!!!!!!!!

This is a horrible thing that happened to this girl. I pray for her family!

Posted by wildturkey on July 23, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think this article mentioned anything about signals only that the truck driver changed lanes into the path of a vehicle that was in the left lane causing it to crash. wmarkp, although I have experienced what you detail(driving a 26,000 gvwr Kenworth), there isn't anything here stating what you detail...nothing on rate of speed, signals, weather, etc... This is a tragic loss of life possibly due to two things: improper lane change and lack of seat belt.

Posted by rlc00b on July 23, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I as well can't believe that wmarkp would try and automatically shift the blame from the truck driver to the driver of the Tahoe without knowing everything that happened surrounding this horrific accident. I travel on the interstate every day to get to and from work, and if I'm passing a truck and they put their blinker on while I'm next to them. Just because I speed up does in no way mean I'm "blocking" them. I'm just trying to get out of the way and on around. That type of thinking is ludicrous.

Posted by abileneres on July 23, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I too drive commute I-20 to get to Abilene to work. Have so for over 7 yrs & let me tell you I've had several close calls. I've had truckers just up and chng lanes & I have to slam on my brakes! It's awful. I was always taught that when you are coming up behind a trucker and are going to pass do so very quickly. Half the time they aren't paying attention. I have noticed several talking on cell phones while driving! Can u imagine?
I feel so bad for Veronica's family. I saw the aftermath of the accident yesterday & it did look very bad........

Thankfully this is my last month commuting. Decided to move back to Abilene. I was just lucky that when I did have those close calls everything was ok.

Posted by abileneres on July 23, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey- I don't drive commute- I either drive or commute!
Ok- it's late in the day-I'm ready to go home!

Posted by wmarkp on July 23, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

blahblahblah and mbs GET OVER YOUR SELVES. AND BOTH OF you might need to go get a refresher course in defensive driving. Heres an offer, if you all think that the trucker is driving bad, then why DONT ALL OF YOU WHO THINK SO, GO GET YOUR CDL, AND GO DRIVE A MILLION MILES. You would definitely change your outlook, or driving habits. And, for those of you who want to read in what you think you see in my response- I didnt put blame on the girl, nor did I on the truck driver. What I tried to relate is that I deal with that same situation every single day of the week. And also, if its soooo bad that truckers are on the cell phone, then why is it ok for you to drive while talking? Yes it is indeed a tragic loss of life. I agree, and I think I mentioned that it didnt mention anything about signals in the first response. In any case, any of you wanna argue back and forth, do it amongst yourselves. I would recommend that each of you who think YOU know how it is driving, then really go DRIVE. Get a cdl, and learn how to drive.

Posted by wmarkp on July 23, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

blahblahblah, calm down jr., otherwise you might get too excited and break a bloodvessel in your brain, if you havent already. I will give you this, your remark above gives me the 'giggles' at how; well nevermind, I can see that anything I write, you will still be 'pissy'. Oh, and blahblah if I ever am riding down the interstate, and you are behind me-remember that when it comes to you, and you alone-I DO OWN THE HIGHWAY. Happy Trails baby.

Posted by wmarkp on July 23, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ARN didnt remove my responses on their own, I requested it, based on the general consensus here. However, once news of the final declaration is made public, concerning the cause of the accident in Sweetwater; I will once again post my responses, and 'blahblahblah' and 'ric00b' and 'mbs0606' can tastefully apologize for their 'nasty childish remarks' especially mbs0606. I realize the general publics attitude whenever a big truck is involved in an accident is 'guilty of something ' if only because they drive sooo many more miles per day, year, then the average driver.

Posted by dirtbag on July 23, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have read wmarkp's response 3 times today. And I have yet to figure out how blahblahblah, mbs and rlc00b got what they got out of his response. I did not see anything indicating he is shifting/placing blame on the driver of the Tahoe. I see what wmarkp described all the time. And I am not talking about 1 or 2 car lengths back when the truck driver puts on his blinker. I am talking 10, 15 car lengths back. Folks, that is just plain and simply stupid on the part of the smaller vehicle's driver. I see driver's of cars/SUVs/trucks do horrendously stupid things around 18 wheelers all the time. And I see truck drivers do horrendously stupid things.
In this case there just has not been enough information released to say who was to blame. But regardless, it was a tragic accident and we need to keep the Pena family in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by mccoyz on July 23, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is a reason they call them an accident. I am sure all involved are sorry it happened.

Posted by blahblah on July 24, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wmarkp---DON'T call me Baby! Even if I did "bat for the other team", it wouldn't be with you! ~~~~~~But more power to you friend.

And you just rested my case for me about Truckers thinking they own the road when you wrote ------ ""Oh, and blahblah if I ever am riding down the interstate, and you are behind me-remember that when it comes to you, and you alone-I DO OWN THE HIGHWAY. Happy Trails baby.""

It is exactly that kind of attitude that gets others killed while on the road!

I agree with mccoyz. I couldn't imagine what he must be going through right now.

Posted by mbs0606 on July 24, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wmarkp- What did I say that was so childish? At least I was nice enough to say that I have some respect for drivers. My job is to arrange routes for truck drivers. All I'm saying is that we all have the same bad habits when it comes to driving and no one has respect for others any more. We always want to get places faster. Obviously since you and DIRTBAG know so much about the way everyone should drive tell me.... What are we, meaning the drivers of cars and smaller trucks, supposed to do when 18 wheelers want to change lanes while we are driving next to them?????? Are we supposed to vear off the side of the road?? Are we supposed to slam on our brakes and hope the guy behind us doesn't rear end us???? Come on Mr. Defensive Driving I am interested in your lesson.

Posted by npyuma on July 24, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"So, all of you who drive cars,and ignore trucks when they use their signal, by cutting off, or blocking; should realize that your action could result in the same type of mishap happening that occurred above. But it will be YOUR funeral, and any Professional Driver's WORST NIGHTMARE."

"I didnt put blame on the girl, nor did I on the truck driver."

No, wmarkp, maybe you didn't actually place the blame on anyone, but you definitely implied it.

Posted by littleknownfact on July 24, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The difference between me talking on a cell phone while driving and a truck driver talking on the cell phone while driving is several tons of metal plus whatever the load is. So, I'd say his responsibility to stay off the phone and pay attention to the road is a bigger one that mine in my little passenger vehicle.

My thoughts and prayers go out for this this family and their loss. My condolences.

Posted by weeman on July 24, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

so, wmarkp...just curious. How will you know its blahblah behind you? Im just putting it out there man....10-4 Alligator Station...

Posted by tina_g05 on July 24, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am just going to say this: Drivers beware of 18 wheelers! I was fortunate to live through an encounter where one turned to the right in front of me from the left hand lane with no blinker. He said he had his blinker on, I know he didn't. I got a ride to the ER in an ambulance, totalled my car, and got a ticket for failure to control speed from the APD (I was traveling the posted speed limit). He got a good laugh with his buddy (I saw this as I was being placed on the stretcher). Bottom line, whether or not you think you have the right of way, the laws of the land and the laws of physics side with them. Be VERY careful around them.
My prayers are with the victim's family.

Posted by crazylady on July 24, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My prayers go out to the Pena family for their loss.

I have been ran off the highway by a 18 wheeler, luckly I was able to keep control of my car since my young son was in the car with me. Not only did the truck run me off the road, he didn't bother to stop and make sure we were OK after he did it. I'm very careful now when passing 18 wheelers.

Posted by wmarkp on July 25, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mbs0606 exactly where do you refer to being beside a truck who changes lanes? I have had folks ride behind me, but it appears to be beside my furthermost rear trailer tires, to me in my mirrors; for a good 5 miles, and then the minute I turn on the signal they speed up to 'BLOCK' or cut off my lane change. 'npyuma' let the cowpoop land where the cowpoop lands. If I implied it, then good. But, I would bet it made YOU and OTHERS think about it, and their driving habits. Disagree? And, 'weeman' werent you in the Jackass Movie?? We at least we know where you get your 'handle' now dont we? Hey, at least it fits.

Posted by wmarkp on July 25, 2008 at 1:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mbs are you aware of the law requiring vehicles to move over, or slow down in the event that an emergency vehicle is on the shoulder ahead? Are you aware that,even if they do indeed slow down, if it is an 18 wheeler that does not change lanes that they will most likely be ticketed, regardless of whether they could change lanes safely, and clearly? Do you realize that any ticket that they get goes against their personal license also? That they have to pay more on their personal insurance if they get a ticket for not moving over? Thats why, when I put my signal on, regardless of the reason, I am coming over into the next lane, whether or not YOU heed the warning, or want to, choose to, ignore it. Too many four wheeler drivers ignore it for whatever reason, and whatever happens to them, HAPPENS. I hate to get absurd, or rude, or heartless; but damn, when are all the drivers who think they drive so damn well, wake up and realize, that if they drove 1000miles in drivers ed classes, and truck drivers have driven over 100,000 miles in a year; who is the most experienced, most educated, most safe minded drivers on the road?? WHO?

Posted by wmarkp on July 25, 2008 at 1:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

let me give definition to my remarks. I change lanes if there is anything on the shoulder. Do and have always DONE. Whether there is anyone in that vehicle or around it, I will change lanes. If there happens to be a car beside me, they can either speed up, or slow down; but either way I am 'changing lanes'. You might think that that attitude is wrong, but I have driven Professionally for 14-15 years, and have never gotten into an accident, nor caused one, nor received a citation for not changing lanes,when needing to either by law, or respect. I have a great deal of respect for human life, within driving, and also being a first responder within my fire department. I also have utterly no remorse, or sympathy, for any driver, of any moving vehicle, who willingly puts themselves in danger by disregarding any signal given by any other motor vehicle on the road; being a volkswagen, or an 18 wheeler, or an emergency vehicle.

Posted by blahblah on July 25, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ARN---Didn't you comment yesterday that there wasn't any cussing on here???

wmarkp---NO WHERE in the "rule book" does it say that a driver HAS to speed up or slow down if they are beside an 18-wheeler and they turn their blinker on...IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to slow down and fall behind another car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So there is your answer to WHO os the most educated, save minded driver with his CDL! And---you don't know how much experience anyone else on here has "driving professionally".

And enough with the personal attacks to everyone. Weeman was only asking you a question...LOL and obviously it hit you in the right spot.

So you just need to ""calm down jr., otherwise you might get too excited and break a bloodvessel in your brain, if you havent already.""

Maybe you need to go back to the cracker-jack driving school you came from before you run someone off the road and kill them...like you said you would do if they didn't get out of your way...

Oh, and by the way, if that ever does happen, you will regret having wrote that for God and everyone to see as proof!

In my opinion, you are still trying to blame everyone else and that is very, very sad! Think of how the Pena family must be feeling right now knowing that their daughter died as a result of a negligent truck driver!

Posted by mbs0606 on July 25, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When you are driving along side an 18 wheeler you usually don't see them even turn on their lights.

Am I the only one that gets nervous driving beside these huge vehicles? And it is just the attitude of wmarkp that proves that some of those drivers think they own the road.

Posted by weeman on July 25, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lol...thats very clever of you skidwmark...

Posted by Broadwayfrog on July 28, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me tell you all something...My sister is Dead becuse of this Truck driver.. my son,nephew,brother and family friend were also in the vehicle and INJURED. The SUV was even with cab of the Semi. The DRIVER DID NOT LOOK OVER into their lane before moving over. My brother saw the driver and the logo on the side....He RAN THEM OFF THE ROAD PERIOD.. signal is irrelevent. These trucks need to slow down. My wife,son,and I that same weekend we went to the lake were run off into to left shoulder of the road by another neglegent truck driver..Ironic it is that on the exact same highway my sister died because of the same carelessness of these drivers..If your a safe driver then thats fine but dont blame the average joe that has to drive along with these speeding maniacs. The night night I lost my sister I had to drive back to lubbock at 10pm... I was doing 65 and coumted 14 other trucks that passed me all breaking the law.now how about that.. explain that to me wmarkp you JERK!! To the rest of you thanks for the back up! My sister was the life of our family she was the hub and the insperation to all of us...she didnt deserve to be slung out of a vehicle and run over in the ROAD!!!and her 14 and 11 year old children dont deserve to to grow up without whats most important in life.. MOTHER!