Traveling on the snow-covered roads at mid-day on Monday, Jan. 3 was a tricky challenge.
Making one normal 15-to-20-minute trek a bit easier, though, was the luck of getting behind a big 18-wheel tanker and following within safe distance for a few miles on the Beltway, then a couple of other back roads.
Basically, it was just remaining patient by following slowly up hills, down hills and on icy spots while staying within the wide tracks made by the big rig. If the semi changed lanes, so did the car behind.
It was puzzling why more drivers didn’t do the same, by letting the tanker do all of the work and just following on its coattails. Instead, many wanted to speed past the truck, opting to make their own way in those tricky conditions. That made no sense.
Sure, the 20-minute trip took about double the time, but it was easy going in those big wide tracks.
Thanks so much, Mr. Big Rig, who was given a fist pump when parting ways that snowy morning.
– Dave Facinoli
dfacinoli@sungazette.net