RickG

I drive a hazmat tanker and get real irritated when I get tailgated . At first I'd ask myself "Doesn't that idiot know what those placards mean ? " Then I realized only those trained for handling hazmat know the meaning of placards . Other drivers don't have a clue of their meaning . I think everyone having any type of drivers license should have basic hazmat training . Private vehicle owners would only need to know a couple of things .If in the area of a hazmat vehicle accident they need to evacuate and not try to offer assistance . They could end up being another casualty or unknowingly contaminating their clothing , carrying it home and later have someone suffering effects and not have a clue of the cause or how to treat it . They should also know to tell the 911 dispatcher the UN number on the placards to help responders prepare more quickly .
All truck drivers should have more training because they will cause more damage . They need to look at some of the instructions in the Emergency Response Guide . One of the chemicals I transport reacts violently with water . Hit my truck , break a valve and bust your radiator and bad things are going to happen . he only ones that MIGHT approach the truck are fully suited firefighters with SCBA .
I worked as a supervisor on a HAZWOPER crew . Companies we served had regular drills . The safety manager really tore into almost everybody involved one year . The victim had not been properly decontaminated before transport and the ambulance and ER were badly contaminated . In following drills the ambulance stayed in the green zone and watched the victim be contaminated and the hospital bought a decon tent

Totallyrad

There's a scene in the movie "Men in Black" where one character says to the other, "The only way these people go on with their miserable lives is because they don't know". It's a different subject but the same meaning. If they can't get a handle on the idea of don't tailgate, let alone don't do anything stupid around a vehicle that weighs 80,000 plus pounds, knowing what's in it will only confuse them more. I agree with you, but people just don't care. It's more important for them to get there first instead of being careful.

glocklove

I agree, people don't care how they drive only that they get there as quick as poss. Try asking some one one time if they remember what the differnt road signs mean, you'll wished you'ed never asked!!! No joke man, people can't remember what the the "s" looking lines mean, unless you tell them it was the name of Bon Jovi's hit album

oldmikegraham

He or she probably does not know crap about your load and is counting on your expertise not to find out the hard way. Sucks but that is the deal, you are a pro driver in a sea of recreational ones!

Hvytrkmech

Perfectly stated.

Tim

Amprice4

I work at a water treatment plant that stores multiple hazardous chemicals in bulk onsite including sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, fluoride, and chlorine to name a few. the city I work for puts us through so much training on the stuff that it seems like i'm always in another hazwoper class every week. scba, first responder and everything else included. when I see those trucks on the road I stay away on purpose.

Bark

Yup, very well put. Most kids assume the driver of a car or truck can always see them and will stop in time. A lot of adult car drivers still think like a kid around trucks.