J Tyler
EF3
My other "hobby" is motorsports. "DE events" where you take your performance street car onto a road course to play and learn is one of my favorite things to do. I've spent over 20 years inproving my driving and skills this way. We run in the rain, in the dry. You are in your daily driver car, so crashing is not good.
Coming from that mindset, you can imagine how "I" see the tour driver question. They are responsible for 8 peoples lives in a high profile vehicle driving in the worst conditions possible. Heavy rain, high wind, hail. They are doing it on unfamiliar roads with the possiblity of a LOT of distractions they must block out. Add in fatigue from long hours behind the wheel day after day.
Now, I'm not being one of those internet "nannies" who you find on EVERY forum making a mountain out of a mole hill. But, I do think these things I've mentioned should be recognized by all involved. Be aware of them. Think about them. Remind yourself of them. The drivers will do fine if they don't let their guard down. Learn and remember the limitations of the vehicle you are driving. Its heavy weight helps with hydroplaning, but what tires are being used? What is their condition (how much tread)? The roads crown, lane rutting....Remind others that your FIRST priority is driving. You can't listen to every conversation, so they may have to make sure you heard a change in instructions. There are times when conditions won't allow you to make as good of time. Blah, Blah, Blah. You guys get my point. BUT, it is SO easy to forget the obvious when your all caught up in trying to see the wedge tornado.
Considering the massive number of miles driven by the tour companies each year, the lack of incidents says a lot.
Coming from that mindset, you can imagine how "I" see the tour driver question. They are responsible for 8 peoples lives in a high profile vehicle driving in the worst conditions possible. Heavy rain, high wind, hail. They are doing it on unfamiliar roads with the possiblity of a LOT of distractions they must block out. Add in fatigue from long hours behind the wheel day after day.
Now, I'm not being one of those internet "nannies" who you find on EVERY forum making a mountain out of a mole hill. But, I do think these things I've mentioned should be recognized by all involved. Be aware of them. Think about them. Remind yourself of them. The drivers will do fine if they don't let their guard down. Learn and remember the limitations of the vehicle you are driving. Its heavy weight helps with hydroplaning, but what tires are being used? What is their condition (how much tread)? The roads crown, lane rutting....Remind others that your FIRST priority is driving. You can't listen to every conversation, so they may have to make sure you heard a change in instructions. There are times when conditions won't allow you to make as good of time. Blah, Blah, Blah. You guys get my point. BUT, it is SO easy to forget the obvious when your all caught up in trying to see the wedge tornado.
Considering the massive number of miles driven by the tour companies each year, the lack of incidents says a lot.
