Tractor trailer???

[Thomas]

Not required in states...wondering why trailer doesn't have back up lights let drivers know he's going to or he is backing up?

 

[Fuddy1952]

Because when the trailer starts appearing larger you know driver is backing up.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Not required in states...wondering why trailer doesn't have back up lights let drivers know he's going to or he is backing up?

One more light to worry about, lol! I cannot speak for other drivers but when I was in a commercial vehicle I used my four ways and blew the horn as well as tried my best to ascertain that no one was behind me. Hint, no amount of lighting will negate the ignorance of some drivers.

 

[Alan W.]

One more light to worry about, lol! I cannot speak for other drivers but when I was in a commercial vehicle I used my four ways and blew the horn as well as tried my best to ascertain that no one was behind me. Hint, no amount of lighting will negate the ignorance of some drivers.

Yes on the fourways. Never hit the horn, if it was night knew other drivers would be asleep and during the day they could see me moving.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

Hint, no amount of lighting will negate the ignorance of some drivers.

Yup, anyone who has driven a commercial vehicle will have numerous memories of clueless drivers attempting to pass on the right when swinging wide to make a right turn.

 

[4570Man]

Not required in states...wondering why trailer doesn't have back up lights let drivers know he's going to or he is backing up?

I don’t know why all vehicles don’t have backup lights that are halfway decent. I have two 18 watt led pods on the back of my truck and it’s a huge improvement. After I get around to mounting a backup camera and 2 more lights sideways it’ll really be an improvement.

 

[Norm W]

Backing into loading docks at night, sometimes the only light to see the back end of the trailer and the dock was the four ways. Even worse was backing into an inside dock in bright sunlight. If the dock didn't have loading lights for the fork lift drivers, I would put a flashlight on the dock pointing out, and back to it. Always plan on driving forward and if you have to back up, "GOAL" get out and look.

 

[strantor]

I don't know. Seems like they would. I put backup lights on my 20ft car hauler and it made a world of difference backing it into my narrow driveway at night. I can't imagine trying to back a 53ft trailer with no lights. Seems pretty stupid. America is pretty advanced but we usually don't have the most advanced safety regulations in the world.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

SOME of the trucks in my former employers fleet had work lights that came on when the steering axle was locked (essential for backing a four axle dump trailer) but the majority of trucks didn't.

 

[charlton289]

I know what y'all are talking about I drove otr for 20+ yr and most of mine was over size it can be tricky when you have a 12' load an try to back up road or in a job site and even when on a job site alot of the times nobody would help guide. But I team drove with my wife (the expert) she would always have me back in to places because she thinks she is the best backer but I have had to keep her hitting things in plan sight. But as one of said with the flashlight is a big help but if the shipper or receiver would put up better lighting it would help too. But overall I found backing with the 4 ways helped at least to see the general area is. I read the other day where a 69 yr old driver was pinned between his truck and other after he had backed in a spot and got out to look and forgot to set his brakes and the truck rolled back and crushed him between the truck next him. It's sad to say but accidents happen but a brain fart can and will kill you. It's the same running our tractors one minute your reaching to move something out the way and soon as you do here it comes heading right for and with your feet tangled or slip in the mud and next it's on top or got you against a tree with no one there to help you. I don't mean to change the meaning of the thread but it has been on my heart the past few days with winter coming slick conditions and we all get complacent and think to ourselves I have done this before and every thing will be fine but there is that one moment when ooops !!! So please guys and girls try to keep it in your mind about should I do it this way or step back and think about it for a minute it could save your life or somebody there with you. Y'all have a good day and be safe out there.