MV Code of Conduct

[tstone]

It's good to see so many responses on this subject. My thinking on these issues is simple; I'm driving machinery on the road that could be deadly if I don't maintain it and drive it defensively. I'm consious about driving respectfully as I don't want to ruin it for others. I love my hobby and I want to pass it on to my kids and other generations as part of our history.
Enjoy the hobby, be safe!

Tom

 

[m816]

It's called common sense. Drive them like your license depends on their safe operation. The rules were in the driving manual that hopefully you studied before you took your driving test. If you need a refresher course in safe handleing, go back to school.

 

[eagle4g63]

Why should driving a MV be any different than driving any other vehicle?

My thinking is that everyone out there is just so D#$M pissed off or busy when they drive.....I ALWAYS drive with the idea that you have 1 JOB while driving anything......DRIVE THE D#$M CAR!!!

I don't think that driving my MV should be any different than driving my little car(other than the size rules). Be courteous when you drive anything and all would be good.

Don't get me wrong it is cool to drive and I think it is very intimidating to see it behind you but I also drive other show quality cars and drive them the same way-getting stares with them too......my wifes car is no different, I paid for it and I want it to stay the way I got it so....

I guess by me no-one gives a rats butt about anyone else on the road and if I hit them in anything I am driving(even my MV) it would still be the point that they were a complete Jack A#%........or I wasn't doing my JOB!!

 

[m1010plowboy]

MV operational consequenses

Originally posted by eagle4g63 ""Why should driving a MV be any different than driving any other vehicle?""


It's the best comment and question ever asked and the exact reason for the thread. Consequences!

If I loose my brakes in a porsche and make Wrecked Exotic Cars - Pictures of Expensive Car Crashes and Wrecks the
general public does not call for restrictions on the sale of Sports cars.

This gear is 'Government Controlled' and every effort made to ensure our kids
have safe access to it is simply 'due diligence' and common sense. The
information on the "conduct required to be allowed to drive on the streets" is
everywhere, In the Tm's, the army manual, local legislation and mostly in the
minds of those who have made it successful.

This public forum has some of 'the best of the best' so creating a "Steel Soldier
code of conduct" or a "condensed guideline" from the endless data out there
could only be beneficial. I have no idea how this can be done but compiling data and opinions is a place to start.

I just watched a 23 year old perform a successful 1500 mile recovery with a 5 ton and he could write a book on how to conduct yourself in an adverse recovery. Some of that attitude was learned on SS.

 

[dozer1]

Would this be a good rule? No driving on freeways at night time. Just because of the speed difference between MV'S and normal freeway traffic. Anywhere the speed limit is 55 it would seem that it would be safer for MV's when it is dark out.

 

[m1010plowboy]

Convoy Night Time Operations

It's tough to discuss 'ban' anything however Code of Conduct in Night Time
Operations.......perfect.

'Highly recommended' Night Time Operations could be discussed to see what
works in 2012. We can run at night, but only when the sun's out.

I think most would agree that 'avoiding' night driving is wise, others need to do
it. Being more visible is a great recommendation. Plenty of electrical info on SS.

My M135 is visible from the front and rear after some additional lights but the side view is difficult to see.

Here's a cool link to Chapter 5 ....Convoy Control, Organization and Planning. A little better then half way down the page..... 5-7. is the section on Night Time Operations.

FM 55-30 Chapter 5

 

[eagle4g63]

I guess what I was trying to say........Every vehicle that someone gets into should be driven with the highest regard to everyone's safety. I think that is what the general public is missing now a days.

I wasn't saying that I don't drive my MV careful....I drive everything I own careful.

I also think the dumb a that crashes the high end exotic should have great consequences....along with those mindless motorcycle guys that use the public streets as a trick yard......I would take their driving privileges away and throw the book at them, but that is what is wrong with society now......no consequences.

Ok I'm done....not trying to rain on your parade.....Keep up the good work(awareness needs to be brought to all driving)

 

[03silverado]

I try to be a good guy be nice try not to be rude or ignorant on purpose but I do believe in the law of the lug nuts I've got more and am not afraid to run your car/truck off the road if you don't want to properly merge try to push me out of your way you will loose buddy

 

[stampy]

While I agree that we should drive defensively and be courteous, I disagree that we should just wave when someone cuts us off. I was in a convoy (at the NC rally this weekend) we were going to Golden Corral for dinner. There were several Deuces and CUCV's in a line spaced accordingly for a safe convoy. When in town the convoy pulled in a little tighter as speed was reduced and braking distance needed decreased. This idiot in a tiny little car proceeds to whip her car in front of my deuce as we approached a stop light. after braking hard I gave her the air horn for about 10 sec (how else does she know what she did was unacceptable?) I did not give her any hand gestures (even though I REALLY wanted to). When some moron gives you maybe a foot or two of clearance to react, I really don't care what THEY think about MV's as far as I am concerned they have already shown their contempt or lack of care for our hobby and common decency when they pull a stunt like that.

 

[03silverado]

^ Yeah buddy I agree and give you props for the horn finger

 

[Corvette1974]

^ 03silverado and stampy got it right....

I dont have a MV (yet), but especially with deuces, I believe that when driving, just be a good driver (dont be a jerk yourself), but if someone really wants to mess with a 12,000 pound death machine which will crush their crappy japanese car, well they can go for it. They will be on the losing end. It's like the pedestrians who just walk into the road....yeah you might have the "law" on your side, but when you are broken to pieces by a car hitting you, was it worth it?

Be careful and safe, but dont let people mess around with you! Let them know when they did something wrong.

Will

 

[bonshawman]

It would be great to field an escort vehicle front/back advising "convoy ahead", "convoy follows" however since driver's have no understanding of appropriate behavior (just like cutting into the middle of a funeral procession), it is to little point.

Plus many smaller convoys don't have the vehicles with signs/lights available.

Just when we "represent" as a GROUP we should strive to make the best impression, regardless of the behavior of the public.

 

[m1010plowboy]

eagle, everything you said makes perfect sense. Being sure that all those around us get home safely too, may be an ideal that requires a re-introduction.

Thanks for all the input folks, one thing surprises me.....
1) That an existing "Private MV Operators Code of Conduct" has not been shoved down my throat.

What is not surprising......
1) The overwhelming positive response that MV'ers are "expected" to present a 'high quality driver ethic' to represent the hobby professionally.

I'd also really like to hear from the guys that have only been on the 'green
crack' for a short period of time.

1) What skill sets, driver training, info, guidance, TM education....etc., would
help you represent the hobby at a higher level then you do now?

2) Would a 'code of conduct' be beneficial for newbies?

After starting the research I found nearly "ALL" the info a guy needs is in the
"Safety forum" and should be considered a mandatory read. It includes day to
day eye-openers, height reminders, winch operations, brake failure
procedures, fire fighting.....on and on. Just amazing what is archived on this
site......if you can find it.



If these efforts get even one kid to grab a torque wrench and tighten wheel
nuts before driving in front of me, it'll be worth it. Even just laying underneath
to check cotter pins in tie-rod ends would be a bonus.

I've read so much nauseating sports car club, rowing, biking, flying, trucking good guy stuff I can taste yesterday's lunch.

........But I did learn something........The code of conduct on vehicle "storage".

Some of the existing "codes of conduct" appear to be written by the vehicles
themselves.........a kind of first person description...... I shall be stored correctly.

a) I will apply throttle slowly and progressively to reduce wear on drive train components.
b) I will foresee braking possibilities and apply brakes early and lightly to protect my braking system from overheating.

This pdf comes from the Association of Motoring Clubs and has some items I never thought of and is an interesting read.

http://www.aomc.asn.au/publications/conduct2.pdf


I shall now be quiet.

 

[trukhead]

It'''s going to cost a whole bunch of money to do my M35A3 PM (fluid changes, tranny flush...) I see that as a resposibility to myself and the public to do everything I can to make sure I have a safe operable vehicle.

I understand the law of lugnuts, what is expected of me while I operated all them lugnuts and how from time to time, them jer$%&*fs in 4 wheelers was plain stupid and what I'da like to've done but let it go and I could tell ya a couple of stories of what happened when a couple of them said Jer#%&*%fs crossed the line by their own choice and lost. The good thing was I drove home, no one died and life went on and I'm sure they didn't forget.

I like this thread and believe in it's sentiment because as an operator of an MV, I am a personal ambassador to this hobby whether I want to be or not. In Wisconsin we recently had a great operation of epic proportions that took on bureaucracy and government and made a difference. I'm sure that there not being a horrible story or bunch of stories involving MVs and owners being involved with trouble or otherwise contributing to a general sentiment of disgust toward MVs may have helped.

I just hope that all involved will continue to strive for excellence and accident free and incident free MV related experiences. Whether I travel through to a specific spot or the trip through life to get there, here or wherever, I try to leave the spot where I've been a little better rather than for the worse. Just sayin..........

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

Subscribed

 

[nk14zp]

I drive M.V's the same as I do any commercial truck. Now to those that don't have a cdl you need to be safe and respectful of what you do. If you can ride with a cdl holder and have him teach you the rules of the road and I don't mean the ones in the book for the exam. But above all be safe.

 

[islandguydon]

Well If you have a SS sticker on your truck your saying plenty to the people in the know. I have only ran across 4 men out and about that even recognized the sticker and stopped me to say hello. Remember to brush your teeth before you go out and about, lol