Did I just Hear That?

[Tim Russell]

Hey there fellow drivers! I just wanted to let you guys know what happened about 3-4 weeks ago.

I was running northbound on the I-17 through Arizona on a very hot day. I was almost fully loaded and I was climbing up them grades on that stretch of the highway. My Kenworth started to overheat, I went to move to the shoulder. As I was doing this I heard a loud "pop" noise which sounded like it came from behind my passenger side behind the glove box.

I got my truck to cool down and could not see any signs of a AC or Radiator hose blown and I made my way to the top of the hill. Once I got to the top I was going over my gauges and noticed my air psi was low. I stoppped the truck, Set the Tractor break and started my checks.

Turns out that I blew out a air line that ran under the floor on the passenger side. Building air pressure was not going to happen.. I was not losing air but could not build any air in my tanks.

Road service got there to repair me hours later. Turns out that Kenworth T600's route some air lines under the passenger side floor along the truck frame which is only a few inches from my exhaust. When I over heated the heat from my exhaust melted a hole in my air line. Crazy right? Anyway that was fixed and the air lines were routed a different way with added heat shield.

But the main point of this story is this.

I always hear the old timer drivers talk about how drivers do not help each other anymore or even offer it. Let e tell you guys something. My radio was constant every few minutes with a driver passing by asking if I was okay. If i needed food or water. Let me say that one again... Other drivers offering me food and water and wanted to know if I was okay.

I have been driving for 4 years now. Yeah that is not a long time I know. But in those 4 years I have never heard and seen such courtesy from other drivers.

I think drivers are instead of complaining about drivers not helping drivers are tired of it and are doing something about it. Helping drivers. After that experience I now ask drivers I see over my radio if they are okay. I have not needed to stop yet though. I also got some jugs of water I bought for next time I see a 4 wheeler or big truck that may make use of it. Either for their radiator of for drinking water.

I just wanted to thank those drivers that showed courtesy to me and asked me those small but important questions. Let the Old Times Begin....  

[Tim Russell]

I agree with assisting fellow drivers and 4 wheelers. But please, do also use your judgement if you do so. Dont put yourself in a potentially bad situation. But if its Miss Daisy or a family or another non serial killer looking driver feel free to assist..lol

[dan bestfelt]

In my 32 yrs. out there I always assisted other drivers or 4 wheelers broke down on the side of a road.I was always taught courtesy by my parents.Who knows it may be one of your kin folk broke down.You should always remember those big truck drivers are your,e family when your out there

[Tim Russell]

I just noticed I sounded like Red Sovine at the beginning..lol