I'm a new Bird owner

[whistles_n_bells]

Ryan:

Good travels with your new Bird. If you don't mind my two-cents worth -
from an old (long time - yeah, old too) bus driver. The lane positioning
will come soon enough. Interestingly, you'll find that your mirrors will
teach you this - no need to stare into them - occasional glances to
"line-up." This will become second nature. It's all part of the
"instrument scan."

Mirrors will also indicate to you whether or not your coach is
"dog-tracking." This is an occurrence of the rear not tracking true
with the front. When operating on a tangent stretch of road, check the
driver's -side mirror and you can see the curb-side fog line/shoulder
without much difficulty - conversely - the lane dividing markings
disappear behind the coach (again, on a tangent road), have it checked
out. If you find yourself in a tight squeeze, if your "dogging," you'll
likely side swipe what your squeezing between. Of course, the length of
the vehicle determines how offset the track is.

Hazards; use them for driving hazards. Many states have specific codes
with regard to their use - aside from the obvious. It was mentioned that
use of the hazards when merging with traffic is wise. It is if you are
entering on a grade which prevents you from accelerating to the flow of
traffic. Ex: Traffic at 60 MPH, you're coming on at 35 MPH and will be
unlikely to get into the flow quickly enough. Yes, kick them on until
enough vehicles are behind you to "build a cushion." Again,many states
have "Slower Traffic Use Flashers" signs posted - and compliance is
required. Long story short, whenever you get into a dangerous situation
- traffic suddenly slowing, greatly reduced visibility (dust storm,
sudden fog, accident sites that do not yet have emergency vehicles
present). You'll find that most of the old-hand bus and truck drivers
will be happy to give you some helpful and safe tips.

One more thought if I might, always give yourself an "out." Most folks
usually connect this to traveling at highway speeds - and this certainly
applies. As important, city traffic comes into play. Always give
yourself sufficient room to avoid having to back up. Allow enough space
between your front end the the rear of the vehicle in front of you -
enough to be able to pull around that vehicle in the event it breaks
down and can't move. This also applies to parking situations - enough
room to get around a close vehicle, but not enough to let another
vehicle (car) box you in. Observe fellow RV'ers using the "45 degree"
technique. This usually applies where the is no provisions for large
vehicle parking accommodations.

Again, have a safe "cross-country solo." You soon discover why so many
people drive professionally - as well as enjoy the motor home lifestyle,
with a quality bus.

Joe (Pappy) Hagan
St. George, UT
Wanderlodge lWannabe


-- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
wrote:
>
> Brad, Pete: Thank you for the driving advice. This will all come in
> handy. I'm sure I'll be just fine after the first hour or so, but it's
> really nice to get some tips to help me feel more comfortable until I
> get used to things.
>
> -Ryan
>
> On 4/22/07, brad barton bbartonwx@... wrote:
> >
> > Pete,
> > I like your idea a lot. Even if I'm confident enough, having a
mark of some
> > kind is handy for my wife or son when they drive the coach on rare
> > occasions. And the mark or tape on the dash means they don't have
to take
> > their eyes so far off the road to check their lane position. Good
advice.
> >
> > Brad Barton 00LXiDFW
> > bbartonwx@...
>