Why to- not be complacent while working on you rig.

[RichardT]

Wow man, I'm glad this story had a good ending to it, I would have dreaded reading this if it had had a different outcome.

We've all had a couple of close calls, both of mine were while changing a tire. Once I was at home, but it was before I knew better and all I had was a little scissor jack, and didn't block the tires, the truck rolled a little bit, and the rear end of the truck came crashing down with my foot just a few inches away.

A few years later, I had a flat when I came out of a friends house, and while changing the tire on the same truck (same rear tire actually) and it came crashing down again, and nearly pinned me between the curb (unfortunately, I had my nice jack at home, and had to use the same scissor jack, and I knew to block the wheels, but had nothing to do it with)

About a year ago, there was a local news story, about how they found a guy dead, on the side of the road, he was doing some small repair as well, the car came down on him, pinned him, and though his injuries weren't necessarily enough to kill him outright, since he was there pinned for so long without being found (12+ hrs) he eventually died. I'm glad this wasn't you.

 

[007]

Totally something I would do... I have a blind faith in "it will be OK", thanks for sharing.

 

[scrubber3]

Like I said- Someone was watching out for me. AND I have cat-like reflexes...lol

To be honest, I like hearing you guy's stories as well.

 

[Redline]

snip...

"If I think that just maybe I should do something in regards to safety then I stop and do it before continuing no matter how trivial is seems."

That is simple and fantastic. I hope I will both remember and practice this.

 

[Redline]

Like others, I'm guilty of stupid and dangerous mistakes. Glad you saved yourself.

With the following I'm not suggesting that you needn't chock the wheels, just sharing one of my basic tenants of driving, which may be taken more seriously because of your incident.

The Parking Brake

I have always practiced and taught that the parking brake should be regularly and properly used (with a few exceptions, like ice). Unfortunately many otherwise knowledgeable and skilled drivers routinely do not use their parking brakes, or use them incorrectly.

Properly means that the parking brake should be firmly applied to hold the vehicle's weight, level or incline, then the vehicle's weight is allowed to rest on the brake before the transmission is put in gear or Park. This applies to both manual and automatic transmissions.

With routine and proper use of the parking brake, the brake continues to work and be exercised, and the operator will know how well it's working, how firmly it should be applied, and when it needs adjustment.

There are other benefits to practicing this, like not routinely making the parking pawl on the A/T hold the vehicle (wear), being able to easily get the transmission out of Park on an incline, etc.

 

[scrubber3]

That's good advice right there.

 

[Kjell Sullivan]

I have to say, it's quite amazing what the human body can do instinctively in a self preservation situation. And this story is just another example of the human body doing just that. You're not even thinking about it and the body just jumps in and takes over, and before you are consciously aware of what you've done..you're safe and sound...but shaking:victory:! However, it very well may be that your guardian angel did it all for you! I'm glad that whole event turned out okay for the most part.

 

[scrubber3]

You and me both sir. It surely may have ended with my untimely demise. Funny you should bring this thread back up as I will have to venture under my rig today and tomorrow. Gotta do my slider install....

 

[off-roader]

Gotta do my slider install....

:Mechanic:

:26_7_2: