Advocacy & Safety - super-polite UPS driver encounter

I have encountered several very antagonistic UPS drivers in the past. However, I recently encountered a UPS driver who was very considerate and I wanted to tell about it. It was riding East on Rt. 9 in Belchertown. A UPS truck passed me, leaving a safe gap between us. A few seconds later, the truck slowed gently to a stop in front of me, leaving me plenty of time to move left and pass it without having to brake hard to avoid crashing into it. As I passed the truck, the driver called out with an apology for stopping short in front of me. This was not necessary because, as I said, he didn't stop short in front of me. I was very appreciative of his consideration though. I was moving very fast at the time so I could only manage to call back "That's okay" as I passed by but I tried to sound friendly.

Glad you had a good experience. Generally, I find UPS drivers to be very professional.

Jeff, still fat

I've had a UPS driver give a polite honk and a wave, but it was the driver who comes to our store everyday so I'm not sure that counts. :D Glad to hear of a good experience like this though.

I've had good luck with UPS drivers as well.

Love the UPS guys! I just saw my favorite one today and rang my bell Hello at him...

All the years with them around and only one who I thought was kind of a jerk.

I've found (especially after 4 years of college where I was using a crosswalk at least a dozen times a day) that school bus drivers are some of the worst when it comes to respecting other road users. I lived next to an elementary school and would routinely see school buses going 30+ mph in the 15 mph school zone (while children were present). They would usually only stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk (which is a state law here) if you were bold enough (read: had enough to drink) to just go ahead and cross and challenge a few tons of bright yellow steel.

I know not all school bus drivers are like that, but I noticed that these types of drivers were inconsiderate asses more often than not.

I've found (especially after 4 years of college where I was using a crosswalk at least a dozen times a day) that school bus drivers are some of the worst when it comes to respecting other road users. I lived next to an elementary school and would routinely see school buses going 30+ mph in the 15 mph school zone (while children were present). They would usually only stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk (which is a state law here) if you were bold enough (read: had enough to drink) to just go ahead and cross and challenge a few tons of bright yellow steel.

I know not all school bus drivers are like that, but I noticed that these types of drivers were inconsiderate asses more often than not.

My wife is a teacher and I can tell you that their school district (and most others) take "bad bus driver" reports very seriously. If the district gets a call that bus #58 was speeding it gets noted in the drivers file. If this happens repeatedly the driver is out of a job.

Call and report the person. Generally the behavior will change.

:)

My only experience on the bike with UPS wasn't good. I was in the left turn lane (3 lanes to the right). When the L arrow turned I started forward (taking the lane) and the driver passed me on the left nearly hitting me and nearly hitting headon the cars which had a red light. I yelled and the jrk at the light one block later had he the gaul to say that if he didn't hit me what was the problem. I was so fuming I didn't have the presence of mind to get his plate number.

You should send this note to UPS. We all like a pat on the back now and then.

You should send this note to UPS. We all like a pat on the back now and then.
+A whole lot

We do a lot of local work with UPS and the Sheriff's office at our LBS. Unfortantely, they are the ONLY ones that make my commute pleasing. I've seen a couple people pulled over after they honked and yelled at me, followed quickly by a cop that I always help at the LBS.

Nothing brightens the morning like riding by and giving the cop that pulled over some jerk in his SUV that doesn't want to share the road a high-five.

UPS used to police their own. Many years ago when I lived in Los Angeles, another guy in my old cycling club complained about a brown-truck driver, went to their West LA depot, and saw a board on which everybody's complaints and infractions were posted publicly. Sounds like they might still be on the case.

Nice story for sure. We rarely hear about these nice experiences on the road! :)

... Brad

Beware of FedEx drivers... At least the FedEx guy who delivers to the office where I work. He barrels through the parking lot as if it was the Indy. speedway!

jay

I find over time that I have developed a distrust for school bus drivers, cement and dump truck drivers and kids on thier way to school in that order. Not sure why, perhaps just their mood, but kids heading away from school don't bother me so much.