It was raining. I pulled alongside the tractor trailer. I was on the left, it was in the centre lane. One of my tires blew, I skidded a little, overcorrected and got the back of my car into the barrier. I bounced and went under the truck.

Luckily, the driver noticed and applied the brakes. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion and I had time to think "Oh dear, I hope he stops or I could be squashed". When we came to rest the truck driver walked over to me and I leaned out of the car and offered him a cigarette. His hands were shaking so much he couldn't grasp the pack, that was just as well as it provided a moment to reflect that I was sitting in a puddle of petrol.

I got some cuts from flying glass and have a chunk of it in my right hand but I wasn't hurt. A cop bandaged my hand and I was able to go to work.

I think you might find that the trucking industry here in Canada would argue it is too expensive and would add too much to their operating expenses or some such lame argument.

I think the lack of mudflaps is a bigger issue. Yes, it's dangerous that cars can go underneath truck trailers but the way trucks spray rain and snow sideways makes them very difficult to pass and frightening when they thunder by.

From my terrified passengers.

On edit :

I see that it is legal

"Passing on the right
Most passing is done on the left. You may pass on the right on multi-lane or one-way roads and when overtaking a streetcar or a left-turning vehicle.

Passing on the right can be more dangerous than passing on the left. If you are driving in the passing lane with a slower vehicle in front of you, wait for the vehicle to move to the right. Do not suddenly change lanes and pass on the right; the driver in front may realize you want to pass and move to the right at the same time you do."

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dan...section2b6.htm

In that case I'll stop flashing idiots who clutter the left lane doing 70 and just go round them.

Hi

We were told okay to pass on right, someone else on here said it wasn't. Everyone I spoke to said that was normal....when in Rome do as the Romans do, I say. What is good enough for the locals is good enough for me.
Cheers
Stef

I thought that in Montreal at least, the middle lane was the 'slow' lane...!

Yes. Watch out for Canadian drivers. They're extremely bad drivers and there's a fair few of them on the roads in Canada

Hi,

You want to try driving around Peterborough in the UK. At least in Canada Roundabouts are an extreme rarity...........so you only have to deal with the 'straight driving' drivers. Less confusion all round. To be fair to Canadian Drivers, been over there for 7 weeks in the last 8 months and only met one MANIAC. Here they seem to be lurking at every corner and on the roundabouts :scared:

Great idea, that's what we decided to do in any case.
Stef

Hi

I agree. In the UK you don't seem to have that problem, so when it is happening beside you it is not only unexpected, but :scared: too. Coupled with the excess surface water, can feel like wacky races out there.
cheers
Stef

Hi,

Yes that would be their excuse. However the families of the 'Beheaded' would probably think it was a small price to pay in the name of road safety and 'Heads intact'.

We have all probably put the person starting this thread off ever driving in Canada now. I didn't find it too bad, you just need a good dose of awareness and the confidence will come. Looking on the bright side, at least there is a 'Rule of the Road' unlike a holiday to Turkey years ago. (but that is another story.

Stef

Hi,
Wow, glad you are okay. Well, that was one hazard I never gave much thought to. You don't expect your car to decide to have a blowout at an inopportune moment :scared:. I think it must have been a shock for the truck driver to be driving along merrily minding his own business when a car tries to attack his truck!
I need another after reading about your experience.
Stef