Dashboard Confidential – December 2023/January 2024
More than 14 years ago, I got a very surprising series of phone calls, which for me changed everything. The magazines that I had previously written for had consolidated, and my monthly column was eliminated, as was everyone else’s.
I turned off my phone and took a nap. When I got up and running again, surprisingly, I had offers from all the other trucking magazines, including Land Line. News travels fast. Although it was very flattering, I held off. But several more calls from the nice folks at Land Line, and I was convinced and certainly welcomed aboard.
As I have been an OOIDA member since 1978, this column has been an incredible opportunity to share with readers some of what I have experienced, seen and learned over 50-plus years of pounding the pavement. I have never lost sight of the responsibility to provide something worth reading. Sometimes a tale of adventure in the cool-car world, of being chased down the highway by a boat that fell off its trailer, of an overzealous police officer or of the kindness of another driver. There also have been a few stories of my stupidly ignoring symptoms of health issues that nearly cost me my life.
One of the most humbling aspects of being included here on these pages has been the number of times I’ve been approached by readers who recognized me from that little picture at the top of the page. Having a reader quote me, line after line of something I’d written many years earlier, has been quite incredible.
The trucking industry has changed, and I can honestly say, not for the better. I don’t get intimidated by bad drivers, and I try to keep my distance. But it gets more difficult every day. After more than the previously mentioned 50-plus years trucking, for me, it’s time for a change. And I have had some help in making that choice.
Five weeks ago, I came down with COVID-19. That turned into pneumonia and some other damage that led to a 12-day visit to the hospital’s cardiac intensive care unit. I am quite fortunate to still be here, but it’s time for me to make some changes. I got another chance, and it is not lost on me that not everyone gets that chance.
With great regret, I will be stepping down from these pages and will likely sell my truck. That doesn’t mean a full retirement, but no more big rigs. Maybe I can pilot a Zamboni and manicure skating rinks.
That said, I truly wish all of you safe journeys, good paying loads and clear highways.
It has been my privilege and honor to share some of my stories.
Happy Trails,
– Dave Sweetman