Getting stuck behind an 18 wheeler at a red light is fun only in a Prius

Exactly! There are many good reasons to drive behind an 18-wheeler. For the most part, their operators are trained professionals with a commercial drivers license. In heavy traffic they tend to figure out the average speed and stay on it without constantly going from brakes to accelerator. They block the wind in front and create a partial vacuum behind so you can slipstream in their wake on reduced power. They can see the traffic ahead better than you can. And no speeding driver is ever going to cut in front of you- that alone is worth it to me. And like you said, the truck gets blamed for slowing down the traffic, not you. One or two other readers may have their own reasons or dissenting opinions.

 

Bob Wilson had his own vision of driving his 1st Gen Prius. LOL

 

i'm glad the pip has the extra filtration button when i'm behind any diesel that's trying to get up to speed

 

Many are total goobers behind the wheel, so don't count on top quality driving out of all of them.

And on the flip side, there are good reasons not to. They tend to kick up rocks and gravel from the side of the road with their wake, which isn't kind to your windshield. And, they tend so slow down on uphills and speed up on downhills, more so that you will typically want to do. There is no guarantee that you will get increased mileage in their wake - you need to be in the dead spot which typically tucks you right up behind them. Too far back, and you're in their turbulence which is typically more drag than clean air. Lastly, I don't want to stare at the back of a truck. I'd prefer to see the scenery.

 

Reason not to is the amount of gravel those trucks kicks out into your radiator and bottom bumper lip. I drive country side and trucks galore made me plasti dip the bottom lip.

 

True enough, but I'm more wary of the mechanical condition of the truck, which is why I always try to get in front of them on the highway. Ever see any retreads on the side of the road?
Also, if I'm behind them I can't see any potential hazards in front of them until it may be too late...

 

you can stay far enough back to avoid the hazards, and no one will want to pull in front of you. that's a perk

 

I've seen them bounce off my windshield, fender, and hood from trailers in the next lane.