Scott en Aztl‡n
Backing "improperly" is often a required manuever for trucks. But in this case the driver apparently evaluated his options and chose expediency over safety... and accomplished neither, end a man and f***ed up a substantial portion of his own life because he possibly felt he "didn't have the time" to drive around the block.
The geezer's contribution to his own dissolution is questionable. Perhaps he came around the corner as the truck was already in rearward motion and, not having time to clear his avoidance manuever, stopped and fell because he was "clipped", or more likely "strapped" to the pedals.
I guess that's possible but it doesn't seem likely according to people who knew him and his activity level. One thing I'm pretty certain of is that you won't feel incompetent if you're lucky enough to reach his age. Like me, you'll probably wonder where the goddam fire is that everyone else seems to be headed toward and why, if they're going to drive so fast, they don't expend more effort in maintaining their own lane.
These local-type drivers are often the most dangerous. They're often untrained, the least send and in an unfathomable hurry... since they're paid by the hour. Watch out for 'em. -----
- gpsman
