This video shows a year in the life of a Detroit firefighter. Travel with these brave men as they put out flames and protect peoples’ lives and property.

Did you ever want to be a firefighter? Why or why not?

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Ladies and gentlemen, behold…the toughest bridge in the world! It seems nothing can take down this 11′ 8″ bridge.

What is the worst bridge you’ve had to pass under in your driving career?

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Next time you find yourself walking along the side of the road, keep an eye out for flying vehicles. Surely this man counts his blessings after such a scary encounter.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen in snowy weather?

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This intense accident is not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned. Remember, share with your friends!

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UPDATE: Fox News is saying Ryan Lanza is NOT the shooter, his brother Adam Lanza, 20, is the shooter and may have been carrying his brother’s identification.

Update: Facebook has removed Ryan Lanza’s Facebook page (1:59 CT)

The news has released a name in connection with the tragic school shooting in Newtown, CT: Ryan Lanza.  A brief Facebook search brings up this profile of Ryan Lanza, with thousands of photo shares racking up from others searching him out on social networks. Latest reports indicate Lanza may have targeted the school’s principal and perhaps even his own mother who teaches at the school. At this time his motive is unknown.

Update: Fox News is reporting that Lanza’s father Peter has been found dead in his home.  Lanza’s mother Nancy is presumed to be dead, as well.  (2:03 pm CST)

Update: CNN has reported that Lanza’s brother has also been found dead in a New Jersey home.

Update: The AP is reporting that Lanza’s younger brother is being head by police for questioning as a possible accomplice.  They’re also reporting Lanza’s girlfriend and a close friend are missing.  (2:46 pm CST)

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Saving Money The Resourceful Way

Hold that load of junk you’ve collected before you scrap it. You might think you’re throwing away useless household items, such as broken scissors, hangers, or flip flops. But, you might end up trashing something that could help you cook your next meal, keep your bike upright, or at least get you a few laughs from friends and family. Check out the inventive handiwork of these amateur engineers, and maybe they’ll inspire you to keep some of those scraps that sit around and turn them into something useful.

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Road hazards and fatal accidents increase exponentially during the winter months.

By: Bruce T. Pelletier

Dangerous Roads Ahead
Slow down. The life you save may be your own!

There are many dangerous challenges a professional driver must adapt during a 10 hour shift of slick, icy roads or poor visibility. In fact, the Department of Transportation estimates that 500,000 truck accidents each year and that one person is killed or injured every 16 minutes in The United States.

The good news is that commercial drivers are only involved in 2.4% of all traffic accidents and more then 75% of all collisions are caused by passenger vehicles. Furthermore, studies showed that 16% of all truck drivers made no provisions for safe driving and were at fault. Federal safety rules require a driver to slow down and use extreme caution under harsh weather conditions.

Winter driving should be approached strategically. Be sure to increase your following distance on slippery roads and look for black ice. When the air is warmer then the pavement, it causes moisture to quickly form. The fuel vapors leave oily patches that freeze and you will notice dark or dull appearances to the pavement.

Bridges, tunnels and overpasses are at high risk for black ice and make sure your tires are in good condition and provide substantial traction. You do not want to be caught off guard in this dangerous situation and avoid any sudden breaking or acceleration on slick and icy roads. This action may cause you to lose control of your vehicle by jackknifing or skidding off the road into a ditch.

More articles about Highway Safety from CDL Life.

Road construction is another hazard that you must face. Always be alert and prepared stop. There is no need to race though a work zone at 70 mph and kill someone. Apply some common sense while driving and scan ahead for pedestrians and road repair equipment.

If you are traveling under 35 mph along an interstate, use you four-way emergency flashers. This will warn other drivers that trouble is just ahead and for them to slow down.

In order to be a professional, you must think like one at all times. Share the road and do not drive like an ass-hole. The cops will give you a ticket and sooner or later you sorry ass will be taking the bus to work.
Until then, have fun and drive safe.

For more trucking news, entertainment and lifestyle, visit CDLLife - News and Entertainment for Truckers

The Friday following Thanksgiving traditionally kicks off the Christmas holiday shopping season. I’m a huge Black Friday shopper, so I thought I would share some of my tried and true Black Friday tips with you.

Perhaps the most important Black Friday tip I can offer is to go with a plan.  Each year, I make a list of specific items I need from specific stores.  If you’re just going to stores hoping to stumble upon a good deal, you might not find what you’re looking for.

The  second thing I recommend is to pair-up if you can.  If you have a shopping partner, you can hit one store while your partner can hit another one.

The third piece of advice I offer is DO NOT GET A SHOPPING KART. Even if you have a large item to purchase, do not get a shopping kart.  I know some of you may be scoffing, but it’s true.  I’ve gotten very large items without getting a kart first.  The first thing you need to do is get to the item you want and get your hands on it.  If you can, carry the items you want.  If you can’t go to the item and ask an associate to get you a cart.  If you grab a kart as soon as you get into the store, you won’t be able to make it through the packed aisles.

The fourth tip I offer others is to know the store’s layout.  If you go to the store the night prior to the sale, you might get a chance to see where the displays are set up.  If you know the store’s layout, you’ll be able to get to the item you need to more quickly.

The fifth and final tip I have to offer is to have fun.

Below are links to store’s Black Friday ads.  Click on any button to see that store’s printable flyer.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

For more trucking news, entertainment and lifestyle, visit CDLLife - News and Entertainment for Truckers

By: Karl Wiggins

My big black Pete rolled through the night like 500 horses. Chrome sweat glinting in the desert moonlight, silver streaked and smoking stacks, chicken lights blazing; hammer down and east bound.

Sitting atop the 500 horses in the custom air ride seat I rode the waves of the highway with America keeping a beat. I never really understood the lyrics to the song; a horse with no name; but rolling across the desert in the orange glow of the dash board lights, I had never felt as alone as America sang; “and in the desert, no one can remember your name, because there ain’t no one to give you no fame.” I merged with the lyrics and crashed into understanding.

I was sucked into a hole of oneness with the stars, cars and jack rabbits that were hijacked by my headlights. The desert and its many beating hearts all poured together and I was one with the universe as the band sang “It felt good to be out of the rain” and the 500 horses and my universal ass rolled on, in the fast lane.

Hard days night…..

For more trucking news, entertainment and lifestyle, visit CDLLife - News and Entertainment for Truckers