Quote:
Originally posted by svandamme
i think there is a massive difference in mentality between US and EU
here, we are restricted , and when we do get the licence, we are taught that, in any case, whoever tows a big trailer
is responsible for it's condition eg
we can rent a double axle trailer, but if the cops stop the driver, and the brakes don't work, lights don't work, emergency disconnect, it's overloaded, the load isn't properly secured
or whatever
the driver will get a ticket for each problem found
whoever rented this thing out, pretty much is not liable, the driver is responsible to make sure he has the right licence, skill and equipment...
if it's not, he has to complain , get it fixed, or rent somewhere else where he can get the right gear
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Technically, we hold the same responsibility. When you get in a rental truck, you should walk completely around it noting damage and things like an unlatched door. (If one owned an airplane, would they hop in and fly it w/o doing a visual??)
Several years ago I planned my "retirement" plan to include owning or managing a hardware store that possibly rented tools. Since I know a lot about tools and can repair them, I thought this would be a good adjunct to the HW biz.
Well, first of all, the Home Defect has run all the hardware stores out of business just as Wal Mart has done to so many other small businesses. Secondly, I wouldn't rent a pair of tweezers to the general public today. So, I'm back to thinking that one out.
I think if I were U Haul, I'd handle it the same way. Just like Ford/Firestone did with the Explorer. Pay off the problems. Of course, percentage wise, it looks like UH has deeper pockets than Ford.
So, 2 reporters go out and dig up every accident they can find and then interview the folks involved. What did they think, that the people who had an accident with a U Haul product were going to sing praise for the company? Lesse here, accident plus victim = incrimination. Jeezus, if that's all it takes to draw a salary, maybe I don't have to worry about retirement.