The Department of Transportation reports the number of truck-involved traffic fatalities declined 20% in 2009. The reduction is the lowest level recorded in history. In addition to the 20% reduction in crash fatalities involving large trucks, the number of truck occupants deaths decreased 26% in 2009.
Being in the trucking industry, in Compliance and Safety for the past 12 years, this is very exiciting for me.That is 865 lives! It is common goal in the trucking industy to put safe drivers behind the wheel of the big trucks you see going down the highway everyday and we are doing it!
Regualtions have changed over the years, even since I started in the trucking industry. There are several factors that contribute to the declining numbers of fatalities and injuries involving large trucks.One is increased seatbelt usage. I know alot of people have excuses as why not to wear their seatbelts but it is a law and it does save lives. Another good one is drivers are regulated on the number of hours he can drive/work in a day with a mandatory break called the hours of Service. What other profession do you know tells you how long you can work and how long you can sleep or be off duty? I know that the public sometimes sees truck drivers as a BIG nusiance but just remember without these people you would not have your coffee or diet pepsi you drink in the morning, the chair that you sit in the read your newspaper or the car that you drive. Next time you see a Big Rig going down the road smile or wave and you will most defintely make his or her day.
As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminstration says "We will not rest until there are Zero commercial truck-related fatalities on our roads" is definetly a goal worth reaching for. One of the lives saved could be yours or a loved one. Drive safely and buckle up everyone I want to read all your interesting blog posts next week!
Susan,
ReplyDeleteGlad to see laws enforced are saving lives. My family and I travel and are on the road A LOT. Our 34ft RV has traveled many many miles. I always joke with my husband that he has trucker blood running through his veins!!! I said all that to say... our experience on the road has allowed us to see that truck drivers are definately a different breed. They carry a huge responsiblity with them constantly. Just like any other drivers there are good and bad. For the most part, we have seen truckers work together in workzones protecting all motorists and workers in ways regular drivers couldn't. It's good to know ther are less accidents and deaths for truckers Great flow and personal imput.