Join the Trucking Industry in Keeping Our Roads Safe this Summer
During the warmer months, more residents will be outside and on the roads as families travel to the beach, picnics, barbeques and participate in other fun summer activities. Along with the seasonal increase in traffic, you will likely be sharing the road with truck drivers this summer. As we travel the roads together, now is a timely reminder of the personal responsibility we share when behind the wheel and recommit to safe driving.
Every day, 3.36 million professional truck drivers safely travel the roads and highways across the nation to deliver all the goods that we rely on. From the transport and delivery of essential goods like food and medication, to seasonal summer products, like sunscreen, pool floats and beach umbrellas, America’s trucking industry ensures that 80% of American communities receive the timely delivery of their goods and products during the summer and year-round.
Safety is prioritized throughout the trucking industry. From safety training programs for drivers, to billions in industry investments to advance the latest safety technology for trucks, America’s trucking industry is dedicated to the safety of its drivers and the motoring public.
As well-trained professionals, there are many truck drivers who have accumulated millions of safe driving miles driving to make their deliveries. These drivers, who take pride in their safety records, like to give back to their fellow drivers and other motorists and share their safe driving tips and techniques. Many of these drivers even help train the new drivers at their companies — sharing best practices and techniques that keep them safe on the road. The trucking industry also hosts nationwide safe driving programs. For example, during busy travel seasons, ATA’s Share the Road program, which is comprised of some of the industry’s safest drivers, help educate the motoring public on safe driving tips to make the roads safer for all drivers.
When behind the wheel, it’s important that all drivers remain calm and operate at safe speeds and distances. Traffic, especially during busy travel seasons, can be frustrating for us all, but we all want to get where we are going safely. During the warmer months, you are likely to see more construction on the roads. When traveling through a work zone, be sure to slow down and follow the road signs; they are there for your protection.
There are also a few specific tips for motorists to keep in mind when traveling on the road with trucks. When passing a truck, automobile drivers should signal and provide enough room ahead of the truck. Trucks have a much shorter stopping distance, so it’s important that after passing a truck, you keep going and don’t stop short. If you visualize a football field, that’s the length it takes a fully loaded tractor trailer to stop.
Driving next to a large truck can be intimidating for some drivers, but you can rest assured knowing that the driver next to you is dedicated to safety. Truck drivers have a strong sense of pride in knowing that they deliver the critical goods that keep our country moving forward. For a driver, there is no better feeling that being able to deliver America’s goods while doing what they love — driving, and our industry take great pride in what we do.
Whether you’re operating a truck or a car, we all share a personal responsibility to safety. We hope you will remember these safe driving tips and join with the trucking industry to help keep our roads safe for all drivers this summer.
