Professional Truck Driver Gary Eastwood is Recognized for his Commitment to Safety

Gary Eastwood, Professional Truck Driver, Pitt Ohio Express

Gary Eastwood is a professional truck driver for Pitt Ohio based out of the Glen Burnie terminal in Maryland. Over the course of his 32-year career in trucking, Gary Eastwood has traveled 3.2 million miles accident-free, which is the equivalent of circling the earth 128 times.

Discussing the importance of safety, Gary told TMAF in an interview, “Safety is the most important consideration in my opinion.” Some of the safety tips that Gary follows are, “I pull over if I need to use my phone for anything at all; I stop and take a walk, have a snack or take my lunch if I feel myself becoming inattentive; I pay close attention to other vehicles around me, and I follow the speed limits.”

In March 2022, Gary was recognized for his safe driving record and was named Maryland’s Truck Driver of the Year by the Maryland State Police. He was one of 12 drivers to be recognized by the Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA) as the 2021 Drivers of the Month, with the MMTA choosing him as the Driver of the Year from among the 12 awardees.

“It felt amazing to be recognized not only for my safe driving miles with Pitt Ohio Express but also the years of safe driving I had when I lived in Canada. I have had over 3.2 million miles of safe driving, and it was nice to be recognized for that.”

In addition to his safe driving record, Gary is also dedicated to helping others — both on and off the road. Throughout his career, Gary has helped another driver whose trailer was on fire, saving the tractor and the load. Gary told TMAF about his experience that day.

“On August 12, 2015, I passed a truck in just such a perilous situation. I could see the driver was desperately trying to unhitch the trailer from the tractor. I stopped to offer my assistance. I used my fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful, no surprise. Next, I helped the driver pull the fifth wheel pin which was stuck. After the driver rocked the tractor back and forth the pin released. The driver was able to save his tractor. Pitt Ohio commended my efforts to assist another driver in need.”

A highway hero who is always willing to lend a helping hand to fellow drivers, Gary also assisted the police and emergency medical personnel another time when he was the first on the scene at a fatal accident.

When he is not behind the wheel, Gary volunteers within his community. He runs a community lawn and garden service for elderly in his community and serves as a longtime lay person at his church in Westminster.

Speaking about what Gary enjoys most about being a professional truck driver, he said, “I like driving and not being in an office behind a desk. My truck is my own space, and I can listen to podcasts or books. I make a good living to support my family.”