Dangers in Team Truck Driving

                                                                     Post and Search for jobs fast!

If you’ve been following the news lately, you may have noticed that things aren’t so pretty in the trucking industry. A few weeks ago I shared an article with our Facebook Page audience titled, “Driver Attacks Co-Driver“. I don’t know exactly what happened in Hubbard, Oh that day, or exactly what their relationship was. It boils down to this… the male driver followed the female driver into the bathroom, beat her up really bad with an object and left the Flying J parking lot. He came back and turned himself into the police.Kelvin Fitzpatrick was charged with felonious assault and criminal damaging.

Now, a few days ago, I read an article, “Werner Driver Stabbed to Death by Trainee.” This article is about a 62 year old driver trainer, with 20 years driving experience under his belt. He was stabbed multiple times, by the trainee, in a rest area. This was going to be Mr. Ruiz’ last trainee because his granddaughter had just received her CDL, and he was going to team drive with her. Mr. Ruiz was due to retire from truck driving in 2017. This story was a true tear-jerker for me! Stanley Polk, the trainee, was way past his emotional limit and should have just walked away!

Here in Georgia, where we live, there’s a major problem on I-16. I read an article, “Three More Die on I-16 As a Result of a Truck Wreck.” Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims in this incident. Unfortunately, this was the third multi-family collision, involving a tractor trailer, in the past 60 days!

The most popular bluetooth headset in the trucking industry! That’s why I have one 🙂

My husband and I used to run I-16 on our Savannah route, 3-4 days each week. Although that was years ago, I still remember how easy it was to “set it and forget it.” (The cruise control) I don’t know if that’s the case with this driver, but it’s a horrible tragedy no matter what!

There are many reasons for the incidents that are happening. I think it all boils down stress, being over-worked and poor judgment.  A key ingredient is that trucking doesn’t pay what it used to, so drivers are feeling the need to run harder… often times illegally. Trucking companies feel the need to run under qualified drivers, and to run their veteran drivers illegally, too. What’s a driver to do? Even with the severe driver shortage, there are limited driving opportunities in many areas. 

The cherry on top is the fact that the feds are always changing the current regulations, and coming up with new ones. The latest I heard on the speed limiters, is that they may actually be harmful to drivers’ health… OH REALLY NOW? I don’t agree with speed limiters, but who am I, right?

You can read the article, “Court says speed limiters dangerous to truck drivers, but Ontario doesn’t care.” Now, you may be thinking, “but I don’t even run in Canada.” Well, I’ll tell you like this… when the law is set in one place, even another country, others are sure to follow!

Like I said, I’m not a fan of speed limiters, and I’m not sure just how much help they’ll be with getting stressed and overworked truck drivers under control but something got to give! Between the safety of truck drivers from other vehicles on the road, the issues with dispatchers not letting drivers sleep — always wanting an update, and drivers having to run harder to make the same pay as five years ago — I repeat — something’s got to give!

                                            Check out a job BEFORE you apply!

So, what do you think? What has drivers losing it so easily and not walking away? Are you seeing — and keeping — the same income as two, three, or five years ago? Have you had to make any adjustments to keep your work or home situation running the same as before?

Please leave your questions or comments in the box below.

Until next time… Be awesome and Be safe!