People

Aug 7, 2009

The Healthy Trucking Association

CREnglandGirl CR England, Health, Miscellaneous, People 0 Comment

Did you know that C.R. England is a member of the Healthy Trucking Association of America?  The HTAA is a non-profit organization that was formed to provide professional truck drivers with the resources they need and deserve to live a healthier live and also to provide trucking companies with programs and resources to assist and encourage their drivers to live healthier.  In order to foster good health in the trucking industry, the HTAA teams up with various companies and other associations relevant to the industry.  The organization recently held its first annual Summit in Atlanta and hopes to hold one every year in February to help focus more attention on driver health issues.

One of the best things about the HTAA is individual drivers can become members and for just $7.50 a month, you have access to all the tools and resources you need to get healthier – sign up here.  Or click here to watch a short video to learn more about the HTAA and its mission.  Want to know if your employer is a member?  Find out here.

Jul 29, 2009

The Dangers of Texting

CREnglandGirl On the Road, People, Statistics, Technology 1 Comment

Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute conducted a study to test the effect of personal technology when it comes to safety on the road.  The study was funded with $300,000 from the FMCSA,  lasted from 2004 to 2007, and involved 203 truck drivers who drove a collective 3,000 miles.   Video cameras were installed in commercial trucks that could record truck drivers just seconds before and during an accident or near miss.

The results of the study confirm what many have been saying for a long time: that texting is an extremely high-risk behavior while driving.  In fact, the study showed that texting increased a trucker’s’ probability of being in a crash or a near miss by nearly 23 times, compared to motorists who were not texting.  Researchers say texting is considered more dangerous than other activities while driving because it requires the driver to take their eyes off the road repeatedly.

Just a reminder to always make safety a top priority!

Jun 3, 2009

The Dangers of Obesity & Drowsy Driving

CREnglandGirl Health, Legislation, People 0 Comment

photo via MSNBC
This trucker uses a machines to help him breathe better during sleep.

Sleep scientists at Harvard University say research indicates that there is a strong link between overweight truck drivers and sleep apnea, a disorder that causes a person’s airways to collapse several times a night.  People who suffer from sleep apnea wake up repeatedly throughout the night and as a result, they are never fully rested and their bodies are continually deprived of oxygen.   The disorder can lead to a wide range of other health problems including diabetes and prompt symptoms such as daytime sleepiness and fatigue.  Simply put, that excess weight you’re carrying may cause you to inadvertently doze off.

Just a few seconds of nodding off behind-the-wheel is more than enough time to cause a potentially fatal crash.  Subsequently, the push for federal rules that require mandatory testing of obese drivers is gaining traction.  Experts say screening drivers could help prevent fatal truck crashes – it’s estimated that 20% of all truck accidents are caused by drowsy drivers and sleep apnea increases the risk of a trucker being in an accident two to seven times.

For more than a year now, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been considering new rules that would indeed require screening for truckers whose body mass index is more than 30.  Also, a growing number of truck driving companies, large and small, are voluntarily screening drivers for sleep apnea at their own expense.

When you know the health risks posed by obesity and the dangers of drowsy driving, do you think the government should require health screenings for overweight truckers?  Do you think truck driving companies should offer employees treatment for life-threatening conditions that could impact their ability to work?

Apr 10, 2009

Encouraging the Female Gender in the Trucking Industry

CREnglandGirl Cool Stuff, People, Women 2 Comments

The Women in Trucking Association, an organization that supports the employment of women in the trucking industry, has formed a collaborative partnership with YRC Worldwide Inc. to address the obstacles currently faced by female drivers. In addition, the partnership will focus on the misconceptions and stereotypes that have traditionally deterred women from obtaining truck jobs.

Specific goals of the alliance include:

  • Create and administer a national survey to analyze the views of female truckers on a myriad of issues including workplace environment, driving training, job satisfaction, and more.
  • Expand and further develop current recruiting programs designed to encourage women to join the truck driving industry and fill a variety of positions.
  • Improve training measures and the industry work environment for women.
  • Develop information and literature (i.e. pamphlets, booklets, etc.) that address the safety issues female drivers face.
  • Beginning open communication with major truck stops and the travel center industry to create environments that are more female-friendly. This would include improvements in safety, cleanliness, and available facilities.

If you would like to learn more, visit the official Women in Trucking website.

Apr 6, 2009

72nd Annual National Truck Driving Championships

CREnglandGirl Cool Stuff, Events, People 0 Comment


The American Trucking Associations is holding its annual National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh, PA from August 18 – 22. NTDC competitors comprise of the winners from eight different classes of competition from 50 State Trucking Associations’ Truck Driving Championships. Drivers have the opportunity to demonstrate their driving and pre-trip inspection skills and trucking knowledge and professionalism through a series of tests including a written exam, personal interview, and of course the pre-trip inspection and skills tests. The purpose of the NTDC is to encourage and promote safety among drivers in the industry and subsequently has become known as the “Super Bowl of Safety.”

In order to compete, truck drivers must be accident-free for at least 12 months prior to the competition – most competitors have logged millions of miles accident-free. They must also maintain continuous employment with a single carrier for at least one year. The Championships Committee, comprised of high level safety professionals, publishes a yearly rulebook.

If interested in competing, contact your local state trucking association for complete regulations on how to enter and compete.

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