Trucking safety courses could help operators appease fears of other drivers

Many commercial vehicle operators feel as if they are the targets of discrimination on the road. Several drivers assume that these professionals are unsafe, or worry that the size of their trucks alone can make them more likely to be involved in accidents.

Some members of the transportation industry, such as Brian Fmura, are speaking out about this issue. The Pennsylvania-based operator told Public Opinion that truck drivers are, in fact, some of the safest individuals on the road.

"There are some bad truckers out there that don't need to be driving, but overall we're safe and responsible drivers," he told the news source.

This claim is backed up by statistics that were compiled by the state's Department of Transportation, which reveal that only 4.3 percent of accidents that occurred in 2009 involved large commercial vehicles, the media outlet reports.

Individuals who are versed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's regulations may be likely to avoid accidents. According to a 2007 report from the organization, its compliance reviews enabled carriers to avoid more than 2,000 accidents in 2005. 

Trucking safety courses could help operators appease fears of other drivers

Monday, January 17th, 2011