Trucking Matters: Posts

On Aug. 7, the four day competition and year long preparation for the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), culminated in the naming of the 2010 National Truck Driving Grand Champion. Carl Krites, a driver for Con-way Freight, drove away from Columbus, Ohio with the honor and joined an elite list of Champs in just his first trip to the national competition.

Krites, who has driven more than 3-million miles during his 31 years in the industry, rose from the ranks of 415 professional drivers in nine competing classes from all across the United States. Collectively, these drivers logged 581,001,783 accident-free miles.

In addition to the thrill of competition, NTDC reminds those in the trucking industry what is truly important – safety. The championships are commonly referred to as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” and for good reason – every competitor must maintain a safe driving record for the entire year to compete. When talking to drivers on the floor of competition, it is easy to see that they know the importance safety plays in every decision they make.

As a result of this industry-wide safety focus, the trucking is safer than ever. In 2008, the large truck fatal crash rate was a record low 1.64 fatal crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. This has decreased 64 percent from 4.58 in 1975, the first year the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) began keeping records and is at a historical low. This decline marks the largest year-to-year drop ever and the fifth consecutive year the fatality rate has dropped.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood attended the NTDC and applauded professional drivers at the event for their commitment to highway safety. “I want you to know that at DOT, we appreciate what you all do and the fact that safety is your No. 1 priority," LaHood said. He also commended the trucking industry for taking an active role against distracted driving. "You all are ahead of the curve on this; you all have set a standard. We appreciate that," LaHood said during his speech. Since October 2008, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) has advocated for policies that would minimize or eliminate driver distraction caused by using electronic devices while operating any type of motor vehicle. The ATA strongly supports the DOT's proposal of a permanent rule to prohibit text messaging on handheld devices by interstate commercial truck and bus drivers. The ATA also supports states’ efforts to ban texting by automobile drivers.

After visiting NTDC, LaHood recognized the important role of professional truck drivers on his blog, saying “it is thanks to America's truckers that we enjoy the quality of life we have today. They are out there--often far from home--navigating weather and congestion, and safely transporting the goods we need and use every day.”

Congratulations to all the NTDC winners, and all of America’s professional truck drivers, for making the roads a safer place.