Those of us in the transportation industry have a tendency to get caught up with loads, roads, equipment, paperwork, cell phones, iPads, computers and GPS. As a result, we sometimes forget some very important things about our industry and the careers we have chosen. In this season of Thanksgiving, there are many things to be thankful for, such as:
- I am thankful for every safe mile and every safe trip that brings us back to our family and allows us to provide for them.
- I am thankful for my supportive family because it isn’t easy being the spouse or child of a professional driver.
- I am thankful that we live in the greatest nation in the world and for the men and women of our armed forces that allow us the privilege to work, play and rest safe and free.
- I am thankful for the company that supports me and provides me the opportunity to be a professional driver and operate safe and efficient equipment in a safe work environment.
- I am thankful for the transportation industry that provides and promotes the companies and drivers who keep the goods and materials moving every day to keep our economy rolling and successful. We in the transportation industry understand that “if you got it, a truck brought it.”
- I am thankful that professional drivers set the standards of safety on our nation’s highways and city streets. Accident statistics show that professional drivers are among the safest operators.
Take a few minutes to think about what you are thankful for. Thank those around you who support and help you be the best at what you do.
During the holiday season, it is important to keep safety in mind. Our safety message is one that you have heard many times, “both the leaves and the temperatures are falling and the fall quickly turns to winter, bringing all the challenges that you’ve successfully handled for years.” Reduced periods of daylight and inclement weather in the form of rain, sleet, snow, fog and ice all pose a threat to the professional driver. Slower speeds and increased following distance will increase your chances of having an accident-free trip.
Pay special attention to your pre-trip and en-route inspections; tires, lights, wipers, washers, defroster and emergency equipment and supplies will help you to have a safe trip. Good solid end-of-day inspections will help make certain that the equipment is safe for your next trip or the next driver assigned to the unit.
Rest at home and breaks on the road will help to ensure that you are in good physical and mental condition to deal with the added stressors that fall and winter bring. Watch out for holiday traffic from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, when the roads are filled with non-professional drivers who are likely in a hurry. Some of the drivers may not be rested and may possibly be impaired by fatigue, alcohol, drugs or other distractions. Don’t let them ruin your holidays and your good driving record.
I am THANKFUL for each of you out there turning those wheels. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Drive safely.
Drive responsibly.
Drive professionally.
The information contained in this report was obtained from sources which, to the best of the writer’s knowledge, are authentic and reliable. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. makes no guarantee of results and assumes no liability in connection with either the information herein contained, or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein, or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedures.