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The Statistics and the Reality
Today there is a very high rate of personal injury and death which have resulted from the use of technology by those who are operating motor vehicles. Many would like to place the blame solely on those who are texting and driving, but we seem to ignore the fact that any distraction can be disastrous, including simply answering your cell or using those ‘much needed’ laptops police officers use in vehicles.
Well, it is much the same type of situation when it comes to trucking. Today we no longer us CB radios to communicate while hauling loads from coast to coast, but we do engage in a variety of technological activity while driving big rigs, both out of boredom and ‘necessity’. Here are some statistics regarding the use of smartphones by those who operate semi-trucks for a living and how that use effects the reality of life.
Here is reality: close to 80% of OTR drivers use some type of cell phone or other wireless device while doing their work, which is driving. 84% of that figure stated they check texts, emails, and social media during that time. I don’t believe any of us need to be told the intense danger of this behavior.
So what should be done? The fact is these drivers are on the road more than 2/3 of the year; they struggle just to eat a healthy diet at all, much less eat on a regular basis. They are on tight deadlines and are expected to get from point A to point B is as little time as possible so they can do it all again. When do they take the time to have a life?
Technology is being embraced in some very positive ways. Satellite and GPS capability saves lives daily. The ability to track loads and schedule shipments, as well as improve a company’s bottom line is almost done instantaneously. Technology also enables a variety of ways for the trucker to stay in touch with their loved ones like never before.
The solution is simple; you utilize the technology when you are not maneuvering a gazillion pound vehicle 75 miles per hour down the freeway with tiny little cars all around you…you do it when you are pulled off the road.
We know the facts: The evolution of technology has brought about the dictation of on the road use, even by the driver of the vehicle. While much of this is necessary, much is pointless, and the results are tragic and completely un-rectifiable. Over time there will inevitably be improvements made to make the use of commercial technology safer, but for now stopping keeps people from dropping, and that is the main point in the long run, professionally, personally, and profitably.
Gene SmithOperations ManagerLoadWatcher.com allows our entire team the ability to locate any carrier from one dashboard.
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