And the 2015 Winner is…
When you think truck driving championship, you are mostly thinking of some monster truck-type race. In reality, it is a championship for the most safe and professional drivers. The National Truck Driving Championship takes place every year, and is also known as the “Super Bowl of Safety”. The 2015 championship that took place this month was partnered with the National Step Van Driving Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. The event gathered 415 of America’s best professional drivers along with their families and friends. The drivers must complete a skills test, pre-trip inspection, and written exam.
Don Logan of Topeka, Kansas has taken home the championship title for 2015, but this is not his first. Logan is a four-time national champion who is also a nine-time state champion. The former captain on the American Trucking Associations’ road team has logged over 2.3 million accident-free miles with FedEx.
Do Your Drivers Have What it Takes?
Drivers who participate in the championship are required to have zero accidents for at least one year. The event is to give praise to the drivers who excel in safety and to promote other drivers to do the same. While there is seriousness in the event, drivers go to have fun too. They compete against their trucking allies for the top spot. Awards are given to first, second, and third place as well as awards for Professional Excellence, Vehicle Condition, Rookie of the Year, and Grand Champion. The championship is a great way to promote safe driving. Promoting safety will bring attention to and even help reduce truck accidents on the road. If you ever become a victim of an injury in an accident involving a truck, you may want legal assistance – click here for more information.
Do you have what it takes to compete in the 2016 National Truck Driving Championship? Apply through the American Trucking Association and get the latest news and information on trucking around the United States. Drivers aren’t the only ones who get the praise. A national championship looks great for the trucking companies that employ them. Who wouldn’t want to ship with a carrier that employs the best of the best?
Reach Championship Status With Your Trucking Company
Having a team of skilled drivers for your trucking business is something to be proud of. Every small trucking company has to start somewhere. If you want to be a first place carrier, you could benefit from extra capital for your business. We can provide you with trucking factoring services and fuel cards that will help keep you and your drivers reaching for your goals and become championship status. Don’t let another year go by without getting the funds you need to grow. We want to see you reach number one!
What Can Drivers do to Promote Safety?
Truck drivers play a critical role in promoting safety on the road, not only for themselves but also for other motorists. Here are several key practices and strategies that truck drivers can adopt to enhance safety:
- Observe Speed Limits: Always adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed based on weather conditions, road conditions, and traffic flow. Speeding is a major factor in truck accidents.
- Maintain Safe Following Distance: Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in adverse conditions. Use the “three-second rule” or “four-second rule” to gauge your distance.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-cab entertainment systems. Distracted driving can lead to accidents.
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Perform routine inspections and maintenance on your truck to ensure it’s in proper working order. Check brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components regularly.
- Load Securement: Properly secure and distribute your cargo to prevent shifting during transit. An unbalanced load can affect stability and handling.