Changes need to protect truckers from trains

Several recent accidents have increased concerns related to trucker safety in the light of both traditional and more technologically advanced trains. This particular problem has actually been connected, in one way or another, with a range of other systemic issues plaguing the trucking industry and its employees, such as the shortage, various pieces of legislation related to tracking and more. 

Regardless of opinion, though, one thing is clear: Industry leaders and relevant regulators need to take some decisive steps toward protecting drivers and ensuring they do not end up in an accident with a train. 

Crashes across the country
Here are a few of the crashes of note that have raised red flags among drivers and officials alike:

• North Dakota: The Jamestown Sun reported that a trucker operating a semi truck was halfway across the tracks when a train began to approach. The driver tried to get off of the track on time, but was unable. Fortunately, the publication noted that the trucker was able to get out of the cab without assistance and only suffered from minor injuries.
• Indiana: 14 News explained that a dump truck driver was crossing tracks in Huntingburg when the arms came down and trapped the vehicle. The operator even attempted to lift the arms up but could not do so in time, leading to the collision with the train. He is in stable condition. 
• California: The Press Democrat reported that officials are investigating the collision between a SMART train and semi truck outside of Santa Rosa, California. As of the most recent statements, the driver is in stable condition, but does not have any memory of the incident. 

These cases are extremely recent and thus still under investigation, but professional drivers are expressing their concerns and opinions as to how the incidents can be better avoided. 

Sounding off
WDAY 6, an  Illinois-based ABC affiliate, recently gathered comments from professional truckers regarding these and other incidents with trains. One pro driver, Leroy Johnson, asserted that speed is the most likely culprit, as vehicles continue to accelerate due to trucker shortages and the institution of the new electronic tracking mandate that is coming into effect, the news provider affirmed. 

The trucker also told WDAY 6 he is concerned about the relative lack of training, and expedited mobilization, of younger drivers to deal with the shortages in the industry today. Trucking companies will likely need to revisit their use of the electronic tracking devices, as well as their preparation of younger, untested drivers, as soon as possible to ensure that their employees are safe on the roads going forward. 

Experience can only be attained through driving professionally, but companies can always do more to train new drivers and refine the skills of those who have been on the road for longer periods of time. At the end of the day, widespread changes to policies and a more intelligent look at trucker safety need to be priorities in the near future.