“If you’ve got it a truck brought it” is close to 100 percent true. Four myths about truckers are nowhere near true, and it’s time to deflate, psss, those worn out falsehoods. The trucks that bring almost everything are driven by skilled, professionals in order to deliver goods safely and efficiently.
Myth 1:”truckers are dangerous drivers and cause most accidents.”
Actually, it’s SAFETY FIRST. Trucks are 3 times less likely to be in an accident than cars. Commercial trucks are involved in only 2.4 percent of all car accidents. Trucks meet stringent standards and are 4 times more likely to pass safety inspections than cars.
Myth 2: “truckers use a lot of drugs.”
In fact, trucking is almost DRUG FREE. Trucking companies must drug test 50 percent of all drivers each year. A trucker who fails a drug/alcohol test loses his/her commercial license and is fired immediately. Companies may be fined up to $825,000 if a trucker fails a drug/alcohol test
Truckers may be drug/alcohol tested by any law enforcement officer, even without probable cause. In 2009, 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence, but only 6 percent were truckers
A trucker loses the commercial drivers license and job for the following:
- Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
- Refusing to take a drug/alcohol test
- Any crime involving drugs
- A felony involving any vehicle
- Leaving the scene of a crime
- Causing a fatality through negligent operation of any vehicle
Myth 3: “truck drivers are poor.”
TRUCKERS EARN 30-35 PERCENT MORE than the U.S. median salary of $44,389. Massachussetts and Washington, D.C., truckers earn about $59,000 per year. New York truckers make about $60,000.Wyoming truckers can expect $61,000 annually. $68,000 can be earned by Mississippi professional drivers.
Myth 4: “men are better truck drivers than women.”
Factually, WOMEN MAKE GREAT TRUCKERS and more than 200,000 ladies drive long haul. Women are 4 times more likely to pass the commercial license exam on the first try than men. A female trucker is 3 times less likely to be in an accident than a man. Women truckers are 5 times less likely to violate a safety regulation.
You can help let all the air out of these old myths by stating the facts about truckers.
TJ is the managing editor for Trucker to Trucker which specializes in Trucks For Sale in North America and helping truck dealers and owner operators sell trucking equipment!
