PETERS: A few unprofessional, unprepared drivers are ruining the good reputation of the trucking industry

This one didn’t cause much damage, but it’s the latest in a growing list of similar incidents in which operators seemingly have no idea how high their loads are.

At this rate, there won’t be any trucks left on the road in B.C.

Responsible, professional operators — who make up the vast majority of those on the road — know exactly how tall their loads are and which tunnels and overpasses might be too low for them to negotiate.

There are a few, though, who are spoiling the good reputation of the entire industry.

Another driver error resulted in a near tragedy on Thursday.

This incident happened on the Trans Canada Highway west of Revelstoke.

A truck carried too much speed into a sweeping curve and lost control, snaking into the oncoming lane and narrowly missing a snowplow.

It jackknifed and then hit a small SUV in the oncoming lane. Thankfully, it had scrubbed a lot of speed by that time.

Road conditions were not great, sure, and maybe there is some blame to be laid there, but it’s up to the driver to recognize the conditions and to drive accordingly.

It has become clear that there are more and more drivers behind the wheel that are not properly prepared to be there.

Because new Canadians are increasingly joining the industry, the issues can stoke pre-existing racism in some members of the public.

It’s all about training and professionalism, though, which can be either really strong or really poor regardless of ethnicity.

There are so many expert operators working in B.C., getting our goods where they need to be expeditiously and doing their part to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads.

They can’t be happy to see the esteem of their profession ground down by some drivers who exhibit poor training and even poorer preparation.

It’s time for government to crack down by way of more stringent training standards and stronger enforcement.

——

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: A few unprofessional, unprepared drivers are ruining the good reputation of the trucking industry

Our Community