TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Trucker Buddy International has launched a new program called Trucking Mentors, which will educate high school-aged kids on how to safely drive around trucks.

The program will match professional drivers with a high school located in their area or along their route. The driver will visit the high school once or twice a year to teach young drivers how to safely share the road with big trucks.

Trucker Buddy organizers say the new program is ideal for professional drivers who want to contribute to road safety. There are currently 2,600 Trucker Buddies, who act as pen pals with elementary school students, sharing stories from the road and educating them on the trucking lifestyle.

Trucking Mentors will be subject to a background check, the organization says.

“I believe that as an industry we have a responsibility to help our communities understand how to be safe around a truck and continue to improve our image. That is especially important for teens beginning to take the responsibility of driving a car,” says Randy Schwartzenburg, executive director, Trucker Buddy International. “Trucking Mentors will not only save lives but will increase respect between all the parties. Having both Trucker Buddies and Trucking Mentors teaching students about our industry not only helps the students drive more safely but helps everyone understand our industry’s impact on our nation. Saving lives, improving our image and building respect are why launching Trucking Mentors is so important.”

For more info, visit www.truckingmentors.org.