driver training
Humboldt’s Legacy: The lessons truck drivers will learn
Few events have shaken Canada’s trucking industry more than last spring’s crash between a truck and Humboldt Broncos bus near Armley, Sask. Families were left to mourn 16 dead and support the 13 wounded. The charges against Adesh Deol Trucking and its driver are now making their way through the courts. But there are already signs that this collision will have a lasting legacy – especially as provinces look to refine the skills of those behind the wheel.
Skilled Trade? — Until trucking gets that moniker, we’re in trouble
The thing about proper training is that it makes the driving job legitimate, makes it seem like something worth doing. Our ability to attract new recruits will only increase if a strong training regime is in place. That's how I wrapped up last month's column -- "Training? What Training?" -- which garnered a lot of response. And a lot of agreement, especially on that point about legitimacy. If the job required serious training, graduates would think better of themselves, as would the public and the suits who govern how we do what we do.
It’s Our Fault
Like many of you, I was devastated when my two passions—hockey and trucking—collided tragically on April 7 outside of Tisdale, Sask. I was also embarrassed and angry. Embarrassed because the trucking industry I’ve defended at every dinner party for 35 years was somehow responsible for the senseless loss of 16 lives.
Drivers ‘deserve to be trained’, says BC widow calling for nation-wide standards
FALKLAND, B.C. – Pattie Babij is on a mission to make new driver training mandatory nation-wide. It’s been a difficult year for Babij. A little more than 12 months ago her husband Steve was driving his truck near Revelstoke, B.C. when another semi crossed the median and hit him head on – neither he nor the couple’s dog Zak survived the crash. To add to the grief, she’s being forced to sell her dairy farm because she’s unable to run it without her husband’s help.
Mandatory training won’t fix everything, but it will help
The chorus calling for improved and mandatory training for truck drivers is growing louder as the days pass following the Humboldt, Sask. truck/bus crash. We still don't know the official cause of that crash, or what role driver training -- or the lack thereof -- played in the incident. I'm not inclined to believe it was a primary factor. I think what is playing in most peoples' minds is the driver's reported lack of experience.
Updated: Saskatchewan backtracks on training stance
REGINA, Sask. – Days after announcing plans for mandatory entry-level driver training, SGI’s auto fund division has issued a second memo that backtracks from the stance. “We would like to clarify that no decision has been made regarding Class 1 training,” writes Kwei Quaye, vice-president, traffic safety, driver and support services.
Lucas moves from the ring to the road
MONTREAL, Que. -- Eric Lucas first raised the WBC world middleweight championship belt over his head in July 2001, and managed to hold on to the boxing title for two years. But when his time as a professional fighter came to an end in 2010, it was time to look for a new career. At first, he ran a dairy. Then a café in Estrie. The idea of entering the trucking industry came after that.
U.S. moves closer to tougher driver training standards
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Entry-level truck drivers in the U.S. will face newly mandated training requirements as of Feb. 7, 2020. But the new training standards set out by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will not define the minimum number of in-class or in-cab training hours, as previously advocated for...
