Should more be done to protect our truckers?

Absolutely. These men and women are parents, friends, neighbours, brothers and sisters. They deserve to be looked after with occupational health and safety just as anyone else who goes to work and puts in a hard day.

I think at the other end of it, not only do the trucking companies have the responsibility of maintaining their trucks, but other drivers on the road need to be aware of how long it takes a truck to stop. Only today, I witnessed a car pull into the lane of a slowing down truck, which had obviously left himself enough room to stop, but had to break hard not to hit the car as she stopped at the lights. I mean really, that puts a lot of pressure on trucks which is unnecessary, not to mention an accident waiting to happen.

by Sarah Bell

Thanks for your reply Sarah. I completely agree. Other drivers must be wary of trucks. Another issue truckers face is ridiculous deadlines. How many people have to die before changes are made?

One of my friend's husband is a truck driver (in Canada). He is the most stressed out person I have ever met. Their marriage has been affected by his work as well. Anyhow, the question is what can be done to protect the truckers. Definitely give them practical and humanly possible deadlines.

by Happy Mom

Well said!

I can't say I know too much about trucks or the people driving them. From some of the stories you hear you do get the idea that conditions aren't the best. I imagine it is quite hard on both truck drivers and their families.

I can't comment on specifics, but I think companies definitely have to keep their employees safety and wellbeing as one of their top priorities.

by Natasha Stewart

Natasha, from personal experience I can say that it's a shame companies do not concern themselves too much about their employees' wellbeing. Much of it seems to be about 'the bottom line'.

Protect them? Get 'em off the drugs firstly.
Why do they need drugs? because the 'bosses' push them way too hard to get deliveries done in time.
It's about the almighty $ yet again.

by donjo

They need protection from their bosses, donjo, and they're not all on drugs - though that's what the media would have you believe.

Hi Vee.....I saw a TV report which said they get $18 an hour pay!
That's absolutely disgusting in the 21st Century! No wonder the poor buggers have to drive 30 hours a day to try & make ends meet!

donjo, that is appalling. And the sad thing is that ridiculous pay is just one way our truck drivers are being hard done by.

No

by Finy