Why Training 18-Wheeler Drivers is So Important

A career driving a truck has great appeal to many people. Truck drivers are a central part of the American economy and transport goods from coast-to-coast. However, this is not a job for the “Average Joe” driver. These massive trucks controlled by inexperienced drivers can be very dangerous weapons. This is why training 18-wheeler drivers is so important.

The average 18-wheeler is 70-80 feet long, weighing in at a massive 80,000 pounds. That is 40 (FORTY) tons! In addition, the standard height of 18-wheelers is 13’ 6”. The time it takes to stop one of these massive rigs is estimated to be 40% greater than that of the average automobile. One can see why in the hands of inexperienced drivers, these rigs can cause catastrophic damage.

I cannot think of a single person who would go under the knife of a “surgeon” who has not attended medical school. The same should hold true for truck drivers. We should only share the road with drivers who have training in the operation of 18-wheelers. The fact that these rigs are so different from the average automobile makes training imperative.