According to the TCA’s account:

On May 2, around 10:30 a.m. on Interstate 70 near Marshall, Missouri, Wilson saw a car in front of him lose control and veer off the road. The vehicle entered a ditch in a nearby field and began rolling at a high speed.

“It end-over-end crashed,” Wilson said. “I was only 100 feet away from him by the time I parked.”

Wilson quickly stopped his truck on the shoulder of I-70 and rushed over to the wrecked vehicle.

“Fear took over because airbags were covering the window,” Wilson said. “I was afraid if I looked in I was gonna see something I couldn’t unsee.”

When Wilson called out to the driver, he received a response. The driver, a large man, didn’t seem to have any severe injuries. He mentioned he was driving to Illinois to pick up his grandmother and take her to his graduation in Nebraska. His car was packed with belongings, likely from moving out of his college dorm.

The driver was trapped inside the car, unable to move. Wilson grabbed his arm and tried to help him out.

“I pulled him as far as I could and told him, ‘Hug me like I’m your best friend,'” Wilson said.

Following Wilson’s instructions, the driver was able to free himself from the car. Emergency responders arrived soon after, but the driver declined medical treatment. Wilson felt relieved that he had stopped to help.

“How could I just drive away?” he reflected. “It seemed impossible that anyone could survive that crash.”

Since the TCA Highway Angel program started in August 1997, nearly 1,400 truck drivers have been honored for their extraordinary kindness, courtesy, and bravery on the job. Thanks to the program’s sponsors, EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, TCA can highlight remarkable drivers like Wilson.

Source: Truckers News

The post TCA Recognizes ACT Driver as Highway Angel for Assisting Crash Victim appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The trucking industry is evolving rapidly, and workplaces need to adapt to create a healthy and productive environment for CDL-A drivers. One program leading the charge is the Best Fleets to Drive For initiative, spearheaded by Mark Murrell, president of CarriersEdge.

During the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Management Conference and Exhibition, Murrell highlighted key trends and best practices unveiled in the 2023 edition of the program. One notable trend is the rise of formal human resource policies and departments within fleets, marking a significant shift from the early days of the Best Fleets program.

Organizational expertise has played a pivotal role in the evolution of compensation and benefits, with a heightened focus on mental health. The onboarding process has also seen improvements, aiming to provide a superior initial experience for new hires. Health insurance probationary periods are losing appeal, making effective onboarding strategies essential.

A noteworthy approach comes from ACT, which partnered with a third-party firm to maintain contact with new drivers during their first six months. The goal is to implement strategies reflective of Best Fleets to Drive For scores, ensuring a positive onboarding experience.

While achieving recognition as a Best Fleet to Drive For is a significant milestone, it’s crucial for fleet leadership to review scores thoroughly. Jim Guthrie, Director of Operations at Prime Inc., emphasizes the importance of not only analyzing scores but paying close attention to feedback from respondents.

In an industry where drivers spend most of their day isolated in a truck cab, finding support can be challenging. ACT addressed this issue by bringing on board a life coach, providing emotional support and guidance for its employees. Phil Wilt, ACT President, emphasizes the goal of creating a family-like environment within the company.

The company’s life coach, Dre Carnegie, serves as a valuable resource for employees, offering advice, a sympathetic ear, or connecting them with expertise when needed. Carnegie’s role is part of an ongoing financial independence course, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and development of ACT’s associates.

As the trucking industry continues to face challenges, initiatives like the Best Fleets to Drive For program and innovative support systems like ACT’s life coach contribute to building a resilient and thriving community within the trucking world.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Supporting Driver Wellness is the Key to Promoting a Healthy Work Environment and Retention appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.