Annual Campaign Focuses on Reducing Distracted Driving
The Wisconsin State Patrol, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association (WMCA), has successfully conducted its third annual “Trooper in a Truck” campaign, aimed at reducing instances of distracted driving. This impactful initiative took place over five days in July, where law enforcement officers teamed up with professional truck drivers to monitor driver behavior on the roads.
With strategic placements in cities such as Green Bay, Hudson, Madison, Waukesha, and Wausau, the officers leveraged their elevated positions to identify risky behaviors like speeding, not wearing seat belts, and tailgating. Neal Leclaire, WMCA Road Team Captain and driver at Duplainville Transport Inc., underscored the value of this partnership, stating, “Working with law enforcement gives us the opportunity to work together for safer roads.” His straightforward advice resonates: “As a professional driver my advice would be, pay attention to your driving and be patient.”
Aerial View on Road Safety Violations
As part of the Trooper in a Truck program, officers utilize the height advantage provided by larger vehicles to observe and report traffic violations. When infractions are detected, troopers promptly notify nearby patrol units to take appropriate action against offending drivers, ensuring safety on the highways.
Leclaire, a professional driver with nearly three decades of experience, noted the evolving landscape of driving habits, exacerbated by advancements in technology. “As technology advanced, it seems the problem has gotten worse. That’s why I participated in the Trooper in a Truck program,” he remarked, sharing that he has observed a decline in distracted driving since his initial involvement. The campaign spanned from July 8-12, strategically aligning with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Operation Safe Driver Week, aiming to mitigate accidents involving commercial vehicles.
Collaborative Efforts for Safer Highways
Initiated three years ago by Kim Conradt, WMCA’s safety programs coordinator, this initiative has not only expanded its reach each year but also garnered significant media coverage. “Some of my road team captains came to me about three years ago and they said every day they’re up in the truck, they can see the drivers and what they’re doing down below,” Conradt explained. She pointed out the prevalence of distractions like texting and applying makeup, stating the urgent need to address these issues. “We want to educate. There’s nothing that’s more important than you getting home alive.”
Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan has called on all motorists to stay alert, especially near larger vehicles that have substantial blind spots and limited maneuverability. “All motorists have to work together to prevent crashes,” he emphasized. With an average of 7,000 accidents annually involving large trucks within the last five years, the significance of initiatives like this cannot be overstated.
Commitment to Road Safety
Gillian Taylor, senior logistics safety coordinator at Duplainville Transport, highlighted her commitment to enhancing safety for every road user. “Professional drivers spend 11 hours a day on the road, which unfortunately is more than enough time to witness firsthand the results of distracted driving,” she stated. “It’s not worth it, a life is not worth it.”
Joining the campaign this year was Kwik Trip, a well-known convenience store chain. Jeremiah Wickersham, a driver and lead trainer for Kwik Trip, echoed the importance of prioritizing safe driving. “Safe driving is important to me because I am always seeing the effects of unsafe driving while either training new drivers or driving myself,” he expressed.
Source: Transport Topics
