Editorial: 3 Million Terror Fighters
Trucking is prepared to help the national effort to combat terrorism in a truly meaningful way, by training its 3 million over-the-road drivers to be the eyes and ears of an informed populace.
America’s Trucking Army will support law enforcement agencies by being alert to suspicious activities, especially around bridges and tunnels. Specifically, drivers will be trained to identify potential terrorist targets and to recognize signs that a terrorist attack may be planned.
The training has already begun. Two dozen drivers have been coached by the Arkansas Trucking Association, and others were to have been tutored last weekend by the Maryland Trucking Association.
By utilizing ATA’s existing Highway Watch Program, and with government financial support, all 3 million drivers could be trained in a reasonable time to participate in America’s Trucking Army.
ATA’s plan includes government funding to establish an operations center for Highway Watch and a Web site to support the program and its participants.
The plan is a cooperative project between ATA and all the state trucking associations and would involve state and federal agencies and law enforcement groups.
Since Arab terrorists used commercial airliners to attack office buildings in New York and Washington on Sept. 11, there has been growing concern that trucks and their cargoes could be turned into weapons of mass destruction.
This new proposal is part of the trucking industry’s response to those concerns.
At ATA’s security forum in Chicago last week, trucking executives were told that drivers need to become familiar with the tactics and operational methods of terrorists if they are to be effective tools in the war against them.
For now, drivers will be trained to report perceived security threats to an industry-sponsored, toll-free telephone line. The information will be screened and forwarded to appropriate state and federal authorities.
We are all looking forward to playing an important role in keeping America safe by staying alert.
This story appeared in the May 20 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
