Letter to the Editor: Helpful Technology
img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>I disagree that new technology is somewhat of a Band-Aid used by trucking companies to circumvent poor driving habits or poor physical or mental skills ("Idiot-Proof," Letters, 9-30).
The ability to move a stick in a truck with a manual transmission does not qualify anyone as a safe or responsible driver. No matter how many useful and well-designed supplemental devices are provided, a driver engaging in poor driving renders such devices useless.
Conversely, there are plenty of extremely responsible drivers who simply have difficulty operating a heavy-duty clutch. They are wonderful prospects for improving highway safety when provided an automated manual or a fully automatic transmission.
How can such technologies be anything other than beneficial?
I certainly agree that there are driver recruiting issues that should be addressed on a daily basis, but I would also submit that safety technologies, when properly implemented, can make our industry more productive by increasing up time while reducing accidents and injuries. Technology has the ability to provide greater safety, better customer service and improved driver retention when properly implemented.
Marty Fletcher
I>Director of Technology and Training
.S. Xpress Enterprises
unnel Hill, Ga.
This article appears in the Oct. 7 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
