A.M. Executive Briefing - Dec. 16
This Morning's Headlines:
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Pilot-Inspired Safety Training Pays Off for Truck Drivers
All 14,500-plus Schneider National drivers, regardless of experience and crash-free miles, have had to undergo a training course and road exam starting this year. The training included preventing injuries and fatigue, and director of driver training Brian Konke said Schneider saw about a 20% drop in crashes involving fatigue after the training session.A number of carriers are offering online or in-person training, said the American Trucking Associations' Joel Dandrea; however, safety advocates would like the federal government to require commercial-driver training.
Quebec Driver Named 1999 Canadian Truck Hero
This year's Bridgestone/Firestone Canadian Truck Hero award went to Richard Nadeau, owner of Fleurimont, Quebec-based Transport Richard Nadeau.Nadeau sustained second-degree burns when he saved two occupants of a minivan that was burning alongside Highway 112 in March. Nadeau had to cut a seatbelt to rescue the unconscious man. However, despite his efforts, the fire and smoke kept the trucker from saving a five-year-old boy, the son of the two Nadeau saved, who was in the minivan as well.
Among Nadeau's prizes were C$3,000 cash and a trip to Toronto to receive the award. Edmonton Sun (12/16/99) P. TS7
Officials Unveil "Smart" Highway Technology
Officials said the Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel under construction in Boston will include cameras along the walls that can automatically locate disabled vehicles and put warnings for other drivers on electronic signs. Tow trucks can be dispatched by people watching the system less than 10 minutes after the disabled vehicles are spotted.The $11.6 billion tunnel, called the "Big Dig," will place Boston's Central Artery below ground. Right now, the Ted Williams Tunnel has technology watching the level of carbon monoxide, and over the next year that tunnel and Interstate 93 will get computerized signs that will warn off overheight trucks. The systems are to spread throughout the city and other Massachusetts highways; such technology is already in place in such locations as Aspen, Colo.; Baltimore; and San Antonio. Associated Press (12/15/99) ; Noonan, Erica
Stolen Rig Found, Minus Cargo of M&Ms
A tractor-trailer full of M&Ms that was taken from Port St. Lucie, Fla., over the weekend has been found in Miami without its candy cargo. Spokesman Chuck Johnson of Port St. Lucie police speculated that the $50,000 worth of M&Ms is headed for Latin America. Trucks are frequently stolen in the state and usually go to Miami, Johnson said. Other than damage to the ignition, the truck "was in good condition," he said. Stuart (Fla.) News (12/15/99) P. B1; Greenlee, WillTrucker Given Two Years in Prison for Crash Death
High Springs, Fla., trucker Stephan Alexander, 47, was given two years' imprisonment for motor vehicle homicide and leaving an accident scene.The sentence, handed down in Hall County (Neb.) District Court Tuesday, also requires Alexander to be in solitary confinement on Christmas and on June 27, which is one year after an accident that killed a 42-year-old woman and forced the amputation of her husband's leg. In addition, he will have to pay $20,825 for the family's expenses. Associated Press (12/15/99)
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