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Does truck driver training meet the needs of the industry?

Author(s): Malkin, Madani Larijani, Zello, Bigelow, Crizzle

Slidedeck Presentation Only:

4C_Malkin

Abstract:

Background/Context: Issues surrounding truck driver training has come to the forefront after the Humboldt tragedy where a truck driver caused an accident resulting in the deaths of 16 people. It is unknown how much training the driver who caused the accident received other than that he had been driving for a total of 15 days. In order to protect public safety and to ensure appropriate standards in the trucking industry, understanding the standards and perceptions of driver training is a priority public health concern in the trucking sector.

Aims/Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine the perceptions of long-haul truck drivers on: 1) current truck driver training programs; 2) current training problems that are impacting the trucking industry; and 3) recommendations for improving truck driver training.

Methods/Targets: This study targeted Canadian long-haul truck drivers. This population was defined as individuals who have the appropriate driving license and spend at least one night away from home (sleeping away from home) while delivering a load. From August to September 2018, 90 semi-structured interviews were performed at seven truck stops, five in Alberta and two in Saskatchewan. Participants were asked open-ended questions on truck driver training including questions on their training history, perceptions of training that is currently available, issues surrounding truck driver training and recommendations for improving training for long-haul truck drivers. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo. Codes were ascribed to develop categories and eventually themes surrounding truck driving training.

Results/Activities: Perceptions on truck driver training were influenced by age. Older drivers (aged 40 years and older) often did not receive formal training but rather informal training through family and friends (who were also in the trucking sector). They felt younger drivers were unsafe, did not follow the rules of the road, and do not receive adequate training for driving in variable conditions (e.g. mountains, ice). They recommended that a minimum of 6-8 weeks be required for training that includes a combination of in-class content and at least 4-6 weeks on the road with more senior truck drivers. Conversely, young drivers do attend formal training and reported their training is adequate, even though there was substantive variability in the length of training (ranging from 1 to 6 weeks). Many said they had limited driving time during training and did not have a formal mentor.

Discussion/Deliverables: Current truck driver training practices are not consistent (nor adequate) resulting in many truck drivers feeling unsafe on the roads. Industry truck training standards are required to ensure young drivers are getting enough training in a consist and effective manner. Training programs should include both classroom and applied driving-based modules. A standardized training curriculum needs to be designed and implemented.

Conclusions: To improve public safety, provincial jurisdictions should mandate and regulate truck driver training to ensure all truck drivers have the minimum standards for safe driving.