How would you resolve the problem of dangerous truck drivers? What do you think of my solution?

Question

I have driven truck for 37 years and quite frankly, truck drivers scare the c**p out of me.

They do not slow down and they tailgate people and endanger everyone's lives with their aggressive driving.

I propose the following:

All trucking companies should be required to have monitoring devices installed on their trucks to record the distance between the truck and vehicles in front.

The Federal Department of Transportation would audit these records and fine the companies whose trucks violate SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES $100,000.00 per incident.

Hit the company in the pocketbook and then you will see safer drivers on the road. When they have a vested financial interest in safe driving, they will act to keep their drivers safe.

As it stands now, their best interests are served by drivers who constantly push the limits of safety.

I invite your comments and suggestions.

Answer 1

"I think that to truely solve the problem the solution exists in more teams driving. That way the truck can keep running and the drivers have time to sleep and get refreshed."

I just had to respond to the guy who thinks team drivers have time to sleep and get refreshed.  Actually, you get more time to rest as a solo driver.   I run with a trans-con team, coast to coast, back and forth.  Our last month logged us 22,500 miles, and that was with 4 days off.  One of our runs for example, a cross country trip, we were alloted 6 extra hours, beyond the actual driving time required, for everything else ( FILLUPS, food, bathroom stops, showers, inspections... whatever.) Trust me, that is not allot of "extra" time, and is actually quite stressful.  As it turned out however, we made it with 4 1/2 hours to spare.  Did I say we were good or what?????  Yeah baby!  Of course we were in dire need if showers, and a nice sit down meal for a change. But wouldn't you know it.... our next assignment came, and so we were off again, heading right back where we came from!  Get used to showers in a can....(I.E. RIghtguard)  trust me!