A recent news report by KIRO 7 in Seattle, Washington, covered Washington State’s aerial highway patrol on semi trucks. While the focus of the reporter was on catching dangerous semi trucks on the road, the state patrol trooper offered a bit of insight that should take no trucker by surprise.
Trooper Mark Francis responded to reporter Jeff DuBois’ question on fatal trucking accidents with the following:
“For the most part commercial motor vehicle drivers are good, experienced drivers. It’s the cars that are, a lot of the times, the cause of these collisions.”
Unfortunately, that part of the report didn’t make it into the piece that accompanied the video on KIRO 7’s website.
The troopers remarks were also overlooked by DuBois when he tweeted about his report, only mentioning ‘cracking down on commercial truckers.’
WSP is cracking down on commercial truckers, starting today. Details on he emphasis patrol right now @KIRO7Seattle
— Jeff Dubois (@JeffKIRO7) April 28, 2015
For decades now the dwindling reputation of America’s truck drivers has taken a toll on the industry. While there are many changes that drivers can make to help improve the reputation of the industry, media reports that put a negative spin on drivers to improve ratings are certainly not helping.
