Last fall, the American Transportation Research Institute released its new research that found trucking association members are statistically safer, averaging fewer crashes per 100 million miles than companies not connected to such associations. This data is compelling and speaks to the power of community and shared knowledge. When we come together, we share insights, strategies and experiences that can lead to tangible improvements in safety.
I’ve seen it in action. In 2023, I was elected to the Arkansas Trucking Association Safety Management Council leadership as council secretary. The council attracts trucking professionals with all types and levels of safety responsibilities, from the vice presidents of safety departments at some of the largest carriers in the nation to the men and women single-handedly running safety programs at small, rural companies They are all committed to highway safety.
Our industry is deeply invested in ensuring that America’s roads are safe workplaces for professional truck drivers. Each lane is more than a path from A to B; it’s an office for a dedicated, talented and skilled truck driver. It’s our responsibility to make sure these “offices” are as safe as possible, and I firmly believe that association and community play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Not every safety investment is expensive or difficult. For SMC, the barrier to entry is low: work for an ATA member company, attend free meetings or discounted workshops, make a friend in the industry. Sometimes, education and networking are the easiest and best ways to pursue safer highways and workplaces. At SMC events, we share best practices, learn from each other and build a network of support that extends far beyond the conference rooms.
My first experience attending an Arkansas Trucking Association Safety Council meeting was in 1996. I had just made a career change into what was called “fleet safety” at the time. Those present at that meeting and the following meetings provided my foundation of knowledge and a path for growth.
Those lessons, conversations and mentorship continue to impact me today. Through these interactions, I began to develop a sense of pride and excitement in my new career. I have learned it is our obligation to continue to pass these traits to each generation that enters a career of transportation safety. This is why the Safety Management Council is so important, and attendance and involvement is a must.
If you’ve sponsored or presented at one of these meetings, thank you for your contributions to safety. If you haven’t yet felt included or invited, know that you are welcome. We have missed your voice, but it’s not too late to join the conversation.
When we know we’re not alone in our efforts, we’re more motivated and better equipped to tackle the complexities of highway safety. The connections we make through these networks provide us with the resources and encouragement we need to continue striving for excellence.
As we work towards improving driver safety and highway safety, it’s essential to remember that “Safety comes in a CAN: I CAN, YOU CAN, WE CAN.” Each of us has a role to play in this endeavor, and together, we can make a significant impact.
–Brett Graves is the director of safety and compliance at Maverick Transportation and the current vice chair of Arkansas Trucking Association’s Safety Management Council.
