Expert Insights: The Knights are STILL on the road
I need to provide a little background for those of you who don’t know me. Roughly 30 years ago, when I stopped being a full-time tractor-trailer driver and began the transition into fleet safety, I joined my local fire department. One reason was that when I was on the road and encountered people in need, I always felt the need to stop and help. The fire department gave me a way to keep helping people.
Years ago, I heard drivers with this mindset referred to as the “Knights of the Road.” We drove in such a way that we protected those around us, we were courteous and polite to anyone we encountered, and we helped whenever we could. We also didn’t think it was a big deal — we assumed it was what everyone did.
Over the years, I have heard it said that there are no more Knights of the Road. I beg to differ.
Case in point
One recent afternoon, my fire department responded to a serious crash on a major highway in our area. A person was seriously injured and trapped in the vehicle, which was starting to burn. Two truck drivers who were not involved in the crash (and did not witness it) stopped, used their extinguishers to put the fire out, and attended to the injured person to the best of their abilities until we arrived.
One of the drivers (let’s call him Carlton) insisted on helping us until the injured person was on the way to the hospital. When we said thank you, Carlton’s attitude was that thanks were not necessary and that he just did what anyone would do.
They're still out there
So, is Carlton one-of-a-kind? No. All you need to do to see the modern Knights of the Road is attend a state truck driving championship or a driver awards banquet, or read the Goodyear Highway Hero articles or an article about a driver that was selected for a driver hall of fame (CVSA’s IFDA’s, NPTC’s, etc.).
Where else can you see Knights of the Road? In your driver room, break room, safety meetings, yard, and at your customers. Every company has at least one driver that would qualify for membership in the Knights of the Road. They are the drivers who do their jobs well, have exceptional safety records, are always courteous, and are willing to pitch in whenever it involves helping someone. Maybe it’s time we all focused on recognizing and honoring these drivers. This will show the industry and the public that there still are Knights of the Road. It will also give other drivers, especially younger drivers, something to aspire to.
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