Truck drivers who want to join the Highway Watch program but lack the time to attend a training class can now complete the required training on their own schedule with a new DVD and enrolment kit. With most of its funding supplied by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, Highway Watch calls on truck drivers and other professional transportation workers to report potential security and safety threats.
The program’s training teaches drivers to recognize potential terrorist activities, which can be reported to a single Highway Watch call center. Information received by the hotline is evaluated by special analysts, who determine whether it should then be forwarded to law enforcement and national security agencies.
The new DVD, which will be released on Nov. 11, provides a self-paced course that takes about one hour to complete. The enrolment kit also includes a training manual, an application form and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to return the paperwork. Once drivers have completed the course and application, they are issued unique ID numbers that are used to verify their status as Highway Watch members when they call the hotline.
Over 180,000 truck drivers, state DOT workers and mass transit workers have been trained by Highway Watch. In addition to keeping an eye out for potential terrorist threats and unsafe highway conditions, members hauling hazardous materials can satisfy the new Federal HM232 general awareness regulation by completing either the classroom or DVD training.
