Operations

Your Dec. 18 Pre-Trip: NE deputy jumps onto runaway truck, saves driver

Dec. 18, 2015

Here are five things worth knowing today:

Here are five things worth knowing today: 1. A truck driver traveling north on Highway 81 in Nebraska, who apparently had a diabetic seizure, was driving erratically while slumped over his steering wheel, Omaha.com reports. According to the report, local law enforcement officers attempted to stop the driver, but they were unsuccessful. It wasn’t until Sgt. Todd Volk, a deputy from the Madison County Sherriff’s office, who noticed the driver slumped over the wheel, managed to jump from his police pickup, sprint across the highway, and leap aboard the tractor steps, holding onto the truck’s mirror. Todd then opened the driver’s door and hollered at the semi-conscious driver, who blankly stared at him, according to the report. Eventually, Todd was able to safely stop the vehicle. Check out a video of the incident at Omaha.com. 2. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has submitted an advance notice of a proposed rulemaking that would test and treat truck drivers with sleep apnea, the HME News Business Summit reports. FMCSA submitted its notice to the Office of Management and Budget on Dec. 15. The agency expects the notice will be published in the Federal Register in January.3. Mack Trucks announced that it will lay off about 400 people at its Lehigh Valley Operations by the end of January, The Morning Call reports. The layoff of more than 21% of Mack’s 1,850 workers in Lehigh Valley makes this announcement one of the largest from the truck manufacturer, according to the report. The Morning Call has more.4. USA Truck has been voted Arkansas’ Best Trucking Company for 2015 by the readers of Arkansas Business. The publication’s ninth annual Best of Business Awards highlights the top selections of Arkansas business in 39 categories. Thousands voted for the companies and organizations they believe are the best in Arkansas. The award places emphasis on companies — ranging from law firms to clothiers — that provide services to businesses throughout the state. “USA Truck is extremely proud to be recognized as the top trucking company in our state,” said Kandice Harshaw, vice president of human resources. “This award is the direct result of the confidence shown in us by our team members, corporate partners and customers. We are truly appreciative of everyone’s ongoing support as USA Truck continues to work to exceed expectations.”5. Houston officials are fighting against a rise in assaults against metro bus drivers, the Houston Chronicle reports. Officials have launched a campaign calling for increased awareness of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s code of conduct for riders and for respect for fellow riders and agency staff. According to the report, 52 assaults have been reported this year, topping the previous high of 45 in 2012.

About the Author

Cristina Commendatore

Cristina Commendatore was previously the Editor-in-chief of FleetOwner magazine. She reported on the transportation industry since 2015, covering topics such as business operational challenges, driver and technician shortages, truck safety, and new vehicle technologies. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.