ELYRIA, Ohio – Every day, more than 3 million truck drivers travel the roadways of the United States, driving the nation’s economy and contributing to safety on the road. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC says it is proud to commend and support the men and women behind the wheel during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, taking place Sept. 14-20. The annual event is sponsored by the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
As a North American leader in the development and manufacture of cutting-edge active safety and brake systems, Bendix recognizes that drivers are an integral part of the safety equation that combines technology with driver alertness, skill and training, to help deliver a safer roadway for all of us.
As trucking moves America forward, professional truck drivers move trucking forward, logging more than 400 billion miles annually and delivering more than 9.7 billion tons of freight. According to the ATA, that’s more than two-thirds of the United States’ freight tonnage. Plus, roughly 80 percent of U.S. communities depend solely on trucking for delivery of their goods and commodities. Truckers and trucking are invaluable when it comes to picking up goods for the first mile and delivering them over the last mile – something other modes of transportation can’t accomplish.
“Every day, on every road in our country, professional drivers deliver more than just goods – they deliver skill, integrity and safety. On behalf of the entire Bendix team, we offer sincere gratitude and respect to America’s professional truck drivers for the dedication they show every time they get behind the wheel,” said Fred Andersky, Bendix director of government and industry affairs.
Bendix supports drivers – and safe vehicle operation – through technology development, education and industry support, including:
· Bendix continuously strives to create advanced commercial vehicle safety systems – including stability, collision mitigation and wheel-end technologies that deliver performance when drivers need it most. Fleet operators and drivers have the opportunity to experience these technologies firsthand through Bendix’s “Proving Ground” demonstrations, which occur at locations across North America throughout the year.
· Bendix also emphasizes driver and technician support through education. Its in-person Brake Training School and Bendix On-Line Brake School provide information on maintenance and operation of a full range of safety technologies. By visiting www.brake-school.com, individuals can log on for free and receive around-the-clock training on the topics most suited for advancing their education and skill set.
· Lastly, Bendix supports drivers through multiple sponsorships of programs aimed at promoting driver skills. Bendix serves as sole sponsor of the annual American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) Grand Champion award. In 2014, the NTDC champion was Jeffrey Langenhahn, a Con-way Freight professional truck driver based in Plover, Wis. Bendix also supports the efforts of the ATA Road Team as a sponsor of the America’s Road Team “Image Trailer,” a rolling resource for the Team as they attend public events and industry shows to share their knowledge, skill and insights.
“Technology helps the driver get the job done – safely, efficiently and effectively – but nothing is more important to the safe operation of a commercial vehicle than a skilled, safe driver who practices safe driving habits and comprehensive driver training,” said Andersky, who holds a Class A CDL.
Log on and learn from the Bendix experts at www.brake-school.com.
