The Humboldt Crash - The Truck Driver Isn't the ONLY ONE to Blame

[@stevecraig5494]

I drove long haul for 15 years, I got out of it 6 years ago due to most companies shorting your pay, lowering your pay, and the mounting liability that drivers were responsible for. Many of these companies treat drivers poorly, then they quit, so they can cry driver shortage, import foreign drivers and get government subsidies to help pay them.

[@krayziejerry]

So true, I am a dispatcher and the corruption is out of control in this industry.

[@KenW66]

It's time to put the politicians behind bars.

[@jarvishumphrey7082]

KenW66 that's all across the world buddy. Especially the USA.

[@whotf888]

KenW66 especially in the States? dude... than you don't know what kind of chaos is going on here in Hungary.

[@Cryptonymicus]

What about the people who elected the politicians? Throw them in prison too? Throw EVERYBODY in prison then no more worries, right?

[@CarolMinnich]

Peter Olah - What kind of chaos is going on in Hungary?

[@SmartTrucking]

Agreed, so they'll get the message that they're partially responsible. Dave

[@Jon-gm2sn]

I don't care what transportation you have. If you don't understand the word STOP then you're 100% the problem..

[@MartyWoodcock]

Like he said, poor drivers aren't the only cause of fatalities. It's the lack of training required, which goes all the way from the top level government, down to the instructors. It takes a few years to be a competent trucker, so why put someone on the road with only 40 rolling hours without supervision? Politicians are equally at fault, just are those who poorly train these potential killers.

[@jerrywright7250]

True for that short instance in time but overall he is right and if you have been in our industry for any amount of time you know Dave is right. That driver should not have been there.

[@bigredchevytruck]

When I was in truck driver school in Iowa, this school was sponsored by the company and they brought in 100 people on the first day of school. Half of them don't pass the physical. Then half of those didn't pass the drug tests. Then a quarter of those didn't pass the permit test. By the time we get to the day of testing, out of the hundred or so that started, less than 20 were left. There was a guy in my test group who had taken the backing test portion of the CDL licence exam 12 times and he was down to his last chance when he finally, mysteriously, passed. The standards have been lowered to put more drivers in the seat and make money for the truck companies. But, at what cost?

[@zrc101]

bigredchevytruck that is so true I just passed CDL School in New Hampshire and it used to be you had to do everything perfectly and correct on the day of my test on the Alley dock I use the pole up so I would avoid hitting a cone on my right rear after the test was over my instructor had informed me that they change the laws in New Hampshire that if you hit a cone it's only a point off and not an automatic failure I was told the federal government stepped in and said New Hampshire was failing too many drivers they need to lighten up their laws my class started with 10 students three of them failed out before the end out of the 7 left two of them didn't pass the test the first time and I feel like three more of them should not have had their license at all

[@kfstreich4787]

bigredchevytruck I would challenge the concept that standards have been lowered to put more drivers in the seat, what does it really pay if you consider all the hours? Around minimum wage? Perhaps a little more? Or less? Standards have been lowered because these labor rates do not encourage folks with skill to join the industry. Do you really want the same skill level as a janitor or a burger King employee driving 40 ton trucks down the highway? If someone has the skill level to do more most won't want to drive a truck and never see home.

[@dukecraig2402]

bigredchevytruck If the standards are so low then how come only 20% got through it, doesn't sound like they give a license to just anyone to me, that's about the passing percentage for Navy Seals.

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly! Look at the true cost! unacceptable! Dave

[@wallysworkin823]

Here in Arizona it's a huge problem with non English speaking drivers. Cheap trucking schools are pumping these drivers out as fast as they can and hardly any of them speak English. I have no problem with people coming here to make a better life for them selves but at least learn the language first.

[@SmartTrucking]

Agreed! They'd expect the same from us in any other country! Dave

[@raymondbradley6788]

Dave as you and I both know, when you're pushing 80,000 pounds down the road you better be on your game. One slip-up and people can die. You got to respect your equipment and pay attention to your surroundings and look ahead and guess what the next it is going to do in front of you. Because they're not paying attention they've got their phone stuck up their butt. Always respect your equipment and what its limitations and abilities are. Have a good weekend brother

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

Raymond Bradley try 63500kg or 140 000 lbs. Were in Ontario.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Right, wasn’t it a Super B? I’m extra careful with my little 80k truck around those beasts! Drove a 114k truck for 4 years, big difference in weight just right there.

[@dukecraig2402]

Raymond Bradley We'd be better off if those people really did have their phone's up their asses instead of in their faces.

[@SmartTrucking]

You too Raymond! You nailed it! Dave

[@nancydeis7121]

Raymond Bradley ehat you said is like how I was raised. My dad started our driver training from b4 we could reach pedals. He taught us to defensively drive all the time. He would say you are driving your car and all the cars around you. Like there is a car coming down highway...what if he comes on your side. What traffic is behind what is in ditch what will you do to avoid this. It doesnt happen (knock on wood) but you train your brain to always have a plan. And never ever say...they are not allowed to do that...because if you put your life on that statement. U be dead. May not be allowed to do it..but they will do it and you will live or die on how you are prepared.

[@marceloheinrichs7104]

I disagree this has anything to do with skill, if he has his license he is obviously capable of stopping his semi, this is rather a case of careless driving. This accident wasn’t going to be preventable by anyone but the driver of that semi on that day. You can teach them how to operate safely all you want you can’t be held responsible as a company for the bad choices your drivers make on their own. Now I’m not saying that there shouldn’t be more focus on proper driver training etc. but at the end of the day, if a driver decides to not drive carefully, that isn’t on the government or companies that is on the driver.

[@Chantwizzle]

I live in Alberta as well. I was shocked to learn that you can drive a 50cc scooter ON THE ROAD with only a learner's permit. So, kids who've never been on the road, can go out in to traffic and drive. My dad, who was a big rig driving instructor, taught me how to drive. I learned in a pick up truck. I went on to haul horses as my part of my job as well as heavy equipment. Other drivers on the road are on their phones, cutting across several lanes, pulling illegal u turns, speeding up to not let other cars in or pass. Its scary. I hardly ever take Deerfoot because the number of distracted drivers is insane. There's no text or call important enough to risk lives for. Keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel.

[@user-uh9lg9wg1d]

I run calgary to deep south USA. I have seen so many drivers that should not be behind the wheel of those 18 wheelers. Your 100 % right, the carriers are only thinking about the $$. Peoples lives dont matter.

[@jdrancho1864]

I understand your sentiments, but I''m not sure they apply here. Sidhu, the truck driver in this crash (let's not call it an accident), came to Canada on a student visa. He presumably understands the meaning of 'stop'. Despite the horrific results, it seems this was caused by inattentive driving while talking on the phone. Unfortunately, I pass any number of people every day doing the same thing, including truck drivers. Even when using headphones, the distraction is still an issue. The US, or California, is easily as bad as Canada as far as English-language requirement goes. The 'official', but obviously ignored standard is that a driver 'is supposed to have command of the English language so as to be able to understand highway signs and to be able to communicate with patrol officers and the general public.' I was once working with a Russian guy that I was unable to explain how to work a lift gate, despite patiently trying multiple times. How he ever got a license in this country is beyond me. You are right in that too often for a lot of people trucking is a default job, not a career to invest time and effort in.

[@SmartTrucking]

Has it been established that Sidhu was on the phone? Also, if here's here on a student visa, why is he driving a truck instead of being in school? I've got lots of questions! Dave

[@jdrancho1864]

Some of the news reports I found seemed to indicate he was on the phone at the time. Fact is, this is one of the first things investigators will look at, since it would be a primary violation. My mention of the student status (he came to Canada to study business) was mainly meant to indicate that I am sure he is fluent in English. He quit his studies and got a job, presumably while being in status. The problem is that simply getting a license issued is not enough. There should be a period of supervised training to ease new license holders into the real-life challenges of the profession, instead of just throwing them the keys, as seems to have been the case here.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Smart-Trucking.com In Alberta, the registries and driver training for all motor vehicle licences was put in private hands, many years ago. If I am not mistaken, that was originally a government run department and it was privatized. I have heard news stories of shady licensing companies. Also, drivers licenses in general are seemingly handed out like candy. So easy to acquire one. There are so many reckless drivers, that just do not care. They come from every background. They think they are superhuman and invincible. Truck drivers do an important job. There needs to be more stringent rules as to who can do this job.

[@jasvirkular355]

I don't think the court gave us information regarding if the driver was using his phone or not. So what if he was a student he is a graduate from India and he did knew English. For your information let me tell you that in order to get study visa you have to clear an english exam. So please don't judge anyone.

[@kalvinlabuik3366]

Am so glad that you are covering this Dave 👍

[@workingmansteve987]

With all due respect sir, it's the MEGA CARRIERS who are pumping out these inexperienced drivers

[@SmartTrucking]

This guy was pumped out by nobody but another of his countryman. Dave

[@MsJfraser]

All drivers begin driving as rookies including the narrator, unless you already had 20 years experience before obtaining your Class 1. How did you manage that? I do agree that a driver must be vigilant, not tired or distracted, and keep their wits about them. That's a personal responsibility that one adopts whether on a bicycle or in the left seat of an Airbus A380. And, others must respect and support that. It begins and ends with money.

[@BIGDAVE5352]

Come to Miami. Very few commercial drivers here speak no English. They buy their CDLs from these half assed CDL schools in South Florida

[@patrickmcghee.]

Absolutely correct I have been driving since 94 with no accidents and I still have things to learn, it is a dangerous job and cell phones make it much worse.

[@antonudalov7512]

Totally with you on it!!! I am an immigrant myself and I have been through this system. I was very lucky to run for a decent company and get an experienced Canadian driver for a trainer for 3 month. We ran everywhere between Halifax and Vancouver including HWY 3 in the Rockies before he told the company that I could be let drive on my own. ...so they put me with another veteran for 3 weeks just to see if I’m safe. At the same time I’ve seen guys on the road that didn’t know what methyl hydrate was in relation to trucking, seating in January on the side of the Hwy in Northern Ontario... It is possible to raise the bar for skill and it will raise the pay, safety and may bring respect back for this trade!!! Once I’ve heard someone say (in blizzard in Fargo, ND) : “trucking is no work - it’s a professional sport!”. Thank you for your channel!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Anton! I like the" professional sport" quote! Dave

[@antonudalov7512]

Smart-Trucking.com Happy trails, if you’re around Vancouver area, let me know, coffee is on me.

[@jisidorfisk]

I have been a real Trucker 27 years. No accidents. I see children in trucks with the phone to their ear and nothing to do with driving. I am just tired of preaching to the choir. Nothing is going to change. Great video as always. The facts are nobody that can change it gives a tinkers damn cause the money is too good. Mega carrier's I am pointing the finger at You. Ride safe.

[@SmartTrucking]

Take care and thanks for writing in! Dave

[@Jeff-fs1zy]

I was in southern Alberta this past weekend....what was amazing was how many erratic truck drivers I cautiously went around. Everyone of them should not have had a license. The last truck I past was crawling (50kmh) down the highway with no lights on At 1:30 am !!!!! Needless to say I faint need to tell you who was behind the wheel. It’s sad to see that truck drivers licensing in Alberta has become a JOKE!!!!!!!

[@randyolan1273]

Your right on the money. So sad it has come to this.

[@SmartTrucking]

It is! Dave

[@lynnemayotte2231]

I remember when when the best drivers in Canada, and probably elsewhere, were the truck drivers. They were so well trained and so attentive to their craft. That now has disappeared with the rest of Canada's skills. What a bloody shame. How can we, the population, do anything about this and everything else, no one in authority listens.

[@SmartTrucking]

Stating the problem correctly there Lynne! You nailed it! Dave

[@sucellos8621]

I used to be a yard instructor for a flatbed company, and it was a shame to see how many drivers would come through lacking the appropriate attitude let alone the necessary skills. Yes, we all start somewhere, but there is never a reason to put someone on the road who can't handle basic maneuvers. So many times the company would let drivers go off regardless of how many times I'd warn that the guys weren't ready. However, I was always the bad guy because I was just too tough on them.

[@floydfan5993]

your right Dave, there isn't a shortage of drivers, there is a shortage of "quality" drivers, this is a highly skilled profession.....corporate greed and lobbyist are also at play here, and your right on with mandatory English or take a f***king hike.

[@slhelm4098]

I’ve heard that the driver had ‘training’ but do we even know whether he was licensed at all? I’ve witnessed a few really reckless truck drivers over the years and reported them to their companies, and once, to the police. (Obviously, recklessness is not exclusive to truckers, but the consequences are usually so much worse). I really appreciate you speaking out on this. It must be hard for those of you who care about your industry, safety, etc to see such carelessness and neglect. And sad that it has cost many lives. Hopefully something actually appropriate will be done.

[@dapperdan251]

I see a lot of drivers in USA that can not speak English. How did they get a license?

[@SmartTrucking]

That's a really good question! Dave

[@dgamble35]

As a mechanic in the trucking industry I see the results of these inexperienced drivers all the time. And yes it is the cheap labour that the companies want. They don't care about public endangerment at all it is just about the dollar. They are ruining a once proud and safe industry.

[@2manyspruces]

As usual you are spot on Dave. I have over 4 million accident free miles in my back pocket since I first took the wheel in 1982. The professionalism and quality of drivers has gone downhill and is still declining daily. You’ve been along around long enough to remember when drivers were respected, and were even called knights of the road. Sadly, those days are long gone.

[@SmartTrucking]

I'm sorry to say it, but you're right! Stay safe! Dave

[@johnb5519]

Ever since the ice road truckers went to India, I knew this was coming here. My 86 year old uncle was rear ended by one of these characters with a dump with a pup trailer, while he was sitting stopped in a construction zone, waiting for the flagman to allow the traffic through. Another guy forgot to let his dump box down all the way and smashed a bridge over the QEW. There are many more incidents too.They have undercut all of the responsible, professional truck drivers, and it's the governments fault.

[@gemomo1595]

A guy that was taking his air brakes course with me on a weekend here in BC two summers ago, was offered a job to drive with a trucking company from the Lower Mainland to Alberta for the following week. And how I knew this, was the guy who got the phone call told me that he was offered a job to drive with 3 other guys for this trip. Two of the drivers would have their class 1 and the other two didnt have their class 1. So then I asked him, how is it that you guys can all go drive a truck and only two of you have class 1 ???...... he looked at me and laughed and said " because we look the same". HOW ARE THESE COMPAINIES GETTING AWAY WITH THESE CRIMES !!??

[@SmartTrucking]

And that's the kind of crap that goes on! I was in a scale one time in North Platte Nebraska and they had three guys in there all with the same name and license, only the photographs were different! Dave

[@gooblegobble3416]

Smart-Trucking, I hope you called the state troopers.

[@garysapp1450]

Bring in 3rd world talent, get 3rd world results.

[@SmartTrucking]

You got it! Dave

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Smart-Trucking.com Even people who were born in Canada can be reckless or careless drivers. There is plenty of that too.

[@denepride2910]

Dwayne Wladyka i highly doubt their as bad as 3rd world drivers....

[@glsrider]

Driving turnpike for 10 years, with a perfectly clean abstract, 10 straight years safety award recipient and from a 3rd world country here. I guess that debunks your line of thinking.

[@jasonbushie9975]

glsrider Sorry dude but I’ve seen more immigrants who can not drive then citizens! Plain and simple the testing should extremely difficult to pass and the penalties should be brutal!

[@screaminevo2618]

Man I've seen some bus drivers that have no business in care of so many souls as well, like they are racing somewhere. Too fast for conditions you'll see regularly here in the states. Surely those drivers are credentialed?

[@SmartTrucking]

Yep, some of those bus drivers think they have a pilots license and a get out of jail free pass. Dave

[@darfvader1243]

It's the same in Ontario..school bus drivers who really shouldn't be driving an invalid buggy never mind a busload of kids..max on the highway is 90- they blow past you when you're doing a buck five!! Bump curbs, riding the white lane not to mention 90 maybe 95 in the middle lane and will they move over?? Will they sweet h3ll ! Totally oblivious to their surroundings

[@1500chessie]

As bad as this accident was it is the same here in Germany.All the horrible accidents happen with unskilled moron drivers.Just last week an bad accident happend cause the Trucker was drunk with a result of 2 dead.It is all about profit and a human life is counting nothing anymore.We Truckers are only a cost factor and have to keep our mouth shut.

[@palletcolorato]

One thing I've learned well enough in life, the general public are all expendable. I applaud your efforts.

[@SmartTrucking]

I fear you may be right Tim! Dave

[@letserb]

Blame the trucking industry all you want, but I will bet the driver did not even have a Alberta licence. My guess is he was driving on a India licence and working under a work permit.

[@hareendragamage8662]

You are spot on Dave!! I saw a guy got his license when he ran over a stop sign and over a side walk turning right in Brampton. He passed the road test(A class). I lost it man!! These examiners are making money under the table. These trucking schools need to be shut down. It's very bad for the rest of us who abides by the law and safety regulations.

[@SmartTrucking]

It's unbelievable, isn't it? Those examiners in Brampton have just got to be on the take, the guys they pass out of there. Dave

[@Graveltrucking]

The trucking industry is going to hell in a hand basket, I don't see it changing anytime soon.

[@robwolfeauhunter8349]

I agree 100% as a truck driver for 10 years I see it getting worse every single year and its putting a bad name out there for all of us

[@metalmarty3948]

Agree with everything you said Dave 100%. So ridiculous this guy even had a license. Regardless though as bad as a driver most of these guys are, you should never run a stop sign no matter what you're doing. More than likely on his phone or not paying attention doing something.

[@arkhipp5234]

Great message! Never stop preaching it!

[@robertcarmody612]

I don’t hear you mention anything about dispatchers. What was the condition of the truck driver when the accident occurred?

[@SmartTrucking]

He was dispatched by the owner of the truck, this is a two truck company we're talking about here, who, coincidentally, has the same last name as the driver. The truck driver walked away unharmed. The bus tee boned one of his trailers when he ran a stop sign. Dave

[@theduke038]

Last year there was a law that was made that if you want your AZ you have to go to a certified school. In my opinion if the government wants us to go to a certified school, we need better certification. With that being said, I don’t know think we will truly ever know what happened. I’m a young guy that’s been driving for years. I have been thrown the keys a few times but I have the training, experience and skill.

[@wolfwithin2967]

My school has 5 people with 3 instructors. So it's almost a 1 to 1 ratio. Also they only accept people who they believe are actually going to be safe based on a background check

[@SmartTrucking]

Good policy! Dave

[@truckindawg1]

I’m am an American truck driver with 19 years in so far and I can assure you there MANY MANY drivers who don’t speak a word of English even though it’s required. It’s another example of “meat in the seat” freaking scary!!!

[@aichasoufari1318]

"If you paid peanuts you get monkeys" Funny and very true

[@ontargetthomunclesam3926]

I will have to agree with you on everything you have said I drive in the United States and have 15 years and learn something new everyday don't ever take anything for granted and never think that I know everything trying to be professional and courteous is getting very difficult any more for me this thing has gotten worse in the last three years and no end in sight all for the root of all evil

[@garyslama4092]

Ive been a truck mechanic for 20 years with a large leasing/rental company and we even see it in our yard. I watched a guy take 10 minutes to park a bobtailed daycab. I had a dispatcher tell me how he interviewed 3 drivers in a row one day and they all handed him the same drivers license. And the damages these guys do!!!! Wow. MTO officers have some terrifying stories of guys coming through the SCALES!!! watching a movie on their laptop with one foot on the dash!!! All of this happened in the last couple years and its getting worse. Ive seen 53 footers doing U turns out of the blue on a busy 6 lane road, stopping on the side of the 401 with the back of the trailer still 4 feet into the live lane when the scale is open to avoid going through. Unbelievable and terrifying how bad the quality is.

[@sethallen1979]

Once again you hit the nail on the head Dave. Time for all the provincial governments to wake up and realize that stuff needs to change.

[@Durahan82]

How long should a Rookie be trained, before taking long trips ?

[@robertl.fallin7062]

Durahan82 ... When you see two of three drivers roll thru stop signs and its over a hours observation time you should have fear on the road. On I95 I routinely see drivers tail gating while talking on the phone. Nearly every AM news we have a truck accident blocking a ramp. We require school teachers to have knowledge and skills but no such requirements to assure a minimal skill level are in trucking. Pass a short driving test and you are free to kill. Hours of service enforcement have not and will not fix this

[@shaylynnseaman2995]

Durahan82 in my opinion, it should be six months slow maneuvering I.e. parking, backing, docking etc, and then six months otr with a trainer where both are up front in the seat together ( not one driving and one sleeping) before a student should gain first seat solo status!

[@kellypenrod2979]

Schools should be a MANDATORY 1yr followed by MANDATORY 2yr apprenticeship under a MENTOR/ TRAINER. That IS the only way to properly learn this job! 6 wks simply is not enough time to even BEGIN to learn anything you need to know about this industry, driving conditions, even when to go and when to say NO. After 44yrs, & 4.6 million miles (documented), I STILL LEARN NEW THINGS JUST ABOUT EVERY DAMN DAY ABOUT THIS JOB!!!! YOU WILL NEVER KNOW IT ALL!! I want to leave you with two bits of information that an old-school hand left me on my first run to Alaska back in 77, 1, From the time you first ever turn the key in a rig till you pull the key on your last run and retire, THE DAMN BITCH IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A WAY TO KILL YOU! And it's up to you to keep her from doing it. Keep yet eyes an ears OPEN, keep yet head on a swivel, DEATH happens in the blink of an eye. Stay safe, ASK QUESTIONS, stay vigilant, only then do you have a better chance of getting home alive.

[@dukecraig2402]

Kelly Penrod 1 year school, 2 year apprenticeship? Are you nuts? It's truck driving not brain surgery, who is going to pay for a one year school to make what a driver makes? How are you supposed to make a living while you're in school for a year and then apprentice at reduced pay for 2 years? No one will want to become truck drivers when they can go to a school and apprentice program of the same time and have a job with better pay, better benefits and you're home every day.

[@MG-hk9kx]

Kelly Penrod 3 years to become a truck driver would be ridiculous. It takes 2 years to get a commercial pilot's license and fly an aircraft with 300 people on it. Not to mention that would definitely bring down the amount of people getting into trucking, unless the rates skyrocket to double what they are now.

[@jayal2710]

You are right! I’ve seen CDL drivers hauling ass with no reason over the speed the limit, It just doesn’t make any sense of these guys driving with this type of skills

[@ryana3679]

This is the reason we will have automated trucks in the next 10-15 years for most shipments. Although I agree with you on everything in this video there are still numerous accidents on our highways with transport drivers that have decades of experience.

[@mpccenturion]

How do you miss the STOP sign. RED sign, and it takes months to figure this out?

[@paddlefar9175]

A giant, extra sized stop sign with a flashing light to boot. I guess if you aren't even looking, you don't see things.

[@klhlynn]

Skilled drivers ain't cheap.....Cheap drivers ain't skilled

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly the problem. Dave

[@tct72]

Here's a true story for you. 5 years ago I spent 2 weeks driving around with another driver. 1st week I was pulling empty trailer, second week was loaded. Total seat time was likely less then 40 hours. 3rd week took my driving test and passed 1st try. I agree with everything you said in this video, they will give anyone a license these days. I'm in Nova Scotia btw.

[@Tb0n3]

What were the licensing requirements when you started driving Dave?

[@SmartTrucking]

Just a road test in a car and if you wanted to drive a truck it was an extra 10 bucks for the chauffeur's license. Dave

[@truckershammock4250]

Well said that man!

[@Laffy1969]

That’s a daring video - kudos for posting. Despite all the speculation and jumping to conclusions you are 1000% correct about one thing: it is far to easy to get a motor vehicle licence in this country - commercial or four wheeler. Road safety is totally shot these days it’s pathetic.

[@adrienblitz-weiner6546]

As a new truck driver, when I'm on the road , I always try to be perfect & professional. Because I could easily lose my life or somebody could lose their's. That's why I watch your videos & talk to veteran truckers because they know best!

[@jeffreytreleaven66]

Dave great video. I trained for my AZ at a school, passed my course and testing, went to a company and trained for another 4 weeks after passing my course and then drove for three years. What I noticed was at the DOT when writing my test, and also when waiting to do my pre-trip was the following. The non english speaking drivers all get an interpreter / trainer while doing these steps. The intepreter relays from the testing officer all the information, and possibly answers to the student driver while they are testing. He even goes with the driver on the drivers test. You know as well as I how much skill and study is needed to get through the DOT testing. With the coaching and extra set of eyes, from an interpreter, getting past the testing is much easier, and you now have a driver that does not even know the basics, and he can now be on the highway. In the three years that I drove, I was run into the shoulder 2 times on the 401 in Ontario, and witnessed many huge driving errors from some of the smaller, less known trucking company drivers. The 401 has had some very bad crashes as of late. Someone really needs to review the testing proceedures in Ontario, and re-test all drivers, sorry, to get this sorted out. The good drivers would appreciate the cleanup. Just my observations and thoughts.

[@SmartTrucking]

Appreciate it Jeffrey! Thanks for your input! Dave

[@brianpowersful]

Preach, Brother!! Tell it like it is!! Thank you for taking the time, of sincerely expressing yourself, on this matter.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Brian! Dave

[@joevelonza8192]

If we continue to behave like cattle, we will forever be treated as cattle.

[@donmiles1039]

Dave you are wonderful. they need to know!!!!!! being a commercial truck driver since 1972 everthing,every single word that you talk about,and have talked about these so called truck drivers these days.is like a accident waiting to happen (SAD)

[@perrini20125]

Believe me when I say that anyone that speaks any language in the USA can get a cdl. I’ve been driving for over 5 years and you wouldn’t believe how many times I get stuck at a shipper behind someone who can’t speak or understand any English.

[@darrenhollinger4629]

It's no different now than it was when I started 25 years ago. There were dumb drivers then and will always be dumb drivers.

[@robschoufour4825]

You're responsible enough to get behind a truck like that when you're 16 years old but you can't drink till your 18 or 19

[@stevenwilliams2366]

Was a tractor-trailer driver myself for a while & knew there was a problem years ago when wheels started flying off trucks...

[@mikereimer1141]

you nailed it Dave. i have so much respect for people who tell the truth about the new Canadian drivers and the people who put them there. let the real truck drivers do the job

[@mperez1922]

I haven't heard anything about this accident. I'll have to look it up. But I'm going to agree with you in regards to how many under experienced drivers are out behind the wheel as that's how I was put into a truck. I've survived and luckily never caused a tragic accident. 15 years later I believe I'm a better and safer driver now. Teach the new guys more and we'll have safer roads.

[@arrondeon8694]

Agreed! I load 2-5 trailers a day and 2out of 10 shouldn’t be on the road. I have seen drivers that can’t back up and when I go see what’s going on their foot is vibrating on the brakes cause they are so nervous. That’s when I hop in the truck and back it up for them so they don’t kill anyone

[@SmartTrucking]

Wow! Dave

[@shaynecaesar9386]

Well done!!!!!About time someone publicly said something!!Youre right....

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Shayne! Dave

[@redpilled3569]

2 words... cheep labor!

[@SmartTrucking]

Two more . "you're right!" Dave

[@redpilled3569]

Smart-Trucking.com the bad thing is once you start that ball rolling it’s extremely hard to stop!

[@bovellois]

And the shipper that seeks the lowest rate possible and does not question how the trucking company manages to deliver with so little money. That’s how. By cutting corners, same way as the shipper.

[@drayhazel]

Red Pilled Exactly Red, the old saying goes " you get what you payed for "

[@jrodrc4137]

Great Video man! I fully agree with you. My grandpa used to be a gravel truck driver with his own truck. He raised 6 kids, had a nice house with a large shop, a nice cabin with a big boat ski boat, skidoos, new trucks and cars. My point is he and his family thrived off his wage as a gravel truck driver. Where I live you need to be brown and speak punjabi to be a gravel truck driver and for 22 bucks an hour why bother. I looked into becoming a truck driver but doing shipping and receiving and seeing these guys and talking to them, it makes no sense to be a driver now days. Like many industries employers are taking advantage of our immigrants to keep costs low wages frozen and profits rizing. I dont blame the immigrant I blame the greedy owners and the government that brought them here. A few years a go I moved my family back home, the year before we looked at the city and jobs and it was good things were booming. 15.50 with benefits to start at timmys 14.50 for AnW. Those are minimum wage type jobs so eveyone else must be making good money too. well 1 year later and 50 000 immigrants and those 15 buck an hour jobs were minimum wage at 10 bucks with no benefits. All wages in the city were basically frozen while housing went through the roof with so much demand and no supply. Again, I blame greedy Government and greedy business owners.

[@SmartTrucking]

And I completely agree with you! Dave

[@brianw612]

The reality is that the shortage of drivers results in a lower caliper skill set. Without incompetent drivers, our stuff would be delayed and cost more.

[@dhillonsavee]

Tell me who is on fault , who is victim, who is culprit, how hwy will be safe? It's been over a decade I have seen so many ripoffs , loop holes, frauds ,dl wo test, accidents, same students who are on student visa college doesn't ask attendence student gets license and earning 4k a month. I can go on and on

[@timothyfritsch8801]

bravo bravo bravo dave what a disaster maybe maybe outta be a new law what else positive could possibly come out of this saga just flip in there and be done with it quickly NO MORE STUDENT DRIVERS period MANDATORY year with pro driver accept anything less is absurd now

[@fatkitchen17]

timothy fritsch a year is a bit much

[@gooblegobble3416]

ilya, 16 headstones say different.

[@pointnIaugh]

Trucking companies are now desperate due to the way they treat drivers.

[@SmartTrucking]

That's right, and it looks good on them. Dave

[@thomaswhite3829]

You are absolutely right , I drove b train for six years, I would never no how to tie down loads, or know how to back up a wagon , driver training is so inadequate.

[@allanj4576]

That's Canada oh you want to drive and don't speak English, that's ok we will hire cvse officers that speak your language. Come to canada where we will conform to you.

[@cooterhazzardbhogg8236]

Peter Bilt they are allowed to use an interpreter to take their written test

[@SmartTrucking]

I hope you're kidding! Dave

[@902Bikes]

Smart-Trucking.com I’m not a trucker, but an Indian guy I know payed off whoever in Pakistan for his equivalent to a Class 5. He had never driven a vehicle before, but when he came to Canada, they gave him his full license, no questions asked. I wonder if it’s the same for a Class 1/3

[@briancathcart3482]

AND IF YOU PAY THEM OFF, THEY GIVE YOU ANSWERS, THE LICENSE, THE WEAPON.

[@Kevin-Murphy-007]

Smart-Trucking.com Hi Dave. Sadly it is true. I see it everywhere in Edmonton Alberta. I see these guys with ear buds in both ears and not paying attention. Sad. I have been steering and gearing for 30years and I have seen people driving abilities decline to no end. I even knew a guy in Fort. McMurray who went to Calgary and bought his class 1 for 3000.$ no test and no training. All because of his skin color and last name. Scandalous. We need tighter rules and regulations. Driving is a PRIVILEGE not a right especially a big truck.

[@RayT70]

My thoughts are with those involved. Thanks for bringing these issues to light.

[@DEMONX212]

At my company, we have a guy in a situation such as this 2 months ago in Connecticut. Broad daylight, the same roads driven each day/week (dedicated fleet of Kraft), some type of inattention happened and he rear ended a car with 4 people in it. Didn't bother to check on the victims of the accident (which is a major offense in most US states). Within the 11 years of driving he racked up backing accidents, side swiping incidents, burning brakes down a 4% grade hill, smash into guardrails/light posts/fences and totaled a truck by running into those yellow concrete post at a shipper, that I witnessed the accident. There is a lot more but all in all, so many accidents/incidents and not once was he fired. The trial is still pending but most likely he will be heading to jail soon.

[@SmartTrucking]

About time! DAve

[@ebwholesaler]

He passed the road test with great success, do. He was among the best of his class...

[@SmartTrucking]

Scary as hell! Dave

[@pearlmalyk5937]

There is only ONE error in this and that's his remark about seeing a bus baring down on the truck driver ... he could NOT see the bus due to trees (The BUS driver might have prevented it could they have SEEN each other) .. but the semi driver ran a RED FLASHING LIGHT and a STOP SIGN. This is a good commentary!

[@jacquelineworthington9585]

In a number of different countries in the world you can pay to get a job or get a a degree.

[@nanon1982]

What can new drivers do to be better drivers and constantly get better? (Also, here in southern California we have trucks from Mexico all over our freeways and roads. Their trucks have Spanish language all over them, and I doubt they are masters of the English language. It's N.A.F.T.A.. The safety of the citizen is not the globalists' priority.)

[@SmartTrucking]

I hear what you're saying Nicholas. Good question! I guess I'd have to say concentrate on focusing on the road and you're surroundings all the time, work on developing endless patience and relaxing, think everything through and don't rush anything. Hope that helps! Dave

[@robsouder4462]

Excellent show Dave. You couldn't be more on the money. There should be a mandatory minimum of training for all new truck drivers after they get there license. I run from southern ont to NYC and the morons I see behind the wheel is unbelievable. And a lot of them are coming out of the Toronto area.I pulled into a dot inspection one day and one of these drivers pulled into the next spot beside me and started hollering at the DOT officer that it wasn't fair that he was to be inspected even though he was never told to park it. The officer told me to leave, and I'm quite sure this guy got a though inspection Be safe out there, great show Rob

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Rob! Hope that DOT gave the guy the rubber glove inspection! Dave

[@cascivic]

great video as always... i wish they made licensing alot harder...it would probably have the added benefit besides safety of artificially improving the wages since less bodies could get into the industry

[@wealthyintime1]

cascivic right now only Ontario has mandatory trucking school and around 100 hours in truck training. Alberta is going to come out with new rules on safety, training requirements, safety fitness certificates. They are in consultations and planning on January 2019. One of the major things, Alberta is thinking about going back to government employed examiners as well. Changes will be coming in Alberta and hope across the country as well.

[@andrecanuck5656]

Too many privatized Truck Driving Centers that are just there for the $$$, They want a high turnover of truck drivers, it looks good for them when they're advertising for people to become truckers. They advertise that their courses guarantee you a license in 30 to 45 days???

[@charleshanna2089]

Another great video Dave Tell it like it is The trucking companies dont care about public safety all they care about is making money that's how we got to this sad state

[@randyhutchinson9910]

thanks again for your view, and perspective

[@axela4606]

Very good video great point and very well explained. Rest in Peace Humboldt boys

[@fartingduck5316]

Had a cop visit a while back. Imagine my surprise when the cop couldnt drive his cruiser well enough to back out of my country driveway.

[@driver4818]

I've only been driving for 1.5 yrs and I ToTalLy agree that I don't have all the necessary skills to drive a truck. Did you know that I DO Not even know how to throw chains on a truck during a winter storm. I was told to pull off on the side of the road and wait til the storm passes. So, yes too many bad decision making on the roads today than ever before thanks to ...

[@motormadman8906]

Also, in 1997 there was the same accident, the coroner said multiple times that more warning signs would only provide a false sense of security and that rumble strips starting at 500m away wouldve been 100% more effective, however both the rcmp, and road safety dept never went ahead with the rumble strips.

[@jonny2waggons825]

Thanks Dave. Well said. I was reading a column in truckwest this week, and the writer was talking about the Alberta government fast tracking the new requirements for new commercial drivers. 30 odd hrs in classroom and some 30 hrs on road training with some 18 hrs of off highway too. Of course this is like closing the barn door after the horse is gone but its something. It is pretty pathetic that there has to be a tragedy like this that puts these new programs on the front burner . Make this industry a red seal trade, and everyone will feel better seeing that transport truck coming the other way at night.

[@SmartTrucking]

You got it! Thanks for writing in Clayne! Dave

[@anthonyjohnson9453]

Cause their going to these community colleges or swift getting a cdl and poor to no training...u have to blame the companies for allowing their so called training programs and trainers that fail students in the interest of making money instead of focusing on saftey and skills

[@southjerseysound7340]

Anthony Johnson I agree and another problem is they self insure themselves and when a mega carrier like Swift does so the bottom line takes over. Theirs little benefit in their case to hire properly trained drivers. Its simply cheaper for them to pay off damages while keeping wages low than it is to hire,train and retain good safe drivers. Now if a company didn't self insure themselves then they're going to worry about safety because the more they do the lower their insurance premiums will be along with they don't have to worry about being dropped if they have inexperienced hacks driving.

[@SmartTrucking]

Agreed! Dave

[@anthonyjohnson9453]

Smart-Trucking.com did u know at swift u can be a trainer after 3 months if getting your cdl through them and finishing your training

[@normangilbert1236]

Dave , you're right on the money here, most of us have seen this coming for a long time. I was looking forward for your take on this tragic accident.And I agree 100%. We desperately need someone who knows the trucking business to start making laws and regulations that make sense, All the best Dave.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Norman, all the best to you as well! Dave

[@TruckerJDub]

I'm a US trucker. We have a lot of truckers that can't speak English. While it may be a requirement it is rarely enforced.

[@SmartTrucking]

Sad to hear! Dave

[@Pigmy001]

Thanks Dave, I was telling some of my friends about driving all over North America and the places I feared the most was not the road but the drivers on it, Northern Ontario and Mountain passes in Alberta and BC. I'm sure we all have some horrific stories for these areas. We tried to speak up and they tell us its discriminatory, Bull Shit its true.

[@persistentbc6889]

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT! You are ALWAYS spot on!

[@huntsbychainsaw5986]

As a line haul guy I would also like to see per mile pay dropped in favor of a better per hour rate.

[@SmartTrucking]

YUP!! Dave

[@TheCanadagreg]

Good words. Spoke with compassion and empathy and conviction!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Dave

[@mrshastri]

Five hundred Albertans died by suicide every year yet no politician talks about this.

[@SmartTrucking]

Really? I hadn't heard that. Dave

[@vbsimkins]

Question...Is it true that the driver of the truck was not a legal Canadian citizen?

[@SmartTrucking]

I believe that's the case, media has not come right out and stated this however. Dave