Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/287940
14 www.studentdriverplacement.com April '14 From a Trainer Thoughts Editor's Note: This is the second installment in a three-part series. If you missed the March issue, you can view it online by clicking the In The Magazine tab at www.studentdriverplacement.com W e asked our veteran trucker to continue with what trainers really think when they're OTR with a new driver. "Well, get it out of your head that be- cause you can push a truck forward and keep it between the lines, you're a full- fl edged truck driver. That just means you're a steering wheel holder. If that's all you want to be, fi ne. But you're with the wrong trainer if you think that's good enough to make a career out of one of the hardest profes- sions around. It really ticks me off to have some- one behind the wheel who won't listen. I guess that's the one thing most of us trainers would ask all our new drivers – please, just listen to us for a few min- utes. Sit and listen at truckstops or truck shows when long-time drivers are talk- ing to pick up pointers too. And I also have to admit, I don't agree with trainers taking new driv- ers out – and they've got a whopping six months' of experience themselves. Come on. Not enough. If that's the com- pany you're driving for, then you have to drive even more carefully. Get your two years in, and then fi nd yourself a better carrier, one that values its drivers more than that kind of callousness. Okay, what else will help a new driver do better? Watch over-correcting when you do something wrong. Never, ever jerk the wheel or slam on the brakes. Not only is either one hard on your truck, but it's hard on your own nerves. Look far enough ahead to anticipate what could happen. If you're rolling up to a stop sign, and you see a car on the side road that doesn't seem to be slow- ing, gear your truck down even more. It's better to crawl up to a stop than to go over the top of a car that roared on into the intersection. Keep in mind that unless I'm a cer- tifi ed jerk, I'm lead driver, because I'm the trainer. I answer to Safety every day, as well as Dispatch. And I'm trying my best – to help you become your best." ◆ Timothy Brady © 2014 To contact Brady go to www.truckersu.com or call 731.749.8567 Thoughts From a Trainer, Part Two By Tom Kelley Thoughts 0414.indd 1 3/20/14 1:48 PM