Share and Be Aware

While today’s truck drivers are highly trained, it’s important for other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to be respectful of some of the challenges they face; most notably, visibility.

(PORTLAND, OR) - As more bicyclists hit the road in celebration of National Bike to Work Day on May 18, Oregon Trucking Associations (OTA) wants to encourage everyone to share and be aware not just today but every day. Whether traveling on foot, on two, four or more wheels or by mass transit, it’s vital to understand your fellow travelers.

Over 15 years ago the trucking industry began working with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Oregon Department of Transportation to develop a nationwide Share the Road campaign, an anthem now being adopted by other transportation groups. OTA and its members are dedicated to the safe coexistence of all modes of transportation. OTA members put safety first through improved driver training, investment in advanced safety technologies and active participation in industry safety initiatives at the local, state and national levels.

“OTA remains commitment to Share the Road continues today,” commented OTA President Debra Dunn, “OTA serves on a number of committees to discuss how all modes of transportation – truck, auto, bicycle, pedestrian – can safely coexist on streets and highways.”

While today’s truck drivers are highly trained, it’s important for other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to be respectful of some of the challenges they face; most notably, visibility. The trucking industry is actively promoting awareness of a truck’s No-Zones. The No-Zones are those areas around trucks that motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians should be aware of while sharing the road with a truck.

- more -“Incidents like these are truly tragic. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Kathryn Rickson,” continues Dunn, “It is OTA’s hope that through ongoing outreach and education on sharing the road with trucks, accidents such as these can be avoided.

To learn more about the trucking industry’s training and safety efforts, visit Oregon Trucking Associations online at www.ortrucking.org. To get a first-hand look at what driving a truck takes, OTA invites anyone interested to attend the Oregon Truck Driving Championships on Saturday, June 9 at the FedEx Distribution Center in Troutdale. Visit the OTA events page at www.ortrucking.org/events for more details.

Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. (“OTA”) is a not-for-profit Oregon corporation with its principal place of business in Clackamas County doing business as the Oregon trucking industry’s trade association. OTA advocates for Oregon's trucking industry by positively influencing laws and regulations, promoting public safety, enhancing the industry's image and promoting a healthy business climate while continuing to reduce the trucking industry’s impact on the natural environment. OTA members have varying types of operations, including general commodities, sand and gravel, forest products, household goods, bulk, heavy haulers, warehouse, and local cartage. OTA members are part of the network of carriers that drive Oregon’s highways to deliver freight, including to the 77 percent of Oregon communities that depend solely on trucks for the delivery of goods. Trucks drive close to four billion miles a year on Oregon’s highways and bi-ways, delivering over 600,000 tons of manufactured goods each day.

Source: Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc