Professional Drivers: Still Rolling on the Holidays
For some who may not realize it at holiday time, if it’s under the tree, chances are a professional truck driver made it possible — because on holidays, professional drivers are still rolling.
In a survey of professional truck drivers by Rand McNally, more than 800 shared how they celebrate the holiday season while on the road, how they navigate more complicated roadways at this time, and how they deal with long stretches away from home.
Rand McNally recognizes that delivering on time and safely during the busiest travel and shopping season of the year is often fraught with extra stresses. Drivers reported that:
• More than 50% are on the road, away from their families for the holidays
• 29% decorate their trucks to help keep the season bright
• Traffic, weather, and distracted holiday drivers are especially troublesome this time of year, with 72% listing at least one of these as concerns
• They enjoy connecting with friends and family via Skype and cell phone, but often spend holidays with other truckers in the truck stops.
Drivers explained that although there are ways to connect and celebrate with family when you are away for the holidays, the most memorable moments are often shared with strangers.
“Thanksgiving week I parked and noticed a vehicle and its occupants paying more attention to my rig than I was comfortable with, so I got out and stood in front of the truck with my arms folded watching them watch me. The driver pulled closer revealing a very excited two-and-a-half year old. His grandpa told me, ‘He LOVES BIG TRUCKS’. For the next fifteen minutes grandpa, grandma, his mommy and daddy enjoyed family time in my truck taking pictures laughing—all sharing an experience that makes the long lonely days of what I do, worth it!” shared Doug, from Columbia City, Ind.
Often drivers are called upon, and willingly offer, to assist in an emergency. John of Daytona Beach, Fla. is a retired paramedic. On one run during the holidays, he came upon a car crash with a passenger in labor. “After I checked on her, I saw we only had a few minutes before the baby was born, and I let her know we were having this Christmas Eve baby right here. She gave birth to a beautiful little girl – Crystal Marrie, 8 lbs. 9 oz.”
Sometimes, drivers are witness to a certain miracle. Jeff from Idaho Falls, Idaho thought he’d seen a disaster unfold before him. “An SUV went off the road in front of me in Idaho one winter night and rolled three times. I didn’t think anyone would survive but to my surprise and joy when I got to the car there were two college girls seat-belted upside down in the vehicle without a scratch on them. They were sisters on their way home for Christmas break. We got them out and kept them warm until the police and their parents arrived. It was definitely a miracle that they both survived.”
To read more stories from the road, or share your own, visit https://www.facebook.com/RandTrucking.
About Rand McNally
Rand McNally is a leading source for maps, directions, and travel content. Products and services include: Road travel review site bestoftheroad.com; America’s #1 Road Atlas; RVND™ GPS for RVers; IntelliRoute® truck routing software and navigation devices; TPC 7600 and TND™ 760 mobile fleet management solutions for the transportation industry; and leading geography-based educational resources for the classroom. More info at: randmcnally.com
Category: Driver Stuff, Featured, General Update
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