The (Almost) Last Word

The (Almost) Last Word

June 10, 2017

Early morning on I-80 West in Nebraska. A glorious sunrise filling the eastern sky, the pale moon descending in the west. The green, rolling prairie, streams running full from snow melt and rain, is restful to the eye and food for the soul. The world is quiet, except for four lanes of traffic, two rolling east, and two west, a median between. All calm and smooth.

Without warning, a car just in front of the truck slows noticeably and swerves slightly. The Trucker instantly comes down hard on the brakes, scrambling for an opening in the left lane. Seconds later, one appears, large enough for all eighteen wheels and what they carry. The Trucker cuts over, lets off the brakes, and pulls alongside the slowed car. Yep, the driver was texting, oblivious to the world around him. Does he have any idea, but for an alert trucker and a miraculous break in the left lane traffic, that text might have been the last word he saw?

Sharing the Road

Some watching the Trucker drive may think he is totally relaxed, just letting the world go by. He does have to relax to some extent, in order to drive the distances required of him in a day. But at the same time, he must always be alert to ever changing conditions. Watching for traffic ahead, scanning mirrors for traffic coming behind, obstacles including wildlife, always prepared to avoid hazards and know options for changing lanes to escape a bad situation in the making. Not only does he need to be mindful at all times of how to get out of a bad situation that may occur without warning, but to be prepared to create a way out for another vehicle that may need it as well.

One of the biggest obstacles is the unpredictability of other drivers, never knowing what they will do next. Drivers that have no clue their actions can be dangerous to themselves and others. Especially in heavy traffic. But even a nearly empty road demands alertness.

The Trucker’s daily prayer is for safety; that he will be protected, and will not be a source of harm to another on the road. He makes every effort to share the road, never crowding another motorist or worse, running one off the road entirely. Although, it could be argued, there are some out there who may deserve the experience!

This is an all or nothing job. A small distraction at the wrong time could be fatal to someone. It is mentally and physically exhausting. Even “off duty” time on the road is on duty in the sense that the Trucker is still responsible for the truck, and the load it carries. At times we have joked that the Trucker comes home one day, and his mind will follow a few days later. A bit extreme, but the point made is real. It takes effort to switch gears at home after a run, and often by the time that occurs, the Trucker must be preparing to be on his way out the door again.

As with any job or responsibility, the more skill you possess, the less effort is apparent.