Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Letter of the Day

Steady on the road

While I commend John Kennedy of Dryden, Ont., for his 33-year career as a police officer, I also take issue with his Aug. 11 letter, Consider the differences, regarding the "devastation" caused by trucks on the highway.

I'm sure he has seen more than his share of stupidity and the resulting accidents. However, unless he has spent time driving a big rig, he can express an opinion only from a car driver's point of view. I am a professional truck driver with over 15 years and more than three million kilometres of accident-free driving in North America. I have driven the Trans-Canada in Ontario frequently and I, too, am afraid to drive on that road, but for different reasons.

Any professional truck driver will tell you about the number of times he or she has taken drastic, evasive action to prevent a potentially fatal accident because someone was in a hurry, didn't see, didn't realize or (insert excuse here).

Accident statistics show that the vast majority of accidents involving a large truck were not caused by the truck. As a police officer, Kennedy knows this, but as is so often the case in incidents involving a large truck, facts get in the way of a good headline.

FRED BARNETT

Winnipeg

 

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 15, 2012 A11

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Andrew Ladd on the Jets' lack of a playoff season

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • KEN GIGLIOTTI  WINNIPEG FREE PRESS / July 23 2009 - 090723 - Bart Kives story - Harry Lazarenko Annual River Bank Tour - receding water from summer rains and erosion  damage by flood  and ice  during spring flooding -  Red River , Lyndale Dr. damage to tree roots , river bank damage  , high water marks after 2009 Flood - POY
  • STDUP ‚Äì Beautiful West End  begins it's summer of bloom with boulevard s, front yards  and even back lane gardens ,  coming alive with flowers , daisies and poppies  dress up a backyard lane on Camden St near Wolseley Ave  KEN GIGLIOTTI  / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS  /  June 26 2012

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Do you agree with the coming ban on sales of cigarettes at health-care facilities and pharmacies, including large retail outlets?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google