The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) has gone “live” with a new “Share the Road” web site aimed at educating motorists about the safest ways to drive alongside tractor-trailers.

The site’s main objectives are to teach the motoring public about large blind spots that surround 18-wheelers. It also educates drivers on safe following and stopping distances when traveling near large trucks, which require more space and time on the highways.
“Improving highway safety is the most important mission that ATA can have. Share the Road has been a big part of our effort, and we believe that this new web site will further spread our message and help save lives,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves.
The safety program, sponsored by Mack Trucks Inc., and Chevron DELO, visits 24 cities a year delivering its driving tips to the motoring public through TV, radio and newspaper coverage. “Over the past decade, we have been very successful reaching out to people over the airways and in print media, but this new web site lets us go the extra step in bringing this life-saving message to even more Americans,” remarked Ellen Serrano, national field director for the program.
By visiting the new site at www.atastr.org motorists can learn how to avoid the hidden dangers of driving on busy highways and city streets. The site features four sections that focus on such hazards as: distracted driving, blind spots, following too closely, and passing. Most drivers have never been taught how to safely share the road with tractor-trailers. Yet between 70% and 75% of all truck-related auto fatalities are caused by car drivers, according to figures from the Department of Transportation and AAA. Thirty-five percent of those fatal accidents occur in a truck's blind spots.
The site also features links to the STR sponsors, supporters and partners, media coverage from recent events, as well as pictures and bios of the professional truck drivers who serve as spokespeople for the program.
STR plans to regularly update the site with new information and fresh perspectives on how to keep our highways safe as well as keep its partners informed on its success in the field. The web site will serve as a useful tool to driver’s education teachers, AARP driver instructors, and truck driver training schools.
For more information and to explore this new life-saving tool, visit www.atastr.org.