In this day and age where information-and it seems like everything else-moves at the speed of light, it is refreshing when we take a moment to honor a few people who have made a difference. In this case people who were careful, took their time, or at least followed the speed limit to get the job done.
Beyond that they demonstrated their knowledge and overall skills to be chosen as the latest members of America's Road Team by the American Trucking Associations.
In January, Walter B. McCormick, Jr., President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, announced that Ron Brotherton from Roadway's Cleveland facility and David Wright of the Memphis facility were selected to represent Roadway. These drivers join an elite team of thirteen drivers, including a husband and wife team, who have traveled over a million miles accident free.
These professional truck drivers will spend the next two years representing the U.S. trucking industry and delivering its highway safety message to the motoring public.
A million miles of accident-free driving is just the ticket for entry into the competition for America's Road Team. The competition includes a review of the driver's knowledge of the trucking industry, safety issues, communications skills, interview abilities and the drivers' community service.
Roadway's representatives excelled. Ron Brotherton, when he's not driving for Roadway, is busy patrolling the streets of Amherst, Ohio as an officer of the law. "Safety is very important to me. I have two sons who are to be driving soon, I want them safe. It is so important that the public knows how to share the road safely with commercial vehicles. So as much as it was an honor to be selected, it was equally important to me to get the safety message out."
As an author of children's books written exclusively for his grandchildren, and now two novels aimed at adults, David Wright of Memphis compared his competition experience as a beauty pageant for truckers without the swimsuits.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it was tough. I really appreciated how John Hyre (director-investor and media relations, AGO) help to prepare Ron and me for the competition. Without his encouragement, I don't think I would have had the confidence to get through it."
Both drivers are looking forward to beginning their work with America's Road Team to get their stories out. "You know," explains David, "John Bronneck told me I have the 34,000 employees of Roadway behind me. Well, I feel like they are all counting on me, and I plan on doing them proud." Ron also acts as an instructor training police officers about commercial vehicle safety. David's first novel, River Rock, is being reviewed by several publishers. We wish them both success and congratulations.
