Truck Driver Disposition
January 30, 2018
To be hired as a truck driver, trucking companies generally require a high school diploma, completion of a training course with an accredited truck driving school, and a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The applicant should also have a clean driving record and demonstrate a positive, responsible attitude.
Even if a potential employee meets all of these requirements, there is still no way of knowing whether a new employee will always drive safely to avoid a potentially devastating truck accident. However, a new assessment may predict whether a potential employee is more likely to cause a wreck based on their personality traits.
Personal Disposition
Truck accidents tend to be some of the most devastating accidents, often resulting in serious or fatal injuries and massive property damage. One way to prevent these accidents from happening is to hire truck drivers who have the disposition necessary to handle the stress, fatigue, and unique challenges that are associated with driving a commercial truck.
Research shows that by testing an individual’s overall disposition, it can be predicted whether they will be able to safely and effectively deal with any challenge that may arise.
Attributes of a Safe Driver
According to research, responsible commercial drivers share some of the same important attributes, including the following:
- Observant
- Focused and able to concentrate
- Strong multitaskers
- Able to react quickly
- Good memory and spatial orientation
- Prioritize safety over desire to take risks
Candidates are given an overall score based on certain traits, including the ability to concentrate, reaction speed, sense of direction, impulse control, trustworthiness, and ethical awareness. According to the research, candidates who receive a low score are more likely to cause an accident.
Shorter versions of the test can also be used to assess whether a driver is overtired, intoxicated, or stressed at the beginning of their shift. Some tests can even be done via a laptop. If a truck driver is flagged, he or she will be assessed by a supervisor who will determine whether that person has the disposition needed to safely operate a commercial truck.
It is in a trucking company’s best interests to only hire individuals who possess the characteristics required to be a safe driver. This can have a significant impact on the number of injuries and lives lost due to truck accidents.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Truck Accidents Caused by Careless Drivers
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident contact a Baltimore truck accident lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will determine who was responsible for causing the accident and hold them accountable for their actions. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
