We spent the rest of our Sunday practicing "pre-trip inspections", on which we will be tested tomorrow (the photo below is of some of my classmates practicing their "pre-trips"). The pre-trips are a thorough inspection of the entire truck and trailer, from engine compartment, to the brakes, steering and suspension systems, to everything else that determines whether or not you can safely operate the vehicle. It's a list of over 100 items that you need to specifically call out and inspect that they are "properly mounted and secured, and not cracked bent or broken" (yes, you have to say that with every single part you inspect).
We also are going to start taking the trucks out on the road tomorrow. We're going to a vacant frontage road where we will learn how to shift, including double-clutching. Later in the week we actually go on the real streets of Salt Lake City. Hope to God they've trained us well enough!
One thing with which i've been particularly impressed is the emphasis on safety by the school instructors. There are two things they stress every single day -- doing your job safely and with the utmost professionalism. I don't know how many times i've heard them say, "you are going to be professional drivers. Make sure you act like professional drivers. You hold yourself to a higher standard." And while i expected the curriculum to include safety issues, they emphasize safety with every topic they cover. It's really quite remarkable, and should make people feel good that some companies truly DO put safety first....
To think it was a just a week ago today that i came here as a fresh-faced rookie not knowing what to expect. And now i'm the grizzled and wily veteran who can show the ropes to the new recruits -- a new class of prospective drivers comes in every single Sunday!
Have a great week everyone.
Stay safe....
KWA
Nice job Bro, keep it up!
ReplyDelete