Although Malyn is only three years old, big rigs fascinate her. She recognizes the sounds her dad’s Kenworth W9L makes when she hears him coming home. Her favorite show is Ice Road Truckers and her mom said she wouldn’t be surprised if Malyn becomes a professional driver herself… some day.
That some day won’t be for at least another 18 years. How can we keep Malyn’s passion alive until the day she is eligible to obtain her class A license?
It won’t be easy.
I met Malyn and her parents at a truck show in St. Ignace, Michigan, where nearly 100 brightly lit rigs paraded across the Mackinac Bridge at dusk. The sight was truly inspiring.
This is one way to keep our children involved and focused on the trucking industry. Bring them to trade shows, parades, company events and just point out the different types of tractors as they go by. The more the next generation knows about trucks, drivers and their importance the more apt they will be to consider making it their career.
When Malyn is old enough she will want to ride in her dad’s truck. As long as your child is capable of following instructions and is authorized by your carrier, take them with you. Let them experience your job on a first hand basis. Sure, it’s a difficult one, but that’s important for them to understand. It will also make them appreciate your efforts more.
If your child is in elementary school, ask his or her teacher if you can bring in your tractor-trailer for show and tell. Clean it up and remove anything that can detract from your event (leave the dirty clothes at home and make sure the bunk is tidy.) Check out the Trucker Buddy site for guidelines for class visits (www.truckerbuddy.org) and consider becoming a member yourself.
Take safety precautions and have spotters at each door. Tell the students about the truck and explain how things work. Describe the types of loads you haul and the area of the country you see.
For older students, ask the driver’s education instructor if you can bring your rig to class. Some states have a road team through the state association, so check with them to see if they offer this to your school. You can get literature from them or visit the Federal Motor Carrier’s educational site (www.sharetheroadsafely.org) for materials.
Young drivers should be shown the blind spots on a tractor and are always amazed at the view from the driver’s seat. Explain to them that the stopping distance is increased due to the weight of the vehicle and not shorter because there are more brakes!
To encourage children like Malyn and to keep their passion for trucking alive, we need to continually remind them of the importance of the trucking industry. Help them choose topics for school reports and speeches. Encourage them to educate their classes (and teachers) by providing statistics and facts about transportation.
Iowa State University has a website for teens interested in transportation (www.go-explore-trans.org). Encourage your child to visit this site and learn about the different modes to deliver freight. Each issue includes games and contests for subscribers under age 21!
The American Trucking Associations has a website devoted to providing positive image information to the public (www.trucksbringit.com). You can even order shirts, caps and die cast trucks for your young enthusiast.
When you observe positive or negative behavior on the road, point it out to your child. Explain how a car following too closely is in a dangerous situation and show him or her how to watch for the driver’s figure in truck’s mirrors.
At home, display a map of the US and track the travels of an over the road driver. Learn about the highway system, map reading and geography as you follow the driver throughout the year.
Malyn often sits at the window and waits for the sound of her dad’s truck at the age of three. Where will she be when her dad pulls into the driveway 18 years from now? Let’s hope that Malyn is driving her own rig in 2027!
