Trucking has a historical reputation as being a profession dominated by men. Despite recent efforts to make inroads into trucking for women, the industry continues to be populated mostly by males. There are several reasons for this, but safety seems to be a continuing concern among women regarding barriers to entry.
Survey Says
Any experienced driver knows that there are inherent dangers associated with trucking, but women tend to report feeling unsafe more than men. Women in the trucking industry continue to cite driver safety as a top concern in their daily professional goings.
Recent surveys, including one from the Women in Trucking Association, have shown that as many as 60% of women in the industry have reported feeling unsafe at work at least once in the past year. 42% of respondents claimed to be aware of an incident involving a female driver who experienced sexual advances or harassment by a co-driver of the opposite sex.
Conversely, the Women in Trucking Association surveys have revealed that at least 53% of respondents believe that the trucking industry is safe for women. As an aside, surveys on driver safety and women in trucking also found that 62.5% of respondents agree with same-gender training programs to attract more women to trucking in general.
Everyone Needs to Feel Safe
Regardless of gender, drivers need to feel safe on the road. Driver safety training needs to consider the safe operation of a truck, associated cargo spaces, and driver safety at rest stops, while lodging, in the cab, and while loading and unloading cargo
If the survey results from the Women in trucking Association are any indication of trends, the trucking industry needs to consider reevaluating its policies or its recruitment strategy. Trucking isn’t for everyone, but management should take the necessary steps to ensure workplace safety as much as it can
There will never be a time when trucking is without its risks. This applies to both men and women; however, changes can be made to reasonably accommodate the unique dangers imposed by trucking on drivers who feel more challenged than others.
