Highway Safety - A College Project Needs Your Help

[Hawgstoppah]

Hey.

 

I am collecting info about the views of the general public on how safe people are being with trailers and loads they haul around. If you can please take less than a minute of your time to answer a short 8 question clickable survey (easy) I would greatly appreciate it. Survey located at SURVEY MONKEY WEBSITE - MY SURVEY

 

 

Also, if you have time, please answer one question on this thread. Discuss why if you have time as well. Thanks! I'll add my own opinion later .

 

"do you think Alberta truck dealerships should offer a free one day course to new truck and SUV customers to teach them proper trailer techniques and proper loading procedures?"

[fishinhogdaddy]

I don't think making it manditory would be accepted, other than that I would like to the opportunity to attend one, if I chose. I have seen alot of people that don't load their travel trailers properly to insure they rolling on a level plane. I have seen many that are unbalanced as a result of not using an equalizer hitch properly. The more info availabe the better in my books.

FHD

[Hawgstoppah]

Yeah it's my first attempt at a survey. I am trying to put together a proposal that will try to get truck dealerships to put on one day free seminars/courses on trailer techniques and cargo procedure. The courses would not be a mandatory requirement for anyone. The courses would be a good way for the dealerships to 1) promote public safety, and 2) increase their own positive image by doing so.

[DonAndersen]

Hawgstoppah,

 

It shouldn't be free and it should be mandatory.

We have driver's license classifications - why not hauling classifications.

 

And lets cut out the "so we won't hurt anyone's feelings" stuff. If you need a course to be a safe driver, then you need a course + exam. Things that are free are usually worth about what you paid for them.

 

 

Don

[Hawgstoppah]

Hawgstoppah,

 

It shouldn't be free and it should be mandatory.

We have driver's license classifications - why not hauling classifications.

 

And lets cut out the "so we won't hurt anyone's feelings" stuff. If you need a course to be a safe driver, then you need a course + exam. Things that are free are usually worth about what you paid for them.

 

 

Don

 

I tend to agree with you Don... absolutely. That'll be my 4th semester project... proposing regulation/law change

[ÜberFly]

Brian,

 

I guess it would also depend on who is teaching the course and what their qualifications are?! Are they some dude from the dealership or someone from "Transport Canada" with a few credentials under their belt!! If it's some punky kid that doesn't know a "truckers hitch" from a "granny knot", then I probably wouldn't bother! Also, is there even an "approved" program in which to offer or is it just something the manager's kid put together as a summer job!?

 

P

[Hawgstoppah]

Brian,

 

I guess it would also depend on who is teaching the course and what their qualifications are?! Are they some dude from the dealership or someone from "Transport Canada" with a few credentials under their belt!! If it's some punky kid that doesn't know a "truckers hitch" from a "granny knot", then I probably wouldn't bother! Also, is there even an "approved" program in which to offer or is it just something the manager's kid put together as a summer job!?

 

P

 

Good question Peter, and one I do have covered in my proposal. Instruction would be done by an officer from the Alberta Department of Transportation.

 

Brian

[duanec]

should not be required training when purchasing a vehicle capable of towing, rather mandatory prior to registering the trailer....lots of soccer moms driving escalades that will never see the hitch get used ['i always wondered what that thing was for']

[bigalcal]

Why not RV dealerships too?

[Hawgstoppah]

should not be required training when purchasing a vehicle capable of towing, rather mandatory prior to registering the trailer....lots of soccer moms driving escalades that will never see the hitch get used ['i always wondered what that thing was for']

 

good point and one I would seriously take into consideration for my future proposal on changing a regulation / law. For now, I am simply trying to target those who in the future might haul cargo or a trailer, so that same soccer mom doesn't end up driving down the road some day with a mattress on top of her vehicle attached by one small strap...

 

[Hawgstoppah]

Why not RV dealerships too?

 

Great point. 100% agreed.