This morning we put into practice the Smith System of defensive driving (SS). The large group was broken down into smaller groups. Each group (3-5 drivers) was assigned an instructor. We went out in vans to practice the SS. Using the vans was an excellent idea--you don't need to be in a big truck to practice the advice offered in the SS. The first part of the morning had each driver take turns implementing the 5 aspects of SS - Aim high in steering, Get the big picture, Keep your eyes moving, Leave yourself an out, and Make sure they see you (Note: all of those phrases are registered trademarks by SS). The second half of the morning was spent being graded individually by the instructor as well as getting feedback from our fellow drivers in the van.
Mr. A, my group's instructor, has had more than 20-years in the trucking industry before coming onboard as a safety instructor with the company I'm now driving for. He did a good job in helping us turn the head knowledge of the SS into applied knowledge while driving the streets of Chicago. His mixed the learning application with liberal doses of humor along the way while berating us in friendly fashion for not knowing as much as he did (picture a somewhat tall, yet stout, sturdy guy with a Italian/Chicago accent--that's Mr. A).
We all performed well on the SS test of our driving skills. Back at the terminal, we reviewed tractor and trailer safety checks and nearly froze our rear-ends off. Although it wasn't that cold out, most of us didn't dress for the weather--that is standing out side for a longer period of time. Lunch time was great--it gave us a chance to warm up and eat warm food!
After lunch, we reassembled as a big group. Then each of us took a turn at signing up for our benefit package with an instructor in front of a computer. Since this took awhile, they put in a movie for those of us who wanted to watch one entitled "Eddie and the Cruisers." After everyone was signed up for benefits, we went over a few more important details and then were dismissed.
I dropped Mr. D off at the hotel and then headed for home. I missed the heaviest portion of Chicago's and Milwaukee's rush hour and made it home in good time.
Tomorrow, I've been instructed to report to the company in Milwaukee where I'll be hauling freight in and out of. I'm guessing that my truck will be assigned either tomorrow, Friday, or early next week.
All in all, I was satisfied with the way my new employer treated me and trained me during the past three days of orientation. Now it's time for me to show them that I've been worth the investment they've put into me for the past couple of days.
miles driven = 0
10:24:11 PM
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