March Break is the perfect time teach your family about trucking and what you will be dealing with once you finish your course and get your licence. Depending on your age you may be spending time with your kids or working harder to avoid them. Of course many of you are taking some well deserved vacation time with the kids and possibly on a road trip or doing day trips with the family. As much as you may be on vacation this is a great time to let the family understand about this profession of trucking that you are involved in.
I still do this to this day. When my wife and I are traveling on a road trip I am always reminiscing about my days on the road from interesting things I saw in a particular area to stories of people I met at the local truck stops. Watching those shiny trucks on the road and the interesting things that happen in trucking on a daily basis still bring back fond memories of the road.
There was the time that I was explaining the difference between a County Mountie (local police officer) and a Smokey Bear (State Trooper) to my wife when she was driving and then ended up being pulled over by the same officer. Class over! Maybe I started that lesson a little late.
Everything you see on the road is a potential teaching tool on many 
aspects of life but certainly in trucking. Passing that cool chromed up truck on the highway is a great time to teach your family about pride in equipment. Passing an accident is a great time to talk about the importance of road safety. Stuck in a traffic jam is the best time to talk about patience and the importance of trip planning while letting the family know this could be you on the road. The next time you call home to say you’re going to be late they will have a better understanding of what is happening on the road.
If you are traveling with the family enjoy yourself but don’t lose this chance to offer some education and insights into the wonderful world of transportation. If you are older and just going through your daily grind then this week is a good time to practice patience with more people on the roadway. Whichever way you are spending March Break make the most of it and enjoy it.
About the Author
Bruce Outridge has been in the transportation industry for over 30 years. He is an author of the books Driven to Drive and Running By The Mile, and host of The Lead Pedal Podcast. TTSAO also known as the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario has certified member schools in the truck training vocation ensuring quality entry level drivers enter the transportation industry. To learn more about the TTSAO or to find a certified school in your area visit www.ttsao.com