A new national poll released by the American Trucking Association (ATA) Tuesday (Oct. 20) found the public continues to believe truck drivers are among the safest on the road and that the industry is essential to the American economy.
Among the poll’s findings were:
- 60 percent of respondents said they have a favorable view of the trucking industry, the highest among transportation modes
- 63 percent of those polled believe trucks move most of the nation’s goods – a three-point increase from 2014
- 57 percent said trucking’s safety record was excellent or good
- 34 percent of said trucking’s safety record had improved over the past 20 years
- 91 percent believe car drivers are more likely to engage in risky behavior on the highways than truck drivers and 70 percent believe they are more likely to be at fault when a car and truck collide
- 81 percent of Americans believe truckers are safer drivers.
- 69 percent oppose reducing highway speeds to improve safety and reduce pollution
- 63 percent oppose the installation of speed limiting devices on passenger vehicles, but 56 percent said they favored mandating speed limiters for large trucks.
When asked to offer unscripted thoughts on trucking, respondents called drivers hard working, said the industry provided thousands of jobs and trucking was dependable and efficient.
The poll, surveyed 800 registered voters on their attitudes about politics, the trucking industry and the state of infrastructure. Results were released at ATA’s Board of Directors meeting during its conference in Philadelphia.
