Driven to Learn: The Road to Safer Trucking

In 2022, Ontario recorded the highest number of transport truck collisions in a decade, causing 71 fatalities due to inexperienced drivers, risky moves by some truck drivers, and mechanical failures. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Kim Richardson, senior advisor with the Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada (PTTAC), discusses the crucial need for smarter and more thorough training in the trucking industry.

Kim, a long-time truck driver in Ontario, explains that the PTTAC is calling for a major shift in recognizing truck driving as a Red Seal trade, which would mean stricter standardized training across the country and potentially lead to safer roads for everyone. The Red Seal certification program, which is being developed by the Red Seal Committee, aims to make commercial truck driving a principal trade in five provinces, with Alberta taking the lead. The program will require drivers to attend an approved school or carrier involved in the Red Seal program, and a minimum of 2,000 hours behind the wheel before a written test can be taken.

To raise awareness for the program, the Red Seal Committee - consisting of industry leaders, carriers, insurers and schools - developed a three-part approach: educate, advocate and support. Industry leaders should educate their industries on the benefits of the Red Seal apprenticeship, while government and association leadership at high levels should advocate for the program. Carriers’ support is also essential, as their involvement is crucial for the program’s survival.

Kim further discusses what a ‘misclassified driver’ represents, how a Red Seal certification addresses international drivers and their eligibility to operate in Canada, and how interested parties in the Red Seal approach can get involved.

Click here to listen to the IHSA Safety Podcast episode, Driven to Learn: The Road to Safer Trucking.