Tractor-Trailer Trucking Safety--A Father's Tragedy and Mission to Stop Needless Deaths After Losing His Son
"Respect for life" can take many forms, and "Road Safe America" packs a powerful message about protecting lives from needless deaths on American roads.
I met Steve Owings, a member my church, on Tuesday to learn about how his life has changed since his son died when he was struck from behind by a speeding tractor-trailer in a horrible--and preventable--trucking "accident" in 2002. Brothers Cullum and Pierce Owens had almost finished their drive back to college after Thanksgiving break, when a large truck on "cruise control" set at more than 70 mph slammed into them in stopped traffic. Cullum died at his brother's side.
This father's mission now is to prevent similar tragedies for other families. He is working for common sense changes to cause the trucking industry in the United States to operate with safety measures that are used with success elsewhere in the civilized world. And he is making progress--but can use some help. With Steve's permission, I am helping spread the word quickly about his efforts through this blog--and will continue to help accomplish Road Safe America's goals to protect lives over time.
Like any father, I could not imagine what Steve and Susan Owings have felt since hearing from their surviving son of Cullum's death on the highway. Their commitment now to seeing changes made to protect other lives could not be clearer.
They describe Road Safe America's goals as including:
Educating truck drivers and others about the risks of trucks and passenger vehicles sharing our nation's highways;
Enforcing speed limits by supporting law enforcement safety efforts that prevent trucking accidents;
Lobbying policymakers and elected officials to develop laws that will help prevent injury and loss of life on America's roadways due to semi truck accidents; and
"Honoring" the companies, officials and others who help us achieve our mission.
The Owings are being listened to, both by reputable trucking companies that largely support their efforts, and by the government. Steve Owings has been appointed to FMCSA's Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee. Their Petition to require speed governors limiting tractor-trailers to 68 mph is in the administrative process, with substantial support of reputable trucking companies.
With Steve's permission, we are linking to this moving video about how he and Susan are making sure other deaths can be prevented by these safety changes, which we will explain in a later post.
We will explain more about Road Safe America and its progress on future posts. We admire Steve and Susan Owings for what they are doing to protect lives in the future.
