Bendix Celebrates Truck Drivers During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
AVON, Ohio — Bendix is emphasizing the vital role of truck drivers in the nation and recognizing their dedication during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW).
“Truck drivers are essential to our daily lives, and their commitment deserves our recognition,” stated Nicole Oreskovic, Bendix’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Most items we encounter have traveled on a truck, requiring skilled drivers to transport them. Their achievements, day after day, are truly impressive, and everyone at Bendix expresses heartfelt gratitude and pride in supporting their work.”
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reveals that truck drivers transport approximately 70% of the freight in the U.S. annually—nearly 11.5 billion tons. Over 80% of American communities rely exclusively on trucking for their goods, with more than 3.5 million drivers covering around 300 billion miles each year.
Enhancing Driver Safety and Comfort
According to a company press release, Bendix acknowledges that despite advancements in driver assistance systems (ADAS), the safety of commercial vehicles and highways still heavily relies on skilled drivers.
“The goal of driver assistance technology is not to replace drivers,” explained TJ Thomas, Bendix’s director of customer solutions and marketing – Controls group. “Our systems offer features like stability control, collision mitigation, and lane departure warnings, but a proficient and alert driver is irreplaceable. Our aim is to complement drivers’ skills as even the best can have challenging days.”
Innovative Technology for Truck Drivers
Bendix is dedicated to enhancing driver comfort through its safety products. For instance, air disc brakes offer shorter stopping distances and consistent performance, while R.H. Sheppard’s steering assist system helps guide drivers back into their lanes to reduce fatigue and the risk of side-swipe incidents. The release mentions features like Bendix air dryer technologies, which optimize air system performance, and electronic parking brakes that enhance safety and ergonomics with intuitive LED indicators.
“However, we must emphasize that no technology can substitute for a responsible and vigilant driver,” Thomas added. “The driver retains full responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle at all times.”
Educational Resources for Drivers
According to the release, Bendix is committed to ensuring drivers maximize the benefits of modern technology. The company provides resources for education on safety system usage and maintenance, including hands-on demonstrations and training sessions. Educational videos are available on Bendix’s YouTube channel, along with episodes from the “Driver Insight Series” on the “Truck Talk with Bendix” podcast.
Supporting the Trucking Community
“Understanding how to effectively use safety systems is crucial for drivers,” said Thomas. “We are constantly looking for new ways to familiarize drivers with these technologies.” Bendix also has a training portal with free access to technical courses, and its Knowledge Dock houses educational resources such as tech tips, podcasts, and articles.
“We are proud to support the trucking community through industry sponsorships that honor drivers and promote safety,” Oreskovic mentioned. For 13 consecutive years, Bendix has sponsored the prestigious ATA National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) Grand Champion Award, which celebrates drivers’ skills and commitment to safety. Additionally, Bendix has long supported the ATA Share the Road program, promoting safe interactions between the public and large commercial vehicles since 1986.
Since its inception, Bendix has focused on supporting America’s professional truck drivers. Looking to the future, the company remains committed to providing technology and education to enhance safety for drivers and their journeys ahead.
