Every time Leah Hughes bids farewell to her husband as he heads to work, she is filled with the anxiety that it might be the last goodbye.
Robin Hughes, her husband, has been a truck driver for over a decade, traversing the vast landscapes of Australia.
“You always pause and take that moment,” reflected Ms. Hughes, who resides in Appila, located in South Australia’s Mid North.
“There’s always that lingering thought that he might not return home.”
Whenever a truck accident occurs, Ms. Hughes makes it a point to gather as much information as possible to ensure her husband is safe.
Ms. Hughes and her husband moved to the countryside over ten years ago. (ABC North and West SA: Annabel Francis)
“My husband is very considerate; he reaches out to me promptly if he hears about any incident,” she added.
When footage of a truck crash makes its way to social media, families often recognize the trucks even without knowing the driver’s identity.
“Trucks carry logos and are easily identifiable,” she stated.
Concerns About Social Media
Lisa Catalano, a Mount Gambier resident whose husband has been a truck driver for approximately 35 years, steers clear of social media when accidents occur because truck drivers often receive undue blame.
Lisa Catalano frequently worries about her husband’s well-being. (Supplied: Lisa Catalano)
“People quickly jump to conclusions that it’s the truck driver’s mistake,” she remarked.
“It’s always the narrative of ‘another truck driver’ or they speculate about drug use.”
Despite a National Road Safety Strategy report indicating that about 80% of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involving trucks are attributed to the other vehicles.
Loneliness and Separation
Ms. Catalano remarked that in addition to her constant fears for her husband’s safety, she grapples with loneliness as he departs for work every Monday morning and comes back late on Fridays.
“With my son now moved to Adelaide, I often find myself by myself,” she shared.
“My dog is a great companion; he sleeps in my bed and keeps me company.”
Shandi Thompson, another Sydney resident married to a truck driver, reports experiencing similar strains, prompting her to establish the Facebook group Truck Drivers Wives.
“It can be incredibly isolating, particularly when managing children and your partner is on the road,” she stated.
Supportive Community
The Facebook group, which has been active for nearly a year, currently consists of 60 members from around the globe.
“It’s a supportive environment for everyone accustomed to this lifestyle,” Ms. Thompson commented.
