My first experience with commercial motor vehicles started when I became a law enforcement officer in 1984, investigating collisions involving them. I acquired a total of over two hundred hours in training in collision investigation involving commercial motor vehicles during my law enforcement career. After retiring, I became a consultant concerning commercial motor vehicle collisions, involving inspections of various mechanical systems, writing detailed reports, and testifying as an expert witness in deposition and trial. I acquired my Class A CMV license during this time, first becoming an over the road driver for a large mega carrier, transporting freight throughout the United States. My driving career carried me into instruction with the same company, training drivers in pre-trip inspections, coupling/uncoupling and basic road and backing procedures. I then had the opportunity to go to work as an instructor with another mega carrier. This involved, in addition to basic skills, defensive driving skills and classroom and quarterly instruction on current policies and procedures.
I take instruction regarding commercial motor vehicles very seriously as the vast majority of the motoring public do not understand what these vehicles are capable of and are not capable of. I prefer to get the student engaged directly, whether it be a large group or one on one.