Auburn University Research Says:
Women Truckers Are Proven Safer Drivers, and More Needed

A recent study from Auburn University shows that women truckers are proven safer drivers than men. This research is led by Beth Davis-Sramek and Dave Ketchen. It suggests hiring more women in the trucking industry can improve road safety and help with the driver shortage.

Research Findings: Women Truckers Are Proven Safer

The Auburn University study looked at over 22 million truck inspections from 2010 to 2022. The researchers found that male truck drivers are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors. Men were 13.2% more likely to commit major unsafe driving violations, such as speeding more than 15 mph over the limit. They were also 7.4% more likely to exceed the allowed driving hours. These violations increase the chances of accidents, making roads more dangerous.

The Need for More Female Truck Drivers

The trucking industry moves over 70% of the freight in the United States but faces a shortage of drivers. With more than 95% of U.S. truck drivers being male, hiring more women could help fill this gap. Companies like Walmart have programs to train store associates to become truck drivers. By hiring more women, the industry can improve safety and efficiency.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Despite the benefits, several barriers deter women from entering the trucking profession. Safety concerns like poor lighting at truck stops, unsafe parking, and male-focused shower facilities are significant issues. The lack of security at rest stops and sparse trash cans also make women hesitant to pursue trucking careers. These safety issues affect both the recruitment and retention of women drivers.

Beth Davis-Sramek stresses the importance of addressing these safety concerns. Simple changes like better lighting, more secure parking, and improved facilities can make a big difference. These improvements would make trucking more appealing to women and create a safer environment for all drivers.

Recommended Policies

The researchers suggest several policy changes to make trucking safer and more appealing for women. These include increasing security, expanding parking, improving lighting, and ensuring that truck stops have facilities for female drivers. Collaboration between the trucking industry, shipping companies, and governments is crucial for creating better infrastructure.

Dave Ketchen added that it would be wise for all stakeholders to work together. First, by improving infrastructure at both privately owned truck stops and state-managed rest areas. This can address safety concerns that unequally affect women and create a more inclusive environment for all truck drivers.

Economic Impact

Improving the recruitment and retention of female truck drivers could have a substantial economic impact. Truck accidents are often caused by risky driving behaviors. They result in thousands of deaths each year and cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars. By hiring more women, accident rates could decrease, leading to safer roads and economic savings.

Even small improvements in safety could have significant benefits. With around 3.5 million truckers on U.S. roads, reducing accident rates by a small percentage could save lives and reduce accident-related costs. This underscores the importance of making the trucking industry more accessible and appealing to women.

Overcoming Cultural Barriers

One of the major challenges in attracting more women to the trucking industry is overcoming cultural barriers. The traditional image of a truck driver is often male-dominated, influenced by media portrayals and historical norms. This “Smokey and the Bandit” culture can make it difficult for women to see themselves in the profession.

Changing this image is crucial. Efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the industry can help break down these cultural barriers. Initiatives that highlight successful female truck drivers can make a big impact. Creating supportive networks for women in trucking is also important. These efforts can help change perceptions. They can encourage more women to consider trucking as a career.

Looking Ahead

The Auburn University research provides clear evidence that women truckers are  proven safer than men. Addressing the barriers that prevent women from entering the trucking industry could help alleviate driver shortages and improve road safety. By making necessary policy changes and improving infrastructure, the trucking industry can create a more inclusive environment that benefits everyone.

Encouraging more women to join the trucking profession is not just about filling job vacancies. It is about creating a safer, more efficient, and more equitable industry. As the research suggests, the potential benefits of increasing the number of female truck drivers are significant. Taking steps to make this happen should be a priority for the trucking industry, officials, and all partners involved.