FROM TRUCK DRIVERS INJURED AT WORK
Sounded Just Like a Freight Train
Each year it happens and each year we watch and listen to the TV interviews of the survivors. Consequently, our
fascination with and fear of tornadoes increases with the frequency of their occurance. There have even been
several popular movies and television series based upon tornadoes that underscore our enduring interest in
these violent weather events. Don’t forget that it was a tornado that was responsible for everything that
happened to Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
The science behind tornadoes is also interesting - from the weather conditions necessary to spawn a tornado to
the drop in barometric pressure and high wind speed that result. Even more items of fascination about
tornadoes is the unpredictable outcome of the event. For example, an entire residential neighborhood is totally
obliterated while one house remains undamaged. How about the stories of a paper straw buried into an oak
tree? Another odd thing about tornadoes is that they only occur in certain parts of the world, with most
occurring in the United States. In addition, there are certain geographic areas of the U.S. where they occur more
often. We have labeled that section of the country as tornado alley.
Earlier this spring Troy was unlucky enough to be pulling a dry van trailer along an interstate in “tornado alley”
on a day when the weather conditions resulted in tornadic activity. He did not take any precaution because he
thought that his truck/trailer was too heavy to be affected by high winds. He learned otherwise. His truck was
overturned and he sustained multiple contusions and lacerations when he bounced around unsecured in the cab
of his truck. When the EMS personnel arrived to provide medical assistance they asked Troy what it was like.
He said, “It was just like in the movies. It got real dark and then it just sounded like a freight train!
REAL LIFE LESSON
What can be learned from Troy’s encounter with a tornado?
1) All of us should remain aware of the current and forecasted weather conditions. There are no excuses
for not “being” in touch. Devices and means of being informed include the use of AM/FM radios, smart
phones and even alerts delivered by dispatch.
2) Communication with dispatch should be established if adverse weather conditions are developing. This
link will increase the “decision making” ability regarding what to do and where to go. Dispatch is most
often sitting in a climate controlled office with access to current radar and weather alerts.
3) If you are still inside your vehicle when the tornado impacts, keep your seatbelt fastened. It will
provide the same protection as it does during any other type of motor vehicle accident.
See archived Real Life Lessons at truckingworkerscomp.com