Accidents on private property?

The best option is to learn how to operate a dang truck. Watch the areas around your truck when you are maneuvering around remembering something can change in a split second. The best way I know of to keep your job and not have to make that dreaded trip to safety!

 

It would have gone very badly for that driver if you had snitched him out after he left the scene.

 

I say something funny? Inquiring minds want to know?

 

Yeah, but I'm not a snitch. Trucking is stressful enough without drivers ratting each other out.

 

I have no problem with not being a snitch. However, in my humble opinion you cross the line and are just as guilty when you encourage the act

 

The problem with your advice is it takes a minor issue and makes it a firing offense.


One of our guys did this and then drove off. When I saw him his driver side cab extension was cracked and his passenger side bumper was missing. I asked him if he had called I'm the damage yet, as if he had I probably could have done the post accident training right then and saved myself and the company some time and money. He spun some BS, and I rolled my eyes and let him do his thing. Customer called the company to complain, and Ops called the driver to get his side as they waited for the video. The driver claimed he was "barely on the grass " and "didn't do any damage". Video arrived, driver fired.

Had he just owned up, he wouldn't have faced any real consequence.

 

Wisconsin statue 346.70 (Your State will vary) Duty to report accident; assistance following accident.
(1)  Immediate notice of accident. The operator or occupant of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person, any damage to state or other government-owned property, except a state or other government-owned vehicle, to an apparent extent of $200 or more, or total damage to property owned by any one person or to a state or other government-owned vehicle to an apparent extent of $1,000 or more shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of such accident to the police department, the sheriff's department or the traffic department of the county or municipality in which the accident occurred or to a state traffic patrol officer.....etc etc

Simply put it's a Misdemeanor. Doesn't go on ANY driving record but would make you look pretty stupid with a criminal damage to property on your criminal record.
Back in the day, sure it was an ethics call. I wonder how many preaching down to Chinatown haven't considered this carefully for some reason
With cameras everywhere now it's going to be near impossible not to own it. Hell my old auto parts company added cameras back in the mid 90's as truckers kept pulling out on red lights and ripping our dock locks apart. I bet if you fart today at an Amazon hub, security can smell it

 

Wouldn't ever do that.

 

That’s not a minor issue LOL. Significant damage to property and vehicle. Evidence everywhere. Happened in a place with cameras. This is MUCH different than bumping a trailer in an uncontrolled lot at night or other incidents that wreck new drivers’ records.

 

You responded twice to my single post.

The main point with my response was to point out to drivers that do have an accident that they are risking a lot not reporting it just because someone tells them that they won't report it.

The attitude that 'if no one saw it, it didn't happen', or someone saw it but said they won't tell anyone...
It is a huge risk for the driver in question.
A camera might have recorded the event, or the 'helpful' driver may not be so helpful after all.

Most of those things will not get you fired if you report it promptly and honestly.
Well, unless you have had a history of such things.

But failing to report it is considered a hit and run.
That will get you fired every time.