‘What if I make a mistake?’ BC truckers feel after-effects of Humboldt bus crash
Posted April 11, 2018 9:58 am.
Last Updated April 11, 2018 10:06 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The tragedy in Humboldt, Saskatchewan is causing ripple effects for professional drivers on roads right across the country.
The horrific crash last week between a semi and junior hockey bus may be weighing on the minds of many truckers.
Dave Earle is president of the BC Trucking Association. “The issue for drivers and for those of us that are involved in these things isn’t necessarily that direct impact — because we weren’t there. But it certainly is that residual, secondary or vicarious impact.”
“It is the inconceivable horror, what we saw on the weekend in Saskatchewan. And that impact translates to commercial drivers. They think about it,” he says. “What if it was me? What if I make a mistake? How does that happen? How do I get past this and continue to work in my chosen career?”
Fifteen people were killed and another 14 were hurt in Friday’s crash.
Earle says professional drivers may feel an impact on their mental well-being.
“Are they going to possibly have adjustment difficulties? Anxiety? Certainly. If left untreated, those issues can certainly become as debilitating as any other type of mental illness.”
He adds whatever the cause of the Humboldt crash, he hopes the industry learns from it and takes steps to prevent it from happening again.
The #HumboldtStrong movement has been pulling communities together as people grieve for the victims and rally for the their families and survivors. Support has been pouring in from across the country and all parts of the globe, and it is being received with gratitude.
