Lawless Lands in Indy: Safety Meets Swagger
INDIANAPOLIS — When Sue Lawless, the new Executive Director and Chief Safety Officer of the FMCSA, rolled into the 87th annual National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), she wasn’t just there to shake hands and kiss babies. She was there to see some of the finest truck drivers in America do what they do best—handle those rigs like pros and keep our highways safe. And folks, they didn’t just meet her expectations; they blew them out of the water.
“I got to walk the course and see these drivers in action, and let me tell you, it’s like watching a ballet—if ballet dancers wore steel-toed boots and could parallel park a semi,” Lawless quipped. “These drivers are setting new standards for safety and skill, and they’re doing it with style” Transport Topics and Truckingboards.
Family First, Safety Second (Just Kidding—It’s a Tie)
But it wasn’t just the skills on display that caught Lawless’s eye. Before she even got to Indianapolis, she noticed something special. On her flight, she saw families excitedly chatting about the championships, kids in tow, and one dad furiously flipping through the rulebook like it held the secrets of the universe. “This isn’t just a competition—it’s a family event. And that’s what makes it so incredible. Everyone here isn’t just cheering on the drivers—they’re part of the team,” Lawless said with a smile The Trucker.
Zero Fatalities? Lawless Says Bring It On
Now, don’t think for a second that Lawless is all talk. She’s got big plans, and she’s not afraid to share them. “We’re working hard to connect with drivers because, let’s be honest, they’re the backbone of this whole operation. If they’re safe, we’re all safe,” she stated. Her big, bold vision? Zero roadway fatalities. Sound crazy? Not to Lawless. “Some folks say it’s impossible. I say they’re not thinking big enough,” she declared, proving that she’s not just here to manage—she’s here to lead FMCSA and The Trucker.
Tackling Trucking’s Toughest Issues with a Smile
Lawless isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty when it comes to tackling the tough stuff. At the NTDC, she laid out her plan for using technology to prevent crashes, improving emergency response, and stepping up driver training. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we’re not going to do it alone. But together? There’s nothing we can’t achieve,” she said with the confidence of someone who’s been there, done that, and got the safety vest to prove it The Trucker.
The Parking Predicament: Lawless Isn’t Parking the Issue
And let’s not forget one of the biggest headaches for drivers—truck parking. Lawless is on it, making sure federal grant money is being put to good use in states like Florida, Missouri, and Tennessee. “We know truck parking is a major issue, and we’re not ignoring it. We’re going to fix it,” she promised. And with her track record, you can bet she means it The Trucker.
Sue Lawless: The Veteran with a Vision
This might be her first rodeo as the FMCSA’s top dog, but Lawless is no newbie. With over 20 years in the trenches of transportation safety, she’s seen it all—and now she’s ready to bring her expertise to the biggest stage yet. “The NTDC isn’t just about crowning champions—it’s about celebrating the heartbeat of this industry,” she said. And with Sue Lawless leading the charge, that heartbeat is only getting stronger Transport Topics, The Trucker, and FMCSA.
Gearing Up for a Safe and Exciting Future
Lawless didn’t just show up at the NTDC—she showed up with a plan. With a vision that’s equal parts ambitious and achievable, she’s setting the stage for a safer, smarter future in trucking. Whether it’s zero fatalities or solving the truck parking crisis, Lawless is all in. And if this debut is anything to go by, the future of trucking under her leadership isn’t just safe—it’s downright exciting.
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