# Female Truck Driver Talks Safety to Change the Negative Image of Truckers

  


Here’s my contribution to changing the trucker’s negative image.  
  
I am a 26 year old female truck driver. Two years ago I made my dream of driving an 18 wheeler a reality. I can remember as early as the age of 5 that one day I will be sitting behind that wheel rolling down the highway.   
  
Any occupation you name it, I’ve done it. I’ve worked as a sales associate in a supermarket, I was a mechanic, car saleswoman, interior decorator, cashier, chef’s assistant, bartender, swimsuit model and receptionist at a law firm.   
  
I stand 5’4” at 110 lbs and every day I face the dangers and challenges out on the road because of non-educated drivers on sharing the road with a tractor trailer.   
  
Some people are naive, some people don't care, and some simply just don't know. Some think the bigger the truck the faster it stops. Yep, someone actually thought that.  
  
My perception of sharing the highway is a total lack of respect and courtesy of cars (4 wheelers) to trucks. Simply because most just don’t know about trucking, what we do, who we are and why we’re here. Unfortunately only the bad stereo-typical image of truck drivers are exposed.... Most view us as dirty, raunchy, uneducated and overweight. Well doesn't everything in America have a good image and a not so great image? Most people don't even know what a truck really is and what the purpose of trucks are in the first place. Most just think of trucks as a big slow machine in their way slowing them down to get where they have to get.   
  
Here’s the reality.   
  
We keep America moving. The clothes you’re wearing, the food you buy in the supermarket, the prescriptions you need for health, the mail you receive from the postman, that nice big plasma TV in your living room, if you have it, a Trucker brought it. Boats bring goods to trains and from the trains the goods are put on a truck and the truck brings the goods to the stores.   
  
Ever honk your horn impatiently and try to squeeze by a truck backing off the road into a supermarket dock? Good god, we’re delivering what you need and what you buy! Did you ever stop and ask yourself, how did these goods get on these store shelves? Why the total disrespect?   
  
If I walked up and handed you the keys and asked you to get the job done better and faster than me, you'd change your attitude pretty fast. It is not easy. We are trying to make a living, and frankly without trucks and its drivers, America would stop. When you look at that 80 foot long 80,000 pound 18 wheeler next to you that takes the size of two football fields to stop, think about the male or female behind the wheel of that truck and the complete disaster and lives you will kill by cutting two feet in front of that truck and then hitting your brakes.   
  
People forget, there’s a PERSON driving that truck delivering what YOU NEED to survive. We are not put here solely to slow you down or aggravate you.   
  
Truck drivers are said to have a bad attitude. Well maybe because we are misunderstood. We deal with so much stupidity and lack of respect on the road daily it’s hideous. Understand that our job is not easy and it takes a lot of skill and courage to drive and maneuver a tractor trailer. It takes a very long time for us to stop, when we turn we have to turn wide due to trailer “off tracking”, in rain or snow we cannot hit the brakes hard due to the brakes locking up and causing our trailer to “jack knife” and the list goes on…  
  
A few simple things you can do to make our experience of sharing the highway a better and safer one. Please, use your signal so we can prepare for your move. As I stated above, it takes the size of two football fields to stop and we have what we call “brake lag”. By the time we hit the brake and the air travels to the brake chambers to actuate the s cams which then finally push the brake pads on the drums, there’s a few seconds of delay.   
  
With that being said, please give us plenty of room before moving in front of us and use your signal so we can begin to slow down before you make the lane change. This is saving your life, our life, and many other people’s lives around us on the highway if you were to cause a pile up for a stupid move.  
  
Truck drivers are just like anyone else and then some. They work to support their family, they are professionals, they have tons of skill and they’re full of wisdom. Truck drivers spend a lot of time alone, especially if they’re an over the road driver. It’s sad that the only bit of socialism they get is disrespect and lack of courtesy from non CDL drivers. That little bit of respect from a car, we will go above and beyond to help you.   
  
If we’re in traffic and instead of squeezing in front of us just stick your arm out and politely show that you’d like to get in front. Believe me, show us a little respect and recognition and you’ll make both our day.   
I know it makes mine!   
  
As a local truck driver, I meet dozens of people on a daily basis and because of me being a non typical truck driver people ask me questions about why I drive a truck. Every day I get the question “isn’t driving that big rig hard?” “No, not anymore” I reply. A challenge? Absolutely! But that’s why I do it.   
  
Even after 2 years of driving more than I walk, talk and sleep I am still learning something new out on the road. This is my calling, my dream, and something I just can’t live without. It’s freedom, it’s liberating and it’s what keeps America moving.  
  
Try what I mentioned, it will make you feel good!  


###  Comments for Female Truck Driver Talks Safety to Change the Negative Image of Truckers  
  
  
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Thank u so much for this page. Like u when i was younger i knew i wanted to b a truck driver but thru the disapproval of my dad( he said to me when i told what i wanted to do when i grew up and i told him a truck driver "thats the stupidest thing ive ever heard. U can do btr w ur life.") and my life choices i havent been able to realize it and probably wont for the next 10-12 yrs due to having a small child. But i just love that u and all the other lady truckers give the great perspectives n truths of being out there on the road.   
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I've been in this trade for almost 3yrs now. I've always wanted to do this. I love to travel and drive. I recently ended a 23 year relationship, where 20 of that I was married. People have a bad assumption of us truckers. I have been trying to find that special someone for quite a while now. I keep getting the same thing with these online dating sites. Eaither they don't belive the picture is really me or they think I'm a dirty nasty, stupid trucker. People don't realize that we are no different than they are. I had a lady one time tell me the only reason I was a trucker is because I was too stupid to be anything else. Like the gentlemen, that I am, I drove her straight home and went to dinner and a movie by my self. I AM a college educated man, matter of fact I have 3 associate degrees. I just like to travel and drive. I'm 5'4 160 pounds blonde hair blue eyes with an athletic build. The last internet site I signed up for I got 400 hits in three months, little lower than average, but its all good. I put in my description that I'm a trucker and you wouldn't believe how many women tell me if I quit doin what I'm doin than they will start a relationship with me, well we know how far that got them. This is the only trade I've been in where the biggest majority of the people will help others out. Like you I've been a, mechanic, plumber,machinist, carpenter, ran my own business for years. In all them other trades very few people ever offered to help. There are good people in this trade and even people that will stop and help people stranded on the side of the road. This trade has a lot of heart involved and we all get a bad rap no matter what kind of people we are or how many people we help, or even make smile in a day. I know some day I will find my soul mate and if I never do, so be it. I'm proud to call myself an American Trucker. Like my favorite t-shirt say's," Trucker by Birth and American by The Grace of God". This is who I am and who I'm gona be till the day I die. Thank you all for reading my post and hope you all have a great day!!!!!! Be safe and take care. Oh ya before I forget you are hotter than 10 inch stacks blowin 4ft flames rumblin down a 4% grade 20 miles long. Driver gone, hammer down  
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Hi although i have never driven a big rig i know enough about them to give all their drivers the maximum respect ive been driving various vehicles for 25yrs and still get a thrill when assisting a truck to pull in front of me in busy traffic and helping everyone to be knights of the road Love you Maya  
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Hi although i have never driven a big rig i know enough about them to give all their drivers the maximum respect ive been driving various vehicles for 25yrs and still get a thrill when assisting a truck to pull in front of me in busy traffic and helping everyone to be knights of the road Love you Maya  
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id love to truck with you, i saw you on irt, i have been driving 15 years now, your so right, thats why i want to get out of trucking, cars today, its always trucks fault never cars, the cops n dot, they stop us when a car calls on us but we call on a car never see them stoped, they say all bout safety, its money i say, girls like you keep me in trucking, just knowing theirs girls out there doing this, keeps me going  
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i really appreciate your post because some young girls might be embarassed about their dream job because it is wrongly assumed to be a male occupation.  
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i really appreciate your post because some young girls might be embarassed about their dream job because it is wrongly assumed to be a male occupation.  
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Honestlyi think that you are very inspiring to girls who might be embarassed about having a job that is steriotypically for men (so not true!):)))  
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Learning about the role of Truckers and their value has enabled me to give them space and respect on the road and streets.   
When I've seen one in a predicament, trying to get into traffic, or needing to back up into a tight space,I give the trucker the space to do so and it makes their day. I've been given big horn acknowledgement and big smiles. It has made driving with trucks safer for me.   
  
Maya will be at the MAT show this month in Kentucky.   
  
http://www.truckingshow.com/photo-gallery  
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you are totally right.. I am in CDL school now and am learning soooo much about the road that i never had a clue about..Love the post and love watching you on tv.. i am a big fan.. See ya down the road someday..   
  
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I couldn't have said that any better. Grave yards are full of people that played games with trucks,and the sad thing is, the DRIVER is the one that has to take the blame for the stupidity of other people. Its about time for america and goverment to wake-up and see the TRUTH about whats really happening on america's highways. Stop blaming ALL the truckers and start educating the public about trucks.  
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Only a person with high standards would be interested enough in improving the life of Truckers.   
Maya Sieber is that person, and every day makes an impact on truckers around the world.   
  
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I agree with you about driving being liberating. Thank you for the insight.  
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I've been driving for 4 years around the cities and over the road (day runs). I Couldn't handle being a over the road driver not the life style I could choose.   
  
But I can say I've cut off cars in traffic to switch lanes to avoid people merging onto the freeway more of a common courtesy it's hard having 70' of trailer behind you and being governed at 65 so it may seem like were jerks to pass a rig and may take some time but if you 4 wheelers give us some time we will move over ASAP.   
  
I got a question for you Maya on IRT do they haul wiggle wagons (pups) down the daulton?  
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Hey Maya could not have said it better myself, there are allot of 4 wheelers out there who have a total lack of respect for trucks on the road.  
  
Unfortunately I have to agree with some of the other commenter when they say that some truck drivers also have a lack of respect for other road users.   
  
I’ve been driving for about 27 years, 23 with the Canadian Forces and have driven in Canada the USA and various other countries around the world and I am now a civilian driver in Canada.   
  
Aggressive driving I can honestly say is alive and well no matter where you may find yourself, the Middle East is by far the most challenging environment I have ever driven in but for the people there it is a way of life.   
  
Truckers must rise above the temptation to teach other road users a lesson by tailgating them, blowing horns etc when they have been the recipient of aggressive driving, it's what separates Professional Drivers from other road users.   
  
To gain respect we must show respect, it's not easy given the rising amount of vehicles sharing the road. Maya wisely pointed out that we drive very large, heavy vehicles that take a considerable amount of time to stop and extra space to maneuver.   
  
Actions such as tailgating a family vehicle with the type of vehicles we drive just adds to the frustration level of everyday drivers.   
  
We have a responsibility to set the example or else risk accepting aggressive driving as a way of life  
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I have been working as a transport driver on and off since I was 18 I am now nearly 46.  
  
I currently own and operate a small business transporting heavy construction equipment in the San Jose /Bay Area region.   
  
I have noticed that the skill of just plain being a decent person has also eroded over the years along with the ability to operate a vehicle.   
  
I especially noticed the skill level of 4 wheel drivers declining significantly when the state of California defunded drivers education. It's completely unfortunate that they had to do this not to mention the fact that they had to defund many other life requirements but I digress.   
  
The skill levels have gone through the floor. I agree that most of the general public has absolutely no idea what it's like to operate an 18 wheeler. I do have to put a huge huge portion of the blame though on the California DMV Who's entire responsibility is to determine if the driver possesses the ability to operate a vehicle.   
  
I have no idea what or how our testing requirements have been relaxed so much that anyone with a heartbeat is licensed. There have been tons of undercover sting operations that uncovered hundreds and hundreds of people who were not educated in the least to operate a 4 wheeler.   
  
Not to mention that the DMV personnel were merely given a hand slap as punishment for selling a driver's license to these individuals after failing miserably during both the written and driver testing portions.   
  
I was under the impression that they could be held personally responsible for a person who was involved in or caused an accident.   
  
I really hope that we reclaim our roadways and reallocate them to the properly educated before any more innocent people are hurt or killed. Even one more minor injury is one too many.   
  
California Department of Motor Vehicles GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER and make our roadways safer by just doing the job you were hired to do as  
Or maybe we should all just decide to stop recognizing them and re-elect an entity with higher moral standards than the one we currently have today.   
  
One who feels that $500. 00 is not an acceptable price to put a poor driver behind the wheel who with a very high odds is going to cause harm or death to someone (or many someones) sometime.   
  
Let me pose the question to the DMV was it worth it?   
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I think I'm gonna pop!  
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Maya, I agree that their are a lot of drivers out there that do not understand how much harder it is to manuever or stop a semi, and in our society it is common place for people to be impatient, rude, and inconsiderate - especially on the road. I feel for you and the job you do, and appreciate all of the truck drivers out there that keep America moving.   
  
That being said, I also see truck drivers that have no consideration for the four wheel vehicles out there. I live off of 81 in Virginia - the north/south major conduit through Virginia. I see, on a daily basis, truckers who cut off four wheel vehicles - and I mean cut off in the truest fashion, often causing vehicles to slam on THEIR brakes to accomodate the impatient trucker...and in most instances it is only to pass the semi in front of them who is going one or two miles per hour slower than they are.   
  
My point is that it isn't non-truckers only, it is human nature.   
  
I enjoy IRT, and think you are a great addition to the show.   
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just like to say i hual rock and blacktop for alot of yrs and and seen alot of thing as i did it but 4 wheels are bad drives but take one for a ride and u can chg ther minds about truck driver very fast thats what i did P.S. BY THE WAY MAYI YOUR 1 VERY BEAUTIFUL LADY HOPE TO SEE MORE PICTS OF U IN A BIKEN SORRY I CHAT TO MUCH   
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hey,its been a long time.It was really weird seeing you on t.v. Dont know if you remember me,Delaneys?Haseienda?Still got that ford truck?Did you ever go down south and drive one of the Nascar Haulers?that was the last thing we talked about.Hope all is well,good luck with your career,   
Joey  
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Hi Maya, I'm glad to know a beautiful lady like you became a Trucking professional,I bet it's nice as you can be in very nice places, as a trucker have you ever experienced bad things besides the unconsiderate drivers? i.e. flat tires, roadkills, etc? I hear is very common that trucks run over critter in the country roads...is that true?  
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It's all from the person's viewpoint. When we are being a pedestrian, we get upset at the car drivers who cut us off and don't respect us.  
When we are driving our cars, we get upset at pedestrians who walk too slow or cross where they aren't supposed to.  
  
Truck drivers have to deal with 4 wheelers and pedestrians who don't understand breaking distance, weight of the cargo, etc.   
  
Truck drivers keep America going. As Maya points out, when we go to reach for a product in our stores, how do you think it got there? By a Truck Driver!  
  
So, the point she is making is to give more respect to the Truckers who are keeping America going.  
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I read with interest the comment that drivers in cars don't respect truckers. While that might be partially true, I have experienced MANY inconsiderate truckers in my travels from coast to coast.   
  
Driving too close, cutting off cars, "elephant" racing to block lanes of highway travel and not allow cars to pass. I had a run in with one truck driver who was swerving to not allow anyone to pass.   
  
When confronted at a stop, his excuse???....He got tired of cars passing him! Dumbass!! My respect for truckers has significantly degraded due to the disrespect and unsafe driving I see on the road every day from so called "professional" drivers.   
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I saw the article and it is from November 2010.   
How could she still be driving if it was her?  
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More than 1 Maya Sieber in Chester, NY? If you say so.  
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No, that is not the same Maya in that article.  
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http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2010/11/15/the_chronicle/news/8.txt  
  
Is this the same Maya? What was the outcome?  
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i am with you on that people dont have respect for truck drivers. i am a 17 year old kid in high school but i am the same as you and i have dreamed of driving since i could ever remember.  
  
all of my family drives and i have always wanted to. i go on the road with my mother every weekend to help her with unloading the trailer and things. and i love the whole concept of being behind a vehicle that if you make the wrong move can kill someone.   
  
people need a lot of skill and i am thankful that i have a family that is all truck drivers. i cant wait to get my CDL. my grandparents and mother have taught me how to drive trucks on my grandparents land and i got it down but many people think that if you are a truck driver you are just throwing your life away... and they are WRONG...  
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I know this article has some age to it now, but wanted to throw my 2 cents in as well.   
It's not all about mashin gas and totin ass. I agree with everything you said in your article.   
  
I started driving 4 years ago, hauling a chemical tanker. This past year I bought my own truck and switched over to a box.   
  
I am glad I started with the tank. It gave me a TOTAL respect for driving with caution. I think most people are simply not aware of how bad their driving skills are. I know i mentally critique every one of my friends and family when i ride with them somewhere...and they all suck! (i love you mom!)  
  
By the way, my FAVORITE scenario is when i am in the right lane and a car thinks he has the right of way when merging from a ramp... or when i activate my car magnet....aka blinker to switch lanes and everyone in that lane speeds up cause they don't want to be behind the big slow truck.  
  
Ok, this is getting long so i will cut it short...By the way i have to throw this out there...you are smokin hot!   
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Your original message is what should be the focal point here. Continue on that track.   
The person who made the unfortunate comments seems to have retreated. Now back to more important things like your intelligent article about safety for the benefit of everyone in the USA and other countries!  
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And may I add.... one of the 3 lovely insecure "men" have gotten in quite a few accidents driving a truck. So, me hurting my neck at work doesn't hold a candle to not being able to drive a little Freightliner  
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Thanks for the comments everyone. Very much appreciated for your true love and support :)  
  
Oh and the jealous men acting like Kindergarten children on here are one of 3 co-workers on my Facebook page so I already knowww whooo youuu arrrreee! You guys are too cute when you show your jealous insecure side :)  
  
Why don't you step it up and be men and not be anonymous?  
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Anyone who is talking shit can just go suck it they are just jealous of who Maya is. Maya you know I love you girl and just let me know who this ass is and ill handle them lol dont mess with a Sicilian woman you wont make it out alive!!!   
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What amazes me about Maya's choice is that this wasn't just a "family tradition", with no other options to choose from. Out of the blue, she wanted it and MADE IT HAPPEN!!!   
  
Sorry about the "troll", by the way; they turn up everywhere.  
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I a proud to know you. You changed the public perception about Truck drivers. I am always impressed when our young people take time to be kind to our older drivers. It's not an easy job to be one and I know you will make it easier for others to follow you.  
  
One day, I see you on the road and I will know it is you.  
  
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Wise words from wise women. Glad to see you out there and calling it like it is.  
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I personally traveled across country under many weather conditions and circumstances including following a truck like the star of the heavens in an ice storm on the way to NYC in the holidays with my young son and our Sheppard.   
  
Freezing ... dangerous ... and me with no snow chains from California.   
  
Short story ... I was educated by truckers on this journey as I was advised to always stop at truck stops on the way for someplace always open ... parts "in case"... and people in the know.  
As in any community there are always people lurking in lower vibrations but like in any society ... there is always that 2%~ Since I was taught so many valuable things from truckers and a special 'truck-owner' friend taught me the most about the road as I took a few West Coast journeys and observes a master of the road skillfully avoiding death or serious consequences many times a day.   
  
I witnessed him having to make a decision of saving my life or the peoples on the freeway ... he looked at me and I looked at him and I said "Do what would serve the greatest good for all" ... he made his move which we were convinced would 'take us out' but miraculously ...due to his skill and commitment ... at least 50 people and half that number in vehicles were prevented from injury and death including us.   
  
I had a headache due to stress but nothing else!   
Well I am blessed with witnessing these skills unbeknown to the majority of drivers out there.   
Before these times I admit to careless acts of ignorance and am blessed to be more aware due to the likes of Maya and the conscious drivers of the planet.   
  
I like your analogy of bringing food across America ... and those that bite the hand that feeds them .. go figure!   
  
I figure it is negative ego that these wanna-bee's threw out there. Ignore them ... it is just their fear of your resolve to inform the public. Imagine that?! More articles would be great!   
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Women are a lot more able and powerful than have been given credit for. I found what Maya has to say about what she does totally awesome. You can really see and hear when the old head of man's oppression and fear of women's emancipation rears its ugly face again.   
  
The poor fellow who wrote that a work accident is proof that a female shouldn't do "a man's" job and stay home, preferably barefoot and pregnant, shows that this fear is still alive and well in today's society.   
  
It also goes to show that there are still some very fearful and insecure men out there. This poor fellow probably has trouble with women, in general.  
  
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The page that Maya put together shows that she is proud to be a Trucker . Not many women go for this kind of occupation . Her loyalty & dedication to the Trucking world clearly shows .   
  
I know Maya & know for fact that she has learned everything she needed to be a professional Trucker   
  
So who ever has a BEEF with what she is communicating here needs to regroup & commend her on her ability & dedication to this world of Truckers . Maya , You just "KEEP ON TRUCKIN"  
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The point of Maya's article was completely missed by the person who obviously has a gripe. She's writing something constructive to help truck drivers and other drivers and this poor soul uses this platform to try to discredit her.  
What a jerk!  
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Maya has been driving for two years with amazing skill and dexterity. She has accomplished extreme know how of the roads and long hours every day and has a wonderful viewpoint about driving and loves her job.  
  
Whoever this anonymous commenter is,is a liar him or herself.  
  
Sounds like this person has a gripe.  
  
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she hasnt been driving for two years, maybe a year, she was out cause she hurt her little neck moving pruduce,right there is the reason women should stay home !!  
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you sure know a lot for someone who has only been driving for two years,  
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you sure know a lot for someone who has only been driving for two years,  
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Hey girl I must say well put, lol!! I put mine up but can't find it, lmao!! Miss ya girl see you this year, right, lol?  
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Well Put in words.  
I am happy that your are such a responsible citizen.  
Mom did a good job in raising you.  
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You sure demand a lot, what do you intend to give me if I do as you say? You know, life a a little give and a little get.  
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You Go Girl!  
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This article is very clear and perfectly written.  
I applaud you! Love, Mom  
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