TheTrucker.com

Attorney offers abbreviated examination of the pros and cons of gun control

I am writing this article shortly after the April 15 FedEx shooting in which a gunman killed at least eight people before taking his own life.  I am not sure why I feel the need to tell you all that, other than to let you know that it is fresh on my mind. I understand that the mere fact that the title of this article references guns is likely enough to guarantee I will receive a million comments. With that in mind, let’s get a couple of things out of the way up front. First, I am something of a Second Amendment guy. I like guns. I used to hunt quite a bit, but now I am old and not that fond of getting up early or sitting in a cold tree stand. Regardless, there is a gun range just around the corner from my office, and I will often sneak out at lunch and take out my aggression on paper targets that have wronged me in some way. This is how I get my fix. However, even though I am a Second Amendment guy, I also think that background checks are a good thing and should probably be a bit stricter. I also think everyone who purchases a gun should have to take a class on gun safety, something similar to the class I took back when I got my concealed carry license. Based on the way I have seen people handle their firearms on the range, this class is really needed. Now that the disclaimers are out of the way, what I really want to do is just put some of the pros and cons for gun control out there and let you decide. At the end of the day, my ulterior motive is to — hopefully — allow folks to have a civil discussion about this issue. There are valid points on each side of the argument. Heaven knows a civil discussion about anything political would be a minor miracle. Please note that due to space limitations, and the fact that I am fundamentally lazy, I have not listed all the research points and statistics associated with arguments on either side. So, without further ado, here are some (not all) of the pros of the gun control argument. The Second Amendment is not an unlimited right to own guns; More gun control laws would reduce deaths; High-capacity magazines should be banned because they often turn murder into mass murder; Gun control laws are needed to protect women from domestic abuse and stalkers; Guns are rarely used in self-defense; Gun control laws would reduce the societal costs associated with gun violence; A majority of people support common-sense gun control laws such as background checks, bans on assault weapons and high capacity magazines; and Gun control laws, such as mandatory safety features, would reduce the number of accidental gun deaths. On the other side of the coin, several arguments can be made against gun control. The con list includes the following: The Second Amendment protects individual gun ownership; Gun control laws do not deter crime; gun ownership deters crime; Gun control laws infringe upon the right to self-defense and deny people a sense of safety; Assault weapon bans infringe upon the right to own guns for hunting and sport; Gun control laws will not prevent criminals from getting guns; Gun control laws give too much power to the government and may result in government tyranny; Gun control laws such as background checks are an invasion of privacy; and More gun control is not needed; education about safety and guns is needed to prevent accidental deaths. As you can see there are serval arguments to be made, both pro and con, regarding gun control. Personally, I agree with some points on each side of the argument. As I already mentioned, I am in favor of background checks (from the pro list), and I believe the answer to reducing accidental deaths is found in education (con list). The one thing that I do know is that I am sick and tired of reading about mass shootings. Unfortunately, I do not have an answer for the problem. However, as previously noted, I do think the first step is for all of us to have a civil discussion about the issue. While we may not all agree, we can at least discuss it like adults. Remember, as I have said before, just because I disagree with you does not mean I hate you. It just means I disagree with you.

Operation Safe Driver Week is set, but are you?

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will kick off its annual Operation Safe Driver Week July 11, and it will continue through July 17. This year’s focus will be speeding violations, but law-enforcement personnel will also be on the lookout for any drivers who are engaging in risky driving behaviors — such as reckless or distracted driving. Those drivers will be looking at a warning or a citation. When I think of safe drivers, I see a direct connection to health. I believe that to be safe, you must be well. Hopefully, we are all working hard to be safe drivers every day of every week. Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents and traffic violations. When we are fatigued, it can affect us both mentally, by causing us to make poor decisions, and physically, by causing slow reactions. In the fitness world, fatigue typically is due to poor hydration (running our personal batteries to low before refilling) — and when we do refill, it’s generally with high-sugar drinks or power drinks, leaving us wanting more and with crashing blood levels. Poor food choices, such as high-calorie, sugar- and flour-laden snacks, don’t help either. Let’s review solutions. Upgrade the fuel you’re putting in your personal engine. Pick a healthy protein, such as chicken, tuna, eggs, turkey or other lean meats. Be sure to take a good multivitamin. Eat more fish, and snack on almonds, walnuts and oatmeal. Watch out for foods laden with partially hydrogenated oils and saturated fats, and cut fried foods. Also, don’t forget to work in that workout. Walking, stretching, push-ups, body-weight squats, mountain climbers and sit-ups are just a few of the things you can do to stay active. Use your rig as your personal gym — and don’t forget to join in our free driver fitness competitions to win big driver prizes. Following these simple steps in moderation, will help you not only be a safer and alert driver, but hopefully also a driver who is not stopped during Operation Safe Driver Week.

Just talking to your lawyer is not enough to constitute attorney-client privilege

Believe it or not, I actually like being an attorney. Granted, some days I like it a lot more than others, but I think is that probably true with any profession. I get to interact with people — help them solve problems and see a little justice served. And, I get to say things like, “I object” in open court, just like they do on TV. With all that said, there are a couple of ways surefire ways for attorneys to find themselves disbarred. One of those is to violate attorney-client privilege. For those keeping score at home, attorney-client privilege (A/C privilege, for short) ensures the confidentiality of communications between a client and his or her attorney. In the broadest possible terms that means that, for the most part, what you tell your attorney is confidential. The concepts date back to the days of Queen Elizabeth and English common law. A/C privilege was first recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1906. In a 1998 U.S. Supreme Court case addressing A/C privilege, Chief Justice William Rehnquist summed up the importance of that privilege by stating that A/C privilege is “intended to encourage full and frank communication between attorneys and their clients, and thereby promote broader public interest in the observance of the law and the administration of justice.” That seems logical and, to be honest, pretty straightforward. But the facts are what make this particular case interesting. This case involved the investigation of President Bill Clinton, and it involved notes taken by a lawyer for White House aide Vincent Foster regarding the Whitewater real estate deal. Special prosecutor Ken Starr was seeking access to the notes through a grand jury. To make matters interesting, Foster died just nine days after the conversation in question, of an apparent suicide. Part of the question was whether A/C privilege survives the death of the client. In this case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that A/C privilege does indeed survive the death of the client. So, we know that the privilege can survive death but what makes a conversation qualify for this protection? Simply talking to a lawyer is not enough. Generally, A/C privilege applies only if (1) the holder of the privilege is a client or is trying to become a client; (2) the person to whom the communication was made is a member of the bar of a court or a subordinate; (3) the encounter occurs only when the lawyer is acting in a legal capacity and the disclosure is not for the purpose of committing a crime; and (4) the privilege has been asserted. To paraphrase the above, the general requirements for the privilege to apply are: You are a client; I am a lawyer; The disclosure is not related to a crime; and You claim the privilege. Of course, over time, the courts have carved out exceptions to A/C privilege. It is what they do, and it keeps lawyers employed. The biggest exception — and the most cited — is the crime/fraud exception. The other exceptions involve a fiduciary exception (think trust and estate cases) and the “on the advice of counsel” exception, which is used as a defense. The last two exceptions are not that much fun to talk about, so I will briefly mention the first. The crime-fraud exception arose in a U.S. Supreme Court case more than 100 years ago. The exception basically covers communications that further a crime, tort or fraud. In other words, if you are silly enough to discuss your future crime spree with your attorney, the conversation is not privileged. Needless to say, there are lots of issues we could discuss regarding A/C privilege and its application; however, I am running out of space — and I am confident your eyes have already glazed over. In closing, the thing to understand is this: Not every conversation is protected. If you have questions or concerns, ask your attorney.

Consider these tips to protect your knees

Knee injuries are no joke, and neither are those minor aches and pains that develop in our knees over time. The nature of a professional driver’s occupation includes getting in and out of a truck every day and squatting down to go under your trailer. To make matters worse, if you are carrying extra weight, these repetitive activities can create knee pain over time. If knee pain is occurring on a regular basis, it’s time to pay attention to the red warning light going off before things get worse. Below are some tips to try to strengthen and protect your knee joints. Strengthen your stabilizer muscles You’ve heard me talk about how stabilizer muscles perform a function much like stabilizer bars in trucking. The same principle applies in supporting and protecting your knees. We often hear about ACLs (anterior cruciate ligaments) and MCLs (medial collateral ligaments) being damaged or torn in the knee, but the knee joint actually depends on the surrounding muscles, like the quadriceps, for stability. Performing body-weight squats can be good to strengthen your quadriceps. Movement control When performing body-weight squats, proper form is important to keep your knee joints healthy and reduce the risk of injury. When practicing your squats, keep your body in proper exercise form, and make sure your knees move out over your toes during each squat. Also make sure there is no deviation in your hips and lower back, which can change stress points on the knee. Be sure not to drop (squat) down too quickly; you don’t want momentum to carry you back up instead of the positive movement of your body weight. Warm up We all know we should warm up before performing any exercises, but most people don’t. Even if you are not getting ready to work out, it’s always a good idea, once you exit your truck, to take a brisk five- to 10-minute walk to warm your body up. It’s good exercise for your knees — and your entire body. Lighten your load The last tip is to manage your personal weight, if necessary. Any extra weight can place unwelcome pressure and stress on your knees. Extra weight can also create back issues, which can indirectly cause you to change your posture and the way you walk, creating extra stress on your knees.

Springtime is reminder of Christ’s promise of renewal

Spring is officially here. Warmer weather makes everyone want to get outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and watch all the flowers and trees come back to life. Everything was dormant over the winter. It was almost as if life had stopped for a rest. Now it has reopened to a renewed state and life is flowing through each blade of grass, each flower and tree. The colors of spring are emerging. We are about to finish the Lenten season. I feel this was the “winter” in the life of Christ. He dealt with the pain of suffering and death; then death was his “dormant” stage until he rose from the grave. That resurrection was his spring — his renewal of life. Death could not keep him confined to the tomb. When Christ arose on that glorious morning, he became as spring is to the things on earth that we watch come back to life. The only difference is that his is an eternal life — not a yearly renewal. We celebrate Easter each year to remind us of what Christ did for mankind. Just as we watch and wait for spring to arrive, we also watch and celebrate the resurrection of Christ each year. It is our reminder that we will one day celebrate eternal life with Christ. We often forget that, through his death and resurrection, he opened Heaven’s gate for us. Can you imagine what it would be like if all we had was a forever winter? There would be endless cold, a drab look of death all around, nothing flourishing, no green trees, no colorful flowers and no warmth. God knew mankind needed spring to feel the completion of a growing life. How many of us have planted a seed or bulb and watched with anticipation for that first sprout to burst through? The watching and waiting were our Lenten season; that seed was dormant, and all we could do was keep it watered and wait for it to peek through the dirt. Lent is a time for us as Christians to “water” our lives, a time of reflection and a time for spiritual renewal. Some people give up certain things during Lent as a reminder of what’s ahead at Easter. But I say, instead of just giving up things, why not add things to our daily routine? Add just an extra few minute of prayer, or do something extra for someone for no special reason. Or how about doing something extra special just for you? With our busy lives, we often forget about ourselves and fail to see that we also need to be pampered. Christ took care of himself with quiet time, rest and prayer. Easter isn’t all about fancy clothes, Easter baskets or rabbits. Easter is about rejuvenation. Easter is about an awakening of our spiritual life. Spring shows us that by blossoming and blooming. When Christ rose from the tomb, he showed us what eternal life is going to be like. Eternal life will be our forever spring — not just a passing season but forever. Now is the time, or season, for us as humans to prepare for our eternal spring. Our life here on earth is like the winter season before the spring arrives. Let’s celebrate this spring — this Easter — by giving praises to Christ for all he has blessed us with. Take a minute to explore that Easter basket and take notice of those colorful painted eggs. Do you realize what those eggs represent? Look again, and you’ll see that the eggshell represents the closed tomb that held Christ. Now, crack it open — just as the stone was rolled back from the tomb. Once you peel off the shell, you see the white of the egg. That to me represents the linens that were wrapped around Christ’s body. Now, remove the white part of the egg, and you see the yellow yolk. That’s Christ eternal; that round yoke has no beginning and no end. The yellow is the brightness of the son. Christ gives us eternal, never-ending life. The tomb is open. The linens are there. And the son has risen. Now we can celebrate Easter and spring, and know he is risen. Happy spring and happy Easter! Best of the roads and all gears forward in Jesus, Rev. Marilou Coins

First Amendment does not require private entities to protect free speech

Let’s get this out of the way up front: I am a big free speech guy. I mean BIG. I believe that no idea should be free from scrutiny, criticism or mockery. An unexamined thought or belief is not really worth having. When you combine that with my slightly dark sense of humor and contrarian nature, there are times I am not always the most popular guy in the room. Throw in the fact that I am also a lawyer, and it is amazing I have any friends at all. With all that being, said I thought I would provide a bit of a crash course on the First Amendment as it relates to freedom of speech. A little over a month ago, Instagram blocked Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of the late senator, from posting on the platform. The reason for the ban? He told followers not to trust “mainstream media, or government health officials” who say the coronavirus vaccine is safe. This decision placed him in a club with former President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon and others who have been banned by various social media platforms. When this occurred, and when Trump was banned, folks started gnashing their teeth and talking about how this infringed on the individual’s free speech guarantees under the First Amendment. They were wrong. As background, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or that of the press.” As you can see, this applies to the federal government. However, through the 14th Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court extended this First Amendment protection to prevent restrictions enacted by state and local governments. The key takeaway from the preceding paragraph is that any abridgment of speech shall not be made by Congress or state or local governments. Focus on the word “government.” There is nothing in the First Amendment that relates to private entities. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court has established that under the U.S. Constitution folks like Kennedy, Trump and Bannon have no First Amendment claims to challenge the decision to block or ban their comments. Quite simply, social media companies operate as private companies — and thus, a couple of barriers exist in bringing action against them. First, the courts have held that the First Amendment provides protection against federal and state action, not those of private companies. Moreover, courts have also held that many of these claims are barred by Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, which grants immunity to companies such as Twitter and Instagram. This includes immunity based on decisions to host or ban content. In addition, the fact that private media companies do not fall under the “state action” necessary to trigger a First Amendment claim was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2019. In the opinion for this case, Justice Kavanaugh stated, “We conclude that operation of public access channels on a cable system is not a tradition, exclusive public function. Moreover, a private entity such as (the channel) who opens its property for speech by other is not transformed by that fact alone into a state actor.” So, at the end of the day, the thing to remember is that claims of suppression of free speech really only apply when the party that is allegedly suppressing the speech is a government entity. Regardless, I believe we should encourage the free exchange of ideas and speech. And remember, just because I do not agree with you does not mean I hate you. It just means I disagree with you.

Drivers should work to become a top ‘draft pick’ for motor carriers

Each year, when the NFL free agency draft pick starts, with pro teams looking to pick up the best-of-the-best plays and put together a winning lineup, I can’t help but relate it to professional drivers. Why the comparison? You hear me say all the time that drivers are the true “road athletes.” There are some differences — the ideal NFL player profile features size, power and speed, while the ideal pro driver profile includes good health, a safe driving record and a record of maintaining compliancy with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. There’s a lot of noise out there lately about the driver shortage and 90% turnover rates. To me, this creates a huge market for drivers who are seeking the best opportunities, good home time, good mileage pay, respect, top equipment and good communication. I know from my experience in the transportation business — working with drivers, helping them stay healthy on the road and, most importantly, helping them protect their livelihoods — that staying compliant with DOT guidelines to get their medical card is not always easy. Life on the road as a driver is challenging, and it takes a toll on one’s body and health. If you are in good health and have a good driving record, the truck- and bus-driving jobs are plentiful, and there are opportunities anywhere in the country you wish to live. All you have to do is be a safe driver, learn how to make good food choices and engage in moderate exercise, and take care of yourself. There’s no need to train like an NFL player or attend summer camp; you just need to make smart, healthy choices. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I traveled frequently to speak at orientation classes for motor carriers around the country. Depending on the size of the carrier, I would work with anywhere between 20 and 120 drivers. I would walk out of those sessions thinking about how many motor carriers there are in the U.S. The numbers are staggering. I found myself wondering, “Where are all these men and women coming from, and how is it possible to have 90% turnover?” It’s always amazed me that so much money is spent on recruiting and hiring drivers, and so very little is spent on retaining drivers. This means it’s up to you to take control of your personal health, make the right choices and put yourself in the best position to be a highly sought after “free agent draft pick.”

Steering Your Way to Better Health: Drivers Nicole Patterson, Jason Hawes take top spots in squat competition

“Steering Your Way to Better Health” challenged truck drivers to squat their way to a healthy lifestyle. The latest Fit to Pass fitness challenge was a six-week-long virtual competition during which drivers could train — and share videos throughout that training — but determining the winners came down to the final week. A winner was named in both the men’s and women’s divisions based on the number of squats completed in the final week of the six-week challenge. Bob Perry, known by many drivers as The Trucker Trainer, is the driving force behind the Fit to Pass program, which aims to help drivers pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification exam. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Perry wanted to do something to keep drivers engaged in exercise. “I had to get creative,” he said. “We couldn’t have live events, so how could we keep engaged with our drivers and keep them motivated?” The first contest had a similar setup to this one, with drivers being challenged to complete push-ups for prizes. The second contest looked to bring awareness to the rising suicide rate among veterans. Participants were asked to do 22 pushups for 22 days in memory of those fallen soldiers. “This is not something to be intimidated by; this is something for anybody at any level to help them get started on some type of fitness program,” Perry said. In the first push-up challenge, Perry said he discovered participants would view the final uploads of others to try and then rush to beat the previous top-ranking participant with more pushups. “A lot of times drivers are lonely and isolated,” Perry added. “This is a good way to interact with social media folks.” In the squats contest, Perry said the competition grew fierce, with many participants waiting until the final day of the contest to share their videos to avoid others attempting to beat their high score. Based on the numbers submitted in the final week of the contest, Nicole Patterson was the winner in the women’s division with 750 squats, while Jason Hawes took the men’s division with 1,845 squats. Nicole Patterson, Women’s Division Winner Patterson chose to participate in the squats challenge after being beaten by only one pushup in the first Fit to Pass challenge. “I felt I needed to redeem myself,” Patterson said. “I’m a competitor and love a challenge, so when they put out the sign-ups, I was happy to sign up.” Patterson made the transition from hauling livestock and flatbeds to over-the-road trucking two years ago. She’s currently a driver for KKW Trucking in California, and she’s no stranger to fitness. Previously a fitness instructor, personal trainer and pageant competitor, Patterson said she struggled with anorexia but knew how important it was to stay fit. “Too many truck drivers are obese, and Fit to Pass is a great tool truckers can use to get healthy again with these fun challenges and coaches to help them lose weight and pass their DOT physical exams,” Patterson said. “I know I recommend this organization to many truckers who think it can’t be done and they’ll have to give up their job. I know I have a different mindset, which makes it hard for people to grasp, but thankfully, Fit to Pass is a place to send them to help them get on the right track.” Patterson trained with five sets of weighted squats, push-ups and planks every other day to prepare for the competition. “My goal was 500 but I felt really good,” Patterson said. “You never know who will win. I was just trying to do my best to put in a good set. I’m super happy, and my company is proud of me too. I’m just glad to do something positive and show people what we can do if we put our minds to it.” Of course, she’ll participate in the next Fit to Pass competition, she said. “I’m also super proud of all the ladies who did their best too, and for putting in the work.” Patterson said. “It’s hard being on the road, but everyone did amazing and pushed hard to do their best. I’m honored to be able to compete with awesome people.” Jason Hawes, Men’s Division Winner Hawes, the winner in the male division, said he came across the contest just as he began working out after a hiatus. He found the contest through his employer, UPS, and started training. Hawes ordered a weighted vest to start using during his runs. “I would do squats with the weighted vest on, and I’d try to increase the number of squats I would do,” Hawes said. “I started off with 25; then I’d try to double it every time.” Hawes’ routine was similar to Patterson’s: He would take a day or two between his squat workouts to prepare for the contest. The highest he had increased his squats before the contest was 500 — yet he more than tripled that number in the final week of the competition. “After I hit 1,000, I couldn’t even feel my feet,” he said. “I was going to try and do 2,000, or more than that, but the numbness kept going up my legs, so I just eventually had to stop.” Now that he’s proved to himself that he can do 1,845 squats without stopping, he is encouraged to keep going. Hawes is now working out Monday through Friday, preparing himself to win the next fitness competition. He’s even set a goal for himself — to get up to 2,000 pounds on a squat machine to break the record in the “Guinness Book of World Records.” “I’ve just always had strong legs,” he said. “I was a search and rescue swimmer in the Navy.” Hawes was in the Navy for six years before he started trucking with UPS. He’s always liked operating heavy machinery, and when the opportunity came up to obtain his commercial driver’s license (CDL), he said, he took it — and hasn’t looked back. The prizes The first-place winners of the competition received a set of Michelin X Line Energy Z Steering Axle Tires, a set of Alcoa Lightweight Champion Wheels and a FitBit Charge 3 Advanced Fitness Tracker. “Michelin has been a huge leader in helping really drive this program to national status,” Perry said. “Then Alcoa Wheels got involved in contributing their wheels. They all understand the value of the proposition of this — if we don’t have drivers, (no one needs) to buy tires or buy wheels. Fahrenheit batteries has been another great contributor. They understand it’s important for drivers to keep their own personal batteries charged and in good shape.” Transflo, Big Rig Mattress, Team Run Smart Freightliner, Zip Check and The Trucker were also sponsors of the contest. Second place winners were Kellylynn McLaughlin with 349 squats and Serge Gresko with 409 squats. Second place winners were honored with a $250 Visa gift card, a FitBit Charge 3 Advanced Fitness Tracker, a Michelin water bottle and a Fit to Pass hat. Third place, won by Amanda Christy with 105 squats and Igor Pavlyukh with 406 squats, received a FitBit Versa 3 Health and Fitness Smartwatch, a Team Run smart hat and a Team Run keychain. “I have to increase the competition level,” Perry said. “This next one, they’re going to win a set of drive axle tires, which is eight tires with four wheels. So, that’s like $5,000. It’s a big deal.” Drivers will have to earn it, though, by completing as many mountain-climbers as possible. The newest competition is already underway. Click here to learn more and to get started.

Just as a prism reflects a dancing light, we reflect God’s glory to all

Wow! Isn’t spring nice? March ushers in a feeling of spring and warmth. Look at all the colors of spring that are starting to appear. These are the reflection of the glory of God in nature. It looks like a prism of color all around us. Let’s reflect on ourselves as prisms. In the Bible, John 8:12 says, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” Jesus says he is the light. Then, in Matthew 5:14 Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.” Read a little further and you’ll see that Jesus says to “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in Heaven.” Those are some heavy words. First Jesus says he is the light of the world; then he says YOU are the light of the world. You are probably trying to figure all this out. Well, let me explain it to you. As I stated before, look at yourself as a prism. Jesus came as the light of the world, and his message reflected onto his apostles, who reflected the message to others; and that message continued down through the ages. Just as a prism reflects a dancing light on the wall, we reflect God’s glory to all we come in contact with. Just imagine there being no light at all — total darkness: no streetlights, no neon signs, no traffic lights, no dash lights or headlights. Just how far do you think you could go? Not very far; probably not even out of the driveway. We need light to guide us through the darkness. Mankind was in darkness until Jesus came and became the guiding light to show us the way. After his ascension, mankind had the apostles. The apostles reflected what Jesus had taught them so they could teach others. Jesus was the prism of his father — God — reflected through a human body. The light of the father reflected through Jesus to the apostles, and the apostles were prisms that reflected to others. And so it continues today through us. We clean our windows to get a better view of the road, so why don’t we clean the windows of our souls to reflect the beauty of God’s glory to others? Are you cleaning your reflection so others can see Christ’s likeness in you? Take time to polish your prism and reflect the glory of God to others. Be the guiding light in someone’s life. You don’t need to shout it; just reflect it. Light dances off the walls and dispels the darkness in the room. A smile can cheer a weary person. That’s a prism of light. Give a helping hand to someone. That’s a prism of light. You are a walking, talking prism that reflects onto everyone you meet. Keep shining and reflecting the love of God to all you meet. Does your light reflect onto the people you encounter? We may not even realize just how much our prism reflects on others, but that’s OK. Christ’s light reflected onto everyone He came in contact with — some rejected the light and others absorbed it — but nevertheless it touched all. Your prism touches all you meet. Some accept it and others may not, but it still touches all you come in contact with. Let your light shine before all for the Glory of God. Best of the roads, and all gears forward in Jesus. Rev. Marilou Coins

No gym? No problem! Flexible workout can be done anywhere, no equipment needed

Ever used the excuse of not being near the gym to justify not exercising? Not that professional drivers often have the luxury stopping at a gym — and those who do have trouble finding one that’s conveniently located, and accessibility for trucks is limited. Let me suggest a circuit that can be done anywhere, and with no equipment at all. This workout will give you a pump in your heart and your muscles that will keep you feeling good even when you’re away from the gym. Once you can get back to a gym, you’ll be surprised how motivated you’ll be to lift iron again. There is value in keeping exercise to the basics sometimes. So many times, we get caught up in the latest and greatest training and/or workout equipment. Instead, spend some time mastering the simplest fitness moves. The following exercise circuit is dedicated to those moves. The push-up, air squat and sit-up are three exercises that, if done in succession, can give you an awesome total-body workout. Try out the following circuit to give your body what it needs when you’re away from your home gym: 10 push-ups. 10 mountain climbers. 10 sit-ups. 10 air squats. 10 jumping jacks. Rest one minute and repeat. Make sure you take the time to stretch afterwards. It’s also a good idea to incorporate some core exercises to improve your posture after long stints of sitting. The following plank routine will help support your circuit, core and posture. High plank. Low plank. Left side plank. Right side plank. Hold each position for one minute. Do this circuit a minimum of three times a week, but challenge yourself to do more rounds if you’re up to it. Once you can complete three rounds with ease, increase your reps. This circuit alone will get you through any extended stay away from your gym of choice. It’s easy for all of us to make excuses, so do the best you can and stay the course.

Understanding your heart rate is first step in extending your body’s ‘miles’

When it comes managing your heart rate, it’s kind of like the speed of your truck and managing fuel efficiency. Drivers and carriers are always trying to maximize fuel, and speed equals costs. Now that we’ve made the connection between your heart rate, truck speed and efficiency let’s talk about why your heart rate is important. Your heart performs many valuable functions, and circulates all the nutrient-rich blood and oxygen throughout the body. When your heart is not working properly, just about everything in your body is affected. Heart rate is key because the function of your circulatory system is directly related to your heart rate — the amount of blood pumped out with each beat (in other words, volume). Here’s an example: Maintaining a consistent, steady speed while driving produces better fuel economy and less wear and tear on your truck’s engine (not to mention the potential expense of a speeding ticket). Instead of speeding up to pass another vehicle to gain a few extra minutes, ask yourself: Is it really worth the extra fuel burned, not to mention the added anxiety and stress? Keeping a steady speed is best. Your heart rate serves a similar function. In fact, most of the time, the rhythm and pace of your heart is something you may not even think about. Unless something unusual is going on, you’re likely completely unaware of what your heart is doing. Heart rates can vary from person to person. Depending on one’s physical needs, “normal” can range from 60 to 90 beats per minute. Some experts believe that an ideal resting heart rate is closer to 50 to 70. Regardless of what is considered normal, it’s important to recognize that a healthy heart rate will vary depending on the situation. Professional drivers can sometimes experience higher readings due to the stress of driving. So, how do you monitor your heart rate? There are several wearable “fitness” watches that can provide you with that reading — then there is the old school way of checking the pulse at the side of your neck or the front of your wrist. Count the number of beats in 30 seconds; then double this number to get your heart rate. I’ve always been a huge believer in managing my heart rate. It just makes sense — there’s less wear and tear on your body while producing better outcomes More life “miles” equal more years.

Sitting: The new ‘stop smoking’ warning

The latest research, according to The Mayo Clinic shows that sitting may be more harmful to your health than smoking. Ouch. That’s not good news for professional drivers, right? Given the high percentage of drivers that smoke — and their job is sitting behind the wheel of a truck all day — this is a double hit on driver health. So, how can you protect themselves when you already have two strikes against you if you’re both a smoker and a driver? First of all, let me say that I’m pleased to see, after many years working in the field of driver health and fitness, more drivers are physically active than, say, just five years ago. I only wish I could say the same about a decrease in smokers. Protecting your health comes with dedication and discipline in committing to a routine. The routine can as be simple as walking, which doesn’t require special equipment (although I do highly recommend investing in a decent pair of walking shoes). Constant movement for just 10 to 15 minutes at a time will make a difference not only in controlling your blood pressure, but also help with depression and diabetes, and help strengthen your heart. Now, how to we conquer smoking? After spending many years in the health and fitness industry, I’ve seen and witnessed individuals who were smokers and, once they incorporated fitness into their lives, kicked the habit. And now, new research has confirmed that exercise can help smokers finally kick the habit. Experts at St. George’s University of London have examined the mechanism underlining exercise’s way of protecting the body against nicotine dependence and withdrawal. The study reveals that even moderate-intensity exercise markedly reduces the severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. To a professional driver, this may seem too tough a task to tackle, but the outcome is your reward — protecting your livelihood, your family and, most, importantly yourself. Thanks to all the drivers who have proven there IS time to exercise in the “day in the life” of a driver, there are many resources available to help you stay healthy on the road. Editor’s note: Materials from the University of St. George’s London were used for this column, but have been edited for style and length.

Flexibility is key for drivers looking to start a daily exercise routine

What is the best time of day for a workout? That’s a good question asked by many professional truck drivers. Personally, I’ve always preferred morning workouts, but as I’ve gotten older, I find that exercising later in the day actually provides the best outcome. Some experts recommend working out during the morning hours, while others say your body temperature is at its highest between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., making the afternoon the best time to maximize your workouts. Experience has taught me that the best time to exercise really depends on the individual. Often, your body rhythm has a lot to do with optimizing your workouts when it comes to choosing the best time of day for your workout. However, we all know that as a professional driver it usually comes down to fitting a workout into your day whenever you can find the time. Flexibility is key for drivers when scheduling workouts because most drivers’ schedules change daily — not to mention weather delays. So, whenever you have 15 minutes do something instead of nothing, it could be the only chance you have that day to exercise. A morning workout might jump-start your day, help kick in your metabolism and allow you to get your workout in before other issues come into play that could disrupt your plans to work out. Many people find it hard to fall asleep after a workout, so late afternoon or evening might not be the best option. It’s easy to find excuses for missing workouts. You’ve heard me say before if you do miss a workout, try not to miss more than two days — after that, skipping the workout starts to become a habit. You might struggle with feeling bored doing the same series of movements in your workout. Not only will you start to feel bored, but your body will also hit a plateau. To combat this, be sure to change up or adjust your exercise routine every 30 days. Here are some suggestions for “shaking things up”: Change up the sets and repetitions. Modify the length of the workout. Pick up the pace of your routines. Add in super sets. Combine cardio with weights and interval walking. By periodically making just one of these changes to your workout routine, you’ll increase your motivation and help eliminate the boredom factor.

Health journaling can help you stick to those New Year’s resolutions

In the last edition of The Trucker, I talked about the importance of choosing an exercise you WILL do as opposed to one you SHOULD do. Now, as the new year begins, I’d like to support your efforts to keep those resolutions. Health journaling is a practice that keep you focused. You don’t have to write down every detail, just certain information that can help you achieve your goal. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, try writing down what you eat, along with the calories in those items, each day. This easy exercise will help you recognize just how many calories you consume in one day, and I think you will be surprised. Doing this can help in two ways. First, it familiarizes you with what your daily caloric intake looks like. Second, you’ll come to understand how to decipher a product’s ingredients label and know what calories also provide valuable nutrition. You’ll quickly realize how many drinks and foods are full of empty calories (meaning they provide absolutely no nutritional value). If you have a wearable fitness-tracking device, such as an Apple watch or a Fitbit that counts biometrics and workouts, it can help your journaling easier (and I know that it can be difficult to stay consistent with journaling if multiple variables are tracked). I recommend starting by tracking only one or two areas that are critical to helping you develop a picture of what your habits they are consumed calories and exercise. Here are a few tips to help you as you begin to journal your health. Your body is the most reliable and cost-effective “lab.” Journaling can be a great way to learn about your habits and tendencies. You can also keep track of energy levels throughout the day, and how you felt before and after workouts. It’s important to take accountability for your health. Consistency is key, and it’s very useful when health journaling. While simply recording personal health and fitness details each day can be helpful, specifically tracking variables related to your goals can be a great accountability tool. Be flexible, even while trying to set a structured routine. Health journaling should be a long-term practice. As it becomes easier to recall and record your health and fitness routines, you will find that you may start to recognize how one day may affect your progress for the week. Now is the time to get started. Invest in a journal, and possibly a wearable device to help start your health journey. If you don’t want to spend extra cash on a journal, any notebook and pen will do. Remember, your health is a journey, and you can’t go to Step 2 without taking Step 1. Check out the Fit To Pass App for more support, or reach out to me directly.

Two roads diverged and I am taking the one that happens to be less traveled

Hardcore George Strait fans should recognize the title of this column, borrowed from a song of the same name from his 1986 studio album, “#7.” “Rhythm of the Road” wasn’t released as a single, instead of becoming the flip-side of the 45-rpm record (yes, those did exist in 1986), “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You,” which hit #1 on the “Hot Country Billboard” chart. The song is seldom, if ever, played on the radio, but “Rhythm of the Road” has been a concert favorite among George Strait fans.   So, as the column title suggests, my plan is to focus on classic country music, specifically “Truck Driving Songs.” Of course, I realize many of you just asked yourself, why not use Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again”? The question is valid, and the answer will give you some insight into my lifelong hobby of country music, specifically “Classic Country.” I define “Classic Country,” for the most part, as ending around 1992, the reasons for which will start a debate I don’t want to get involved in, so I’ll keep those to myself.  Anyway, amateur critics (those posting “customer reviews” on various websites) sometimes claim “Rhythm of the Road” is George Strait’s sub-par effort to capitalize on the success of Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again.” “Rhythm of the Road” was written by singer/songwriter Dan McCoy, a frequent performer at Strait’s old haunt, Gruene Hall, an 1878 dance hall in the one-time town of Gruene, now a part of New Braunfels, Texas.  Like Willie Nelson, the Texas Hill Country influences Dan McCoy’s music. And every musician crediting the Texas Hill Country for their material is equally influenced by Willie Nelson. The two go hand in hand. It would be disingenuous to ignore the similarity of the theme “Rhythm of the Road” and “On the Road Again” offer. Released in 1980 from the soundtrack for the movie “Honeysuckle Rose,” “On the Road Again” is Nelson’s signature song, reaching #1 on country charts, winning Nelson a Grammy and holding a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame.  Rolling Stone even rated the song as #471 on its list of the top 500 songs of all time.   I’ve been a George Strait follower since first spinning his debut album “Strait Country” in 1981. But it’s futile to argue “Rhythm of the Road” holds a candle to Willie Nelson’s instrumental and vocal genius. But that doesn’t change the fact that the lyrics of both songs target a commonality between country artists and truck drivers—time spent on the road.  The connection is a reason most truck-driving songs have been recorded by country artists. In fact, “Rhythm of the Road” and “On the Road Again” are sometimes listed as songs fitting into country music’s “Truck Driving” category.  To be sure, country music performers identify with “the road” more than those in any other type of music. For one thing, country music is uniquely American, its roots dating back before the radio was invented. Through much of country’s history, performers toured the U.S., particularly the South, first by car then by “Silver Eagle” buses. The 1970s rise in country music’s nationwide popularity came at the same time truck drivers and CB radios achieved status as pop-culture icons. It’s no stretch to give truckers significant credit for introducing country music to regions where it had been ignored, the kinship of “the road” fueling its spread.  While country stars don’t personally drive big rigs or even buses between tour stops, you can bet your dollar the drivers of both will be thanked during a concert. And, the musicians do spend long hours, days, and weeks touring without returning home. Truck drivers and country performers and their road crews stop at many of the same travel centers, eat the same food, and marvel at the same sites as they travel. There is certainly a disparity in the amount of money a country performer earns compared to a truck driver, but that wasn’t always the case. When musicians began recording truck driving music in the 1950s, the disparity was much smaller. At the time, country musicians were much like career minor league baseball players—they just wanted to play their music, and if they got paid a few bucks, the money was gravy. Of course, over the past 60 years, the difference in income has grown exponentially, but the values of truckers and country musicians remain similar. The kinship remains.  So, whether you’re a fan of George Strait or Willie Nelson, you can listen to “Rhythm of the Road” and “On the Road Again” and come away with the same story—life on the road is a grind that offers great rewards.  Of course, I didn’t answer the question, why not “On the Road Again”? It’s simple. I’m a bigger fan of George Strait than Willie Nelson.  Until next time, when those towns you drive to, through, or passed all start to look the same, take a line from “Rhythm of the Road”— “…better stop for a minute, be glad I’m in it, and remember just why I came.”  If you’d like to learn more about a Truck Driving Song or the artist behind it, drop me a line. I may feature it in a future column.     

New Year’s resolutions: It’s not about what you should do; it’s about what you will do

It’s that time of year again when we start thinking about — you guessed it — your New Year’s resolutions. Soon your email inbox will be filled with all kinds of solutions from people and companies that believe they know what’s best for you: Eat this, don’t eat that, exercise, exercise and more exercise. This time of year, the most frequent questions I get — either via email, during radio interviews or at family gatherings (which will not be happening this year) — are: Which program is best? Low fat or high fat, or low carbs? Plant-based or vegan? Low-impact cardio or high-impact cardio? In the end, these are all lifestyle-changing approaches, and to stop the crazy roller roaster ride, you need to first examine your own personal lifestyle and your willingness to commit to a new lifestyle approach to manage your health and well-being. First, I suggest you re-examine previous programs you have attempted. What were your likes and dislikes? Why do you think they failed to produce the results you wanted? We are all different, but most any structure programs can work. It’s a question of one’s ability to embrace and maintain the new lifestyle. In the life of a professional driver, your options are limited — which maybe a good thing. Sometimes, when we have unlimited options, we tend to jump around from one workout routine to another if we don’t see instant results. Drivers have limitations living on the road, but make no mistake, successful diet and exercise programs are always 75% nutrition and 25% workout. For drivers, it’s about preparation and prevention. Invest in tools needed to make sure you have good nutritional sources to reach for, such as a fridge, a microwave, a blender and a portable lunchbox stove (that’s the preparation). Next, make sure you have healthy, nutritious foods available to help keep you from making bad choices (that’s the prevention). Now, about that workout. Keep this in mind: It’s not about the exercise you SHOULD do; it’s about the one you WILL do. This where your creativity comes into play. Find an exercise you enjoy and will maintain on the road — walking, running, bicycling (some drivers invest in bike racks), exercise bands, using 1-gallon water jugs for weight-resistance training and so forth. For driver-friendly workout routines, download the Fit to Pass App or email me at [email protected].

When it comes to your health, there are no bad apples … or bananas

There are no bad apples. In fact, you’re going to want this bad boy in your corner in the fight against heart disease. Apples offer vitamins and minerals that are vital to a healthy vascular system. Apple is a rich source of nutrients and a powerful antioxidant. As I always say, “An apple a day keeps the coroner away.” Did you know that eating 100 grams of apple (that’s a little more than half of a medium-size apple) can give an antioxidant effect equal to about 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C? Apple contains a large amount of minerals and vitamins that can strengthen the blood. Of course, apples also have sugar. That’s why I always recommend combining with a serving of apple with almonds, walnuts or peanuts. The nuts are a source of protein and will help the body’s absorption of sugar. For a great on-the-road snack, pre-slice your apples and dip them in peanut butter or almond butter. It’s a great treat, and it will help control your blood-sugar levels while curbing those hunger pangs. Additional benefits of eating apples every day include support in reducing skin diseases and lowering cholesterol levels. Also, the malic acid in apples can help prevent disturbances of the liver and digestive system. The skin of an apple can help remove toxic substances from your system Have you ever tried apple cider vinegar? I’ll bet you’ve heard your grandmother talk about it as “must” in home health care and prevention. When used as beverage, apple cider vinegar can help prevent the formation of kidney stones. Don’t forget the bananas Bananas can be good for your brain, and they supply the potassium needed to maintain healthy activity. So, the next time you reach for a snack, think of bananas. The same principle applies to bananas as with apples — dip bananas in peanut or almond butter, or eat them with a handful of nuts. Here is some nutritional information for a serving of banana: Potassium: 400 milligrams (10% of daily recommended value); Dietary Fiber: 4 grams (16% of daily recommended value); Sugar: 14.8 grams; Protein: 1 gram (2% of daily recommended value); Vitamin C: 16% of daily recommended value; and Vitamin B6: 20% of daily recommended value. Eating apples and bananas every day is not a total cure or prevention for diseases, but it can support your odds.

Make sure you and your cab are prepared for unexpected delays in icy weather

It’s that time of the year again when drivers must winterize their rig as they prepare for inclement weather and conditions ranging from icy roads to freezing temperatures. One thing we have all learned since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic is that anything is possible, and it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. While you’re readying your rig for winter conditions, it’s also a good idea to prep the inside of your cab with emergency provisions in case you’re delayed for an extended period of time, or even stranded. Road closures due to bad weather, severe accidents causing massive delays … are you prepared to sit on or beside the highway for hours, or perhaps even? We’ve all seen it, and many of you may have experienced it, so you know firsthand it’s a reality. It happened in Fremont County, Idaho, in 2019: About a dozen semi-truck drivers were stranded on U.S. Highway 20 when a severe snowstorm resulted in impassable roads. Many of the drivers had not had anything to eat for more than 24 hours, until Fremont County Sheriff’s Office volunteers brought some much-needed supplies the following day. Do not let this happen to you. Having a survival box stashed away in your truck can help you to be prepared for an instance such as this. Here are some items every driver should have in their cab as winter approaches: Paper plates and plastic utensils; Ready-to-eat tuna, salmon and chicken in pouches; Trail mix; Protein bars; Matches/lighter; Batteries; A power-pack phone charger; Emergen-C immunity-boosting packs; and Water, water and more water.

Election-day commentary: 2020 campaigns result in nationwide confusion

Thanks goodness it is finally here — Election Day! I am writing this article on the morning of Nov. 3, 2020, and I am the happiest I have been in a quite some time. Why am I so happy? I am happy because the election is finally coming to an end. I have grown so sick of all the personal attacks, outright lies, half-truths and other crap from BOTH candidates. I am tired of hearing about voter fraud, voter suppression and everything else. I am just tired of all of it. Now, don’t get me wrong. In the past, I have enjoyed politics, especially the part where people had civil discussions about the issues and the specifics of what each candidate would do if elected. Let’s be honest … this should be how you determine which candidate you support. Unfortunately, this is not happening with this election. Of course, just because I want it to end soon does not mean that will happen. In fact, based on what I have seen and read, I expect the exact opposite will occur. What I mean is that I do not expect a winner to be declared tonight (Nov. 3). Or tomorrow. Or this week. However, we will have a president on Inauguration Day; the U.S. Constitution requires it. How does that work? I’m glad you asked. The first thing you need to remember about the election is that the states generally have more than a month to count all the ballots. This includes all the absentee ballots, overseas ballots and military ballots. As I mentioned earlier, the deadline for states to count the ballots and certify results vary state by state but generally must be completed by Dec. 12 of the election year. Keep in mind that it is the states, not the federal government, that certify these results. The courts are and will be reluctant to get involved. Of course, some of you may recall the 2000 election (“hanging chads,” anyone?) in which the U.S. Supreme Court got involved. However, the thing to remember there is that the Supreme Court ended Florida’s vote recount because time had expired before the state electors were required to vote. Something similar would need to occur in this election. After state certification, the state electors must cast their electoral ballots by Dec. 14. As you know, the candidate with 270 electoral votes wins. However, what happens if election issues persist and prevent a winner being declared? In this scenario we look to the U.S. Constitution, specifically the 12th Amendment. In the event of an absolute train wreck of an election, the 12th Amendment states that the House of Representatives will elect the president and the Senate will elect the vice president. (It is worth noting that it would be the “new” Congress that enters in January that conducts this contingent election.) In the House of Representatives, each state delegation may cast a single vote, with 26 votes needed to select the president. In the Senate, each senator gets a vote; 51 votes are required to elect the vice president. So … what happens if the House of Representatives fails to determine a winner in the contingent presidential election by Inauguration Day (other than absolute political mayhem and me developing a facial tic)? I am glad you asked. In that scenario, the vice president-elect will serve as president-elect until a president is elected by the House. If the Senate has not picked a vice president by Inauguration Day — well, then the Presidential Succession Act applies. This act states that the presidency goes to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, then to the president pro tempore of the Senate, then to the Secretary of State, and so on and so on … in that order. Of course, if we get this far you will find me curled up in fetal position behind the sofa quietly weeping. The commentary is provided by Brad Klepper, who writes a regular legal column for The Trucker’s print editions. Klepper is president of Interstate Trucker Ltd., a law firm entirely dedicated to the legal defense of the nation’s commercial drivers. Interstate Trucker represents truck drivers throughout the 48 states on both moving and nonmoving violations. Klepper, a lawyer who has focused on transportation law and the trucking industry in particular, is also president of Driver’s Legal Plan, which allows member drivers access to his firm’s services at discounted rates. He works to answer drivers’ and carriers’ legal questions about trucking and life over the road. For more information, visit interstatetrucker.com or driverslegalplan.com.

With cold weather and flu season on the horizon, now is the time to ‘winterize’ your body

Drivers, the dreaded cold-and-flu season is upon us —that time of year when you need to protect your personal engine from freezing up, locking up and shutting you down. Your job is tough enough without having to drive while feeling sick and tired. It’s all about prevention. Just as you have to get your rig winter-ready, you have to get your body ready. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Getting a flu vaccine during 2020-21 will be more important than ever. The CDC estimates that last season, less than half of Americans got a flu vaccine and at least 410,000 people were hospitalized because of the flu. Increased vaccination coverage would reduce that burden. Many trucking fleets organize flu clinics at their terminals. If you’re not sure where to go, visit www.flu.gov to find a nearby location. Regardless of whether you get a flu shot, you must be proactive and be aware of your surroundings. It’s like the No. 1 rule in boxing: Protect yourself at all times. Truck drivers are at a high risk for the flu because of the environment in which they work. The constant contact with fellow drivers when going in and out of terminals and travel centers heightens your risk. The life of a driver means using multiple public restrooms, standing in fuel lines as others cough and sneeze around you, and using different showers on a daily basis. The secret to keeping the flu at bay is ramping up your immune system and keeping it running strong to help fight off germs and viruses. Here are a few proactive tips to help protect yourself: Take a good multivitamin. It may improve your overall well-being. Vitamins are essential for professional truck drivers because of it can be difficult to find proper nutrition from foods on the road. When taking any form of vitamins, it’s a good idea to consume them right after you eat. Take vitamin C and zinc supplements. These will support your immune system and may reduce the severity of a cold. Use garlic. It’s a natural antibiotic, and one of the best ways to support your immune system. Make healthy food choices. Don’t go long periods without eating. Your system will become weak and your immune system will lower its protection. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds multiple times a day, and wear gloves when you can. Carry — and use — hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes. Wipe down your truck’s steering wheel and door handles daily. Get plenty of exercise.