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August 30, 2021

Big Rig Events

Through generous support from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, TDS can offer Respect the Rig learning opportunities for schools and community events. Review All-Star information to learn about Share the Road Unit Credit. Please contact your regional representative for more information and assistance in scheduling.

Big Rig Visit – American Road Team Truck and Captain

The professionals from the American Road Team will bring a big rig to your location and a Captain will walk teens around the truck pointing out safety features and, if allowed, invite teens to sit in the truck to get a glimpse from their seat. Captains are professional drivers with years of safe driving miles accumulated. They are trained in public outreach and display professionalism and expertise. Requests for this resource must be completed at least 6 weeks in advance. TDS staff will request the truck and typically receives word on availability within a few days. We will not know which truck/Captain will attend until the date is approved. To request, please provide the following information to your regional representative:

  • Date
  • Begin & End times
  • Address
  • Where the truck will park – please provide a description and graphic map. The truck must be able to get in and out of the parking area and have enough room for teens to safely walk around it. Please make sure there are no small entrances, sharp turns, obstacles, or low-hanging objects. Trucks measure 8 feet wide x 13 feet tall x 72 feet long.
  • For the best experience and to accommodate possible Virtual Learning trucks, please make sure the parking area is flat. Areas at least 150 feet x 20 feet work best.
  • Audience – who and how many
  • How is the event set up – are there stations and audience grouped (this method is preferred) or will the audience be flowing through
  • How long will the captain have with each group (15-20 minutes works well)
  • Day of the event contact
  • If the event is early in the morning, may the truck park there overnight?

Resources to compliment your Big Rig Event:

Driving Simulator

TDS has access to several driving simulators, covering texting while driving or driving safely around large trucks (no zones and blind spots). Availability depends upon location since they cannot be shipped. All systems include hi-resolution monitors, a steering wheel, an accelerator, and a brake pedal for a better visual/interactive experience. Driving simulators are a good activity during lunch, at other safety fairs, or at open houses. TDS must have access to electricity.

Big Rig Tablets

The tablets come with headphones and have 3 videos and 2 interactive games preloaded onto them, covering no zones (blind spots, stopping distances, turning radius, and truck safety while walking and biking). These are great for quick lessons in big rig safety.

Community Partnering

There are many lessons around big rig safety. Schools are encouraged to include local partners to provide additional education on high-priority areas, such as work zone safety, human trafficking, and rural road safety.

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Article by Stacey Tisdale / Big Rig Activity, Events & Contests, FMCSA / Big Rig, event, resources, respect the rig

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Youth Transportation Safety Program
c/o Texas A&M Transportation Institute
1100 NW Loop 410, Ste 605, San Antonio, TX 78213-2255
Ph: (210) 979-9411
Fax: (210) 321-1299

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3135 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-3135
Ph: (979) 845-9008
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