"Quality" of drivers overall has been decreasing and will only get worse.
LOOK at drivers nowadays. Foreigners comprise a larger percentage than just 10 years gone and many "bring their driving habits from their home countries".
"Lowest freight rate" has been and will continue to be the biggest pay-per-mile problem yet when drivers STOP ACCEPTING CHEAP FREIGHT, freight haul rates have to increase.
When Qualifications are reduced, as they've been for over a decade, professionalism (concern, care, quality, etc.) take/takes a nose dive into obscurity. Truck Drivers used to be known as KNIGHTS OF THE ROAD.
EVERY DAY I'm on any 4+ lane highway, 2-4+ lane bi-way, 2+ lane road. Experiences differ somewhat yet rather predictable.
Unprofessional conduct is everywhere in instances of: tailgating cars and trucks, unsafe speeds, unsafe lane change maneuvers, truck stop etiquette, driving attitude/characteristics, attitudes towards shippers/receivers, City Kitties, County Mounties, Full Grown Bears (State Troopers).
These newer drivers just do not like speed limits and drive at their own speeds regardless of outcome(s).
Accident, Crash and Wreck reports daily verify, pond to pond.
- - - -
CHEERS!!