Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

Leading the Way for Roadway Safety: How Your Professional Choices Cultivate Positive Change

24 Apr 2026 · 2 min

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1:45

In this safety briefing, speaker Anthony LaFazia addresses commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, emphasizing that reducing road rage and aggressive driving is more effective through attitude and behavior changes than stricter penalties. He outlines key FMCSA and OSHA best practices, including obeying speed limits, maintaining appropriate following distances (1 second per 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph, with added time at higher speeds, and 7–8 seconds for tractor‑trailers on highways), and planning routes within Hours‑of‑Service (HOS) limits to minimize stress. LaFazia highlights the impact of reckless‑driving citations on CSA scores and driver employability, urges drivers to set a professional standard, be patient with passenger‑car drivers, and avoid encouraging aggressive talk. Finally, he calls for proactive reporting of dangerous behavior to improve overall roadway safety.

Chapters

Anthony LaFazia. Studies show that strengthening penalties has little effect on curbing aggression. The best way to reduce it is by changing attitudes. Start with your own behavior behind the wheel of the rig. Follow accepted CMV driving rules. Obey the speed limit. FMCSA data shows that speeding is the most frequent driver-related factor in fatal crashes. Follow the safe following distance rule. For CMVs, that is generally 1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds under 40 miles per hour, adding an extra second for speeds over 40 miles per hour. For a standard tractor-trailer at highway speeds, this means leaving 7 to 8 seconds of space, not 2. Consider FMCSA and OSHA best practices. Keep a cool head. You are the professional on the road. Set the standard. Be patient. Understand that passenger car drivers often do not understand truck mechanics, wide turns, stopping distance. Plan ahead. Reduce stress by planning routes that accommodate your vehicle size and avoiding peak congestion when possible, within HOS limits. If you tend to get frustrated, remember: this isn't a race, it's your livelihood. A reckless driving citation is a serious hit to your CSA scores and employability. And finally, help raise awareness. Don't encourage aggressive talk on the radio or at the truck stop. If you observe dangerous behavior, Report it.