Look up "communication" in the dictionary. I did. I discovered that communication can be defined in many ways, depending on its use, as a noun, a verb, or as an adjective. It can be defined literally, biologically, and anatomically. In its original form, it can be both singular and plural. Communication is a real multi-tasker.
My favorite definition of communication is biological. It is activity by one organism that changes or has the potential to change the behavior of other organisms. Change that up, just a little and I like it even more. Communication is an activity by one driver that changes or has the potential to change the behavior of other drivers.
To better understand the meaning of communication, I looked at the base word, Communicate. My favorite definition was this; "To express oneself in such a way that one is readily and clearly understood." I would like to make this even more clear, if I can. To communicate clearly, one must use signals that have a singular, unambiguous meaning. Take brake lights, for instance. Brake lights are a clear signal that the driver ahead of you intends to slow down or stop. One meaning, easily understood.
Using these definitions, I believe that is is fairly easy to understand that truck drivers do not communicate clearly when using alternative braking methods, like engine braking and downshifting. Since these methods of braking do not include stepping on the brake pedal, the brake lights do not illuminate, they do not COMMUNICATE, the intention of the truck driver to slow down or stop. This lack of communication leads to accidents, near misses, serious injuries and even deaths on our Nation's highways.
Join us in asking drivers to use their best communications device, and I don't mean their middle finger.
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