A recent opinion piece highlighted the alarming surge in trucking‑related accidents across the U.S., with nearly 3,000 crashes and over 100 fatalities each week. This growing crisis is not simply a matter of chance—it’s a systemic failure in the way commercial drivers are being trained and certified.
Steve Gold’s Call for Reform
Steve Gold, Founder and CEO of 160 Driving Academy and head of the Truckers Network Association, is leading the charge for change. According to Gold, many commercial driving schools are falsely certifying unqualified drivers, leading to dangerous conditions on America’s highways.
Gold emphasizes that:
- Training Standards Must Be Enforced – English proficiency and standardized training are critical for safe operations.
- Bad Actors Must Be Removed – Schools that fail to meet proper training standards should be swiftly disqualified from the Federal Training Provider Registry.
- Accountability Is Essential – Fraudulent certifications should carry serious consequences to protect public safety.
160 Driving Academy’s Role
At the forefront of this issue is 160 Driving Academy, a leading CDL training school committed to producing safe, qualified drivers. Under Steve Gold’s leadership, the academy not only provides top‑tier training but also advocates for stronger oversight and higher industry standards.
Gold’s efforts go beyond running a successful training program—he’s actively pushing for reforms that would ensure only properly trained drivers receive certification, reducing preventable accidents and saving lives.
The Path Forward
Steve Gold’s message is clear: trucking‑related fatalities are preventable. By cleaning up the training ecosystem, enforcing regulations, and holding negligent training providers accountable, the trucking industry can take a major step toward safer roads.
160 Driving Academy stands as both a training leader and a vocal advocate for change, shaping a future where qualified drivers, stricter oversight, and improved safety measures protect everyone on the road.
