How to Answer: What was the closest you came to have an accident in a truck? Did you learn anything from it?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Truck Driver job interview.
9. What was the closest you came to have an accident in a truck? Did you learn anything from it?
How to Answer
Many truck drivers have a 'close call' story. The truth is, no matter how well you put safety first, truck driving is still a dangerous job. You cannot control weather patterns, road conditions, or how other people drive. Think about a time when you had to drive in severe weather or a time when someone else wasn't paying attention and crossed the center line on the highway. How about a time when your truck broke down, or a tire blew and you needed to get out of the way?
These will all make sound examples for this question. Share what happened, and be sure to mention how you controlled your vehicle to ensure everyone stayed safe. Finally, be sure to discuss what you learned from that situation and if there is anything you would now do differently.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"When I was a newer driver I was under the impression that I was to drive through the night, rain or shine. I didn't want to disappoint my new employer and was also afraid of late delivery. For those reasons, I drove through a terrible storm with minimal visibility and a lot of black ice. Now, five years later, I know much better than to do that. My initial choice was risky and uneducated. Today, if put in that situation, I would find a safe place to pull over, put on my hazards, place reflective cones out and let the storm pass."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 17th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"We have all had a close call, I am sure, and even more so as rookie drivers. I have not had any close calls recently, thank goodness, but one I recall is when I was cut off by a motorcyclist. Luckily I had my wits about me and could quickly change lanes. Had I not been paying attention, I would have hit him. To this day, I keep my head on a swivel at all times. You never know what other people are going to do, on the road, and have to prepare for anything."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 17th, 2018