Meet Gary Eastwood - Trucking Moves America

Gary Eastwood

Professional truck driver for 32 years
3.2 million accident-free miles

HOW IMPORTANT IS SAFETY TO YOU WHILE ON THE ROAD?
Safety is the most important consideration in my opinion. Some of the safety tips I follow are I pull over if I need to use my phone for anything at all; I stop and take a walk, have a snack or take my lunch if I feel myself becoming inattentive; I pay close attention to other vehicles around me, and I follow the speed limits.
HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE AWARDED MARYLAND’S 2022 TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR BY THE MARYLAND STATE POLICE?
It felt amazing to be recognized not only for my safe driving miles with Pitt Ohio Express but also the years of safe driving I had when I lived in Canada. I have had over 3.2 million miles of safe driving, and it was nice to be recognized for that.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT TRUCKING?
I like driving and not being in an office behind a desk. My truck is my own space, and I can listen to podcasts or books. I make a good living to support my family.
TELL US ABOUT A TIME YOU WERE ABLE TO HELP OTHERS WHILE ON THE ROAD.
On August 12, 2015, I passed a truck in just such a perilous situation. I could see the driver was desperately trying to unhitch the trailer from the tractor. I stopped to offer my assistance. I used my fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful, no surprise. Next, I helped the driver pull the fifth wheel pin which was stuck. After the driver rocked the tractor back and forth the pin released. The driver was able to save his tractor. Pitt Ohio commended my efforts to assist another driver in need.