Government Enlists Truck Drivers in DHS Anti-Terror Program

    Jan. 27, 2005
    Truckers are trained to recognize threats, also to be on alert that their cargo could be used by terrorists

    Source Associated Press

    CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - Hoping to take advantage of alert eyes along the nation's highways, the government is trying to enlist more truckers in the battle against terrorism.

    The Alexandria, Va.-based Highway Watch, started by the American Trucking Associations in 1998 and funded since 2002 with homeland security money, focuses on safety and security.

    Spokesman John Willard said the volunteer program has received a total of about $40 million and "all 50 states have active programs." He said Highway Watch continues to seek trained members.

    "Truck driver normally runs the same route every day. He is used to his surroundings," said Dave Huneryager, president of the Tennessee Trucking Association. "Something may jump out at him."

    Longtime trucker Ernie Sherrill agrees: "You see a lot of things."

    Besides looking out for potential threats, such as a tanker truck parked for an extended period near a bridge or overpass, volunteers are trained to "avoid becoming a target of terrorists."

    "The Highway Watch effort seeks to prevent terrorists from using large vehicles or hazardous cargoes as weapons," according to a program statement.

    Training for membership takes about an hour, said Stephanie Fouts, Highway Watch program manager. She said each of the "tens of thousands" of members is assigned an identification number to use when making a report to the around-the-clock operation.

    Joe Smith, a trainer for the watch program, said it isn't an alternative to 911 or local law enforcement agencies but has resources to help provide a better coordinated response if multiple agencies might need to be involved.

    He said examples of past calls to the center include a stolen tanker truck and the theft of a nuclear plant worker's truck along with the worker's identification.

    The move to enlist truckers comes as the federal government trains other civilian workers - from suburban shopping mall security guards to city doormen - to be on the lookout for suspicious activity.