Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is taking its time to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, sponsored by the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

Bendix defines this week as a way to spotlight on the drivers who work around the clock, according to the company's news release.

The celebration happens annually, with this year’s commemoration taking place Sept. 11-17.

“National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a wonderful opportunity to recognize our country’s professional trucks drivers, who truly deserve our appreciation every day for moving America forward – and all with an unwavering commitment to safety on the road,” said Fred Andersky, director – demos, sales and service training at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix). “Everyone at Bendix extends their sincere gratitude to these drivers. We’re proudly committed to supporting their hard work by developing systems that help provide safer trucks – and training and education that help safe drivers perform even more safely. After all, ensuring everyone arrives home safely is the most important delivery of all.”

Bendix develops and manufactures active safety, air management, and braking system technologies for commercial vehicles. These technologies include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The solutions are engineered to help drivers do their jobs more safely – but drivers remain the key to safer roads, according to Bendix.

“Driver assistance technologies are advancing rapidly,” said Andersky, who holds a Class A CDL. “But nothing on the road today is remotely close to fully replacing a skilled and alert driver. That is why we at Bendix work so hard to provide equipment and training that enable them to perform at their best. ADAS technologies are designed to support and complement drivers – and to assist in preventing even the best driver from having a bad day due to road and traffic situations that are constantly changing.”

In addition to ADAS, other Bendix solutions include air disc brakes, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and steering assistance. Additionally, Bendix electronic parking brake technology helps prevent rollaways and improves the in-cab ergonomics by eliminating the “sting” of push-pull air brake valves, according to the company.

“Bendix safety technologies complement safe driving practices,” Andersky said. “No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.”

Bendix said it continues to expand its driver-focused efforts. These include on-site demonstrations and ride-and-drive training sessions.

“We still need to focus our industry’s safety efforts on supporting drivers and their skills, along with their understanding of what technologies can do – and just as importantly, can’t do – to help them on the road,” Andersky said. “It becomes increasingly important to prepare and educate drivers on leading-edge safety systems.”