Ozinga Ready Mix Driver’s Quick Actions Save Child
Ozinga Ready Mix Driver Fred Gill’s quick actions and the improved visibility of his state-of-the-art truck helped him avoid tragedy when a child ran out from between two parked vehicles and into oncoming traffic near the intersection of South Canal Street and Roosevelt in Chicago on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 5.
Gill, who has worked for Ozinga since 2012 and has been trained in the Smith5Keys System, was driving northbound on South Canal Street when he spotted a young child run into traffic, right in front of his ready mix truck. He was able to stop his truck in time to avoid an incident, and he remained stopped in the street until the child was safely back on the sidewalk with their guardian.
“We take great pride in ensuring our drivers are equipped with the best training and equipment, and Fred’s quick action is a reflection of his skill and knowledge behind the wheel,” said Chad Herst, Executive Vice President of Ozinga’s Chicago operations. “He turned a moment of impending disaster into a testament of proficiency and composure, and we are beyond thankful for that.”
Gill was driving one of Ozinga’s new cab-over ready mix trucks, the first of its kind in the United States, which offers added safety features for Ozinga drivers. The truck, which is a Peterbilt 520 compressed natural gas cab-over with a Revolution mixer, offers enhanced visibility since it does not have a hood. This style of truck also offers a 35% better turn radius, providing drivers with increased maneuverability. Ozinga currently has three of these trucks in their Chicago fleet.
All Ozinga drivers are trained in the Smith5Keys System, which is a program designed to help drivers see, think and act their way through various environments, challenges and changes that exist on the road.
“Fred’s immediate reaction demonstrates his skill and training as an Ozinga driver,” said Paul Ozinga, President of Ozinga’s ready mix operation. “His incredible driving abilities combined with our new cab-over trucks are enhancing safety for everyone on the road.”
Gill’s quick action took place during National Safety Month, the annual observance created by the National Safety Council to help keep each other safe from the workplace to any place.