Tracking Trukers

In Chapter 8 of Baase, the author informs the reader that truck drivers have had tracking systems installed in their long-haul trucks. While Baase admits that these tracking systems have a number of advantages, he claims that the disadvantage of having such a system that intrudes on the trucker driver's privacy outweighs the potential advantages of increasing efficiency, saving money, and providing more detailed information about trucking routes. He continues by saying that when these devices were first introduced, truck drivers would wrap foil over the transmitter or parked under bridges in order to take naps on the side of the highway. If Baase wants to make a point that these devices are not necessary in managing drivers work schedules, he should most likely not use drivers taking naps during working hours an example of why truck drivers were upset that these systems were installed. It seems absurd to me that these drivers were upset that they could not take unscheduled naps just because their actions were now being tracked. Granted, I would never want to be a truck driver due to the long, monotonous hours, employees of these companies should not be upset that they can no longer sleep on the job. In addition, if I were a truck driver, I believe I would be happy that the company I worked for knew what was going on. I believe that not only is efficiency increased by knowing details about the truck and his load, but also personal safety for the driver. When the company has knowledge regarding the speed, upcoming road conditions, and mechanical defaults, I would feel much safer than if I was driving on somewhere in America with poor cell phone service and know one knew how to find me if my truck crashed. In fact, I believe most would agree with this notion of increased safety, as many Americans have opted to put programs like OnStar in their vehicles so that they can be tracked in case of an emergency.