Rand McNally’s Post

Today in #truckinghistory, we're looking at how sabotage prompted the origins of truck safety features. As trucks became more commonplace in the early 20th century, many new features were developed to protect the vehicles and the drivers. Though they seem like the result of vehicle evolution, they originated from an unexpected source: the need to protect against sabotage by horse and buggy drivers! As trucks began to replace traditional horse-drawn carriages, some carriage drivers saw their livelihoods threatened and resorted to sabotage. To counter this, truck manufacturers like Mack and International Harvester implemented several protective measures: 🚚- Reinforced front ends and protected radiators to prevent damage and tampering. 🚚- Locking fuel caps and secured engine compartments to safeguard against unauthorized access. 🚚- Robust electrical systems and early alarm systems to enhance security. Through the work of the Teamsters Union and others, the conflicts were eventually resolved and many carriage drivers made the transition from the buggy to truck. But the innovations the conflicts inspired not only protected early trucks but also contributed to the development of the reliable and efficient trucks we use today.

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Jim McClellan

Communications & Marketing Consultant @ Tupelo Media | Creative, Strategic, Results-Driven

5mo

Apparently, the radiator was the equivalent of the Death Star's thermal exhaust port.

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