The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Trucks: Racer Tolsma Speaks Out On Road Rage

5 March 1998

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Randy Tolsma and the IWX Motor Freight sponsored race team will be working this season to build awareness to the road rage problem. The team will next compete in the Florida Dodge Dealers 400 at the Miami-Dade Homestead (Fla.) Motorsports Complex on April 4.

"Road rage can effect anyone," said Tolsma, 31, winner of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Bakersfield, Calif. last October. "We're going to share some tips this season on what people can do to avoid problems on the highway. Road rage is a problem that seems to be increasing and there are things that can be done to avoid it."

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety studied more than 10,000 incidents of violent aggressive driving committed between 1990 and 1996. It found that at least 218 people were killed and another 12,610 injured when drivers got angry. The study found that men, women, and people of all ages can drive aggressively if they are in the wrong mood or circumstances.

"We are especially conscious of this with our sponsor being IWX Motor Freight," continued Tolsma. "IWX trucks will log nearly 100 million miles this year. That is a lot of interaction with other drivers. IWX has worked hard to educate its drivers and we want to share that message.

"While road rage is a serious problem, we are also looking to have some fun with it while building awareness," he continued. "We're going to make it a 'do as we say, not as I do' campaign. I'm a guy who drives fast and takes chances for a living, and I'm going to be telling people to do the opposite."

The new-look No. 61 IWX Motor Freight Chevrolet will carry special awareness-building messages throughout this season and tips on how to avoid road rage. Tolsma will also participate in special events throughout the year designed to further awareness.

IWX Motor Freight is a Springfield, Mo. based trucking firm having a fleet of 400 trucks. IWX serves 48 states and annually the trucks will log more than 98 million miles.