With the recent Utah mine tragedy, it's hard to imagine taking such a risky job. I recently read an article on CNNMoney.com about America's most dangerous jobs. I thought firefighters or miners would have been first on the list. However, fishermen are ranked first with 147 deaths per 100,000 workers, followed by pilots with 87 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2006. The stats are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Some people are braver than others -- if not, there won't be any firefighters. Then there are those who take dangerous jobs for the money, like the truck drivers on 'Ice Road Truckers' on The History Channel.
These truck drivers deliver equipment to diamond mines in Northern Canada, risking their lives by driving over frozen lakes. They drive 100,000 pounds of truck on just inches of ice. With double digit negative temperature, it's not uncommon for the trucks to freeze and break down. Did I mention the frostbite danger? This job is definitely not for the faint of heart.
The show started in June with the season finale was on August 19. In that a short period of time, the show became the most watched program on The History Channel, averaging 3.9 million total viewers according to Nielsen. Because of its success, the show will have three additional episodes: a one-hour historical show and a two-part reunion show of the truckers since the season ended last winter.
I haven't watched all of the episodes, I've just been watching video clips here and there on the Web. So far, it looks interesting ... I'll definitely add it to my list of shows to TiVo when the new episodes air!
Fore more information this show, check out AOL Television and search for 'Ice Road Truckers' on AOL Search.
Hot Searches From August 19, 2007:
1. Will Demps -- N.Y. Giants safety is injured at preseason game at Baltimore.
2. Alex Rodriguez -- Won't be re-signed by NY Yankees if he opts out of his contract.
3. 'Ice Road Truckers' -- Most watched show on The History Channel.
4. F-cup Cookie -- Enlarges your breasts?
5. Map of Jamaica -- Island gets hit by hurricane Dean.
6. Billy Graham -- Recovers from an intestinal bleed.
7. WNBA -- N.Y. Liberty faces Detroit shocks in first round of playoffs.
8. New York Fire Department -- Fire at Ground Zero kills two firefighters.
9. Anne Hathaway -- Book on William Shakespeare's wife to be published soon.
10. 'Batman' -- Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy in the next 'Batman' movie.
11. NHRA -- Race is postponed to Monday due to rain.
12. 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' -- Book tops NY Times bestselling hardcover nonfiction.
13. Hurricane Dean Path -- Heads toward Yucatan Peninsula.
14. Resumes -- Dust off your resume for a new job!
15. Ocean City, Md. -- Officials vote to oppose slot machines.
16. Boats -- Find new or used boats online.
17. NASCAR -- Michigan race is postponed because of rain.
18. Rihanna -- Has the number one song in Europe.
19. Criss Angel -- Denies dating Britney Spears.
20. NY Mets -- Beat the Washington Nationals 8-2.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
1. OK, admittedly driving the trucks under those conditions is dangerous, but if you want to rate the degree of difficulty and skill required versus pay then compare it with the poor guys working on the trucks, I really feel for the mechanics, do the trade a favor and high lite an episode on just how tough it is working on repair the truck and trailers and just how little money they make and how much they have invested in to their tools, it'll make you reconsider who deserves the respect.
Posted at 2:38PM on Aug 20th 2007 by moatsyjr
2. I have watched this show, but missed the final one. To me, these guys have to be totally crazy ! But, I do love to watch it. I am tired of the same old movies on T.V., reruns of the reruns, & if the series are new, they mainly pertain to high school kids, which I am diffently NOT. I like to watch shows, like "ICE TRUCKERS", and alot of the shows on History Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery, Life, etc., these channels seem to have alot better shows, which most of them are true to life. ABC, CBS, etc, watch out !! You guys are losing alot of poeple, cause your shows are old, not worth watching, and too many reruns.
Posted at 2:55PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Mrheadsgirl
3. they are so HOT!!!!
Posted at 2:56PM on Aug 20th 2007 by stephanie foy
4. a mechanic show? are you kidding?
Posted at 3:00PM on Aug 20th 2007 by stephanie foy
5. Bravo Moats!
Posted at 3:06PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Doug
6. I would like to say Yes, those guy's do have it ruff out there on those roads but when you are a trucker any way as my Husband and I you know what your job is and its a job you have to be ready for you have to say a payer,watch out for your self and all those around you you can make good money out here on this road but you have to give up a lot also ,,not be home for birthday's ,holidays ,all those things its a life on the road in a truck with the man you love ,trust .Thanks PAT&CHRIS D.
Posted at 3:15PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Patricia & Chris D.
7. I did this work 25 years ago when I worked for hill and hill on the alaska pipe line The thing I see so much on this show is the fact the trucks are not modified for extreamly cold weather !! we had thru the fuel tanks exhaust to heat the fuel so it did not gell up we had grill guards so if we hit a large anamail it would not damage the front of the tractor we also had air system that was fed anti ice fluid thru the whole air brake system so it did not freeze up we ran studded tires had dougle locking rear axels for traction more auxillay lights and a 2 way radio system to call for help it seems there tractors would be better prepaired !!
Posted at 3:20PM on Aug 20th 2007 by dave
8. I have enjoyed watching this show too. However, I think the reason it has such great ratings, is that it is ALWAYS ON!!! It seem like every time I turn on The History Channel (lately), no matter what time it is, that show is either about to start, or has just ended. Any show with that kind of continual play would get some great ratings!!!
But in reality ... Driving a Rig anywhere is a hazardous job. Especially in this day and age when everyone tailgates, speeds, and cuts-off everyone on the road. Word to the world, I have baan in an accident with a Tanker Truck ... it HURTS! Back off!
Posted at 3:23PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Patience
9. RE: mechanic comment by moatsyjr
Oh PLEASE! My husband is not an ice trucker, but he is an over the road one. Mechanics are able to be home every night with their families, they are not risking their lives on the road every day, they are getting enough sleep at night and believe me, they are paid VERY WELL! Do a little research before posting a comment like that. Remember everyone, "if you have it, a truck brought it"!
Posted at 3:49PM on Aug 20th 2007 by ProudWife
10. I absolutely love this show! You can identify with all of the truckers on one level or another. I wish I had the balls to do something like this! Keep up the great work History Channel!!! You rock!
p.s. I also love "Deadliest Catch"! Need to get my excitement somehow! And it's more or less free!
Posted at 3:53PM on Aug 20th 2007 by MamaM
11. My husband and I tuned in regularly to watch the truckers -- we LOVE it!! We even watch the reruns -- these guys have to be crazy to do such a job. Our other favorite is Deadliest Catch -- both shows keep us on the edge of our seats with the danger factor.
Posted at 3:54PM on Aug 20th 2007 by lundinr2
12. re: comment by moatsyjr about mechanics
OH PLEASE! My husband is an over the road truck driver which is not nearly as dangerous as an Ice Trucker, but it is still dangerous none the less. But he is risking his life being on the road every day. Mechanics are home every night watching their children growing up, they are not sleep deprived, they are not under nearly the amount of time restraints, they are able to eat healthy meals, their lives are not in danger, and they are paid VERY WELL! Do a little research next time you post to see how much the mechanics who work on trucks make. Remember, "if you got it, a truck brought it"!
Posted at 3:55PM on Aug 20th 2007 by ProudWife
13. The great thing about these shows is the appreciation it gives you (atleast me) for the things people do for a living to make life easier for the rest of us or to get us those things we want. I for one will never complain about the price of Alaskan crab again.
Posted at 4:00PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Rick
14. This is REAl Reality T.V. not the contrived stuff. Loved it. Also showing crazy men making a living are Deadliest catch and dirty jobs. It makes me appreciate the people that make our society run. You would otherwise never hear of these guys, especially in the news, they work for a living, support their families, dont kill people, dont blow up buildings, obey the law. ho-hum. yeah right.
Posted at 4:13PM on Aug 20th 2007 by David Fondren
15. ProudWife:
I agree 1000%!! My husband used to drive 18 wheelers for Coors. How many people believe you can pull out in front of a big truck because they have better brakes? ... right?
Posted at 4:16PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Patt
16. My husband and I were both over the road truckers and even though he says he could do that, my gut wrenches everytime I think of driving those roads made of ice. All it takes is one mistake and your a goner. Thanks for bringing this unusual program to watch. And to the one who's husband drives cross country, I bet he don't have to worry about frostbite while he is driving.
Posted at 4:21PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Pat
17. I don't care wether they drive on asphalt or on ice, it seems all truck drivers have a nasty "I'm the king of the road" attitude!! I really wish trucks had a seperate highway to drive from the rest of us! My family traves many miles a year (my hubby is always on the road/not a truck driver thank God), and there has NOT been one trip where either I have been, or witnessed someone else be run off the road by some stupid truck driver! They ride your tail, but even worse, these fools move into your lane without notice just because they can! I have also seen so many trucks ride in the left lane on the highway while trying to pass a vehicle, usually while going up-hill blocking any way around them! Can't stand them, I will drive out of my way while on the road to get gas before I will stop at any truck stop with those stinking drivers!!
Posted at 4:28PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Jesse
18. Ice Road truckers was addictive. That takes some real nerve, and there is NO way I would ever do it!
Posted at 4:38PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Teri
19. Patt: your full of crap if you give a littlethe truckers will help you , They don't tailgate as much as you do, and usually only because some nut is going under the limit. as far as going up hill trying to pass another truck its because of the fuel prices if you want to blame someone, blame the shrub[pesky bush]or his uncle osama -Allen
Posted at 4:46PM on Aug 20th 2007 by Allen Gangloff
20. IN RESPONSE TO #15. I AM SO THANKFUL THAT THESE GUYS ARE ON THE ROAD. ALL THE TRUCKERS I INCOUNTERED ON MY EMERGENCY TRIP TO CALIF TO OKLAHOMA AND BACK, WERE POLITE, VERY HELPFUL, THEY EVEN OFFERED TO FIX THE RENTAL TRUCK I HAD. ALSO, THEY LET YOU KNOW IF YOUR LITES ARE OUT OR IF YOUR CAR IS HAVING A PROBLEM. IF YOU NEEDED HELP THERE WAS ALWAYS SOMEONE TO HELP YOU. THANK GOD FOR TRUCK STOPS AND ALL THE TRUCKERS THAT STOP IN THEM. LADY IN THE BLUE PT CRUSIER WITH HER DAD PS. IF YOUR POLITE TO THEM THEY ARE POLITE TO YOU.
Posted at 4:46PM on Aug 20th 2007 by SANDYSSEWKNITS